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Nature Tours Classes Chicago

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Discover the wonders of nature in Chicago with classes on urban gardening, wildlife observation, and outdoor photography. Dive into the rich ecosystems of the city and learn how to foster sustainable practices in this urban environment.

7 classes have spots left

Native Plant ID

The Morton Arboretum

Enrich your understanding of our local natural areas by learning to identify the most common native plants you’re likely to encounter. Colorful flowers and swaying grasses change from day to day in the Arboretum’s prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. Head outdoors with an expert and learn to identify some of the native stars of our natural areas.  Great for the beginner or for any naturalist looking to brush up on native plant ID. Notes:...

(15) All levels 16 and older
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Sea Change: An Atlas of Islands in a Rising Ocean

The Newberry @ 60 W Walton St, Chicago, IL

This is a one time FREE course. Our former fellow Christina Gerhardt, in conversation with climate and environment journalist Indira Khera, discuss the disproportionate impact that climate change has on island communities. Low-lying islands are least responsible for global warming, but they are suffering the brunt of it. Atlases are being redrawn as islands disappear. What does an island see when the sea rises? Sea Change: An Atlas of Islands...

(4) All levels 18 and older
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Free
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Let’s Walk + Learn Foraging

The Resiliency Institute

Enjoy a foraging walk led by knowledgable guide, Dave Odd, to discover the abundance of edible plants growing within our communities.  During these walks you will be introduced to 4-7 edible plants that grow in our area. You will learn how to identify the plant, when to harvest, what part to harvest, tips on preparation, and how to ethically wildcraft. Recommended text for the series is The Forager’s Harvest by Samuel...

(2) All levels 16 and older
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$300
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Owl Prowl at Reed-Turner Woodland Nature Preserve

Chicago Botanic Garden @ Long Grove, Chicago, IL

Explore the mystery of owls at night. Learn owl behavior and identification, as well as the places these fascinating birds are likely to be seen. After an indoor discussion, you will enjoy a guided walk in the woods to look and listen for these enigmatic birds. Dress for the weather, and bring a flashlight and binoculars.

(126) All levels 18 and older
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Introduction to Bird-Watching

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL

Explore the fascinating world of bird-watching in the beautiful setting of Chicago. Learn the fundamentals of bird identification and observation techniques in this immersive class at the renowned Chicago Botanic Garden. Join us for an unforgettable bird-watching experience and discover the diverse avian species that call this area home.

(126) Beginner 18 and older
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The Native Oaks

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Chicago, IL

The mighty oaks (Quercus) have been a signature species in Midwest landscapes for thousands of years. This class covers the different species and varieties within their respective ecosystems along with their landscape usage and culture. Oak morphology and physiology of the various species will be covered along with basic identification of the varieties.

(126) All levels 18 and older
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Bird Sit

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL

Join us for a relaxed evening of bird-watching, from a stationary point on the Garden’s Esplanade. You are welcome to bring your own chair, though benches will be available. We will meet at the Visitor Center and walk a short distance to the Esplanade for the bird sit, ADA accessible. No prior bird-watching experience is required, and binoculars are recommended but not necessary!

(126) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Prairie Bird Walk

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Chicago, IL

Join us on an evening bird walk through the Garden’s Dixon Prairie as we search for songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors. No prior bird-watching experience is required, and binoculars are recommended but not necessary. A map will be sent.

(126) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Bird Walk: Fall Migration

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL

Discover the beauty of fall migration as you join expert guides on bird walks in the breathtaking Chicago Botanic Garden. Uncover the secrets of identifying birds in their unique fall plumage, and witness the stunning diversity of warblers, vireos, flycatchers, ducks, sparrows, and hawks. Don't forget your binoculars and field guide for an immersive experience with nature.

(126) All levels 18 and older
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Bird Walk: Barbara Brown Nature Reserve

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL

This fall, take a walk in the Garden’s Barbara Brown Nature Reserve and learn to identify birds in their sometimes-confusing fall plumage. Some of the species we will be on the lookout for include warblers, vireos, and flycatchers, and perhaps ducks, sparrows, and hawks.  Dress for the weather; bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. A map will be sent.

(126) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Winter Bird Walk

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of winter as you embark on a captivating journey through the Chicago Botanic Garden. Join our expert guides on a stroll through the garden's enchanting landscapes, where you'll encounter a diverse array of magnificent winter bird residents and early spring migrants. Prepare to be awe-inspired as you witness the wonders of nature unfold before your eyes.

(126) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Spring Bird Walk

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL

Discover the hidden wonders of late-winter bird residents and early spring migrants as you embark on an immersive journey through nature's symphony. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world, equipped with binoculars and a field guide, as you uncover the secrets of Chicago's avian inhabitants.

(126) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Family Bird Walk

The Resiliency Institute

Join Henry Griffin as he guides you on a bird walk to observe migrating songbirds at the Springbrook Prairie. Henry, a 16 year-old from Oak Park, is a passionate birder with over 900 species identified from 14 countries on 4 continents. He has been leading bird walks in his Oak Park neighborhood to share his passion and reconnect people to birds in urban and suburban environments. May is the month for viewing migrating songbirds who are traveling...

(2) All levels 16 and older
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Beginning Birdwatching

The Morton Arboretum

In this single morning workshop for beginners, learn how to find birds, discuss equipment, what to wear, keeping track of your observations, and more. We’ll stroll around the Arboretum to observe birds that inhabit Illinois all year and learn key bird features for identification and how to match birds to their preferred food or habitat as you walk. Notes: This class meets outdoors. Please dress for the weather and for walking on trails,...

(15) Beginner 16 and older
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