Help us kick-off the new partnership with FPWC & Burpee Museum of Natural History!

 

Celebrate Earth Day by joining us to clean up litter throughout Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve. Learn about upcoming events and our new Backpacking with Burpee program!

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This is a free, family-friendly event. Leashed dogs are welcome. Please wear appropriate attire for litter clean up; long pants, long sleeved shirts, closed toed shoes, hat, and gloves.

 

No RSVP required.

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Play golf & win cash at Ledges Golf Course!

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This is a 4-person cash scramble starting at 9:30 am (shotgun start). In lieu of HDCPS, payouts will be (based on full field):

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1st place - $1,000

4th place - $900

8th place - $800

12th place - $600

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Tickets are $300 per foursome, please sign up in groups of four players. Limit to the first 26 teams. Tickets include golf, food, & prizes!

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Register in person at Headquarters Forest Preserve or call (815) 877-6100.

Join us for s spring guided hike at Jensen Forest Preserve where the fields of lupines are a sight to be seen!

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Bring your binoculars for your visit to Jensen’s forests and wetland that harbor many species of migratory birds, ducks and other waterfowl. This preserve is a favorite roosting area for bald eagles and osprey that fish along the river.

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this is a free, family-friendly hike. Leashed dogs allowed. Please RSVP below.

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Become a R.E.A.P. Volunteer and make a difference! This month, we will be collecting native seeds at Cedar Cliff Forest Preserve.

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Experience is not required! Our natural resource experts offer hands-on ecological restoration training, such as invasive plant removal and native seed collection, plus enriching conservation activities when our work is done.

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Please wear appropriate attire; long pants, long sleeved shirts, closed toed shoes, hat, and gloves. RSVP below.

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Join us for a spring guided hike at Deer Run Forest Preserve where you are likely to see many spring ephemeral flowers!

 

In spring, Deer Run is a prime spot to see floodplain woodland wildflowers including a spectacular sea of Virginia Bluebells.  Deer Run contains a segment of the Kishwaukee River, hundreds of acres of restored prairie, floodplain wetlands and ponds, as well as woods. 

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This is a free, family-friendly event. Leashed dogs allowed.

 

Please RSVP below.

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Join us for the FIRST ever Backpacking with Burpee program at Oak Ridge Forest Preserve! 

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We will learn about spring ephemeral wildflowers. Oak Ridge is a scenic forest preserve that boasts beautiful views of the Kishwaukee River, lovely old oak groves and restored prairie. 

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This class is open to all ages. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Cost: $7/person. Register online (link below).

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Our annual Hooked on Fun Kid's Fishing Derby is back on June 8, 2024 at Four Lakes Forest Preserve!

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This free fishing experience, just for kids, is a great opportunity to introduce your kids to fishing in a safe & controlled environment!

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Four Lakes Forest Preserve provides several shallow, small lakes which are easily accessible & provide an ideal setting to introduce & teach kids about fishing.

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Participant prizes & a big fish trophy will be awarded. Staff & volunteers on hand to assist & education. FREE for all - ages 3 to 16.

Become a R.E.A.P. Volunteer and make a difference! In August, we will be collecting native seeds at Funderburg Forest Preserve.

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Experience is not required! Our natural resource experts offer hands-on ecological restoration training, such as invasive plant removal and native seed collection, plus enriching conservation activities when our work is done.

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Please wear appropriate attire; long pants, long sleeved shirts, closed toed shoes, hat, and gloves. RSVP below.

Join 815 Outside partner organizations for guided hikes and celebrations as we kick off City Nature Challenge and wrap up the 815 Outside program.

 

Hikes will leave from the Indian Springs shelter house at 5:15 and 6:15, and Big Jon’s Dogs N’ More food truck will be on site offering delicious food. A limited quantity of 815 Outside t-shirts will be available for free PLUS a $10 food coupon for the first 100 people!

 

This is a family friendly event, and leashed dogs are welcome.

Start your Saturday off on the right food with a guided walk at Roland Olson Forest Preserve! 

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This preserve is a favorite spot for hiking, picnicking, and horseback riding. Hikers and equestrians will find a variety of landscapes to explore in Roland Olson’s restored prairie, upland woods, and remnant pine plantation.

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This is a free, family-friendly walk. Leashed dogs allowed. No RSVP needed!

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Become a R.E.A.P. Volunteer and make a difference! In June, we will be collecting native seeds at Four Lakes Forest Preserve.

​

Experience is not required! Our natural resource experts offer hands-on ecological restoration training, such as invasive plant removal and native seed collection, plus enriching conservation activities when our work is done.

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Please wear appropriate attire; long pants, long sleeved shirts, closed toed shoes, hat, and gloves. RSVP below.

Become a R.E.A.P. Volunteer and make a difference! this month, we will be planting nursery plugs at Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve.

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Experience is not required! Our natural resource experts offer hands-on ecological restoration training, such as invasive plant removal and native seed collection, plus enriching conservation activities when our work is done.

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Please wear appropriate attire; long pants, long sleeved shirts, closed toed shoes, hat, and gloves. RSVP below.