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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Friends of the Forest Preserves
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260502T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260502T120000
DTSTAMP:20260416T125931
CREATED:20260415T194214Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T194215Z
UID:10000561-1777712400-1777723200@fotfp.org
SUMMARY:Hofmann Dam River Rats Spring Cleanup
DESCRIPTION:Volunteers and friends of the Des Plaines River are invited to help clean up the Des Plaines riverbank. \n\n\n\nMeet in the forest preserve area east of the Barrypoint Bridge and the Hofmann Tower. Bring your kids\, parents\, neighbors\, or friends! We accept AND recycle aluminum cans to raise money for future cleanups and events. Wear long pants\, sleeves\, and sturdy shoes. The Hofmann Dam River Rats is a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization. We sign off on community service hours. \n\n\n\nContact Bob Bezouska at 872-239-0323 for more information.
URL:https://fotfp.org/event/hofmann-dam-river-rats-spring-cleanup/
LOCATION:Hofmann Dam\, R5CH+CJJ Lyons\, Illinois
CATEGORIES:Restoration,Volunteer
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fotfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Hofmann-Dam.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260503T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260503T130000
DTSTAMP:20260416T125931
CREATED:20260319T155625Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T155625Z
UID:10000530-1777802400-1777813200@fotfp.org
SUMMARY:Bunker Hill North Flatwoods Volunteer Workdays
DESCRIPTION:Join the North Branch Restoration Project to restore this oak woodland to its former beauty! This 76-acre site depends on a community of volunteers to remove invasive species\, spread native seed\, and much more. Large pin oaks are a unique feature of this preserve\, which is also home to some beautiful spring ephemerals. \n\n\n\nVisit The North Branch Restoration Project on Facebook! \n\n\n\nYouth under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school\, scouts\, church). \n\n\n\nDirections: Enter the preserve from Harts Road\, just west of Touhy and Caldwell and look for the volunteer sign. The approximate address is 6600 W Harts Road in Niles\, IL. \n\n\n\nContact: Mike Andrews at mike61950@aol.com.
URL:https://fotfp.org/event/bunker-hill-north-flatwoods-volunteer-workdays-18/
CATEGORIES:Events,Plants and Animals,Restoration,Volunteer
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fotfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/04272024-Bunker-North-5A.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260505T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260505T120000
DTSTAMP:20260416T125931
CREATED:20260108T173434Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T173434Z
UID:10000488-1777975200-1777982400@fotfp.org
SUMMARY:Stewardship Volunteer Days - Healy Savanna
DESCRIPTION:Meeting Location- Beverly Lake Trail\, Hoffman Estates \n\n\n\nSummary of Event/Workday- Join Us for a Garlic Mustard Pull & Spring Ephemeral hunt! Help protect our woodlands by removing invasive garlic mustard\, giving native plants the space they need to thrive. As we work\, we’ll also keep an eye out for neat spring ephemeral plants.. We’ll collect these seeds to support future restoration efforts. No experience necessary\, all tools and guidance will be provided. Come enjoy the spring beauty of the preserve while making a meaningful impact! \n\n\n\nContact Information-  Please reach out to Isabella Stocke isabella@fotfp.org with any questions!
URL:https://fotfp.org/event/stewardship-volunteer-days-healy-savanna-10/
LOCATION:Beverly Lake Trail\, Beverly Lake Trail\, Hoffman Estates\, Illinois\, 60179\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fotfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FD1FD89E-52A1-42A2-8265-002C997779A6_1_105_c.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260509T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260509T110000
DTSTAMP:20260416T125931
CREATED:20260406T152545Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T145250Z
UID:10000554-1778317200-1778324400@fotfp.org
SUMMARY:Trailblazers: Des Plaines River Relics Walk (Postponed to 5/9)
DESCRIPTION:The final three miles of the Des Plaines River Trail have more lost\, abandoned\, and mysterious artifacts than any other stretch of the trail; we’ll discuss what these are and how they fit into the modern history of this most urban of urban rivers. Along the way\, we’ll also talk about water quality\, habitat conditions in the Des Plaines watershed\, and flooding. \n\n\n\nDifficulty level \n\n\n\nModerate to fast pace. Easy 5-mile hike\, mostly flat trail; est. 1.5 to 2 hours. \n\n\n\nParking/Meeting location: \n\n\n\nSunset Bridge Meadow parking lot; North Ave. east of N 1st Ave River Grove\, IL \n\n\n\nMeet your volunteer guide: \n\n\n\nHobby hiker and nature lover\, Dan Witte built a fan site dedicated to the Des Plaines River: www.thedesplaines.com \n\n\n\nWhat to bring/wear: \n\n\n\nWater\, sunscreen\, weather-appropriate clothing (layers are recommended)\, and sturdy hiking boots/comfortable shoes. \n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dan Witte  \n\n\n\nThis event is free\, but please register to secure your spot. If you have any questions about this walk or the Trailblazers Walking Series\, contact Sydney Armstead\, Engagement Program Manager\, at sydney@fotfp.org.
URL:https://fotfp.org/event/trailblazers-des-plaines-river-relics-walk-6/
LOCATION:Sunset Bridge Meadow\, Des Plaines River Trail\, River Grove\, Illinois\, 60171\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fotfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Sunset-Bridge-view-May-2025.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260509T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260509T120000
DTSTAMP:20260416T125931
CREATED:20260319T155738Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T155738Z
UID:10000531-1778317200-1778328000@fotfp.org
SUMMARY:Bunker Hill North Flatwoods Volunteer Workdays - Chicago River Day
DESCRIPTION:Join the North Branch Restoration Project to restore this oak woodland to its former beauty! This 76-acre site depends on a community of volunteers to remove invasive species\, spread native seed\, and much more. Large pin oaks are a unique feature of this preserve\, which is also home to some beautiful spring ephemerals. \n\n\n\nVisit The North Branch Restoration Project on Facebook! \n\n\n\nYouth under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school\, scouts\, church). \n\n\n\nDirections: Enter the preserve from Harts Road\, just west of Touhy and Caldwell and look for the volunteer sign. The approximate address is 6600 W Harts Road in Niles\, IL. \n\n\n\nContact: Mike Andrews at mike61950@aol.com.
URL:https://fotfp.org/event/bunker-hill-north-flatwoods-volunteer-workdays-chicago-river-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Events,Plants and Animals,Restoration,Volunteer
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fotfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/04272024-Bunker-North-5A.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260509T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260509T120000
DTSTAMP:20260416T125931
CREATED:20260319T160249Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T160249Z
UID:10000536-1778317200-1778328000@fotfp.org
SUMMARY:Oxbow Prairie Volunteer Workday - Chicago River Day
DESCRIPTION:Formed by an old loop in the river’s course\, lies the Oxbow Prairie. \n\n\n\nThis 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 an abundance of Eurasian grasses\, Queen Anne’s lace and tall goldenrod. With management\, the more conservative prairie plants such as northern dropseed\, stiff goldenrod\, golden alexanders and big bluestem grass are returning. \n\n\n\nThe wetter areas are richest in native plants\, including cup plant\, ironweed\, tall meadow-rue\, water parsnip\, cordgrass\, Virginia rye\, and numerous kinds of sedges. \n\n\n\nA small oak savanna on the old east bank has swamp white and bur oaks\, in the words of landscape architect and restorationist Tom Vanderpoel\, “a wonderful micro oak savanna.” \n\n\n\nJoin North Branch Restoration Project volunteers and enjoy a different view here! \n\n\n\nYouth under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school\, scouts\, church). \n\n\n\nVisit The North Branch Restoration Project on Facebook! \n\n\n\nDirections: From the south\, enter the drive off of Caldwell Avenue across from Tonty; proceed ~1/4 mile\, staying to the right at the split. From the north\, enter the drive off of Harts Road and proceed ~3/4 mile south. Look for the Volunteer signs at the meeting spot. \n\n\n\nContact: Mike Andrews at mike61950@aol.com.
URL:https://fotfp.org/event/oxbow-prairie-volunteer-workday-chicago-river-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Events,Plants and Animals,Restoration,Volunteer
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fotfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/08202023-Oxbow-4-1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260509T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260509T120000
DTSTAMP:20260416T125931
CREATED:20260319T160602Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T160602Z
UID:10000541-1778317200-1778328000@fotfp.org
SUMMARY:St. Paul Woods Volunteer Workday - Chicago River Day
DESCRIPTION:St. Paul Woods is an inviting oak-hickory woodland situated east of the North Branch of the Chicago River. Like many of our native woodlands\, it needs management to clear invasive brush and trees to restore the original structure. With increased sunlight\, the wildflowers and grasses will once again add to the beauty of the woods. Join North Branch Restoration Project volunteers as we remove buckthorn and other weedy species\, protecting our native ecosystems. \n\n\n\nVisit The North Branch Restoration Project on Facebook! \n\n\n\nYouth under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school\, scouts\, church). \n\n\n\nDirections: Enter the driveway north off 6500 Oakton Ave\, across from Natchez Ave in Morton Grove. Look for the Volunteer sign in the parking area. \n\n\n\nFor questions\, please contact Mike Andrews at mike61950@aol.com.
URL:https://fotfp.org/event/st-paul-woods-volunteer-workday-chicago-river-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Events,Plants and Animals,Restoration,Volunteer
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fotfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/07272024-St-Paul-1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260509T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260509T120000
DTSTAMP:20260416T125931
CREATED:20260319T160934Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T160935Z
UID:10000547-1778317200-1778328000@fotfp.org
SUMMARY:Miami Woods and Prairie Volunteer Workday - Chicago River Day
DESCRIPTION: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 east side of the river forms the Saint Paul Woods Forest Preserve. \n\n\n\nMiami Woods and Prairie contain important remnants of the original grasslands and woodlands that formed the natural heritage of the greater Chicago area. Miami Woods and Prairie (except the turf grass picnic areas) is to achieve restoration to the highest ecological condition possible using a minimum amount of management intervention. Our approach is to restore natural processes so that the area will become as self-sustaining as possible. \n\n\n\nVisit The North Branch Restoration Project on Facebook! \n\n\n\nYouth under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school\, scouts\, church). \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDirections: Located on the east side of Caldwell\, two blocks north of Oakton.  Meet in the parking lot for Miami Woods\, look for the Volunteer sign. \n\n\n\nTo volunteer or for more information contact Nick Conde at Miami Woods.
URL:https://fotfp.org/event/miami-woods-and-prairie-volunteer-workday-chicago-river-day-3/
CATEGORIES:Events,Plants and Animals,Restoration,Volunteer
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fotfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/07212024-Miami-3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260517T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260517T130000
DTSTAMP:20260416T125931
CREATED:20260319T160632Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T160632Z
UID:10000542-1779012000-1779022800@fotfp.org
SUMMARY:St. Paul Woods Volunteer Workday
DESCRIPTION:St. Paul Woods is an inviting oak-hickory woodland situated east of the North Branch of the Chicago River. Like many of our native woodlands\, it needs management to clear invasive brush and trees to restore the original structure. With increased sunlight\, the wildflowers and grasses will once again add to the beauty of the woods. Join North Branch Restoration Project volunteers as we remove buckthorn and other weedy species\, protecting our native ecosystems. \n\n\n\nVisit The North Branch Restoration Project on Facebook! \n\n\n\nYouth under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school\, scouts\, church). \n\n\n\nDirections: Enter the driveway north off 6500 Oakton Ave\, across from Natchez Ave in Morton Grove. Look for the Volunteer sign in the parking area. \n\n\n\nFor questions\, please contact Mike Andrews at mike61950@aol.com.
URL:https://fotfp.org/event/st-paul-woods-volunteer-workday-16/
CATEGORIES:Events,Plants and Animals,Restoration,Volunteer
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fotfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/07272024-St-Paul-1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260519T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260519T120000
DTSTAMP:20260416T125931
CREATED:20260108T173533Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T173535Z
UID:10000489-1779184800-1779192000@fotfp.org
SUMMARY:Stewardship Volunteer Days - Healy Savanna
DESCRIPTION:Meeting Location- Beverly Lake Trail\, Hoffman Estates \n\n\n\nSummary of Event/Workday- Join Us for a Garlic Mustard Pull & Spring Ephemeral hunt! Help protect our woodlands by removing invasive garlic mustard\, giving native plants the space they need to thrive. As we work\, we’ll also keep an eye out for neat spring ephemeral plants.. We’ll collect these seeds to support future restoration efforts. No experience necessary\, all tools and guidance will be provided. Come enjoy the spring beauty of the preserve while making a meaningful impact! \n\n\n\nContact Information-  Please reach out to Isabella Stocke isabella@fotfp.org with any questions!
URL:https://fotfp.org/event/stewardship-volunteer-days-healy-savanna-11/
LOCATION:Beverly Lake Trail\, Beverly Lake Trail\, Hoffman Estates\, Illinois\, 60179\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fotfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FD1FD89E-52A1-42A2-8265-002C997779A6_1_105_c.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260521T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260521T120000
DTSTAMP:20260416T125931
CREATED:20251120T200725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T155105Z
UID:10000385-1779357600-1779364800@fotfp.org
SUMMARY:Homeschool Hangout at Eggers Grove
DESCRIPTION:Come hang out at Eggers Grove for a fun homeschool meet-up! Every third Thursday of the month from 10am-12pm \n\n\n\nAll ages and families are invited to this free event at Eggers Grove. Whether you homeschool\, unschool\, or just want to hangout with other families\, come for a monthly nature walk and other nature based activities.
URL:https://fotfp.org/event/homeschool-hangout-at-eggers-grove-9/2026-05-21/
LOCATION:Homeschool Hangout at Eggers Grove\, 11251-11249 South Avenue B\, Chicago\, Illinois\, 60617\, United States
CATEGORIES:Recreation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fotfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Homeschool-Hangout.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260523T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260523T130000
DTSTAMP:20260416T125931
CREATED:20260319T160314Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T160315Z
UID:10000537-1779530400-1779541200@fotfp.org
SUMMARY:Oxbow Prairie Volunteer Workday
DESCRIPTION:Formed by an old loop in the river’s course\, lies the Oxbow Prairie. \n\n\n\nThis 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 an abundance of Eurasian grasses\, Queen Anne’s lace and tall goldenrod. With management\, the more conservative prairie plants such as northern dropseed\, stiff goldenrod\, golden alexanders and big bluestem grass are returning. \n\n\n\nThe wetter areas are richest in native plants\, including cup plant\, ironweed\, tall meadow-rue\, water parsnip\, cordgrass\, Virginia rye\, and numerous kinds of sedges. \n\n\n\nA small oak savanna on the old east bank has swamp white and bur oaks\, in the words of landscape architect and restorationist Tom Vanderpoel\, “a wonderful micro oak savanna.” \n\n\n\nJoin North Branch Restoration Project volunteers and enjoy a different view here! \n\n\n\nYouth under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school\, scouts\, church). \n\n\n\nVisit The North Branch Restoration Project on Facebook! \n\n\n\nDirections: From the south\, enter the drive off of Caldwell Avenue across from Tonty; proceed ~1/4 mile\, staying to the right at the split. From the north\, enter the drive off of Harts Road and proceed ~3/4 mile south. Look for the Volunteer signs at the meeting spot. \n\n\n\nContact: Mike Andrews at mike61950@aol.com.
URL:https://fotfp.org/event/oxbow-prairie-volunteer-workday-18/
CATEGORIES:Events,Plants and Animals,Restoration,Volunteer
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fotfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/08202023-Oxbow-4-1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260530T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260530T130000
DTSTAMP:20260416T125931
CREATED:20260319T160959Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T161000Z
UID:10000548-1780135200-1780146000@fotfp.org
SUMMARY:Miami Woods and Prairie Volunteer Workday
DESCRIPTION: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 east side of the river forms the Saint Paul Woods Forest Preserve. \n\n\n\nMiami Woods and Prairie contain important remnants of the original grasslands and woodlands that formed the natural heritage of the greater Chicago area. Miami Woods and Prairie (except the turf grass picnic areas) is to achieve restoration to the highest ecological condition possible using a minimum amount of management intervention. Our approach is to restore natural processes so that the area will become as self-sustaining as possible. \n\n\n\nVisit The North Branch Restoration Project on Facebook! \n\n\n\nYouth under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school\, scouts\, church). \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDirections: Located on the east side of Caldwell\, two blocks north of Oakton.  Meet in the parking lot for Miami Woods\, look for the Volunteer sign. \n\n\n\nTo volunteer or for more information contact Nick Conde at Miami Woods.
URL:https://fotfp.org/event/miami-woods-and-prairie-volunteer-workday-20/
CATEGORIES:Events,Plants and Animals,Restoration,Volunteer
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fotfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/07212024-Miami-3.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR