Forest Preserves of Cook County 2026 Spring Brochure

738Thatcher Ave, River Forest, 708.366.6530 Building: 9 am–5 pm, closed Fridays, Grounds: 8 am–5 pm daily, Free Admission MARCH Spectacular Snakes Meet our ambassador snakes and learn what makes our slithery friends so super. Family program. Drop in. Sunday, Mar 1 • 1:30–3 pm Maple Tree Tapping* Enjoy a short walk and watch a maple tree tapping demonstration. Family program. Saturday, Mar 7 • 10 am & 2 pm Animal Enrichment Studio Learn about animal behavior and craft enrichment items for our ambassador animals! Ages 10 & up. Saturday, Mar 14 • 1:30–3 pm Worst Case Scenario Hike* Learn hiking safety and simple first aid on a walk that puts you into “worst case scenarios”! Ages 13 & up. Sunday, Mar 29 • 1:30 pm THROUGHOUT the SEASON Birdhouse Building Contest Build a creative and functional birdhouse, which will hang up at Trailside where visitors will vote on their favorite. Entries accepted until Sunday, May 17 Restoration Workdays* Help us restore habitat and control invasive species. Equipment provided. Ages 8 & up; ages 8–17 w/ adult. Sundays, Mar 15, Apr 19, May 17 9 am–Noon “Bone”Appétit Join us during feeding time to learn about Trailside’s ambassador animals. Saturdays, Mar 21, Apr 18, May 16 • 3 pm Thursdays in Nature Connect to nature through fun-themed activities, and crafts for adults and kids. Thursdays • 2:30–4:30 pm Signs of Spring -Apr 16 Birds -May 21 Spring Festival Enjoy interactive programs, kids’ tree climb, guided wildflower walks, kid’s nature crafts, gardening info and much more! Saturday, May 2 • Noon–3 pm 30