• The Fungus Among Us

    Forest Park Nature Center

    From turkey tails to giant puff balls, as you walk through the forest you start to notice the fungus among us! Join our Naturalists as we dive deeper into the mystical world of mushrooms to discover who is lurking around the next log. Please register for this program. All ages welcome.

    $5
  • Haunted Hike

    Forest Park Nature Center

    Take a spooky stroll through the forest and discover Halloween surprises, creepy critters, and nighttime nature facts. Come in costume and learn how nature gets wild after dark! Please preregister for this program. All ages welcome. $5/Person; FPNC Members are Free

    $5
  • Fall Nature Journaling: From Page to Path

    Forest Park Nature Center

    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

    $5
  • Fall Foliage Walk

    Forest Park Nature Center

    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

    $5
  • Welcoming Walks: LGBTQ+ Hike

    Forest Park Nature Center

    Join us for a 2-mile moderate level hike designed to welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies! Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking to enjoy nature in a supportive space, this walk is a great way to connect, explore, and relax. Bring water, appropriate hiking gear, sun protection, closed toed shoes, etc. Please preregister for this program. For those 18+. Welcoming Walks are Free.

    Free
  • Coffee (Tasting) & Birds with Peoria Audubon

    Forest Park Nature Center

    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

  • Members Only: Mindful Evening Hike

    Forest Park Nature Center

    As the day winds down and longer shadows blanket the forest floor, join us for a mindful walk in the woods. We will slow our pace and use our senses to fully experience the forest as it transitions to night. We will use mindful techniques to engage with the nature around us. This is an opportunity to connect deeply with nature and nurture mindfulness. Please register for this program. This is for Forest Park Members… Read Full Post

    Free
  • Reptile Round-Up!

    Forest Park Nature Center

    Turtles, and lizards and snakes! Oh My! Join our Naturalists as we learn about the scaley friends that call Illinois home! We will learn who lives here, where they live, and what makes them so unique. We may even be able to find some out in the Nature Preserve. All ages welcome. Advance registration is required. Please email kparke@peoriaparks.org ahead of time with questions or concerns. Fees are $5 per person or FREE for FPNC… Read Full Post

    $5
  • Welcoming Walk: LGBTQ+ Hike

    Forest Park Nature Center

    Join us for a 2-mile moderate level hike designed to welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies! Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking to enjoy nature in a supportive space, this walk is a great way to connect, explore, and relax. Bring water, appropriate hiking gear, sun protection, closed toed shoes, etc. Please preregister for this program. *Registration in advance is required!* Ages: 18+

  • Welcoming Walks: Women’s Hike: Pimiteoui Trail

    Forest Park Nature Center

    Join us for a hike on Pimiteoui Trail for a 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 a little over 2.5 miles total.  Prepare for hiking about 2 hours depending on breaks.  This is a harder level hike with slopes.  Bring water, snacks, appropriate hiking gear, sun protection,… Read Full Post

    FREE
  • Summer Nature Journaling

    Forest Park Nature Center

    Make time for Nature Journaling this summer! This all-outdoor program for adults includes a brief introduction and three practical activities to enhance your nature journaling experience in the Forest Park Nature Preserve. Please bring your own journaling supplies, though we will have a few extras available to use. Meet in the picnic pavilion. Please pre-register for this hike. Ages: Adults 18+ Fee: $5/person, free for FPNC members

  • Lightning Bugs! at Forest Park

    Lightning Bugs! at Forest Park
    Forest Park Nature Center

    Learn about the enchanting nocturnal insects that brighten our summer nights! Our naturalist will lead you on a low-impact hike as lightning bugs illuminate the woods and prairie of Forest Park. Please pre-register for this hike. Good for all ages. More about Guided Hikes: Our team of naturalists guides these hikes and feature the wonders of the Illinois River bluffs as they change over the seasons. Hikes are low-impact unless indicated otherwise, and can be… Read Full Post