Events

forest

Forestry Skills 101: Using Forestry Tools at Rice Lake

County: Fulton, Mason, Peoria, Tazewell
Discover the basics of forestry tools and learn how to identify trees around Rice Lake through simple, field‑ready techniques.
 
Location:  Rice Lake - Meet in the parking lot. …
A field of zinnias

Amazing Annuals

Presented by University of Illinois Extension Lake County Master Gardeners, SWALCO, and the Lake County Forest Preserve District
County: Lake
The University of Illinois Extension Lake County Master Gardeners, SWALCO, and the Lake County Forest Preserve District present the 2026 Garden Learning Series  Programs will be held…
Composting: the Next Batch

Composting: The Next Batch

With Nicholas Conservatory
County: Winnebago
You have the power to encourage earths natural decomposing processes to create one of the keys to a thriving yard. Get the most out of your compost by refining your skills during Composting: The Next…

Two songbirds and an open field guide book

Birding Across Kankakee: Aroma Land and Water Preserve

County: Kankakee
Join us for a birding experience across Kankakee County, led by local experts!  

This event is designed to showcase the region’s diverse habitats and spring migration activity.

On…

Path of Green Trees

Cook County May Nature Wellness Walk 2026

Immerse yourself and reconnect with nature and all the beauty it has to offer! Relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices will be led by certified forest bathing guides during these slow and…

Two songbirds and an open field guide book

Birding Across Kankakee: Gar Creek

County: Kankakee
Join us for a birding experience across Kankakee County, led by local experts!  

This event is designed to showcase the region’s diverse habitats and spring migration activity.

Join us…

Tortoise with two youth

NatureFest 2026 | Genoa

Annual event
County: DeKalb
Get ready for the annual NatureFest on Saturday, May 16! Hosted by Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve, DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the DeKalb County Health…

duck in wetland

Birdwatching Hike

Dixon Waterfowl Refuge
County: Putnam
Enjoy a guided hike through the scenic wetlands led by Illinois Extension’s Master Naturalist volunteers.  The 3,000 acre Refuge is home to more than 730 native plant species and 270 bird…

VCMG's Present: Grow Native, simple ways to enhance your home landscape

with Ryan Pankau
County: Vermilion

Discover how to enhance your landscape with beneficial native plants! Join Extension Educator Ryan Pankau to learn how these plants can support pollinators, improve sustainability, and add natural…

ECIMN Presents: Geology of Illinois

A brief history
County: Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, Vermilion
Take a journey through the deep past as the Illinois landscape changed from an ancient ocean to emergent land, drifted across climate belts, and felt the near and far-field effects of global plate…