Friends of the Forest Preserves hosts numerous events throughout the year designed to connect people of all ages and backgrounds with the natural wonders of the forest preserves in Cook County.
Guided hikes, educational workshops, wellness programs, volunteer workdays, golf outings, fundraisers, cultural programs, and more await you.
Browse our schedule of events below to learn more.
Get to know your forest preserve on the east side of Chicago! Featuring paint and sip, native seed collection, yoga, food, nature walks, and more! Ever wondered what there is to do at your local forest preserve? Join your community in learning about all that Eggers Grove has to offer! This family-friendly event features a paint […]
St. Paul Woods is an inviting oak-hickory woodland situated east of the North Branch of the Chicago River. Like many of our native woodlands, it needs management to clear invasive brush […]
Every Tuesday until September 23rd, 2025! Entrance at Halsted, south of 144th St. Riverdale, IL 60827. Stretch and Walks9:00 am – 10:00 am2 mile walk. Walking pace with room for conversation & mindfulness. No registration required. Yoga10:00 am – 11:00 amAll levels welcome. Registration not required, but please email us if you will be bringing […]
Every Wednesday until September 24th, 2025! Entrance at 134th St., East of Halsted Ave. Riverdale, IL 60827. Stretch and Walks9:00 am – 10:00 am2 mile walk. Walking pace with room for conversation & mindfulness. No registration required. Yoga10:00 am – 11:00 amAll levels welcome. Registration not required, but please email us if you will be […]
Help us collect seed at Spring Creek Prairie to distribute back into the area. Enjoy nature, learn plant identification skills, and responsible seed collecting techniques. Tools and snacks provided. Location: […]
Friends of the Forest Preserves is partnering with Chicago BIPOC Birders to host two beginner-friendly hikes this fall in Barrington! While these events are open to all, they are BIPOC-centered and intentional, created with care to uplift the presence, joy, and experiences of BIPOC individuals in outdoor environmental spaces. Stay tuned for location details and […]
he 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 […]
Join us for an end of summer bird walk as we explore the trails of Beaubien Woods Forest Preserve. Come discover local bird species, enjoy the outdoors, and celebrate the season’s end with community and nature. All experience levels are welcome! Bring your curiosity and walking shoes! Binoculars will be provided. Location: Please meet us […]
Friends of the Forest Preserves is partnering with Chicago BIPOC Birders to host two beginner-friendly hikes this fall in Barrington! While these events are open to all, they are BIPOC-centered […]
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 […]
Help us collect seed at Spring Creek Prairie to distribute back into the area. Enjoy nature, learn plant identification skills, and responsible seed collecting techniques. Tools and snacks provided. Location: […]
Enjoy the beginnings of the fall prairie as we continue to go after Prairie Dropseed, Prairie Coreopsis, and other prairie species Registration: No registration required! If you are interested in […]
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 […]
The Miami Woods Forest Preserve covers 112 acres stretching along the west side of the North Branch of the Chicago River from Oakton Street northward to Dempster Street. It is […]
Get to know your forest preserve on the south side of Chicago! Featuring art activities, brush removal, a bonfire, food, music, nature walks, and more! Ever wondered what there is […]
Registration: No registration required! If you are interested in signing up for the CFC newsletter for weekly event emails here is that link- https://citizensforconservation.org/get-involved/regular-workdays/ Contact Information: [email protected]
Join Spring Creek Stewards as we go on a scavenger hunt for woodland seeds to collect! All are welcome to come, learn, and lead. Contact Information: Ken DeMuth 312-316-5216
Celebrate the season and discover everything your forest preserves have to offer. This community gathering will include music, free food, a guided nature walk, an information booth, native seed collecting, […]
Celebrate the season and discover everything your forest preserves have to offer. This community gathering will include music, free food, a guided nature walk, an information booth, native seed collecting, […]
Join us for a fitness walk at Arie Crown Forest; Senior and kid friendly! What to wear/Bring: Walking shoes. Dress according to weather, a rain poncho just in case. Mosquito-tick repellent, […]