Calendar of Events

Field Exploration — Observe birds, butterflies and wildflowers in bloom. 8 to 11 a.m. at West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve in West Chicago. Groups of 10 or more must make reservations. Call (630) 961-2041.

Children’s Farm Chores — Kids, learn firsthand how 1890s children helped around the house and farm. On Mondays, help with Mom’s chores; on Thursdays, Dad’s. 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Children’s Story Hour — Spread a blanket on the ground, and enjoy an hour of popular children’s stories of the 1890s. 10 to 11 a.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Wild Wednesday Walks — Join a naturalist for a brisk weekly walk, and enjoy some heart-healthy exercise as you take in all the wonders of the woods. 8 to 9 a.m. at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook. Reservations begin two weeks prior to the event. Call (630) 850-8110.

Children’s Farm Chores — Kids, learn firsthand how 1890s children helped around the house and farm. On Mondays, help with Mom’s chores; on Thursdays, Dad’s. 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Diva Days: Discovering Nature — Join this outdoor adventure program for women led by women. 6 to 8 p.m. at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Ages 8 and up; under 18 with an adult. Reservations begin May 22. Call (630) 933-7248.

Fishing for Catfish — Discover tips and tricks for catching and handling “Mr. Whiskers” during a hands-on clinic. 6 to 8 p.m. at Songbird Slough Forest Preserve in Itasca. Ages 8 and up; under 16 with an adult. Reservations begin May 23. Call (630) 933-7248.

FullersBird Fridays — Take these weekly naturalist-led hikes to see how the diversity of birds inhabiting a forest preserve changes during spring. 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook. Adults only. Reservations begin two weeks prior to the event. Call (630) 850-8110.

Birds of a Feather — Join birders looking for spring migrants and summer residents. Binoculars recommended. 7:30 to 10 a.m. at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville. All ages; under 14 with an adult. Groups of five or more must make reservations two weeks prior to the event. Call (630) 933-7681.

National Trails Day — Celebrate National Trails Day by removing litter and cutting brush along one of the county’s most popular trails. 9 a.m. to noon at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien. No unaccompanied children. Groups of five or more must make reservations. Call (630) 933-7681 for waiver requirements.

Udder to Butter — Watch cream being separated, churn butter by hand, and see butter being molded into various shapes. 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

High Tea — Enjoy high tea in the living room of Mayslake Hall and a reading of a classic story by First Folio Shakespeare Festival. 2 to 4 p.m. at Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook. Ages 7 and up. $30 per person. (An optional $5-per-person docent-led tour of Mayslake Hall will follow.) For reservations, call (630) 206-9566.

Just for Kids Fishing Derby — Join the District’s 22nd annual friendly fishing competition that’s just for kids 15 and under. Bring your own gear. Bait will be provided while supplies last. 8 a.m. to noon at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Register at the event. Call (630) 933-7248.

Udder to Butter — Watch cream being separated, churn butter by hand, and see butter being molded into various shapes. 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Children’s Farm Chores — Kids, learn firsthand how 1890s children helped around the house and farm. On Mondays, help with Mom’s chores; on Thursdays, Dad’s. 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Children’s Story Hour — Spread a blanket on the ground, and enjoy an hour of popular children’s stories of the 1890s. 10 to 11 a.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Native-Plant Nursery Workday — Help the District’s Habitat Improvement Program by lending a hand at the nursery. Weed and water plant beds, and collect and clean seeds. 8 to 11 a.m. at the Grounds and Resources Complex at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Ages 12 and up; under 16 with an adult. Groups of five or more must make reservations two weeks prior to the event. Call (630) 933-7681 for waiver requirements.

Poke Around a Pond — Explore a pond, meet some of its inhabitants, and learn how these creatures adapt to survive and thrive. 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien. Ages 6 and up. Reservations
begin May 27. Call (630) 850-8110.

Introduction to Archery — Gain an insightful introduction to this classic sport, including overviews of equipment, history and shooting techniques. Equipment provided. 6 to 8 p.m. at the archery range at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Ages 5 and up; under 18 with an adult. Reservations begin May 28. Call (630) 933-7248.

Reading Comes Naturally — Take a hike in the woods, and listen to short nature stories. 10 to 11 a.m. at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook. Ages 4 and up with an adult. Reservations begin May 28. Call (630) 850-8110.

Wild Wednesday Walks — Join a naturalist for a brisk weekly walk, and enjoy some heart-healthy exercise as you take in all the wonders of the woods. 8 to 9 a.m. at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook. Reservations begin two weeks prior to the event. Call (630) 850-8110.

Children’s Farm Chores — Kids, learn firsthand how 1890s children helped around the house and farm. On Mondays, help with Mom’s chores; on Thursdays, Dad’s. 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Children’s Voices — Learn what children in the 1890s thought about new clothes, siblings, everyday happenings and gifts through a look at their diaries. Tours begin on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Children’s Voices — Learn what children in the 1890s thought about new clothes, siblings, everyday happenings and gifts through a look at their diaries. Tours begin on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Froggin’ Under the Stars — Identify local frogs by their calls while learning about seasonal stars and constellations. 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. at James “Pate” Phillip State Park in Bartlett. Ages 5 and up with an adult. Reservations begin May 30. Call (630) 850-8110.

Blacksmithing Demonstrations — Watch the blacksmith repair equipment and demonstrate the tools and techniques of the trade. 10:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Breakfast with the Cranes — Meet Willowbrook’s newest residents, the sandhill cranes; learn about their journey to their new home, and enjoy a delicious breakfast outdoors. 9 to 11 a.m. at Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn. Ages 16 and up. $24 per person. Reservations begin June 1. Call (630) 942-6200.

Children’s Voices — Experience the 1890s through the eyes of a child via their diaries. Tours begin on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Introduction to Archery — Introduction to this classic sport, including overviews of equipment, history and shooting techniques. Equipment provided. 10 a.m. to noon at the archery range at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Ages 5 and up; under 18 with an adult. Reservations begin May 30. Call (630) 933-7248.

Leave No Trace — Learn the “Leave No Trace” principles and how to be an advocate for a healthier and safer environment. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook. Adults only. $10 per person. Reservations begin June 2. Call (630) 933-7248.

Native-Plant Nursery Workday — Help the District’s Habitat Improvement Program by lending a hand at the nursery. Weed and water plant beds, and collect and clean seeds. 8 to 11 a.m. at the Grounds and Resources Complex at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Ages 12 and up; under 16 with an adult. Groups of five or more must make reservations two weeks prior to the event. Call (630) 933-7681 for waiver requirements.

Oops! Cicadas — Listen to an insightful review of the county’s 2007 17-year-cicada emergence. Then, take a walk to listen for any “Oops! Cicadas” that come out a year too late. 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook. Reservations begin May 31. Call (630) 850-3722.

Spiders of Illinois — Learn about the common spiders of Illinois, and venture into the field to collect and identify them. 10 a.m. to noon at Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn. Ages 10 and up. $1 per person. Reservations begin May 31. Call (630) 942-6200.

Children’s Voices — Learn what children in the 1890s thought about new clothes, siblings, everyday happenings and gifts through a look at their diaries. Tours begin on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Ride the Trails — Take a ranger-led bike ride along the Salt Creek Trail, encountering three forest preserves along the way. 9 a.m. to noon at Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook. Ages 12 and up with an adult. Reservations begin June 2. Call (630) 933-7248.

Children’s Farm Chores — Kids, learn firsthand how 1890s children helped around the house and farm. On Mondays, help with Mom’s chores; on Thursdays, Dad’s. 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Children’s Voices — Learn what children in the 1890s thought about new clothes, siblings, everyday happenings and gifts through a look at their diaries. Tours begin on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Children’s Story Hour — Spread a blanket on the ground, and enjoy an hour of popular children’s stories of the 1890s. 10 to 11 a.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Ranger Trek Jr. — Learn about the critters that call the forest preserves home, and join a ranger on a hike to explore a variety of habitats. 10 a.m. to noon at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien. Ages 10 and under with an adult. Reservations begin June 4. Call (630) 933-7248.

Children’s Farm Chores — Kids, learn firsthand how 1890s children helped around the house and farm. On Mondays, help with Mom’s chores; on Thursdays, Dad’s. 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Children’s Voices — Learn what children in the 1890s thought about new clothes, siblings, everyday happenings and gifts through a look at their diaries. Tours begin on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Diva Days: Archery — Join this outdoor adventure program for women led by women. 6 to 8 p.m. at the archery range at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Ages 8 and up; under 18 with an adult. Reservations begin June 9. Call (630) 933-7248.

Native-Plant Nursery Workday — Help the District’s Habitat Improvement Program by lending a hand at the nursery. Weed and water plant beds, and collect and clean seeds. 8 to 11 a.m. at the Grounds and Resources Complex at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Ages 12 and up; under 16 with an adult. Groups of five or more must make reservations two weeks prior to the event. Call (630) 933-7681 for waiver requirements.

“Take the Leap: Volunteer!” Information Session — Take a look at (and then leap into) volunteering with the Forest Preserve District by attending an information session where you can get an overview of the nine volunteer programs, ask questions, and decide which program matches your interests and schedule. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the headquarters building at Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton. Call (630) 933-7681.

Children’s Voices — Learn what children in the 1890s thought about new clothes, siblings, everyday happenings and gifts through a look at their diaries. Tours begin on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Fishing Clinic for Beginners — Learn fish ecology and identification as well as fishing techniques and regulations. 5 to 8 p.m. at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton. Ages 5 and up; under 18 with an adult. Reservations begin June 6. Call (630) 933-7248.

Fishing for Bass — Learn how to use some of the most effective bass lures on the market, and try them out on one of the Forest Preserve District’s best bass lakes. 6 to 8 p.m. at East Branch Forest Preserve in Glendale Heights. Ages 12 and up; under 16 with an adult. Reservations begin June 6. Call (630) 933-7248.

Blacksmithing Demonstrations — Watch the blacksmith repair equipment and demonstrate the tools and techniques of the trade. 10:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Bloomin’ Wonders — Learn to identify native wildflowers, and see glorious blooms. 9 a.m. to noon at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville. All ages; under 14 with an adult. Groups of five or more must make reservations two weeks prior to the event. Call (630) 933-7681.

Children’s Voices — Learn what children in the 1890s thought about new clothes, siblings, everyday happenings and gifts through a look at their diaries. Tours begin on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Kayak DuPage — Try your hand at kayaking after learning basic techniques, watercraft safety and preserve information. Kayaks and personal flotation devices provided. 1 to 3 p.m. at West Branch Forest Preserve in Bartlett. Ages 8 and up; under 18 with an adult. $35 per person. Reservations begin May 21. Call (630) 574-7700.

Life Is a Bowl of Cherries — Help harvest the cherries from the orchard; then help pit them in the summer kitchen. 12:30 to 4 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Mammoth Hike — Hike to the site where a woolly mammoth was unearthed decades ago. Hear the story of its discovery, and learn about the prehistoric animal. 9 to 11 a.m. at the McKee Marsh at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Ages 8 and up. Reservations begin June 7. Call (630) 942-6200.

Nature Workday — Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or planting seed. 9 a.m. to noon at the Glacial Ridge area at Churchill Woods Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn. All ages; under 14 with an adult. Groups of five or more must make reservations two weeks prior to the event. Call (630) 933-7681 for waiver requirements.

Children’s Voices — Learn what children in the 1890s thought about new clothes, siblings, everyday happenings and gifts through a look at their diaries. Tours begin on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Life Is a Bowl of Cherries – Help harvest the cherries from the orchard; then help pit them in the summer kitchen. 12:30 to 4 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Children’s Farm Chores — Kids, learn firsthand how 1890s children helped around the house and farm. On Mondays, help with Mom’s chores; on Thursdays, Dad’s. 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Children’s Voices — Learn what children in the 1890s thought about new clothes, siblings, everyday happenings and gifts through a look at their diaries. Tours begin on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Children’s Story Hour — Spread a blanket on the ground, and enjoy an hour of popular children’s stories of the 1890s. 10 to 11 a.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Nature Hike for Home-Schoolers — Learn about nature and wildlife during off-trail explorations through a variety of habitats. 9 to 11 a.m. at West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve in West Chicago. Ages 5 and up with an adult. Reservations begin June 12. Call (630) 942-6200.

Introduction to Archery — Gain an insightful introduction to this classic sport, including overviews of equipment, history and shooting techniques. Equipment provided. 6 to 8 p.m. at the archery range at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Ages 5 and up; under 18 with an adult. Reservations begin May 28. Call (630) 933-7248.

Wild Wednesday Walks — Join a naturalist for a brisk weekly walk, and enjoy some heart-healthy exercise as you take in all the wonders of the woods. 8 to 9 a.m. at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook. Reservations begin two weeks prior to the event. Call (630) 850-8110.

Children’s Farm Chores — Kids, learn firsthand how 1890s children helped around the house and farm. On Mondays, help with Mom’s chores; on Thursdays, Dad’s. 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Nature Hike for Home-Schoolers — Learn about nature and wildlife during off-trail explorations through a variety of habitats. 9 to 11 a.m. at West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve in West Chicago. Ages 5 and up with an adult. Reservations begin June 12. Call (630) 942-6200.

Native-Plant Nursery Workday — Help the District’s Habitat Improvement Program by lending a hand at the nursery. Weed and water plant beds, and collect and clean seeds. 8 to 11 a.m. at the Grounds and Resources Complex at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Ages 12 and up; under 16 with an adult. Groups of five or more must make reservations two weeks prior to the event. Call (630) 933-7681 for waiver requirements.

Children’s Farm Chores — Kids, learn firsthand how 1890s children helped around the house and farm. On Mondays, help with Mom’s chores; on Thursdays, Dad’s. 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.

Children’s Story Hour — Spread a blanket on the ground, and enjoy an hour of popular children’s stories of the 1890s. 10 to 11 a.m. at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Call (630) 876-5900.