Watersmeet Woods Volunteer Workday

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 […]

Wellness Wednesday at Whistler Woods: Stretch and Hike

Start your day in an active way! Join us for a 2 mile walking workout and stretching experience on the Major Taylor Trail at Whistler Woods in Riverdale. 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 […]

Whistler Woods Volunteer Workday: Seed Collecting

Collect seeds with us, enjoy the benefits of being out in nature, and do your part to help our forest preserves thrive!  Seed collection is a vital part of ecological restoration, bringing health and resilience to natural landscapes. We’ll work together to identify native plants and collect some of their seeds. The seeds will be […]

Trailblazers Walk: Somme Prairie Wildflower Hike

On this walk, we will explore a rare, ecological gem located right here, in Northbrook! Somme Prairie Nature Preserve is part woodland and part savanna. We’ll have time to identify just a fraction of the vast number of native plants here. Join us as we socialize and enjoy a beautiful, leisurely walk. Topics we'll cover […]

Eggers Grove Volunteer Workday: Seed Collecting

Collect seeds with us, enjoy the benefits of being out in nature, and do your part to help our forest preserves thrive!  Seed collection is a vital part of ecological restoration, bringing health and resilience to natural landscapes. We’ll work together to identify native plants and collect some of their seeds. The seeds will be […]

Forest Bathing at Forty Acre Woods

Please join us for a therapeutic and immersive experience as we bathe our senses in nature with Jessica Rodriguez of Reciprocal Forest Bathing.  Forest Bathing is a research-based practice used to support healing and wellness through sensory experiences in nature. It is a slow wander through nature where the guide facilitates a series of sensory […]

Kickapoo Woods Volunteer Workday: Seed Collecting

Collect seeds with us, enjoy the benefits of being out in nature, and do your part to help our forest preserves thrive!  Seed collection is a vital part of ecological restoration, bringing health and resilience to natural landscapes. We’ll work together to identify native plants and collect some of their seeds. The seeds will be […]

Wellness Wednesday at Whistler Woods: Yoga

Join Friends of the Forest Preserves, the Forest Preserves of Cook County, and University of Illinois Extension for yoga at Whistler Woods. All levels and ages welcome and no experience is necessary! Learn how to use yoga props to find greater ease and stability in your yoga practice. Each participant will receive the following yoga […]

Trailblazers Walk: Red Gate Woods

Please join us as we present a short history and discussion of Site A, Plot M at Red Gate Woods. Your guide will encourage discussion on the use of nuclear power today and its potential benefits and hazards to the environment. This is an interactive discussion and instructional event and not a typical hike. During […]

Trailblazers Walk: Swallow Cliff Woods

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 and currently the wild geraniums and the woodland phlox are in full bloom! The walk will take approximately 2 hours and will be 3-4 miles in length, […]

Family Yoga at Whistler Woods

Join this introductory yoga class with DuShaun Branch, of Sage Gawd Collective, created for all students, regardless of yoga experience. This class will be held outdoors at Whistler Woods Forest Preserve. This 60 minute class is a great way to stretch, relax, and have fun for the entire family. The class will open with a […]

Paint and Sip at Whistler Woods

Get in touch with your creative side at Paint and Sip! Enjoy a cold beverage and snacks as we create summer-inspired masterpieces at Whistler Woods. All supplies will be provided. We will be meeting at the beginning of the parking lot - you won't miss us. For questions, contact Sydney Armstead, Engagement Program Manager, at […]