Explore the open savanna as we hike and enjoy Bemis Woods North and Bob Mann Woods scenery! Please join us as we explore the woodland trail to observe both the flora and fauna of the woodlands surrounding Salt Creek. Walks are held every third Sunday until November Challenge Level: Easy to moderate at a steady […]
Beaubien Woods Forest Preserves is a 250-acre site located in the southeast part of Cook County. It is home to several 100+ year-old oak trees, high-quality prairie, oak savanna, and wetland habitat, and hundreds of species of native plants and migratory birds. Stewardship volunteers help to restore these habitats by performing seasonal restoration tasks. The […]
Join us for a fun and educational day out in nature starting at 10:00 AM. This event is a great opportunity for homeschoolers to socialize, learn, and explore the beautiful surroundings of Eggers Grove. Located in a peaceful natural setting, Eggers Grove offers a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities and learning experiences. Come and connect […]
Seeds are the lifeblood of healthy woodlands and prairies. By growing successive generations of species, they help ensure resilient, self-renewing natural areas for years to come. Restoration volunteers hand collect seeds of many different species in Forest Preserve sites along the Chicago River North Branch, then distribute them to other less healthy North Branch sites. […]
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! The 8th Annual Beer in the Woods is Saturday, September 21, 2024. Watch our video to see what all the buzz is about! Beer in the Woods isn’t just about sampling local craft beers and ciders. It’s about connecting with nature, friends, and all your senses! What is Beer in the […]
Come volunteer to restore native habitat! Filled with prairie, oak woodlands and wetlands, the Poplar Creek region in Northwest Cook County needs you. You will be given the opportunity to pursue restoration activities such as brushcutting, lopping, brush pile burn building, weed pulling, and seed planting - all while meeting others in the community. No previous […]
Formed by an old loop in the river’s course, lies the Oxbow Prairie. This old oxbow in the Chicago River’s North Branch is a combination of low, wet prairie soils and slightly higher mesic prairie soils. A small open savanna lies on what was once the east bank of the river. The mesic prairie had […]
Join us for a walk through Lost Beach Trail at Sandridge Nature Center as we learn about native plants and bird species. Difficulty Level: Easy, the trail is a 1.4 miles loop Parking/Meeting location: Sandridge Nature Center guest parking lot. Meet your volunteer guide: Joshua has been visiting Cook County Forest Preserves since he was a […]
Join our Northwest Field Organizer, Isabella Stocke, for a seed collection evening at the beautiful Spring Creek Long Meadow prairie! Enjoy a plant walk in nature, learn identification skills, and responsible seed-collecting techniques. Come out to restore native habitat! The Spring Creek region is filled with prairie, oak woodlands, and wetlands that could use your […]
The final three miles of the Des Plaines River Trail have more lost, abandoned, and mysterious artifacts than any other stretch of the trail; we’ll discuss what these are and how they fit into the modern history of this most urban of urban rivers. Along the way, we’ll also talk about water quality, habitat conditions […]
Come volunteer to restore native habitat! Filled with prairie, oak woodlands and wetlands, the Poplar Creek region in Northwest Cook County needs you. You will be given the opportunity to pursue restoration activities such as brushcutting, lopping, brush pile burn building, weed pulling, and seed planting - all while meeting others in the community. No previous […]
Join the North Branch Restoration Project to restore this oak woodland to its former beauty! This 76-acre site depends on a community of volunteers to remove invasive species, spread native seed, and much more. Large pin oaks are a unique feature of this preserve, which is also home to some beautiful spring ephemerals. Visit The […]
