Blue Star Woods Volunteer Workday

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 […]

Kickapoo Woods Volunteer Workday

Seed collection is a vital part of ecological restoration, bringing health and resilience to the landscapes. In addition, many studies show that spending time in nature reduces stress levels and has long-lasting health benefits. During the global pandemic, getting outside has become more important than ever. By collecting seeds, you can take care of yourself […]

Dog Pack Walk with South Suburban Humane Society

Join us for an active morning of walking with a few furry friends! The Pack Walk gives volunteers an opportunity to meet well behaved dogs from the shelter, walk them (optional), and enjoy some therapeutic play time outdoors in nature! We will meet at South Suburban Humane Society, Chicago Heights location. The behavior coordinator will […]

Bird Walk at Kickapoo Woods

Join Friends and Chicago Audubon Society for an early bird walk at Kickapoo Woods. This bird walk is for all birders – beginners and experts – we’ll all have fun! We have a guide, but we’ll be learning from each other and sharing what we know. Come see what we find! Since so many people […]

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 […]

Volunteer Workday with Poplar Creek Prairie Stewards

Come volunteer to restore native habitat in the Poplar Creek region, which is filled with prairie, oak woodlands, and wetlands! Help with restoration activities such as weed pulling, seed planting, plug planting, and more - all while meeting others in the community. No previous experience is necessary. We are following social distancing guidelines and ask […]

Kickapoo Woods Volunteer Workday

Seed collection is a vital part of ecological restoration, bringing health and resilience to the landscapes. In addition, many studies show that spending time in nature reduces stress levels and has long-lasting health benefits. During the global pandemic, getting outside has become more important than ever. By collecting seeds, you can take care of yourself […]

Goldenrods and Asters in Bloom

The weather may still be hot, but the transition to fall in the forest preserves is in full swing. Each season has a different suite of blooming wildflowers and fall is the time for goldenrods and asters. Bright yellow goldenrods start first, with many species in full bloom at this time. Asters with small daisy-like blooms in various shades […]

Beaubien Woods Volunteer Workday

Seed collection is a vital part of ecological restoration, bringing health and resilience to the landscapes. In addition, many studies show that spending time in nature reduces stress levels and has long-lasting health benefits. During the global pandemic, getting outside has become more important than ever. By collecting seeds, you can take care of yourself […]

Spring Creek Volunteer Workday

The Spring Creek Forest Preserve is one of only a few Cook County preserves large enough to sustain populations of rare animals, grassland birds, and a rich variety of habitats. The site was deemed by Audubon-Chicago to be a globally-significant Important Bird Area. Spring Creek is a tranquil respite from the hustle of everyday, modern […]

Blue Star Woods Volunteer Workday

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 […]

Archery at Whistler Woods

Receive instruction from certified staff and try your hand at archery. Ages 10 & up. Junior archery available for those under 10. All visitors over 2 years of age must wear a mask indoors at all times. Unvaccinated visitors should also wear a mask outdoors when physical distancing (six feet from other people) is not […]