9 a.m. - 12 p.m. The Poplar Creek Prairie Stewards have transformed agricultural fields and farm homesteads into healthy native habitats including tallgrass prairie, oak woodland, savanna and wetland. Their efforts have seen native plants, birds and animals thrive. They also protect a jewel on the site: the Shoe Factory Nature Preserve, a remnant gravel […]
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Remove invasive species, collect native seed, and spread seed, among other activities. Join a group of all ages that share a common interest in restoring and protecting our local natural areas. No experience is necessary. Dressing the right way for workdays will make your experience a lot more enjoyable. Sturdy […]
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Join us to help restore this unique prairie and woodland ecosystem back to health! Trained leaders show you how to identify plants that don't belong and demonstrate how to safely use hand tools to remove them. Depending on the season, workdays may also include native seed collection for dispersal in […]
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. The east and middle forks of the Chicago River come together to give Watersmeet its name. The rich mix of trees, shrubs, sedges, grasses and wildflowers found here will thrive with your help. Help the North Branch Restoration Project volunteers rescue the prairies, savanna and woods from buckthorn and other […]
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Join us to help restore this unique prairie and woodland ecosystem back to health! Trained leaders show you how to identify plants that don't belong and demonstrate how to safely use hand tools to remove them. Depending on the season, workdays may also include native seed collection for dispersal in […]
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. From milkweed to goldenrod, Kickapoo's native prairie plants need your help. Join an inspiring movement of volunteers gathering to restore this special site along the Little Calumet River. Learn to restore diverse wildlife, trees, wildflowers, and health in our forest preserves and our river systems. Our goal is to grow a […]
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. In this FREE introductory webinar, you’ll get a peek at how and why the forest preserves in Cook County were established and who is responsible for their care. You’ll get the inside scoop from the Executive Director of Friends, Benjamin Cox, who will reveal some of his favorite spots in […]
*WATCH THE RECORDING OF THIS WEBINAR* In this one hour introductory webinar, you’ll get a peek at how and why the forest preserves in Cook County were established and who is responsible for their care. You’ll get the inside scoop from the Executive Director of Friends, Benjamin Cox, who will reveal some of his favorite […]
This event has passed, but you can see a recording of this webinar on our YouTube channel. 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Each region and every preserve in Cook County has its own story to share. Spring Creek Forest Preserve, in the Northwest part of Cook County, is sometimes referred to as the "wild west" […]
This event has passed, but you can see a recording of this webinar on our YouTube channel. The resilience of the Calumet region is incredible. After having been heavily impacted by industrialization, the southeastern part of Cook County boasts remarkable ecological diversity, including wetland habitats that are important for people and for wildlife. Join Gloria Orozco, Calumet […]
This event has passed, but you can see a recording of this webinar on our YouTube channel. The forest preserves along the North Branch of the Chicago River have survived as strongholds for native plants, wildlife, and migrating birds, despite being surrounded by densely populated urban and suburban areas. This is largely thanks to volunteer restoration efforts […]
*WATCH THE RECORDING OF THIS WEBINAR* The Palos region is the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s largest contiguous area, with more than 14,000 acres of land. Within its boundaries, visitors can see a diversity of habitats, including wetlands, woodlands and prairies; a variety of plants, and abundant wildlife. Due in part to the size and […]
