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 […]
Escape the stresses of urban and suburban life for a couple of hours on the Linne Woods trails. Experience the beauty and peace of nature with all your senses in a walking meditation called Forest Bathing. Benefits of Forest Bathing Reduces stress and anxiety Lifts mood Boosts attention Sparks creativity Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate walking pace; […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
