Enjoy Our Outings Program!

March 25 - Early spring hike at Stone Barn/ Nachusa Grasslands

Located out near Nachusa grasslands are woodlands with a secret: some very interesting stone formations - unusual and quite striking. With hills, wetlands, and hundreds of bison nearby, and miles of meandering trails, the Stone Barn hike in late March is always interesting.

So come along on this 4 to 5-mile hike and bring a lunch for afterward! - Ed Max, leader

April 15 - White Pines Sping flower hike

At the start of this hike you will be given pictures of wild flowers we will hopefully see. It will be a leisurely hike as we look and learn a little about the spring flowers in this area. If we are lucky, we may even see deer and turkeys like we have seen in the past. It’s a fun day for all as we enjoy and learn about the environment at this state park. Please join me. - Jan Bradford, leader

April 29 - Franklin Creek day hike

Beautiful Franklin Creek flows throughout the 882-acre park. Several large natural springs, hardwood forests, bedrock outcroppings and a large variety of flora and fauna comprise a pristine ecosystem. The forested areas provide habitat for woodpeckers, flycatchers, thrushes, vireos and warblers; and, raccoons, chipmunks, gray and fox squirrels, beaver, and deer. 

We will hike about 7 miles. There are several stream crossings that can be up to two feet deep. - Paul Saindon, leader

Sign up! Registration for these outings is required, and is done through our River Prairie Group event calendar found on our Web page.  Also note the Glacial Ridge woodland restoration workdays. These are Forest Preserve District of DuPage County service events led by Sierra Club member and site steward Bruce Blake (see more Glacial Ridge details below).

Glacial Ridge Workday Information

Submitted by Bruce Blake

Volunteer workdays give forest preserve fans a way to help restore biodiversity and function to our native ecosystems. Each restoration workday is planned by a site steward (who are also dedicated volunteers themselves) and includes orientation, a safety talk and a hands-on natural areas management project. From late fall to early spring, they work to remove invasive species usually using cutting tools (loppers and bow saws) or disperse native seed to increase diversity in degraded areas or where invasive plants have been removed. In spring, summer and fall, volunteers also do invasive species removal and hand collect seed from native plants when they are ready.

Individuals must register at least five business days before a workday either online here by searching for the activity number listed next to the workday, by emailing nrvolunteer@dupageforest.org, or by calling (630) 206-9630. You’ll need to provide your name, phone number, and an email address.

A parent or guardian will need to stay at the workday if their child is under 18, but high school students have the option to bring a friend to fulfill this requirement.

Waiver Requirements:

All volunteers who are not badged District volunteers must submit a signed waiver form to the site steward at the beginning of the workday. Volunteers under 18 must have their parents or guardians sign their waivers.

How to Prepare:

Dress in layers, and wear sturdy shoes or boots, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Because you'll work in thorny, brushy areas and occasionally among poisonous plants, do not wear shorts or thin leggings. Flip-flops, sandals and open-toe shoes are not allowed. If possible, bring your own work gloves. Water, sunscreen, and bug spray are also recommended. Most of the work areas are off trail on uneven terrain.