Friends of the Forest Preserves

Trailblazers: River Trail Afternoon in Nature
2025-11-16 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, Illinois, 60062, United States
You’re invited to take a short nature hike and then collect some seeds with the group. River Trail Nature Center situated along the Des Plaines River has a lot to offer people of all ages that you can explore before or after our event!

Location: River Trail Nature Center

About this event: The group will take a short walk to see some of the many features this preserve offers. After the walk we’ll collect seeds from 4-5 native plant species that the preserve will use to perpetuate those plants. Participants will learn how to identify and harvest seeds. Seed collecting is both fun and relaxing!

Difficulty level: The walk will be on unpaved paths and move at a moderate pace.

Meet your Volunteer Guide: Diane has a lifelong interest in nature and volunteers with the Forest Preserves of Cook County. As a certified seed collector she gathers and sows native seeds as part of the preserves restoration efforts. An avid hiker, she has formed and led fitness/walking groups for 10+ years. Find her group at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/happy-trails-hike-group-50954350043

What to Bring/Wear: A hat and good walking shoes/hiking boots are recommended. There may be a need for insect repellent.

Photo credit: Diane Yurksaitis

This event is free, but please register to secure your spot. If you have any questions about this walk or the Trailblazers Walking Series, contact Sydney Armstead, Engagement Program Manager, at sydney@fotfp.org.

Trailblazers: Woodland Hike at Cranberry Slough
2025-11-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Country Lane Woods, Country Lane Woods, Willow Springs, Illinois, United States
Please join us for a pre-holiday hike as we explore the woodland trail for fun and fitness. The trail is easy to moderately difficult. Adults, including active 50+, are invited and encouraged to bring a friend.

Parking/Meet Up: Access to trail at Country Lane Woods on 95th Street west of LaGrange Road at the back of the lot. Meet at 1 PM at Country Lane Woods at Trail Head

Difficulty level: Moderate Up to 2 Hours, Approximately 3 Mile hike

What to bring/wear: Good pair of walking shoes. Dress according to the weather. We will not walk if there is steady rain. Mosquito and tick repellent needed before the first frost. Optional: Binoculars and cameras, walking sticks or poles. Please remember that whatever we bring into the forest should be deposited in an appropriate disposal container or brought back from the hike.

Site conditions/safety considerations: parking lot leads to a primitive trail. NOTE: we may encounter bicycles or horses on the paved path, so observe the rules of single file to the right when encountering riders and cyclists.

Meet your volunteer guide: Martha has explored the forest preserves since she was a young child. She has done quite a bit of horseback riding through the Palos area exploring the trails, flora, and fauna. She studied natural history including geology, ecology, general earth science, and Native American Nations as well as general history in college.

This event is free, but please register to secure your spot. If you have any questions about this walk or the Trailblazers Walking Series, contact Sydney Armstead, Engagement Program Manager, at sydney@fotfp.org.

Photo Courtesy of the FPDCC (see website https://fpdcc.com)

Stewardship Volunteer Days - Spring Creek Prairie
2025-11-16 10:00 - 12:00 | 152 Dundee Rd, Barrington, 152 Dundee Rd, Barrington Hills, Illinois, United States
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.

Contact Information- Please reach out to Cliff Trahan 630-442-9888 with any questions!

Volunteer Seed Processing Day - Sand Ridge Nature Center
2025-11-15 10:00 - 13:00 | Sand Ridge Nature Center, JC4M+8M5, Calumet City, Illinois, United States
Join Friends of the Forest Preserves and the Forest Preserves of Cook County to gather and separate all of the native seed collected during the 2025 season! Volunteers can learn more about the seed collecting process and interact with other volunteers and stewards in a low-intensity activity.

Bunker Hill North Flatwoods Volunteer Workdays
2025-11-15 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Illinois
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 North Branch Restoration Project on Facebook!

Youth under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school, scouts, church).

Directions: Enter the preserve from Harts Road, just west of Touhy and Caldwell and look for the volunteer sign. The approximate address is 6600 W Harts Road in Niles, IL.

Contact: Mike Andrews at mike61950@aol.com.

Xylem Seed Garden Workdays
2025-11-13 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-30 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-17 13:00 - 15:00 | North Branch Xylem Seed Garden, 6633 W Harts Road, Niles, IL, 60714, United States
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.

But some important native species are relatively rare at our sites. Others have seed that are difficult to collect in the wild. We grow some of these special plants in the North Branch seed garden, where we can better harvest their seed for restoration in North Branch sites. If you love getting your hands dirty and enjoy getting to know some of our native plants, please join the workdays at our North Branch seed garden in Niles.

Youth under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school, scouts, church).

Location: 6633 W Harts Road, Niles IL, 60714 (View map)

Directions: Turn into the main driveway for the FPCC Maintenance facility then turn right into a small gravel parking area. Enter the enclosed garden area through a swinging gate.

Contact Person:Cammy Fortunatonyandcammy11@gmail.com

Secondary Contact:Mike Andrewsmike61950@aol.com

Website:https://northbranchrestoration.org/

St. Paul Woods Volunteer Workday
2025-11-09 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-12 10:00 - 13:00 | Illinois
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 and trees to restore the original structure. With increased sunlight, the wildflowers and grasses will once again add to the beauty of the woods. Join North Branch Restoration Project volunteers as we remove buckthorn and other weedy species, protecting our native ecosystems.

Visit The North Branch Restoration Project on Facebook!

Youth under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school, scouts, church).

Directions: Enter the driveway north off 6500 Oakton Ave, across from Natchez Ave in Morton Grove. Look for the Volunteer sign in the parking area.

For questions, please contact Mike Andrews at mike61950@aol.com.

Stewardship Volunteer Days - Spring Creek Prairie
2025-11-09 10:00 - 12:00 | 152 Dundee Rd, Barrington, 152 Dundee Rd, Barrington Hills, Illinois, United States
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.

Contact Information- Please reach out to Ken DeMuth 312-316-5216 with any questions!

Stewardship Day: Eggers Grove
2025-11-08 10:00 - 13:00 | Eggers Grove, MFQF+94Q, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Eggers Woods is a beautiful site made of woodlands, marshes, and prairies. For a better view of the flora and fauna at this site, join us for a volunteer day performing ecological restoration. Meet at the parking lot east of the caretaker’s building.

Stewardship Volunteer Days - Flint Creek Savanna
2025-11-08 09:00 - 11:00 | Flint Creek Savanna, 42°11'33.0"N 88°10'20.4"W, Lake Barrington, Illinois, United States
Enjoy the fall colors in the prairie as we continue to go after lots of seed.

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: smenon@citizensforconservation.org or luke.dahlberg@citizensforconservation.org

Trailblazers: Miami Woods Fall Foliage Walk
2025-11-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Miami Woods, Miami Woods, Morton Grove, Illinois, 60053, United States
You’re invited to view some of the last autumn leaf peeping for the season with us.

About this Event: Take in the beauty of fall – fresh air, beautiful trees, and walking partners by your side. We’ll take the bike path going southward. After using the pedestrian bridge to cross Oakton St., the group will continue walking the trail that follows the river. It’s an out and back trail (not a loop), that meanders through the woods. It’s not unusual to see deer grazing and hawks flying overhead in this river-edge landscape.

Difficulty Level: The walk will be at a moderate pace on paved pathways. The pedestrian bridge is a little challenging due to an incline but its a short distance and provides an interesting view of the area.

Parking/Meeting Location: You’ll find us gathering at the very end of the parking lot near the pedestrian bridge.

Google MapsMeet your Volunteer Guide: Diane has a lifelong interest in nature and volunteers with the Forest Preserves of Cook County. As a certified seed collector she gathers and sows native seeds in conjunction with the North Branch Restoration Project. An avid hiker, she has formed and led fitness/walking groups for 10+ years.

What to Bring/Wear:Water for hydration, good sun protection, a hat and good walking shoes.Photo credit: Diane Yurksaitis

This event is free, but please register to secure your spot. If you have any questions about this walk or theTrailblazersWalking Series, contact Sydney Armstead, Engagement Program Manager, atsydney@fotfp.org.

Stewardship Volunteer Days - Galloping Hill
2025-11-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Penny Road Pond, 42°05'53.9"N 88°12'26.2"W, Barrington HIlls, Illinois, United States
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 provided.

Contact Information: Ken DeMuth 312-316-5216

Oxbow Prairie Volunteer Workday
2025-11-01 10:00 - 13:00 | Illinois
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 an abundance of Eurasian grasses, Queen Anne’s lace and tall goldenrod. With management, the more conservative prairie plants such as northern dropseed, stiff goldenrod, golden alexanders and big bluestem grass are returning.

The wetter areas are richest in native plants, including cup plant, ironweed, tall meadow-rue, water parsnip, cordgrass, Virginia rye, and numerous kinds of sedges.

A small oak savanna on the old east bank has swamp white and bur oaks, in the words of landscape architect and restorationist Tom Vanderpoel, “a wonderful micro oak savanna.”

Join North Branch Restoration Project volunteers and enjoy a different view here!

Youth under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school, scouts, church).

Visit The North Branch Restoration Project on Facebook!

Directions: From the south, enter the drive off of Caldwell Avenue across from Tonty; proceed ~1/4 mile, staying to the right at the split. From the north, enter the drive off of Harts Road and proceed ~3/4 mile south. Look for the Volunteer signs at the meeting spot.

Contact: Mike Andrews at mike61950@aol.com.

Trailblazers: Des Plaines River Relics Walk
2025-11-01 09:00 - 11:00 | Sunset Bridge Meadow, Des Plaines River Trail, River Grove, Illinois, 60171, United States
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 in the Des Plaines watershed, and flooding.

Difficulty level

Moderate to fast pace. 5-mile hike, mostly flat trail; est. 1.5 to 2 hours.

Parking/Meeting location:

Sunset Bridge Meadow parking lot; North Ave. east of N 1st Ave River Grove, IL

Meet your volunteer guide:

Hobby hiker and nature lover, Dan Witte built a fan site dedicated to the Des Plaines River: www.thedesplaines.com

What to bring/wear:

Water, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing (layers are recommended), and sturdy hiking boots/comfortable shoes.

Photo Credit: Dan Witte

This event is free, but please register to secure your spot. If you have any questions about this walk or the Trailblazers Walking Series, contact Sydney Armstead, Engagement Program Manager, at sydney@fotfp.org.

Seeds and Sunset - Stewardship Volunteer Days
2025-10-29 16:30 - 18:30, 2025-10-15 16:30 - 18:30 | Spring Creek Longmeadow, 4Q6J+R29, Barrington Hills
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: Spring Creek Longmeadow

Contact Information: Please reach out to isabella@fotfp.org with any questions!

Stewardship Day: Whistler Woods
2025-10-29 10:00 - 13:00 | Whistler Woods, M946+6JQ, Riverdale, Illinois, 60827, United States
Join us at Whistler Woods for our volunteer days! We will be performing a variety of restoration activities in this woodland and prairie-dominant site. Meet at the end of the parking lot.

Together for Trees
2025-10-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Whistler Woods, M946+6JQ, Riverdale, Illinois, 60827, United States
Join us for a day celebrating trees at beautiful Whistler Woods. We’ll come together to care for our trees, learn something new, and enjoy a fall day outdoors in nature. Drop by or stay all day- everyone is welcome!

Carve & Create: Pumpkin Edition
2025-10-24 16:00 - 18:00 | Beaubien Woods, Beaubien Woods Forest Preserve Pavillion, Chicago, Illinois, 60633, United States
Families and kids of all ages are invited to join us for pumpkin activities at Beaubien Woods! This event is designed to get families out into the forest preserves and to encourage our little ones’ creativity. Whether your child wants to carve a spooky face or paint a silly one, our team will be there to help bring their pumpkin to life. This is a perfect way to celebrate the season, take home a festive decoration, and make some autumn memories. This event takes place from 4 PM to 6 PM.

What’s Included:

One pumpkin per child

Kid-friendly carving tools and stencils

Paint and decorating supplies

A fun, safe, and supervised creative environment

Snacks & refreshments for kids and parents!

More Information:

All ages

Parent or guardian must be present

4 PM – 6 PM

10-15 Participants

Exact location – Beaubien Woods Pavillion

Point of contact – Kasandra Alvarez ( kasandra@fotfp.org )

Stewardship Day: Boos, Brews and Buckthorn
2025-10-24 10:00 - 13:00 | Dan Ryan Woods, P8HJ+FR, Chicago, Illinois, 60643, United States
Join us for a festive all-ages afternoon of removing invasive tree species over a warm brush fire! Volunteers can come in costume to scare away the buckthorn, and enjoy Halloween candy and a cider beverage for volunteers 21+ after stewardship activities take place. (Note: Costumes must not be made of polyester, but heat-resistant fabrics like cotton. Please ensure that both legs and arms are covered for your protection. Participation in themes and post-workday activities is optional.)

CANCELLED - Seeds and Sunset - Stewardship Volunteer Days
2025-10-22 16:30 - 18:30 | Penny Road Pond, 3QXV+83H, Barrington Hills, IL, United States
— THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED —

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: Galloping Hill

Contact Information: Please reach out to isabella@fotfp.org with any questions!

Stewardship Day: Sand Ridge Nature Center
2025-10-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Sand Ridge Nature Center, JC4M+8M5, Calumet City, Illinois, United States
Sand Ridge is a woodland and prairie site with a magnificent nature center attached. Join our volunteer crew for a restoration day to help restore our forest preserves. Meet outside of the pod on the service driveway NW of the Nature Center.

Trailblazers: Caldwell Woods Fall Foliage Walk
2025-10-19 13:00 - 15:00 | Caldwell Woods, 6350 W Devon Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60646, United States
Join us to enjoy the colors of the season and some fresh air in the woods.

The group will walk through Caldwell Woods and cross over the river to reach Bunker Hill Woods. From there we’ll walk the paved path while enjoying fall colors and spotting a mushroom or two along the way.

Difficulty level: The walk will be primarily on paved paths and move at a moderate pace.

Parking/Meeting location: Enter the preserve from Devon Avenue just east of Milwaukee Avenue.We’ll gather at the sign near the Welcome Center building by the parking lot.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Caldwell+Woods,+6350+W+Devon+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60646/@41.9976395,-87.796738,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x880fc947ff25f051:0x678a666258a02bd3!8m2!3d41.9976246!4d-87.7864383!16s%2Fg%2F11c5k2gqj_?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkxMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Meet your Volunteer Guide: Diane has a lifelong interest in nature and volunteers with the Forest Preserves of Cook County. As a certified seed collector she gathers and sows native seeds in conjunction with the North Branch Restoration Project. An avid hiker, she has formed and led fitness/walking groups for 10+ years.

What to Bring/Wear: Water for hydration, good sun protection, a hat and good walking shoes.

Photo credit: Diane Yurksaitis

This event is free, but please register to secure your spot. If you have any questions about this walk or the Trailblazers Walking Series, contact Sydney Armstead, Engagement Program Manager, at sydney@fotfp.org.

Miami Woods and Prairie Volunteer Workday
2025-10-19 10:00 - 13:00 | Illinois
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 bounded on the west side by Caldwell Avenue, Waukegan Road and development at the intersection of Waukegan Road and Dempster Street. The land on the east side of the river forms the Saint Paul Woods Forest Preserve.

Miami Woods and Prairie contain important remnants of the original grasslands and woodlands that formed the natural heritage of the greater Chicago area. Miami Woods and Prairie (except the turf grass picnic areas) is to achieve restoration to the highest ecological condition possible using a minimum amount of management intervention. Our approach is to restore natural processes so that the area will become as self-sustaining as possible.

Visit The North Branch Restoration Project on Facebook!

Youth under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school, scouts, church).

Directions: Located on the east side of Caldwell, two blocks north of Oakton. Meet in the parking lot for Miami Woods, look for the Volunteer sign.

Contact: Mike Andrews at mike61950@aol.com

Hofmann Dam River Rats Fall Cleanup
2025-10-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Illinois
Meet in the forest preserve area east of the Barrypoint Bridge and the Hofmann Tower. Bring your kids, parents, neighbors, or friends! We accept AND recycle aluminum cans to raise money for future cleanups and events. Wear long pants, sleeves, and sturdy shoes. The Hofmann Dam River Rats is a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization. We sign off on community service hours.

Contact Bob Bezouska at 872-239-0323 for more information.

Homeschool Hangout at Eggers Grove
2025-10-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Homeschool Hangout at Eggers Grove, 11251-11249 South Avenue B, Chicago, Illinois, 60617, United States
Come hang out at Eggers Grove for a fun homeschool meet-up! Every third Thursday of the month from 10am-12pm

All ages and families are invited to this free event at Eggers Grove. Whether you homeschool, unschool, or just want to hangout with other families, come for a monthly nature walk and other nature based activities.
