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 […]
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 […]
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 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 to walk […]
Collect seeds with us, enjoy the benefits of being out in nature, and do your part to help our forest preserves thrive! Seed collection is a vital part of ecological restoration, bringing health and resilience to natural landscapes. We’ll work together to identify native plants and collect some of their seeds. The seeds will be […]
On this walk, we will explore a rare, ecological gem located right here, in Northbrook! Somme Prairie Nature Preserve is part woodland and part savanna. We’ll have time to identify just a fraction of the vast number of native plants here. Join us as we socialize and enjoy a beautiful, leisurely walk. Topics we'll cover […]
Collect seeds with us, enjoy the benefits of being out in nature, and do your part to help our forest preserves thrive! Seed collection is a vital part of ecological restoration, bringing health and resilience to natural landscapes. We’ll work together to identify native plants and collect some of their seeds. The seeds will be […]
Please join us for a therapeutic and immersive experience as we bathe our senses in nature with Jessica Rodriguez of Reciprocal Forest Bathing. Forest Bathing is a research-based practice used to support healing and wellness through sensory experiences in nature. It is a slow wander through nature where the guide facilitates a series of sensory […]
Collect seeds with us, enjoy the benefits of being out in nature, and do your part to help our forest preserves thrive! Seed collection is a vital part of ecological restoration, bringing health and resilience to natural landscapes. We’ll work together to identify native plants and collect some of their seeds. The seeds will be […]
Join Friends of the Forest Preserves, the Forest Preserves of Cook County, and University of Illinois Extension for yoga at Whistler Woods. All levels and ages welcome and no experience is necessary! Learn how to use yoga props to find greater ease and stability in your yoga practice. Each participant will receive the following yoga […]
Please join us as we present a short history and discussion of Site A, Plot M at Red Gate Woods. Your guide will encourage discussion on the use of nuclear power today and its potential benefits and hazards to the environment. This is an interactive discussion and instructional event and not a typical hike. During […]
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, […]
Join this introductory yoga class with DuShaun Branch, of Sage Gawd Collective, created for all students, regardless of yoga experience. This class will be held outdoors at Whistler Woods Forest Preserve. This 60 minute class is a great way to stretch, relax, and have fun for the entire family. The class will open with a […]
Get in touch with your creative side at Paint and Sip! Enjoy a cold beverage and snacks as we create summer-inspired masterpieces at Whistler Woods. All supplies will be provided. We will be meeting at the beginning of the parking lot - you won't miss us. For questions, contact Sydney Armstead, Engagement Program Manager, at […]
Please join us for a therapeutic and immersive experience as we bathe our senses in nature with Jessica Rodriguez of Reciprocal Forest Bathing. Forest Bathing is a research-based practice used to support healing and wellness through sensory experiences in nature. It is a slow wander through nature where the guide facilitates a series of sensory […]
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 at Bunker Hill Forest Preserve. Experience the beauty and peace of nature with all your senses in a walking meditation called Shinrin-yoku - taking in the forest atmosphere, or Forest Bathing. Benefits of Forest Bathing Reduces stress and anxiety Lifts mood, boosts […]
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 […]
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 […]
Please join us as we explore the Salt Creek Trail from Brezina Woods to Maple Avenue. We'll enjoy the flora and fauna of this area. The river is a migratory bird route as it heads towards the Des Plaines River. Ducks, geese, herons, and egrets are frequent visitors to the Creek’s edge. Summer visitors, such […]
Did you know there is a herd of Elk in Elk Grove Village? On this hike, we’ll walk the exterior of the pasture and have an opportunity to get photos. I’ll give a brief introduction to Busse woods and the history of the Elk. We’ll then do a hike in the forest on a combination […]
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 […]
