Every day is Earth Day at the Forest Preserve District, but today is extra special!  Join naturalists for this guided hike.  We’ll explore the woods and fields and learn about our connections with the natural world during this free program.

This two-part program encourages parents of 3-8-year olds to get out in the woods and fields with their kids — and provides the skills and tools to do it well.  Part 1 (for parents only) covers the basics for sharing nature with kids, with interactive discussions and demonstrations. On Friday, bring the kids and we all go out together.  Each family will receive an exploring nature starter kit.

How did Wake-Robin get its name? Why is the May-apple called an apple? Which plant has breeches? Which wildflowers bring good luck? Learn about our native spring flora on this free, naturalist-guided hike.

The sap’s rising!  Join us in the time-honored tradition of maple tapping.  See how to tap a maple tree, and you’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at drilling and setting a tap.  We’ll simmer sap over an open fire and watch as it thickens to syrup.  On the “Sugarin’ Time” hike, you’ll learn how to distinguish maples from other species of hardwood trees.  No registration required.

 

If you’d like to get out in the forest preserves with your infant in a stroller, this program is for you! Bring your four-wheeler and the diaper bag, click the seat belt on the baby and enjoy a guided stroll with naturalist Erica Lemon. We’ll take a relaxed walk on stroller-friendly trails and soak in the seasonal joys of nature. Fussy as well as quiet babies are welcome, interruptions are expected, and feeding and/or diaper stops are allowed!

During these free guided hikes, we’ll look under logs, peer into the treetops, and search along the trail for signs of spring.  We may discover wildflower shoots poking up through the leaves, see the first arrivals of migrating songbirds, find the season’s first butterflies, or maybe hear the early songs of chorus frogs.   

Outdoor photography is a great way to explore nature. Learn to view nature from different angles — there’s more to see than just flowers! Bring your digital or 35 mm camera and learn fun ways to photograph nature. The program is geared for beginners.  Ages 10 and up.

The forest floor is carpeted with wildflowers of every size, shape, and color.  Ranger Tom Stewart will lead this walk through Tyler Creek Forest Preserve and teach you how to identify the diverse, beautiful wildflowers in our spring woodlands.  Ages 10 and above.  Meet at the upper shelter.