Forest Bathing – 8/29/26

Forest Bathing (also known as Shinrin-Yoku) is not a hike, fitness walk, or naturalist-led program – instead, it is a unique opportunity to slow down, awaken your senses, and connect with the natural world in nourishing and meaningful ways. Through a series of gentle invitations by an ANFT Certified guide, you’ll have the chance to deepen your relationship with the land and its inhabitants, as well as share in that experience with others.

In addition to feeling more grounded, calm, and peaceful, when practiced regularly, Forest Bathing has been shown to support overall well-being, including reduced stress, lower blood pressure, improved sleep, enhanced creativity and focus, and even a decrease in anxiety and depression.  Many people also find that they begin to experience familiar parks and forests in new, surprising, and deeply personal ways.

Discovery Garden Exploration Time

Registration is required!

Explore summer in the Discovery Garden! Enjoy hands-on activities led by our garden docents outside. Learn about native Illinois ecosystems and have fun playing in the garden!

Jun:  Pollinators

Jul:  Water Play

Aug:  In the Dirt

 

 

 

On Belay at Irons Oaks – Teen Adventure Club 8/24/2026

Strap in and get belaying – we’re going rock climbing! Join us for a trip to Iron Oaks Adventure Center, where we’ll scale their 40 foot climbing tower and strategize to try and reach the top!

Please bring a water bottle, a nut-free lunch, and wear closed-toed shoes.

Starting a Campfire – 8/22/2026

Let’s test those wilderness skills! We’re breaking out the fire pit so we can learn the safe way to start up a campfire. We’ll go through the differences between tinder, kindling, & fuel, how to build a fire for cooking on, and what we need on hand to put it out. S'mores included!

Knot Tying for Beginners – 8/22/26

 

Wait, is that a larks head or a bowline? Or is it a sheet bend? And what do all these knots for anyway? Join us in learning how to tie different knots, what they’re for, and how to use them on your next outdoor adventure.