History of the WW2 POW Camps Learn about the housing of German Prisoners of War and other interesting facts surrounding the three forest preserves within Cook County. Vintage aerial maps and photos of the camps and preserves will help you visualize what these areas were like during that time. Afterward, we will take a walk […]
Get some exercise and meet some new people while viewing the beautiful Skokie Lagoons. Taking in the fresh air and seeing the gorgeous woods are great ways to spend an afternoon. The walk will highlight the following: Waterfowl that inhabit the area Fitness and socialization Difficulty level: Intermediate due to the endurance required to complete the […]
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 seep environment is fed by cool groundwater […]
Let’s have some fun, get exercise, and enjoy nature! This is a social hike where we can chat about the routine, the mundane, or some of the most unusual or funny things you have ever done, seen, or heard about! Could be something funny that happened at your kid’s school or at the office. Maybe […]
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 flatwoods can become very dry in the summer. Plants […]
Lake Avenue Woods East Forest Preserve - Calming Wellness Walk A relaxed walk with historical interest and immense trees. We will find calming techniques, increase sensory awareness, and learn about the power of nature on our health. Challenge Level: Easy- Duration is 1.5 hours, relaxed pace Parking/Meeting location: Park in the very last lot at […]
Please join us as we explore the kettle moraine region around the Little Red School House and beyond. We will enjoy the fall colors, talk about the post- Ice Age growth of these woods, explore the kettle moraine features of the area, and observe the flora and fauna of the biodiversity along the trail. Challenge […]
Join us to enjoy the woods and sneak some peeks at mushrooms. This is the time of year to see mushrooms and other fungi in all sorts of shapes, colors and sizes. Difficulty level: The walk will be at a moderate pace in a wooded area. Stepping over stumps and fallen trees will be required. […]
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, the camp has been demolished and nature has […]
The Yellow Trail - the trail we will be primarily walking - was rated the best trail in Illinois by Backpacker Magazine. The trails are in great shape! The walk will take approximately 2 hours and will be 3-4 miles in length, depending on the group size and fitness levels. Be assured that we'll cater […]
Cranberry Slough Halloween Hike Please join us as we explore the ecology of the Cranberry Slough Nature Preserve on Halloween! During the walk we’ll cover the following topics, among others: Differences between invasive and native species Interesting facts about the site Share spooky stories Challenge level: Moderate walking pace; the majority of the trail is […]
Please join the Friends community along with many partner organizations for a family-friendly event featuring a traditional altar, activity tables, face painting, and more. Come enjoy time with your family and friends as we celebrate this special day. There will be a performance by Mariachi Sirenas! There will be pan de muerto, hot chocolate, hot […]
