Bring your lawn chair to Friends Creek Conservation Area to view the strongest meteor shower of the year. Free. Register online.
Mammals of Illinois
What is a mammal? Examine the pelts, tracks, and skulls of Illinois mammals to piece together what their lives are like. Register online.
Trip to Illinois’ Largest Tree
Venture to Ogle County in northern Illinois to see the state’s largest tree. We’ll also visit the Jarrett Prairie Center and hike on a dolomite hill prairie. Register online.
Preschool Peepers: Feed the Birds
Young children are invited to learn about birds that winter here, take a hike, and then make a peanut butter or Crisco pinecone bird feeder to hang outside for the birds. Register online.
Let’s Rock!
Dig up the difference between rocks, minerals, and fossils! Register online.
Owl Prowls
Join us to learn about these forest-dwelling nocturnal predators. We will discuss what makes them special, then take a hike to find some. Register online.
Full Moon Viewing
See the full moon 50 times larger through our telescope, then take a short hike to view the forest illuminated by our only natural satellite. Free. Register online.
Eagle Viewing Trip at Starved Rock State Park
Take a trip to this popular state park to look for wintering eagles, check out the visitor’s center, and even visit the lock and dam museum. Register online.
Pere Marquette State Park Eagle Trip
Visit this state park and venture through river bluffs and woods to get an up-close look at wintering bald eagles along the Mississippi River and lower Illinois River. Register online.
Eagle Viewing Trip at Starved Rock State Park
Take a trip to this popular state park to look for wintering eagles, check out the visitor’s center, and even visit the lock and dam museum. Register online.
Eagle Viewing Trip at Starved Rock State Park
Take a trip to this popular state park to look for wintering eagles, check out the visitor’s center, and even visit the lock and dam museum. Register online.
Predators of the Prairie
Join a naturalist to learn about the different natural predators found in our prairies, then journey outside to find some! Free. Register online.
Trip to Cahokia Mounds
Travel back in time as you learn about ancient Native Americans as you tour the Mounds and Interpretive Center exhibits. Register online.
Maple Syrup Programs
Learn how sap becomes syrup, why spring is the best time of year to harvest sap, and how people used sap throughout history. Held hourly at 11am, 12pm, and 1pm. Register online by February 14.
Owl Prowls
Join us to learn about these forest-dwelling nocturnal predators. We will discuss what makes them special, then take a hike to find some. Register online.
Trip to Dickson Mounds and Emiquon Preserve
Travel with us to Lewistown, IL for a natural and cultural history road trip. Experience Native American exhibits at Dickson Mounds, then visit Emiquon Preserve. Register online.