Forest Preserves of Cook County 2026 Spring Brochure

THROUGHOUT the SPRING Children’s Storytime Listen to a nature-themed children’s book read aloud, followed by an activity. Wednesdays, Mar 11, Apr 15 (story provided orally and in ASL), May 13 • 9:30 am MARCH Women’s Heritage Month Walk Walk and learn about conservation leader Isabel Bassett Wasson and her work and discoveries at Thatcher Woods. Sunday, Mar 8 • 10 am Printmaking Workshop* Learn how to carve your own linoblock stamp. Materials provided. Ages 12 & up. Friday, Mar 20 • 9–11 am THATCHERWOODS Chicago Ave, west of Thatcher Ave, River Forest Spring Break Fun Fest Youth and families, enjoy time out of school! Try archery, build and play with natural materials, learn orienteering, paint a bird house and more. Wednesday, Apr 1 • 10 am–1 pm Annual Spring Festival Enjoy interactive programs, kids’ tree climb, guided wildflower walks, kid’s nature crafts, gardening info and more. Saturday, May 2 • Noon–3 pm Nature Illustration Workshop* Guided nature illustrations class for all levels. Materials provided. Wednesday, Mar 25 • 10 am–12:30 pm MAY Conservation@Home: Native Plant Gardening 101 Learn how to grow and maintain your native plant garden. Native plants and seeds will be available. Friday, May 8 • 9–11 am Cheers to Nature Enjoy a relaxing evening with a lecture about current topics in the environmental field. BYOB (no glass). Ages 21 & up. Thursday, May 28 • 7–8 pm Additional Central Zone Events MARCH Celtic Mythology Walks Walk through the forest to hear stories from Celtic mythology about humans’ connection to nature. Saturday, Mar 14 • 10 am & 1:30 pm Bemis Woods-South, Grove 7, Ogden Ave, west of Wolf Rd, Western Springs Amphibian Outing Be on the lookout for amphibians while enjoying a walk during amphibians’ most active time of year. Friday, Mar 27 • 8 am Bemis Woods-South, Grove 7, Ogden Ave, west of Wolf Rd, Western Springs APRIL Paper Making Workshop Learn how to make paper with recycled materials. Supplies provided. Program held outdoors around a fire. All ages. Saturday, Apr 4 • 1–3 pm Evans Field, W Bloomingdale Ave & Thatcher Ave, River Grove CENTRAL ZONE 24