Forest Preserve District of Cook County

Perform or listen to music and poetry at an open-mic night on the grounds at sunset.

Join us for a walk focusing on the contributions made by African-American naturalists.  

Walk through two different types of prairies while learning about what’s in bloom. Ages 13 & up.  

Join a naturalist as we see what mother nature has on display.  

Last Friday each month, learn about a highlighted insect.  

Put your muscles to work as you help restore habitat by removing invasive plants. Tools available for loan.  

Put your muscles to work as you help restore habitat by removing invasive plants. Tools available for loan.  

Led by the University of Illinois Extension, discover something new in nature when the buildings are closed.  

Join us for activities, viewing, and demos of how the birds are banded for tracking and research purposes. No registration required.  

Spend time in our garden where our staff will answer your hummingbird questions.  

Enjoy the quiet of sunset as we explore the woods on a casual 2-mile hike. Registration Required Ages 13 & up.  

Watch hummingbirds from an accessible area. Bring a chair or use ours. Staff will answer questions about feeding and attracting hummers.  

We guide you through a series of slow flowing movements, deep measured breaths and soothing sounds.  

Immerse yourself in nature, fostering mindfulness and wellness with a forest therapy guide. Ages 18 & up.  

The Naperville Chinese Storytellers share stories in Chinese followed by nature-based art. Stories told in Chinese. Ages 3 & up w/ adult.  

Join us to look for bird migrants. Registration required  

Discover the vital roles fungi play in our forest ecosystems during this engaging walk-and-talk. Ages 10 & up.  

Celebrate this special month by making unique skulls, flowers and banners in preparation for Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). All materials provided.  

Hike under ancient oaks to learn about their natural history and why they are keystone species. Ages 18 & up.  

Learn about the world’s first nuclear reactor. Presentation at Sagawau, followed by a moderate hike at Red Gate. Ages 18 & up.  

As the Hunter’s Moon shines above, we’ll hike and discuss white-tailed deer in the world’s largest Urban Night Sky Place.  

October is a great time to observe our eight-legged friends. Sweep net for spiders as you learn about them.  

Join a naturalist for a morning bird hike. Binoculars available for loan. Registration required; call/email organizer to sign up at (630) 257-2045.  

Hike 2 miles under the glow of the rising Cold Moon within the tranquil expanse of the world’s largest Urban Night Sky Place. Subject to trail conditions. Ages 13 & up.  

Hike by the light of the full moon.