Stargazing with the Twin City Amateur Astronomers

ParkLands Chinquapin Bluffs JVXH+C9, Carlock, IL

Take a tour of the Universe at South Chinquapin Bluffs Preserve with the Twin City Amateur Astronomers (tcaa.us) and ParkLands Foundation. Telescopes will be available for viewing, and laser pointers used to show us around the night sky. Prominent sky objects such as planets, nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies that are visible will be identified

Hike with a Naturalist at South Chinquapin Bluffs Preserve

ParkLands Chinquapin Bluffs JVXH+C9, Carlock, IL

Take in the crisp autumn air on this hike guided by an experienced naturalist. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Please do not bring your pets, as they are not allowed in any of the ParkLands Preserves. Fee: $5/family or group Register here.

New Year’s Day Hike at Letcher Basin Preserve

ParkLands Letcher Basin Land & Water Reserve JRWR+VG, Secor, IL

Start 2025 on the right path at Letcher Basin Preserve! This hike will be led by our talented naturalists, who are excited to show you the serenity of the winter prairie and forest. Please do not bring your pets, as they are not allowed in any of the ParkLands Preserves. Fee: $5/family or group, up

Stave Wine Bar & Market Winter Social

Stave Wine Bar & Market, Bloomington, IL 111 W North St, Normal, IL, United States

ParkLands Foundation will be hosting a Winter Social at Stave Wine Bar &  Market in Bloomington on Sunday, January 19 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Visit with Board Members, Staff, & Volunteers to learn more about our organization and what we have planned for 2025. Food and drinks will be available to purchase. This event is free

Step Into Winter: Snowshoeing Basics

ParkLands Chinquapin Bluffs JVXH+C9, Carlock, IL

Learn to snowshoe! Patti “PK” Koranda will be leading this workshop, giving you all of the information and encouragement you need to walk on snow! This program will take place whether there is snow or not! You can still learn the basics, even without snow! We will reschedule if driving conditions are poor. Fee: $25/person

$25.00

Herbicide Training Online

This one-hour online course is required for volunteers to apply herbicide at ParkLands Foundation Preserves. Taking the program is not required to be a volunteer. Please fill out one form per registrant, as the state requires us to turn in all information for each person separately. Your Zoom link will be sent to you in

Garlic Mustard Challenge

***Update! Preserves Participating Change***  Update: As far as growing seasons go, no two years are the same. Last year at this time, the garlic mustard pulling season was almost over. This year it has barely begun! Scouting missions of the participating preserves found some with a decent amount, while it was just beginning to sprout

Blooms on the Trails at Lexington Preserve

ParkLands Lexington Preserve J5MW+8M, Lexington, IL

This program, created in partnership with University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists, has been designed to engage all ages. While on the Trails, identify spring wildflowers and learn how to use the iNaturalist app for ID and documentation of your finds. As you walk along the Mackinaw River, you can learn about the wildlife that

Wildflower Walk 2025

ParkLands Foundation invites you to attend our annual Wildflower Walk at Merwin Preserve. Local naturalists will guide you on a tour of vibrant spring wildflowers. Make this a springtime tradition for your family. There is a $5 registration fee per family. Caution: The trails have uneven terrain. There will be four sessions available: 10:00 a.m.,

Moon Preserve Volunteer Workday, May 20

ParkLands Moon Preserve J3VF+3M, Hudson, IL

Parklands Moon Preserve: Volunteer in May, June and July Cancelled What: Parklands Moon Preserve Workdays When: Every Other Tuesday from 8:30-10:30 a.m. May  6 & 20 June 3 & 17 July 1 & 15 Where: Parklands Moon Preserve at Lake Bloomington 18060 Carver Road, Hudson, IL Details: Stewardship projects include removing invasive autumn olive and honeysuckle using loppers. At

Moon Preserve Volunteer Workday, June 3

ParkLands Moon Preserve J3VF+3M, Hudson, IL

Parklands Moon Preserve: Volunteer in May, June and July What: Parklands Moon Preserve Workdays When: Every Other Tuesday from 8:30-10:30 a.m. May  6 & 20 June 3 & 17 July 1 & 15 Where: Parklands Moon Preserve at Lake Bloomington 18060 Carver Road, Hudson, IL Details: Stewardship projects include removing invasive autumn olive and honeysuckle using loppers. At some