Events
Spring Wildflower Hike
Dayton Bluffs Preserve
County: LaSalle
Explore the beauty of spring wildflowers on a series of guided hikes at natural areas around LaSalle County. Spring ephemeral wildflowers can only be viewed for a brief period of time, between the…
Mother's Day Flower Walk | Genoa
The day before Mother's Day...
County: DeKalb
On the day before Mother's Day, Saturday, May 9, come out to the guided wildflower walks at the Natural Resource Education Center (NREC) in Russell Woods Forest Preserve. The upland paved path allows…
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. …
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
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…