Stewardship Workday at Whistler Woods

Whistler Woods contains oaks up to 300 years old, but invasive brush prevents their acorns from sprouting. Come join a volunteer group that will cut back the invasives and improve the habitat at this preserve. Learn what it takes to restore diverse wildlife, trees, wildflowers, and health in our forest preserves and our river system. […]

The Hidden Life of the Forest Preserves: Spaces to Heal

*WATCH THE RECORDING OF THIS WEBINAR* Discover the healing aspects of the forest preserves. Did you know that spending just 20 minutes in a forest preserve, park, or green space makes you happier? It’s true! Our minds are restored, our breathing slows down, and stress begins to leave our bodies. If you feel the need […]

Bird Walk at Kickapoo Woods

Have you ever experienced the healing and relaxing benefits of birding? Join Friends and Chicago Audubon Society for an early bird walk at Kickapoo Woods Forest Preserve. We will be meeting at Kickapoo Woods, at the end of the parking lot. We will provide binoculars, which will be disinfected before and after use. Come see […]

The Hidden Life of the Forest Preserves: Wonderful World of Seeds

*WATCH THE RECORDING OF THIS WEBINAR* Colorful flowers and attractive scents capture our attention through much of the year. But the real force of plant life is found in seeds! As you traverse winter trails covered by layers of snow and ice, a hidden world beneath your feet is busy preparing for the coming of […]

Bird Walk at Kickapoo Woods

Please join Friends of the Forest Preserves and Chicago Audubon Society on one of our FREE bi-weekly birding walks at Kickapoo Woods! Experience the healing and relaxing benefits of being out in nature, while observing the birds migrating north. We will meet at Kickapoo Woods Forest Preserve, at the parking lot by the trail leading […]

Spring Ephemerals

Spring Ephemerals are wildflowers that appear for only a few weeks each year, so you need to be alert if you're going to sneak a peek. You can find them throughout the forest preserves in Cook County at various times from early April through early June. Look for spring beauty, blood root, Virginia bluebells, and […]

Whistler Woods Stewardship Workday

Whistler Woods contains oaks up to 300 years old, but invasive brush prevents their acorns from sprouting. Come join a volunteer group that will cut back the invasives and improve the habitat at this preserve. Learn what it takes to restore diverse wildlife, trees, wildflowers, and health in our forest preserves and our river system. […]

Earth Week – Sedge Planting with the Barrington Greenway Initiative Pt 1

Celebrate Earth Week 2021 by giving back to one of Cook County's most unique natural areas, Spring Creek Forest Preserve. We will be joining volunteers from the Barrington Greenway Initiative to plant native sedges (grass-like wetland plants) to support habitat restoration in Spring Creek Forest Preserve. All ages are welcome. All required tools and materials […]

Kickapoo Woods Volunteer Workday

From milkweed to goldenrod, Kickapoo's native prairie plants need your help! Come be part of a group of volunteers restoring this special site along the Little Calumet River. Depending on weather conditions, we will be cutting and burning, doing weed removal, or seed collecting. We will be meeting by the boat launch. A few things […]

Poplar Creek Prairie Stewards Volunteer Workday

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 […]

Earth Week – Sedge Planting with the Barrington Greenway Initiative Pt 2

Celebrate Earth Week 2021 by giving back to one of Cook County's most unique natural areas, Spring Creek Forest Preserve. We will be joining volunteers from the Barrington Greenway Initiative to plant native sedges (grass-like wetland plants) to support habitat restoration in Spring Creek Forest Preserve. All ages are welcome. All required tools and materials […]