Guided Hikes

If you drink coffee, and also want to help birds, Peoria Audubon suggests coffee with 'Bird Friendly' certification - the only coffee certification that addresses the biodiversity of the coffee plantation! Taste some Bird Friendly coffee and enjoy watching birds at Forest Park with folks from Peoria Audubon. You can learn more about this certification at the Peoria Audubon meeting at the Forest Park Nature Center on September 10th at 7pm. For those 13+. Free;… Read Full Post

Connect with other men who enjoy the outdoors, hiking, and forging new connections. We'll meet at Ancient Oaks Day Camp building at Sommer Farm. This hike will last about an hour. Afterward, gather by the fire to swap stories and build camaraderie. Please register for this program. For men 21 years old and older. Welcoming Walks are Free!

Step back in time and help us celebrate the 175th anniversary of Koerner Cemetery. Join us for a guided tour of this historic pioneer cemetery and learn about the stories of the early settlers who helped shape our region. Tours will be offered continuously throughout the event. All ages are welcome! Advanced registration requested. $2/person. The cemetery is located at Sommer Farm: 6329 N Koerner Rd, Edwards, IL 61528

Yellow, red, orange, purple… this time of year the forest turns into a beautiful kaleidoscope of color! Join our naturalists on a family friendly walk in the woods as we admire the natural beauty of the Autumn Woodland. Registration is required. All ages welcome. $5/Person; Members are Free

Explore Mark Coleman's A Field Guide to Nature Meditation: 52 Mindfulness Practices for Joy, Wisdom and Wonder, and discover how to meditate outdoors with a book discussion and mindfulness practices. The goal is to have the book read before the date of the class. We will discuss the book and then experience practical, guided nature-based meditation activities inspired by the book. Cultivate well-being, joy, and peace by connecting with nature through mindful awareness. Beginners and… Read Full Post

Are you interested in learning more about the birds that migrate through Peoria? Are you wanting to learn about nature and birds? Are you a beginning birder? Then Migratory Bird Hikes are for you. Everyone is welcome to attend Migratory Bird Hikes, from nature lovers, to photographers and birders. Programs will meet at the Forest Park Nature Center building with a quick introduction. Bring your binoculars, water, hiking clothes etc. In addition, binoculars will be… Read Full Post

Join us for a hike Women’s Only Trek the day after Black Friday. Connect with other adult Women who like hiking, nature and meeting new people. There will be a short introduction and then we will be on our way. This hike will be chosen dependent on weather conditions. Prepare for hiking about 2 hours depending on breaks. This is a harder level hike with slopes. Bring water, snacks, appropriate hiking gear, layers, closed toed… Read Full Post

Step into the beauty of the longest night and welcome the return of the light. On the eve of the Winter Solstice, journey with a Forest Park Naturalist through the hushed woods of the Nature Preserve. We'll celebrate this ancient moment of renewal in the crisp winter air, and toast the brighter days ahead with a warm cup of hot chocolate at the Nature Center. You must be a member of Forest Park Nature Center… Read Full Post

Get out of the house and join the Women’s Only Trek. Connect with other adult Women who like hiking, nature and meeting new people. There will be a short introduction and then we will be on our way. This hike will be chosen dependent on weather conditions. Prepare for hiking about 1.5 - 2 hours depending on breaks. Bring water, snacks, appropriate winter gear, layers, boots etc. This program is free but donations are welcome.… Read Full Post

Get out of the house and join the Women’s Only Trek. Connect with other adult Women who like hiking, nature and meeting new people. There will be a short introduction and then we will be on our way. This hike will be chosen dependent on weather conditions. Prepare for hiking about 1.5 - 2 hours depending on breaks. Bring water, snacks, appropriate winter gear, layers, boots etc. This program is free but donations are welcome.… Read Full Post

Come along to Forest Park Nature Center for a guided Bird Hike, where we'll explore the trails and discover nature and the winged wonders of the fall migration. Whether you're a curious beginner or just enjoy a walk with fellow nature lovers, our gentle, low-impact hikes are the perfect way to connect with the outdoors. We will gather at the Nature Center building for a brief introduction before setting out. Just bring your binoculars, a… Read Full Post