While Native people have lived for over 10,000 years, their continuing contributions are often invisible. This presentation explores the deep history of Native American communities in Illinois and how these histories connect to the lived experiences of Native people today. Illinois Humanities Road Scholar, Dr. Dorene Wiese,
Contemporary oil painter Elizabeth Schnura will debut a collection of works highlighting the symbiotic relationships between plants and animals found in your backyard and throughout the Will County forest preserves. Each piece provides a unique perspective on the integral connections found in nature, emphasizing the delicate beauty
Moving around on one giant foot, looking through retractable tentacles and chewing leaves with thousands of teeth, slugs are fascinating creatures. Head to OHara Woods for a slow stroll through the woods in hopes of spotting some of these slimy mollusks. Registration required by Saturday, July 18:
Start the evening with a comfortable stroll in the savanna. After visiting the unique plants and animals along the trail, set up your favorite camping chair with your choice of beverage (beer and wine only, please) to let the sun set and the crepuscular animals come out
Four Rivers Environmental Education Center and Three Rivers Public Library District are collaborating again! Join us to discuss novels inspired by nature while we stroll around Four Rivers. This months book is Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy. Books will be available at Three Rivers Public Library Districts Channahon
Enjoy an evening at Hammel Woods exploring the habitat of our local bat species. Play bat-themed games and discover fascinating facts about these flying mammals. Watch the bats emerge from their sleeping quarters to go out on their nightly hunt and enjoy a short night hike. Registration
This ongoing program runs from Saturday, Aug. 1, to Sunday, Aug. 30. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays.Students are heading back to the classroom in August, but the school of nature is always in session! Stop by the front desk at Isle a
Celebrate the last days of summer break at Four Rivers! On Day 1, let your curiosity run wild as you participate in various science experiments. Each day of the Summer Finale, held from Aug. 5 to 7, will be entirely unique. Admission is free.
Join special guest and local artist Samantha Thompson as she shares her connection with beadwork and her Potawatomi heritage. Then follow along with step-by-step instructions to make a beaded creation of your own inspired by traditional Potawatomi designs. $5 per person. All supplies are provided. Registration required
Celebrate the last days of summer break at Four Rivers! On Day 3, become a wilderness explorer. Learn the skills you need inside and then head out on the trails to put them to the test. Each day of the Summer Finale, held from Aug. 5 to
Experience Hammel Woods in a new and exciting way. Join a naturalist in a hands-on exploration of the creek. While visiting the habitats in and around the water, were sure to spot some interesting creatures. Using nets and hand lenses, we will investigate both the small and
Have you ever seen a shooting star? Up your odds during the Perseids meteor shower. This is considered one of the brighter meteor showers of the year. Forked Creek Preserve was selected as the location because of lower levels of light pollution. The darker the sky, the
Enjoy an evening at Hammel Woods exploring the habitat of our local bat species. Watch the bats emerge from their sleeping quarters to go out on their nightly hunt. Using echolocation technology, listen for bats and discover some fascinating facts about these flying mammals. Dont forget a
Take a vacation day for this full day of fun. Start the morning with a comfortable 2.5-mile hike along the river to find a fleet of kayaks waiting for you at McKinley Woods Kerry Sheridan Grove. After a quick lunch break, forge out on the Des Plaines
Welcome, all homeschool families! Join other middle and high school-aged homeschoolers to experience a naturalist-led field trip at McKinley Woods Kerry Sheridan Grove. In Illinois, we have all four seasons, but how and why? Which species rely on seasonal changes and how does the changing climate impact
Come on a paddle adventure as we enjoy the sights of September on the confluence of the Des Plaines and DuPage rivers. Youll be guided by certified kayak instructors on this relaxing paddle, and we will hopefully catch a glimpse of some migrating birds! Registration required by
Ages 16 and older. Have you seen those BookTok read-a-thon challenges but thought, Who has the time?! Well, calling all busy grownup bookworms your next chapter begins here! We know life can easily get in the way of your reading goals, so mark this four-hour program on
Start the day off right with yoga and a hike! This program includes a 35- to 45-minute all-levels yoga session and a 35- to 45-minute hike along our scenic trails. Ages 14 or older. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required by
With no phones, apps or computers, how did people keep in touch? Old-fashioned letters! Try your hand at writing 1750-style with feathered quills and walnut ink. Discover ink recipes and how to fletch a quill to take home while supplies last. Dont forget to close your letter
Join Four Rivers and the Channahon Park District as we host the Flotsam River Circus on the shore of the Des Plaines River. What happens when the world goes awry and mutant fish take over? Join us as we experience this new world through aerial acrobatics, circus
Cute chunky chipmunks scramble across the forest and our neighborhoods! Learn about our littlest ground squirrel with a story, a hike, hands-on activities, crafts and free play. Registration required by Tuesday, Sept. 15: 815-722-9470. Admission is free.
Calling all anglers! Come on out to Hidden Lakes Trout Farm and close out summer while you try your hand at fishing. We invite you to find the best spot along the shore and try your luck at catching fish. We will provide one free container of
Calling all anglers! Come on out to Hidden Lakes Trout Farm and close out summer while you try your hand at fishing. We invite you to find the best spot along the shore and try your luck at catching fish. We will provide one free container of
Join a naturalist for a long walk through the prairie as grasshoppers bounce out of our way! We will get some miles in while learning all about these wild gymnasts with powerful hind legs and raspy voices. We may even get a close-up look at one! Registration
Leaves are changing, animals are scurrying and fungus is among us. Theres so much happening this time of the year! Join a naturalist at OHara Woods to explore the forest floor for seasonal changes. Registration required by Tuesday, Sept. 29: 815-722-9470. Admission is free.