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.
Join us for our summer Insect Safari with naturalist guide Michael Rush. Using nets and collection jars . Participants will be able to catch, identify and study a variety of insects. We will then release them back onto the forest preserve. Note: please wear sturdy shoes and long pants!
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 […]
Join Spring Creek Stewards as we go on a scavenger hunt for seeds to collect! All are welcome to come, learn, and lead. Meeting location: Penny Road Pond, Barrington Hills Contact: Ken DeMuth at 312-316-5216
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: Spring Creek Longmeadow Contact Information: Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions!
Join us for a free Sketch and Stroll nature journaling hike, perfect for all skill levels! This event invites you to explore and draw anything. Supplies are provided, but feel free to bring your favorite art materials. End the day with a relaxing seed collection session, helping preserve our natural wonders. Location: Glenview Woods, corner […]
Come learn about collecting plants at Flint Creek Savanna this Saturday from 9-11am! We will be learning, collecting, and maybe even spreading some of this seed. No registration required! Visit https://citizensforconservation.org/get-involved/regular-workdays/ if you are interested in signing up for the CFC newsletter for weekly event emails. Meeting Location: Citizens for Conservation Farmhouse Parking Lot Contact […]
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. […]
Enjoy the beginnings of the fall prairie as we continue to go after Leadplant, White and Purple Prairie Clovers, Side-oats Grama, and other prairie species. No registration required! Visit https://citizensforconservation.org/get-involved/regular-workdays/ if you are interested in signing up for the CFC newsletter for weekly event emails. Meeting location: Park in the circle or alongside Oak Knoll […]
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 […]
Join us for a peaceful, one-hour taiji (tai chi) session led by Mia Park, a Korean American artist, teacher, and co-owner of Taiji in Chicago https://www.taijiinchicago.com . Set in the calming landscape of the forest preserves, this beginner-friendly class will guide you through gentle, flowing movements to support balance, mindfulness, and inner strength. Mia brings […]
Spring Creek Stewards will traverse this amazing restoration for various prairie seeds! Meeting location: Penny Road Pond, Barrington Hills Contact: Ken DeMuth at 312-316-5216
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 […]
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: Galloping Hill Contact Information: Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions!
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 […]
Join us for a peaceful, one-hour taiji (tai chi) session led by Mia Park, a Korean American artist, teacher, and co-owner of Taiji in Chicago https://www.taijiinchicago.com . Set in the calming landscape of the forest preserves, this beginner-friendly class will guide you through gentle, flowing movements to support balance, mindfulness, and inner strength. Mia brings a unique blend of wellness […]
Get to know your Riverdale forest preserve! Featuring line dancing, native seed collecting, tai chi, food, music, nature walks, and more! Ever wondered what there is to do at your local forest preserve? Join your community in learning about all that Kickapoo Woods has to offer! This family-friendly event features calming nature walks, instructor-led line […]