Take a moment to appreciate some of the plants and animals that get brushed off as just ordinary. You may think you know those common creatures, but they have their secrets! Just because they are everywhere, doesnt mean theyre basic. Join a naturalist for a cozy morning
What is a habitat? Who calls each habitat home? Learn those answers by creating your own handheld habitat in an Altoids tin! An interpretive naturalist will join in to discuss different animal habitats and natural environments and offer tin-spirations for your project.All materials will be provided, but
What is a habitat? Who calls each habitat home? Learn those answers by creating your own handheld habitat in an Altoids tin! An interpretive naturalist will join in to discuss different animal habitats and natural environments and offer tin-spirations for your project.All materials will be provided, but
As the moon rises, so do the creatures of the night. Come to Four Rivers to learn about the owls that live in Will County. Learn about their unique adaptations, dissect an owl pellet and hike through the forest preserve after-hours in hopes to hear one of
Every moon tells a story of tides, time and seasonal changes. Join us across Will County for full moon nights throughout 2026 and discover where science and wonder meet beneath the glow of the moon! Our Full Moon: Family Bonfire at Prairie Bluff will feature panoramic views
Dont be frightened by the cold! Its the perfect weather to see bald eagles! Warm up with a hot beverage and a fun chat about bald eagles, then take a short hike with a naturalist to hopefully see a few of these spectacular birds. Registration required by
Welcome to Trail Club! Each month we will meet at a different preserve for a brisk weekly walk to promote fitness and community! Join other walkers to beat the winter blues and embrace the beauty of the season. Trail Club will be held from January through March.
Stay curious by discovering something new with Hidden Oaks Adult Lecture Series. Join naturalists as they share fascinating stories, science and natural histories of the wild world. This time around we will be getting our hands dirty! We will study the importance of common milkweed the host
Dreaming of a beautiful, eco-friendly celebration? Start your journey at the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center open house!Plan a truly unique wedding or event surrounded by nature. Stroll through our facility to get a feel for the space, view photos of past events and collect inspiration for
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
Welcome to Trail Club! Each month we will meet at a different preserve for a brisk weekly walk to promote fitness and community! Join other walkers to beat the winter blues and embrace the beauty of the season. Trail Club will be held from January through March.
Mark your calendars for some mocktails! During this program, guests will enjoy different mocktails, learn about their connection to the preserves, participate in activity stations and explore the museum after hours. Light snacks will be provided. $5.00 per person. Registration required by Tuesday, Feb. 10: 815-722-9301.
This is your chance to enjoy each other's company under the quiet night sky. Take time for just the two of you in the warm glow of lanterns along the trail. Get cozy indoors with a hot chocolate bar, a gourmet smores station and fun optional games
Fall in love with stories this Valentines Day. Be entertained by a storyteller sharing tales of critters and people finding their other half, inspired by natural history and the lore of Illinois Countrys past. Hot chocolate and tea provided! Registration required by Thursday, Feb. 12: 815-722-9301. Admission
Get hooked on helping wildlife! Use your crochet skills to create small nests that will be utilized by local wildlife rehabilitation centers. These nests provide substitute dens, burrows and bird nests for animals in need. A naturalist will guide you through the crochet pattern process. Ages 12
Round up your crew and your favorite drink for a wild night of trivia at Hidden Oaks Nature Center! This isnt your ordinary trivia night. Join a naturalist and show off your smarts about science, nature and all things wild. Go solo or team up with friends
Grab your crew and set sail for Isle a la Cache Museum, a trading destination for French fur traders. There, you and your family will join a choose-your-own adventure-style game around the museum that will put you in the shoes of the voyageurs packing supplies, singing songs,
It's movie night at Four Rivers! Meet an intelligent robot who must bond with native animals in order to survive at this indoor, family-friendly event. Grab a bag of free popcorn and get cozy! We encourage you to bring blankets, pillows, bean bags and more to make
This ongoing event will be held from Sunday, March 1, to Sunday, March 29. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays.Good luck! Bad luck! There is no luck needed for this program! All you need is a sharp eye and a willingness to learn
Enjoy an invigorating morning by taking time for yourself and discovering the wonders of the natural world. This program includes a 30- to 35-minute all-levels seated yoga session and a 25- to 30-minute exploration of the natural world. Ages 12 or older. Participants younger than 18 must
Join our guest speaker Kim White as she introduces the women who have made significant observations that have changed our understanding of the natural world, from Queen Hatshepsut's botanical collections (1478-1458 B.C.E) to paleontologist Mary Anning (1799-1847) to biologist Rachel Carson (1907-1964). You will walk away with
Get your paws and whiskers ready for March Mammal Madness at Four Rivers! This day is a celebration of our furry friends in the fields and forests. The festivities include two one-hour live animal presentations by Big Run Wolf Ranch at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Throughout
Join us at Isle a la Cache to meet Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Kim Sigafus, an award-winning Ojibwa author and speaker. Her family is from White Earth Reservation in Minnesota. In this presentation, she will discuss what was happening in the country regarding Native Americans at the
Explore the stone foundations of Joliets once-thriving industrial plant that rivaled Pittsburgh. An interpretive naturalist will share fascinating stories of the men and machines that worked at the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site and challenge you to imagine working there more than 100 years ago. Ages 16