Forest Preserves

Sign up for the Forest Way email newsletter and receive the latest Forest Preserves of Cook County news, events and volunteer opportunities each month. fpdcc.com/about/forest-w…

Happy #EarthDay! 🌎 Volunteering in the Forest Preserves also means giving back to your community. Volunteers play a vital role in restoration—helping our areas stay strong and resilient in the face of climate change. Ready to take action? Visit fpdcc.com/volunteer/.

Don’t miss out on the latest Forest Preserves of Cook County updates! Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Forest Way, to get news, events and volunteer opportunities delivered right to your inbox. Subscribe now at: bit.ly/4coEgWK

🐦🏡 One family’s winning birdhouses is just part of the story. Trailside’s birdhouse contest is back, turning the trails into a showcase of creativity. Build your own, explore the displays or vote for your favorite. Read more: fpdcc.com/birdhouse-cont…

Learn more: fpdcc.com/event/earth-da…

Celebrate #EarthDay the fun (and creative) way! Join us this Saturday at Crabtree Nature Center for an Earth Day: Nature Play event from 12–3 pm 🌱 Get hands-on with: 🌿 DIY upcycled toy planters 🎨 Nature-inspired art using natural materials 🌳 Outdoor exploration for all ages

These lands are critical to preserving biodiversity, supporting research, and connecting people to nature. Visit to learn more: fpdcc.com/nature/illinoi….

• These high-quality natural areas are permanently protected by state law.

Happy #EarthMonth! It’s #WildWednesday, and today we’re highlighting Illinois Nature Preserves—some of the most important natural areas in our state.

Spring is here and the flowers are in bloom. Head out for the @FPDCC's Wildflower Walk 4/19 at Sagawau Environmental Learning Center to enjoy some time outdoors and learn how to identify early spring flowers. bit.ly/4dPZOjy #ChicagoSouthland @EnjoyIllinois

♻️ Less trash. More nature. A new strategy is cutting garbage collection across the @fpdcc and giving staff more time to care for the land. Cleaner trails, fewer overflowing bins, and a better experience for everyone. See how it works: fpdcc.com/garbage-reduct…

Did you know? Volunteer hours with the Forest Preserves of Cook County may be used for SNAP work requirements. 🌱 Ecological Stewardship 🌱 Litter Cleanups 🌱 Tree TLC 🌱 Native Seed Nursery Learn more about signing up & completing required documentation: fpdcc.com/volunteer/comm…

🌿 Your yard can do more than you think. With native plants, water conservation and simple changes, you can create a healthier landscape that supports wildlife and helps build a more sustainable community right here in Cook County. Learn more: fpdcc.com/love-wildlife-…

Experience @brookfield_zoo like never before ✨ Glow Wild is lighting up the nights through May 10 with stunning lanterns, live entertainment, and global flavors. Don’t miss this magical after-hours event. Get tickets: brookfieldzoo.org/events/glow-wi….

Join the Forest Preserves of Cook County and help care for 70,000+ acres of nature while connecting people to the outdoors. We’re hiring passionate individuals ready to serve their community and work in nature. Explore job openings: fpdcc.com/about/jobs/

📷: Caspian Tern by Leonardo Estrada 📍: Crabtree Nature Center, April 2025

Spring ephemerals are starting to bloom across the Preserves 🌼 For a short time, wildflowers like trout lily, bloodroot, and bluebells take turns lighting up the forest floor. Take a closer look while they last. Explore wildflower events: fpdcc.com/events/tag/wil…