Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve

06/07/2026

Bird lovers, art enthusiasts and curious explorers, this one's for you! Plum Creek Nature Center is hosting "Winged Ambassadors," a colorful and whimsical art exhibit featuring 28 creative interpretations of America's state birds by Chicago artist and writer Marcia Whitney-Schenck. From visual puns to imaginative storytelling, these unique works offer a fun new perspective on some of our favorite feathered friends. Even better? While you're enjoying the artwork indoors, you can also watch real birds visiting the nature center's outdoor feeders. Learn more >>> https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/event-calendar/winged-ambassadors-art-display.

(Photos by Glenn P. Knoblock)

06/06/2026

Kids can learn all about a bug's life in the June edition of our Nature Play Day After Hours program. These natured-themed programs are designed just for preschool-age kids and include stories, hikes, crafts, games and more.

Nature Play Day After Hours: Bugs
When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 16
Where: Plum Creek Nature Center
Registration is required.

6/16/2026: Join us for our monthly nature-themed program for tots ages 3 to 5 years old. This month will be an introduction to the world of bugs.

06/05/2026

Visitors to Plum Creek Nature Center will be treated to views of birds inside and outside of the nature center this summer. Running through Sunday, Sept. 6, the nature center will host a “Winged Ambassadors” art display in its bird feeder viewing room.

Chicago artist and writer Marcia Whitney-Schenck brings humor and imagination to “Winged Ambassadors,” a summer art exhibit at Plum Creek Nature Center featuring creative interpretations of America’s state birds. The free exhibit runs June 3 through Sept. 6 and pairs whimsical paintings with o...

06/04/2026

Wilmington resident Tyler Paul snapped the winning photo for May's portion of the Preserve the Moment photo contest with a rare shot of a state-endangered snowy egret.

A rare snowy egret perched perfectly for Wilmington resident Tyler Paul. The image earned first place in the Forest Preserve District’s May photo contest.

05/31/2026

Add beekeeping to your list of skills when you sign up for our six-week Be a Beekeeper class. Our resident beekeeper will teach all the basics of beekeeping and will give participants hands-on experience working with hives. Each week will have a different focus, with the class intended to be a resource for both beginning and seasoned beekeepers.

Be a Beekeeper Class
When: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturdays from June 20 to Aug. 1. (Class will not meet July 4.)
Where: Plum Creek Nature Center at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve
Registration is required.

6/20/2026-8/1/2026: Don't miss this opportunity to learn about beekeepers and gain hands-on experience working in local beehives from beekeeper Dade Bradley.

05/29/2026

If you love the sight of birds in your yard, you may have to do more than just put out birdseed to attract a greater variety. Bird feeders are a start, but the plants in your yard also play a large role in attracting birds and other wildlife. They rely on plants like trees, shrubs and even grasses and flowers for both food and shelter. And when it comes to plants to attract wildlife, native plants are best.

If you are looking to attract a wide variety of birds to your yard, one of the best ways is to fill your landscape with native plants.

05/29/2026

Stroll through the trails around Plum Creek Nature Center with a sense of wonder while learning how mindful observation has shaped our understanding of the natural world. Participants will also learn strategies for staying present while outdoors as well as mindfulness practices they can use anywhere.

Wonder Walk at Goodenow Grove
When: 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 6
Where: Plum Creek Nature Center at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve
Registration is required.

6/6/2026: Join us for a gentle stroll around Goodenow Grove while learning about mindfulness practices.

05/28/2026

Much has been said about the beauty and meaningfulness of the sun rising and setting each day, and June is a perfect time to appreciate it because it's the month in which we experience some of the longest days of the year.

The time between sunrise and sunset reaches its maximum in June, so make plans to enjoy all that daylight.

05/26/2026

Hit the trails for a naturalist-led early-morning bird hike as we look for our state bird, the northern cardinal, and other familiar species. After the hike, take some time to explore the "Winged Ambassadors" art exhibit in the nature center while also watching the birds come and go from our feeders.

"Winged Ambassadors" and Avian Amble
When: 7:30 to 9 a.m. Thursday, June 4
Where: Plum Creek Nature Center at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve

6/4/2026: Take an early-morning bird hike then continue your experience indoors with a viewing of the “Winged Ambassadors​” exhibit.

05/24/2026

Shirts will appeal to a wide variety of groups with themes for wildlife, birds, fishing, gardening, and outdoors/camping.

Nature lovers can save up to 25% on Forest Preserve District merchandise during a Memorial Day holiday week sale at OutsiderThreads.com. Proceeds from the nature-themed merchandise sales benefit conservation, recreation and education programs through The Nature Foundation of Will County.