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PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Department: Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar of Events and Activities 9/15/2026 - 10/19/2026
Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes.
Tuesday, 9/15 through Sunday, 9/27; 9am─5pm
Seasons of the Monarch, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Celebrate monarch butterflies with a month of programs focusing on their ecological and cultural significance. The cultural programs are presented with Kalpulli Piltzintecuhtli. For more information, please call (708) 366-6530.
Tuesday, 9/15 through Sunday, 9/27; 9am─5pm
Sacred Sounds: An Aztec Instrument Exhibition, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Patrons can explore sacred Aztec instruments on display, uncovering the sounds, history and cultural significance of Indigenous Mexican musical heritage. For more information, please call (708) 366-6530.
Tuesday, 9/15; 1pm─3pm
Forest Bathing for the High Holidays, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Patrons can experience shinrin-yoku which is a form of therapeutic relaxation immersed in nature during the “Days of Awe” between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. This program is led by Certified Forest Therapy Guide Gayle Byck. Please call (847) 824-8360.
Wednesday, 9/16; 6pm
Adult Night Hike, Spears Woods, Willow Springs
Participants can bring their own bottles and enjoy the night sky before taking part in 1.5 miles guided hike. Ages 21and up. Bottles cannot be glass. For more information, please call (312)533-5751 or visit the website.
Thursday, 9/17; 6pm
Be a Better Birder: Get Ready for Urban Birding Festival, Virtual via Zoom, 6pm
Patrons can learn about the Urban Birding Festival and how to prepare, what to bring and where to go. Registration required. Please visit the website.
Thursday, 9/17; 1:30pm─3pm
Nature Arts for Health, Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, Chicago
Patrons can experience nature, art, and wellness in this fun and interactive art class using rocks. Registration required. This program is led by University of Illinois Extension. Please call (773) 758-8899 or visit the website.
Friday, 9/18; 5pm─10pm
Annual Palos Night Sky Picnic, Pioneer Woods, Willow Springs
Participants can explore the Palos Preserves at night, nestled within the largest Urban Night Sky Place. This event will include live music, informal exhibits, and telescopes. Participants can bring their own food, beverages or cocktails, and chairs to enjoy the evening. Registration required. The beverages or cocktails cannot be in a glass bottle. If there is inclement weather, then the event will be held the next day on Saturday, September 19th. Please visit the website.
Saturday, 9/19; 8am
Birding Across Habitats, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Join us for a hike searching for birds in woodlands, prairies, and wetlands. This program is led by a master naturalist, and all birding levels are welcome. Participants can borrow binoculars during the event. For more information, please call (708) 839-6897.
Saturday, 9/19; 10am
Buckthorn Dyeing Workshop, Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center, Chicago
Join Katelyn Patton to learn basics of plant-based dyes while deepening your relationship with local ecology. For more information, please call (708) 771-9632.
Saturday, 9/19; 10am
Hike the Freedom Trail: Bus and Walking Tour, Beaubien Woods Boat Launch, Chicago
Patrons can follow the tale of Freedom Seekers through the Calumet Region. Registration required. This program is presented with Midwest Underground Railroad Network. Please call (708) 771-9632 or visit the website.
Saturday, 9/19; 12pm─2pm
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, Caldwell Woods, Chicago
Patrons can celebrate the diverse and vibrant Hispanic culture with a Xochitl-Quetzal Aztec Dance Performance, arts and nature education, and local food. Registration required. Please call (773) 758-8899 or visit the website.
Saturday, 9/19; 1pm
Monarchs, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Patrons can learn how monarchs make their journey to Mexico during a presentation then enjoy a hike. Registration required. Please call (630) 257-2045.
Saturday, 9/19; 1pm─3pm
Teen Exploration Day: Pond Dipping, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Drop in at the Redwing Trail pond to observe wetland inhabitants and macroorganisms. This program is designed for teens and their families. Please call (708) 868-0606 or visit the website.
Sunday, 9/20; 9am─12pm
Bird Banding, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Drop-in and observe bird banding then talk with banders. For more information, please call (630) 257-2045.
Tuesday, 9/22; 10am─12pm
Fall Equinox: Harvest Celebration, Thatcher Woods Pavilion, River Forest
A green corn celebration focused on traditional foods and the harvest season. This program is presented with the American Indian Center of Chicago. For more information, please call (312) 533-5751 or visit the website.
Wednesday, 9/23; 7pm
Conservation at Home: Rain Gardening 101, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Participants can learn about rain gardening and how this water management strategy can benefit your yard. Registration required. Ages 13 and up. This program is presented with Master Gardener Sara Strother. Please call (847) 824-8360.
Thursday, 9/24; 10am
Monarchs and Milkweed, Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, Chicago
Patrons can learn about monarch habitat, conservation efforts, and milkweed during a guided walk. For more information, please call (773) 758-8899.
Thursday, 9/24; 2pm
Monarchs and Milkweed, Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, Chicago
Patrons can learn about monarch habitat, conservation efforts, and milkweed during a guided walk. For more information, please call (773) 758-8899.
Thursday, 9/24; 6:30pm
Harvest Moon Evening Walk, Thatcher Woods Pavilion, River Forest
Patrons can celebrate the September harvest moon with a peaceful walk through the woods as twilight descends. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. Please call (708) 366-6530.
Friday, 9/25; 6:30pm─9pm
Moon Cake Festival, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Patrons can celebrate this Chinese cultural festival with a guided forest-therapy walk, moon-viewing, and the sharing of traditional mooncakes. Registration required. Please call (847) 381-6592.
Saturday, 9/26; 10:30am─2:30pm
Party for the Preserves, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Participants can celebrate National Public Lands Day by creating a toy boat and a seed bomb. For more information, please call (847) 824-8360.
Saturday, 9/26; 10:30am─3pm
Party for the Preserves: Celebrate National Public Lands Day, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Participants can celebrate National Public Lands Day with many outdoor activities. This program will be offered in English and Spanish. For more information, please call (847) 381-6592.
Saturday, 9/26; 11am─2pm
Party for the Preserves: Salsa Dance Party, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Participants can celebrate National Public Lands Day and National Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, dancing, and more. This event will be offered in English and Spanish. For more information, please call (312) 533-5751 or visit the website.
Saturday, 9/26; 11am─5pm
Every Child Matters Powwow, Bunker Hill, Niles
Participants can celebrate Native American culture by enjoying a traditional Powwow, taste native food, and listen to stories. Registration required. This event will be held at Grove 1. Please visit the website.
Saturday, 9/26; 12pm─9pm
Party for the Preserves, Camp Bullfrog Lake, Willow Springs
Participants can celebrate National Public Lands Day with a full day of activities. This event is presented with the Wilderness Inquiry, Cook County 4-H, and Funkadesi. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 9/26; 6pm─9pm
Party for the Preserves: Acoustics Under the Stars. Camp Shabbona Woods, South Holland
Participants can celebrate the connection between public lands and folk music with performances, a guided walk and more. Bring your own instruments to play! For more information, please call (708) 868-0606 or visit the website.
Sunday, 9/27; 10am─2pm
Party for the Preserves: Canoeing, Powderhorn Lake, Burnham
Participants can enjoy the lake on 10-person canoes. Equipment will be provided. This event is presented with the Wilderness Inquiry. For more information, please call (708) 771-9632 or visit the website.
Sunday, 9/27; 1pm
Music in Nature, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Patrons can listen to specially commissioned musical pieces about migration performed by Chicago-based string ensemble, Missing Piece, followed by a short walk. Registration required. Please call (630) 257-2045.
Tuesday, 9/29; 6pm
Beautiful Sounds at Sunset, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Patrons can spend time outdoors with the sounds of nature and soothing instruments around a fire. This program is presented with certified instructor Gail Morales. Bring a cushion. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Friday, 10/2; 3pm─7pm
Doggie Date Night, Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center, Chicago
Calling all dog lovers! This event will have costume dog parade, crafts, photo booth and raffle prizes. Dogs must be friendly and remain on leash. For more information, please call (708) 771-9632.
Friday, 10/2; 5pm─7pm
Halloween Hoot and Howl, Keystone Park, River Forest
Patrons can enjoy spooky family fun featuring live music, pumpkin painting and more. This event is presented with the River Forest Park District and the River Forest Public Library. For more information, please call (708) 366-6530 or visit the website.
Saturday, 10/3; 10am─1pm
World Migratory Bird Day Paddle, Linne Woods, Morton Grove
Patrons can experience the magic of migration with Friends of the Chicago River and Chicago Ornithological Society. Registration required. This event will be held at Grove 2. Please call (773) 758-8899 or visit the website.
Saturday, 10/3; 11am─5pm
73rd Annual Powwow, Schiller Woods-East, Chicago
Join us and celebrate Native American culture by enjoying a traditional Powwow, food and more. This program is presented with American Indian Center of Chicago. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 10/3; 1pm
Arach-tober: The Return of the Eight-legged Creatures, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Patrons can learn about spiders and why they aren’t so scary. Registration required. Please call (630) 257-2045.
Saturday, 10/3; 1pm─3pm
Pumpkinpalooza, Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, Chicago
Participants can paint pumpkins and bowl, dye buckthorns, play ring toss, maneuver through a fall-themed obstacle course, and more! Supplies are limited. For more information, please call (773) 758-8899 or visit the website.
Saturday, 10/3; 3pm─8pm
Sounds Natural Creative Retreat, Camp Shabbona Woods, South Holland
Participants can enjoy art, wellness workshops, food and music. Registration required. There are limited camping spaces available with an optional overnight stay. This program is presented with Sounds Natural. Please visit the website.
Sunday, 10/4; 10:30am─3pm
Oak-tober, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Patrons can learn what makes oak trees special. For more information, please call (847) 381-6592.
Sunday, 10/4; 1pm─3pm
Green Lake Gardening, Green Lake Pollinator Garden, South Holland
Restore the garden and help pollinators. Registration required. Ages 12 and up. Equipment will be provided. All experience levels are welcomed. Please call (708) 868-0606 or visit the website.
Monday, 10/5; 1:30pm─3:30pm
Hispanic Heritage Month Nature Art Studio, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Drop in and create art inspired by renowned Hispanic artists. For more information, please call (847) 381-6592.
Wednesday, 10/7; 4pm─6pm
Teen Exploration Day: Archery, Dan Ryan Woods-Central, Chicago
Participants can learn from certified staff and try their hand at archery. Ages 10 and up. Junior archery is available for children under 10. This program will be held at Grove 5. For more information, please call (708) 771-9632.
Wednesday, 10/7; 4pm─6pm
Breast Cancer Awareness, Swallow Cliff Woods Pavilion, Palos Park
Patrons can stop by our resource tables to learn more about breast cancer. This program is presented with Advocate Health Care. For more information, please call (312) 533-5751 or visit the website.
Friday, 10/9 through Saturday, 10/10; 12pm─7pm
Trickster DaWaag Fall Camp, Rolling Knolls, Elgin
Participants can enjoy a two-day camp for all ages featuring cultural teachings, storytelling, games, artmaking and more! Registration required. Registration automatically signs you up for the Friday night and Saturday afternoon programs. Each program has a different scheduled time. This program is presented by Trickster Cultural Center’s Communities for Positive Youth Development. Please visit the website.
Saturday, 10/10; 9:30am─12pm
Underground Railroad Tour, John Husar I and M Canal Bicycle Trail Parking Lot, Willow Springs
Patrons can discuss the significance of this corridor, learn about the church’s role, and take a shuttle to Lyonsville Cemetery. Registration required. Please call (312) 533-5751.
Saturday, 10/10; 11am─22pm
Hispanic Heritage Paddle, Powderhorn Lake, Burnham
Participants can enjoy the lake on 10-person canoes. Equipment will be provided. For more information, please call (708) 771-9632.
Sunday, 10/11; 9am─12pm
Bird Banding, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Drop-in and observe bird banding then talk with banders. For more information, please call (630) 257-2045.
Sunday, 10/11; 10:30am
Fall Color Walk, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Participants can view the spectacular fall colors while enjoying a casual walk in the woods. For more information, please call (847) 824-8360.
Sunday, 10/11; 10:30am
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Patrons can enjoy music by local Mariachi and Folklorico performers. For more information, please call (708) 839-6897.
Sunday, 10/11; 1:30pm
Fall Color Walk, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Participants can view the spectacular fall colors while enjoying a casual walk in the woods. For more information, please call (847) 824-8360.
Wednesday, 10/14; 1pm
Everyone in Nature, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Join us for an inclusive sensory-based experience where individuals of all abilities and homeschool learners can explore and connect with nature through hands-on activities. Registration required. Participants must be with an adult companion. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Wednesday, 10/14; 5:30pm─7pm
Camping 101, Camp Bullfrog Lake, Willow Springs
Participants can learn basic skills like how to set up a tent, build a fire, dress for the weather and more! For more information, please visit the website.
Wednesday, 10/14; 5:30pm─7pm
Indigenous Scary Storytelling, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Patrons can listen to traditional and contemporary supernatural stories shared by the American Indian Center. This program is presented with the American Indian Center of Chicago. For more information, please call (312) 533-5751 or visit the website.
Wednesday, 10/14; 5:30pm─7pm
Owl Prowl, Eggers Grove, Chicago
Participants can enjoy guided evening walk to search for owls. Registration required. Please visit the website.
Friday, 10/16; 6pm─8pm
Night of Nature Play, Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center, Chicago
Participants can enjoy a scavenger hunt, games and crafts under the glowing night lights. For more information, please call (708) 771-9632.
Saturday, 10/17; 11am
Animal Enrichment Studio for Teens, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Patrons can learn about enrichment items for our ambassador animals, then see how they are used as an important part of their care. For more information, please call (847) 381-6592.
Saturday, 10/17; 11am─3pm
REACH Nature Navigators, Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, Chicago
Patrons can enjoy a Leave No Trace scavenger hunt featuring Halloween-themed twists! Registration required. This program is presented with Refugee Education and Adventure Challenge also known as REACH. Please visit the website.
Saturday, 10/17; 1pm
Seed Collecting at Wolf Road Prairie, Wolf Road Prairie Nature Preserves, Westchester
Join us for a prairie seed collecting workday and learn about history of remnant prairie. Registration required. Ages 8 and up. Ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Please call (708) 366-6530.
Saturday, 10/17; 1pm
America’s Landscapes: The Palos Preserves, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Patrons can learn the geological story of the hilly landscape and some of its special land formations. This program will be an oral presentation with American Sign Language. For more information, please call (630) 257-2045.
Saturday, 10/17; 3pm─8pm
Sounds Natural Creative Retreat, Camp Shabbona, South Holland
Patrons can enjoy art, wellness workshops, food and music. Registration required. Limited camping spaces available for optional overnight stay. This program is presented with Sounds Natural. Please visit the website.
Sunday, 10/18; 10am─3pm
Fall Festival, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Participants can celebrate the season with a special autumn fun day. This program will include beekeeping demonstrations, animal encounters, pumpkin painting, honey sales, activities and more! For more information, please call (847) 824-8360.
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