In this time of global warming, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss, these lands do more than provide scenery as we drive by. They help clean our air, filter our water, prevent flooding, shelter hundreds of species of wild animals and plants (including over 100 that are threatened or endangered) and, all the while, entice us out to enjoy nature, with its known health benefits, any day we choose—no admission charged!
Enjoy programs all summer at the Trailside Museum of Natural History, Forest Preserves of Cook County, 738 Thatcher Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305, 708-366-6530 As always; program registration, when required is by phone or in person
“Woodpecker Hollow” Nature Play Area Balance on logs and build with sticks as you experience unstructured playtime in our nature play area.
Summer Strolls Enjoy guided nature walks to explore summer along our trails. Family program, register 2 days prior. Sundays, June 1; July 20; August 3 • 1 pm
Nature Story Time Enjoy nature-inspired stories followed by a craft. Ages 3 – 6 with adult. $1 per child. Thursdays, June 5 & 19; July 3 & 17; August 7 & 21 • 10:30 am
Explore Your Preserves Discover new scenic trails nearby, on naturalist-guided walks in local preserves. Call to register and for meeting place. Family program. Saturday, June 7 (Des Plaines River Trail); Saturday July 5 (Brookfield Prairie); Saturday August 2 (Bemis Woods) • 10 –11:30 am
“Bone” Appétit
Join us at feeding time to learn about Trailside’s outdoor resident animals.
Sundays, June 8 & 22; Friday, July 4& Saturday, July 26; Sunday, August 24, & Saturday, August 30 • 1 pm
Neighborhood Tree Walks Explore nature in your front yard on this naturalist-led walk through River Forest. Meet at Trailside Museum. Adult program; register 2 days prior. Saturdays, June 14 & August 23 • 10 am
Dog Days of Summer Hikes Bring your well-mannered, leashed dog on a one-hour guided hike on our trails. Family program. Saturdays, June 21, July 19, August 16 • 10 am
Weekday Nature Walks Join us as we explore our local trails near Trailside Museum. Tuesdays, June 24, July 29, August 26 • 1 pm
Father’s Day Walk Dads and their families enjoy a guided walk by our pond and through the woods. Register by 6/13. Sunday, June 15 • 1 pm
Photo Meet-Up at Bemis Woods South Enter Bemis Woods from Ogden Ave., in Western Springs. Call for meeting place. Saturday, June 28 10 am
What Does the Fox Say? Bark, scream or cry… discover what the fox really says and visit up close with Trailside’s resident fox. Family program. Sunday, June 29 • 1 pm
Walk with Dragons and Damsels Dragonflies and damselflies are dipping and dashing in Trailside’s pond. Learn to identify them by color and behaviors. Bring binoculars; a limited amount of binoculars available to lend. Saturday, July 12 • 1 pm
Parent/Child Woodland Ramble Enjoy a woodland walk as we look at trees, wildflowers and creatures great and small. Family program, register by 7/11. Sunday, July 13 • 1 pm
Reptiles Revealed Enjoy an up-close visit with some of our local reptiles. Drop-in family program. Sunday, July 27 • 1 – 2:30 pm
Evening Storytelling Join us on a summer’s night for stories and campfire snacks. Family program; $2; register by Aug. 4. Wednesday, August 6 • 7 pm
An Afternoon Walk with Ernest Hemingway Hear how Hemingway experienced and used nature in his writings, then follow in his footsteps on a guided nature walk. Adults & families with children ages 5 & up. Presented with the Ernest Hemingway Foundation; call 708-848-2222 to register. Saturday, August 9 • 1 – 2:30pm
Creature Feature Learn about an animal that makes its home within the Forest Preserve Dist. of Cook County. Drop-in family program. Sunday, August 10 • 1 – 2:30 pm
Songs of Summer Stroll Whirr, chirp, creeeek. Learn to identify common insect mating calls and test your listening skills on a naturalist-led walk. Family program. Sunday, August 17, 1 – 2:30 pm
Bats: Night Stalkers Learn about these mysterious flying mammals, and see live bats outside using special equipment. Adults & children 8 & up; register by 8/17. Wednesday, August 20 • 7:30 pm
Plants and Their Pals Learn about plant’s special adaptations, and the birds, mammals and insects that work together to help plants survive and thrive. For adults and children 8+; register by 8/28. Sunday, August 31 • 1 pm
