During the transition from winter to spring, some types of trees begin to produce large amounts of tree sap. Trees, like sugar maples, don't do this just so humans can make syrup though. This sugary liquid is meant to give trees the energy they need to produce their first flowers and leaves of the year. […]
Help restore habitat for plants and wildlife at this historic forest preserve. Blue Star Woods was once the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps Camp and a WWII Prisoner of War Camp. During that period, most of the site was converted to barracks and buildings. Since then, the camp has been demolished and nature has […]
As we welcome spring and the weather warms up, we head to Whistler Woods to check out the birds residing and passing by. Whistler Woods borders the Little Calumet River and is host to an oak woodland, so you are able to see birds such as the Great Blue Heron, Double-Crested Cormorant, Red-Headed Woodpecker, among […]
Whistler Woods contains oak trees up to 300 years old, but invasive brush prevents their acorns from sprouting. Join a volunteer group that is cutting back invasives and improving the habitat at this preserve. Learn what it takes to restore health to our forest preserves and river system, by nurturing diverse wildlife, trees, and wildflowers. […]
There are so many different ways you can enjoy being out in the forest preserves! Join us at Beaubien Woods as Donisha Reed, of Wealthy Living Coaching and Consulting, LLC, guides us in a meditation and gentle yoga by Flatfoot Lake. We will then take a short walk to observe the natural space around us. […]
The Skokie River and Middle Fork of the Chicago River come together to give Watersmeet Woods its name. But Watersmeet is also a wet place with numerous special types of wetlands that support rare plants and wildlife, including the only “calcareous seep” on the North Branch preserves. This seep environment is fed by cool groundwater […]
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 […]
This site protects a large area of one of the rarest plant communities in Illinois, known as a Northern Flatwoods. Flatwoods are found where a dense layer of clay lies near the surface of the soil. This clay prevents rain from draining in the spring, although flatwoods can become very dry in the summer. Plants […]
Help us remove woody invasive species that deplete the health of the soil, prevent native plants from thriving, and severely affect the health of the ecosystem they invade. Make sure to bring your own water; dress for the weather by wearing layers; wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and avoid synthetic materials; sturdy, closed-toe […]
Start your day in an active way! Join us for a 2 mile walking workout and stretching experience on the Major Taylor Trail at Whistler Woods Forest Preserve in Riverdale. The hike will be roughly 45 minutes and will include 15 minutes of stretching before, followed by 15 minutes of relaxing meditation after. Feel free […]
ALL HIKES IN THIS SERIES ARE FREE AND FAMILY FRIENDLY. Continuing upstream from Forest Glen, the third hike in our series is at Indian Road Woods. Here we'll also find a large floodplain, but areas of the upland woods and river bluffs have been well managed and restored by volunteers. Some volunteer efforts include the […]
Help restore habitat for plants and wildlife at this historic forest preserve. Blue Star Woods was once the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps Camp and a WWII Prisoner of War Camp. During that period, most of the site was converted to barracks and buildings. Since then, the camp has been demolished and nature has […]
There are so many different ways you can enjoy being out in the forest preserves! Join us at Kickapoo Woods as Donisha Reed, of Wealthy Living Coaching and Consulting, LLC, guides us in a meditation and gentle yoga by Flatfoot Lake. We will then take a short walk to observe the natural space around us. […]
