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 […]
Help the Spring Creek Stewards finish their spring sedge-planting project! With support from partners in the Barrington Greenway Initiative, volunteers are planting over 17,000 sedges in Spring Creek Forest Preserve. Planting started in late April and will finish up early June. Support high-quality wetland restoration areas and join fellow volunteers in celebrating this accomplishment. We […]
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 […]
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 […]
Registration is open! Tickets start at $150 individual / $600 foursome We offer various ticket levels so that you can show some extra love for Friends and our work - we appreciate your generosity. At the Forest Preserves’ premier course: George W. Dunne National Golf Course 16310 Central Ave., Oak Forest, Illinois 60452 Friday, June […]
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 […]
Have you ever tried "forest bathing"? Want to experience nature in a deeper way? Join us for an upcoming forest bathing walk at Beaubien Woods Forest Preserve! We will be using an audio guide created by the Forest Preserves of Cook County, titled "Belonging." This is an opportunity to slow down, relax, and enjoy the […]
Come give back to nature after enjoying a forest bathing experience. We will be pulling garlic mustard and bagging it to discard. We will enjoy snacks while we explore the site and its beautiful wonders, right by the lake. A few things to keep in mind: Make sure to bring your own water and snacks […]
Chicago Audubon Society and Friends of the Forest Preserves will be hosting an early bird walk at Whistler 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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
Friends and Chicago Audubon Society will be hosting 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! We will be […]
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 […]
From milkweed to goldenrod, Kickapoo's native prairie plants need your help! Come be part of the group of volunteers gathering to restore this special site along the Little Calumet River. Depending on weather conditions, we will either be cutting and burning, doing weed removal, or seed collecting. We will be meeting by the boat launch. […]
Come out and learn about the insects of Poplar Creek Prairie! Our forest preserves are a safe haven for the insects of Cook County, and spending just a couple hours outside will allow you to see a high diversity of them! Join Poplar Creek Field Organizer and native insect enthusiast, Maya Dutta, for a 2-3 […]
Join us for a leisurely bike ride to explore the beautiful habitats found along the Chicago River and learn some of the history of the forest preserves. The North Branch Ride, co-hosted by Bike Glenview, returns! We'll explore the beautiful variety of habitats found along the Chicago River, from Bunker Hill Forest Preserve to Harms […]
