You've probably heard the saying "stop and smell the roses," but what about the milkweed? Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) begins blooming in June and hits its peak in July. Their large pink flower clusters produce a strong, sweet aroma that attracts pollinators, and sometimes humans as well. Milkweed is well-known for its importance to monarch […]
*This walk was originally scheduled for June 20, but was postponed to June 27 due to excessive heat.* This guided hike will explore how both working and retired adults can help restore the forest preserves by volunteering in the woods. The format will be similar to a "walk & talk." We will walk to the […]
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 […]
Please join us on a guided fitness hike! We'll explore activities in the forest preserves that help us get exercise and fresh air. And we'll learn about nature through various volunteer programs. This hike will focus on: Wildlife photography, especially photographing the many deer at Chevalier Woods The important role volunteers play in maintaining the […]
Let's explore the healing of nature at Linne Woods. This hike will focus on: Woodland Immersion for those seeking calm, peace, and focus. We will use a combination of nature meditations, observational discussion, touch, and listening skills to enhance our senses and find calmness. A relaxing leisurely walk through the forest preserve. Difficulty: Slow-paced walk […]
The Yellow Trail - the trail we will be primarily walking - was rated the best trail in Illinois by Backpacker Magazine. The trails are in great shape and currently the wild geraniums and the woodland phlox are in full bloom! The walk will take approximately 2 hours and will be 3-4 miles in length, […]
Enjoy an early morning hike on the Yellow Trail to Horse Collar Slough in Willow Springs. Come see the biodiversity created by the kettles and moraines, unique features of this woodland and prairie landscape. During the walk with will discuss and learn about: How this land was transformed after the last ice age, from early […]
** FAVOR DE REGISTRARSE PARA ASEGURAR SU TAMALITO Y CHAMPURRADO ** Para celebrar la Semana de Conservación Latina, vamos a encontrarnos a las 8 de la mañana en Eggers Grove para disfrutar un tamalito y champurrado mientras disfrutamos los beneficios de pasar tiempo en la naturaleza. Después de comernos nuestro tamalito, empezaremos nuestra caminata para […]
Please join us as we explore the ecology of the Cranberry Slough Nature Preserve. We will discuss ecological restoration and how it has positively impacted this beautiful site! The majority of the trail is paved (a small section is not). During the walk we’ll cover the following topics, among others: Differences between invasive and native […]
Please join us as we explore the flora and fauna of LaBagh Woods this summer. We will look for birds as well as odonates, dragonflies, and damselflies. Let’s see how many we can find! During the hike we will cover: Bird and odonate indentification at LaBagh Woods Difficulty level: Intermediate-advanced hikers. LaBagh has few paved […]
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 […]
Escape the stresses of urban and suburban life for a couple of hours on the Linne Woods trails. Experience the beauty and peace of nature with all your senses in a walking meditation called Forest Bathing. Benefits of Forest Bathing Reduces stress and anxiety Lifts mood Boosts attention Sparks creativity Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate walking pace; […]
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 […]
