Whistler Woods Volunteer Workday

Whistler Woods contains oaks up to 300 years old, but invasive brush prevents their acorns from sprouting. Come join a volunteer group that will cut back the invasives and improve the habitat at this preserve. Learn about the interconnectedness between our everyday lives and the forest preserves, as well as what it takes to restore […]

Watersmeet Woods Volunteer Workday

Celebrate Chicago River Day at Watersmeet Woods! The Skokie River and Middle Fork of the Chicago River come together to give Watersmeet Woods its name. But Watersmeet is also a wet place with numerous special types of wetlands that support rare plants and wildlife, including the only “calcareous seep” on the North Branch preserves. This […]

Bunker Hill North Flatwoods Volunteer Workday

Spend Chicago River Day at Bunker Hill North Flatwoods! This site protects a large area of one of the rarest plant communities in Illinois, known as a Northern Flatwoods. Flatwoods are found where a dense layer of clay lies near the surface of the soil. This clay prevents rain from draining in the spring, although […]

Blue Star Woods Volunteer Workday

Celebrate Chicago River Day at Blue Star Woods! Help restore habitat for plants and wildlife at this historic forest preserve. Blue Star Woods was once the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps Camp and a WWII Prisoner of War Camp. During that period, most of the site was converted to barracks and buildings. Since then, […]

Wellness Tuesdays at Kickapoo Woods: Walk and Talk

Start your day in an active way as we walk the one-mile loop at Kickapoo Woods and discuss different topics related to the site - or life! We will walk at a relaxed pace. Binoculars will also be available for anyone interested.  No registration is necessary to attend – just show up! Someone will be […]

Wellness Tuesdays at Kickapoo Woods: Yoga

Join Friends of the Forest Preserves and University of Illinois Extension for yoga at Kickapoo Woods. All levels and ages welcome, no experience necessary. Learn how to use yoga props to find greater ease and stability in your yoga practice. Each participant will receive the following yoga props: yoga mat, two blocks and a strap. […]

Wellness Tuesdays at Kickapoo Woods: Volunteer Workday

Help us remove woody invasive species! They deplete the health of the soil, don’t allow native plants to grow and thrive, and severely affect the health of the ecosystem they become a part of. Together, we're working to restore health back to this special site. A few things to keep in mind: Make sure to […]

Wellness Wednesdays at Whistler Woods: Stretch and Walk

Start your day in an active way! Join us for a 2 mile walking workout and stretching experience. The hike will be roughly 45 minutes and will include 15 minutes of stretching before, followed by 15 minutes of relaxing meditation after. Feel free to walk at your own speed, however the group will keep a […]

Wellness Wednesdays at Whistler Woods: Yoga

Please join Friends of the Forest Preserves and University of Illinois Extension for yoga at Whistler Woods. All levels and ages welcome, no experience necessary. Learn how to use yoga props to find greater ease and stability in your yoga practice. Each participant will receive the following yoga props: yoga mat, two blocks and a […]

Friends Photo Exhibit: A Celebration of the Forest Preserves in Cook County

View the winning photos from our 2022 Photo Contest up close and personal, hung professionally on the gallery walls at McCord Gallery and Cultural Center in Palos Park. Then enjoy a panel discussion with some of the winning photographers. We’ll close out the evening with a special presentation to honor our 2021 Photo Contest winners. […]

Whistler Woods Volunteer Workday

Whistler Woods contains oaks up to 300 years old, but invasive brush prevents their acorns from sprouting. Come join a volunteer group that will cut back the invasives and improve the habitat at this preserve. Learn about the interconnectedness between our everyday lives and the forest preserves, as well as what it takes to restore […]

Tai Chi, Snacks, and Birding at Whistler Woods

The Chicago BIPOC Birders and Friends of the Forest Preserves are excited to welcome BIPOC Birders member, Mia Park, to lead us through Tai chi. We will learn Tai chi, have some light refreshments, and go birding afterwards. According to the Tai Chi for Life Institute, "Tai chi is an art embracing the mind, body […]