Upcoming Events

Grab some work gloves, help restore the environment, and get a behind-the-scenes look at your preserves! Help our natural communities by removing invasive plants and helping native species thrive.

Grab some work gloves, help restore the environment, and get a behind-the-scenes look at your preserves! Help our natural communities by removing invasive plants and helping native species thrive.

These live outdoor musical performances begin at 7 pm every Tuesday through August 5 at Independence Grove in Libertyville.

Centered around the picture book, We are Water Protectors by Carole Linstrolm, museum explorers will learn about the importance of water in various cultures through songs, crafts, and stories.

Grab some work gloves, help restore the environment, and get a behind-the-scenes look at your preserves! Help our natural communities by removing invasive plants and helping native species thrive.

Come meet some of the ambassador reptiles and amphibians that call Ryerson Woods home! Learn about their amazing adaptations and wild counterparts through animal interactions, hands-on activities, and outdoor exploring.

Explore the watery world that fish inhabit and learn the basic skills, techniques and bait needed to catch them. Each day includes a 1.5 hour fishing session and all equipment is provided.

Campers will learn about the slimy, crawling, and flying invertebrates of Lake County and what makes them special. Invertebrates (animals without backbones) make up the largest group of animals on Earth. Each day's explorations highlight different ecosystems and the invertebrates that inhabit them.

Trek through forests, prairies and wetlands to learn about the different animal species that make Lake County home. Discover the unique adaptations of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects through hands-on investigations, live animal encounters and nature explorations.

Create your own works of art as you learn about local Lake County artists. We will use a variety of mediums to foster creativity as we examine art in the museum’s collection.

Explore the watery world that fish inhabit and learn the basic skills, techniques and bait needed to catch them. Each day includes a 1.5 hour fishing session and all equipment is provided.

Trek through forests, prairies and wetlands to learn about the different animal species that make Lake County home. Discover the unique adaptations of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects through hands-on investigations, live animal encounters and nature explorations.

Campers will learn about the slimy, crawling, and flying invertebrates of Lake County and what makes them special. Invertebrates (animals without backbones) make up the largest group of animals on Earth. Each day's explorations highlight different ecosystems and the invertebrates that inhabit them.

Create your own works of art as you learn about local Lake County artists. We will use a variety of mediums to foster creativity as we examine art in the museum’s collection.

Allow your little one time to explore the wonders of nature. Seek adventure in a new habitat each day. Using your senses and curiosity you'll wander into woodlands, wetlands, and prairie with a sense of wonder and awe. Discover who and what might be living or growing there. Natural items, creativity, and imagination will spark kids' love for play and learning in nature.

Join us on a relaxing, evening stroll in search of Lake County's tall, wading birds and discover key identifying features. Bring binoculars if you have them.

These live outdoor musical performances begin at 7 pm every Tuesday through August 5 at Independence Grove in Libertyville.

Explore the watery world that fish inhabit and learn the basic skills, techniques and bait needed to catch them. Each day includes a 1.5 hour fishing session and all equipment is provided.

Trek through forests, prairies and wetlands to learn about the different animal species that make Lake County home. Discover the unique adaptations of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects through hands-on investigations, live animal encounters and nature explorations.

Campers will learn about the slimy, crawling, and flying invertebrates of Lake County and what makes them special. Invertebrates (animals without backbones) make up the largest group of animals on Earth. Each day's explorations highlight different ecosystems and the invertebrates that inhabit them.

Create your own works of art as you learn about local Lake County artists. We will use a variety of mediums to foster creativity as we examine art in the museum’s collection.

Allow your little one time to explore the wonders of nature. Seek adventure in a new habitat each day. Using your senses and curiosity you'll wander into woodlands, wetlands, and prairie with a sense of wonder and awe. Discover who and what might be living or growing there. Natural items, creativity, and imagination will spark kids' love for play and learning in nature.

Explore the watery world that fish inhabit and learn the basic skills, techniques and bait needed to catch them. Each day includes a 1.5 hour fishing session and all equipment is provided.

Trek through forests, prairies and wetlands to learn about the different animal species that make Lake County home. Discover the unique adaptations of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects through hands-on investigations, live animal encounters and nature explorations.

Campers will learn about the slimy, crawling, and flying invertebrates of Lake County and what makes them special. Invertebrates (animals without backbones) make up the largest group of animals on Earth. Each day's explorations highlight different ecosystems and the invertebrates that inhabit them.

Create your own works of art as you learn about local Lake County artists. We will use a variety of mediums to foster creativity as we examine art in the museum’s collection.

Allow your little one time to explore the wonders of nature. Seek adventure in a new habitat each day. Using your senses and curiosity you'll wander into woodlands, wetlands, and prairie with a sense of wonder and awe. Discover who and what might be living or growing there. Natural items, creativity, and imagination will spark kids' love for play and learning in nature.

Do you know who lives in the water, and feeds larger wildlife? Maybe something you've never seen before will surprise you. Using dip nets, we'll catch and observe aquatic critters. All animals will be released unharmed. Others may choose to play with the water, mud, rocks, etc.

Learn about the fascinating history of Fort Sheridan on this guided walk.

Explore the watery world that fish inhabit and learn the basic skills, techniques and bait needed to catch them. Each day includes a 1.5 hour fishing session and all equipment is provided.

Campers will learn about the slimy, crawling, and flying invertebrates of Lake County and what makes them special. Invertebrates (animals without backbones) make up the largest group of animals on Earth. Each day's explorations highlight different ecosystems and the invertebrates that inhabit them.

Trek through forests, prairies and wetlands to learn about the different animal species that make Lake County home. Discover the unique adaptations of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects through hands-on investigations, live animal encounters and nature explorations.

Create your own works of art as you learn about local Lake County artists. We will use a variety of mediums to foster creativity as we examine art in the museum’s collection.

Join a naturalist and take a leisurely stroll through this beautiful preserve. Learn about the history of this site and take a close look at some of the interesting plants and animals that we come upon.

Grab some work gloves, help restore the environment, and get a behind-the-scenes look at your preserves! Help our natural communities by removing invasive plants and helping native species thrive.

The Education Center is a net-zero energy building located within Ryerson Conservation Area, which means the building aims to produce as much energy as it consumes each year. Stop by between 1 - 3 PM and discover the strategies used to meet this goal.

Join us as we learn about the amazing life history of our local fireflies. Followed by a short walk to try and identify some, and watch for their bioluminescent patterns.

Explore the watery world that fish inhabit and learn the basic skills, techniques and bait needed to catch them. Each day includes a 1.5 hour fishing session and all equipment is provided.

In this dynamic two-week outdoor program, culminating with an overnight camp-out, high schoolers will explore and study the local ecosystems of Lake County. Conservation Explorers (ConEx) will highlight the importance of conservation and stewardship as participants gain real-world, hands-on experience through data collection and learning from Forest Preserve experts. Participants will also learn about summer job opportunities and career options in the science field.

Explore the watery world that fish inhabit and learn the basic skills, techniques and bait needed to catch them. Each day includes a 1.5 hour fishing session and all equipment is provided.

In this dynamic two-week outdoor program, culminating with an overnight camp-out, high schoolers will explore and study the local ecosystems of Lake County. Conservation Explorers (ConEx) will highlight the importance of conservation and stewardship as participants gain real-world, hands-on experience through data collection and learning from Forest Preserve experts. Participants will also learn about summer job opportunities and career options in the science field.

Move your kids outdoors for unstructured seasonal play, proven healthful and beneficial. Celebrate seasonal fun outdoors. Create endless mud masterpieces: cakes, cookies, pies, paintings, and sculptures. Whatever you can imagine, you can create. Nature provides infinite possibilities to express creativity. See how nature ignites a spark in everyone.

These live outdoor musical performances begin at 7 pm every Tuesday through August 5 at Independence Grove in Libertyville.

Explore the watery world that fish inhabit and learn the basic skills, techniques and bait needed to catch them. Each day includes a 1.5 hour fishing session and all equipment is provided.

In this dynamic two-week outdoor program, culminating with an overnight camp-out, high schoolers will explore and study the local ecosystems of Lake County. Conservation Explorers (ConEx) will highlight the importance of conservation and stewardship as participants gain real-world, hands-on experience through data collection and learning from Forest Preserve experts. Participants will also learn about summer job opportunities and career options in the science field.

Take a deep dive into the Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI's) to enhance your depth of understanding of key science ideas. This session will focus on plant structures and function and is most appropriate for grades K-5 teachers.

Enjoy a leisurely hike at Independence Grove as we take in the sights and sounds of nature.

Explore the watery world that fish inhabit and learn the basic skills, techniques and bait needed to catch them. Each day includes a 1.5 hour fishing session and all equipment is provided.

In this dynamic two-week outdoor program, culminating with an overnight camp-out, high schoolers will explore and study the local ecosystems of Lake County. Conservation Explorers (ConEx) will highlight the importance of conservation and stewardship as participants gain real-world, hands-on experience through data collection and learning from Forest Preserve experts. Participants will also learn about summer job opportunities and career options in the science field.

This presentation will center on storytelling through the lens of shared public spaces. It’s no secret that our public art, museum, and history records are largely missing the stories of women, people of color, and marginalized communities. Laura explores the real logistics of how we change the way we tell our community stories. Participants will learn that changing our collective storytelling isn’t just a moral imperative, but a sound investment for our Illinois economies.

This presentation will center on storytelling through the lens of shared public spaces. It’s no secret that our public art, museum, and history records are largely missing the stories of women, people of color, and marginalized communities. Laura explores the real logistics of how we change the way we tell our community stories. Participants will learn that changing our collective storytelling isn’t just a moral imperative, but a sound investment for our Illinois economies.

Discover the diversity of beautiful wildflowers and the rolling hills and panoramic views at Pine Dunes during this evening walk.

Drop a line and see if the fish are biting. Learn what fish species live in Lake County and some of their special adaptations. We'll supply the poles, bait and tips on getting started. Our staff will fish alongside you and your family.

Explore the watery world that fish inhabit and learn the basic skills, techniques and bait needed to catch them. Each day includes a 1.5 hour fishing session and all equipment is provided.

In this dynamic two-week outdoor program, culminating with an overnight camp-out, high schoolers will explore and study the local ecosystems of Lake County. Conservation Explorers (ConEx) will highlight the importance of conservation and stewardship as participants gain real-world, hands-on experience through data collection and learning from Forest Preserve experts. Participants will also learn about summer job opportunities and career options in the science field.

In this dynamic two-week outdoor program, culminating with an overnight camp-out, high schoolers will explore and study the local ecosystems of Lake County. Conservation Explorers (ConEx) will highlight the importance of conservation and stewardship as participants gain real-world, hands-on experience through data collection and learning from Forest Preserve experts. Participants will also learn about summer job opportunities and career options in the science field.

Join an Environmental Educator and take a leisurely stroll through one of our preserves. This is a great opportunity to get some exercise and learn about nature. Join us and take a closer look at plants, birds and other wildlife.

In this dynamic two-week outdoor program, culminating with an overnight camp-out, high schoolers will explore and study the local ecosystems of Lake County. Conservation Explorers (ConEx) will highlight the importance of conservation and stewardship as participants gain real-world, hands-on experience through data collection and learning from Forest Preserve experts. Participants will also learn about summer job opportunities and career options in the science field.

Learn about native bees and how you can help them through the community science program BeeSpotter.

Want to practice and improve your fishing skills? Join us as we learn about fish behavior, bait selection, lures and techniques. Each day features a 1.5 hour fishing session. One day of guided boat fishing is included and all equipment is provided.

Foster your camper’s enthusiasm for the natural and human history of Lake County. From dinos to the modern day, we’ll explore how the habitats and people of Lake County have changed over time.

Campers will learn about the slimy, crawling, and flying invertebrates of Lake County and what makes them special. Invertebrates (animals without backbones) make up the largest group of animals on Earth. Each day's explorations highlight different ecosystems and the invertebrates that inhabit them.

Trek through forests, prairies and wetlands to learn about the different animal species that make Lake County home. Discover the unique adaptations of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects through hands-on investigations, live animal encounters and nature explorations.

In this dynamic two-week outdoor program, culminating with an overnight camp-out, high schoolers will explore and study the local ecosystems of Lake County. Conservation Explorers (ConEx) will highlight the importance of conservation and stewardship as participants gain real-world, hands-on experience through data collection and learning from Forest Preserve experts. Participants will also learn about summer job opportunities and career options in the science field.

Want to practice and improve your fishing skills? Join us as we learn about fish behavior, bait selection, lures and techniques. Each day features a 1.5 hour fishing session. One day of guided boat fishing is included and all equipment is provided.

Trek through forests, prairies and wetlands to learn about the different animal species that make Lake County home. Discover the unique adaptations of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects through hands-on investigations, live animal encounters and nature explorations.

Foster your camper’s enthusiasm for the natural and human history of Lake County. From dinos to the modern day, we’ll explore how the habitats and people of Lake County have changed over time.

In this dynamic two-week outdoor program, culminating with an overnight camp-out, high schoolers will explore and study the local ecosystems of Lake County. Conservation Explorers (ConEx) will highlight the importance of conservation and stewardship as participants gain real-world, hands-on experience through data collection and learning from Forest Preserve experts. Participants will also learn about summer job opportunities and career options in the science field.

Campers will learn about the slimy, crawling, and flying invertebrates of Lake County and what makes them special. Invertebrates (animals without backbones) make up the largest group of animals on Earth. Each day's explorations highlight different ecosystems and the invertebrates that inhabit them.

Allow your little one time to explore the wonders of nature. Seek adventure in a new habitat each day. Using your senses and curiosity you'll wander into woodlands, wetlands, and prairie with a sense of wonder and awe. Discover who and what might be living or growing there. Natural items, creativity, and imagination will spark kids' love for play and learning in nature.

These live outdoor musical performances begin at 7 pm every Tuesday through August 5 at Independence Grove in Libertyville.

Want to practice and improve your fishing skills? Join us as we learn about fish behavior, bait selection, lures and techniques. Each day features a 1.5 hour fishing session. One day of guided boat fishing is included and all equipment is provided.

Grab some work gloves, help restore the environment, and get a behind-the-scenes look at your preserves! Help our natural communities by removing invasive plants and helping native species thrive.

Foster your camper’s enthusiasm for the natural and human history of Lake County. From dinos to the modern day, we’ll explore how the habitats and people of Lake County have changed over time.

Trek through forests, prairies and wetlands to learn about the different animal species that make Lake County home. Discover the unique adaptations of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects through hands-on investigations, live animal encounters and nature explorations.

In this dynamic two-week outdoor program, culminating with an overnight camp-out, high schoolers will explore and study the local ecosystems of Lake County. Conservation Explorers (ConEx) will highlight the importance of conservation and stewardship as participants gain real-world, hands-on experience through data collection and learning from Forest Preserve experts. Participants will also learn about summer job opportunities and career options in the science field.

Campers will learn about the slimy, crawling, and flying invertebrates of Lake County and what makes them special. Invertebrates (animals without backbones) make up the largest group of animals on Earth. Each day's explorations highlight different ecosystems and the invertebrates that inhabit them.

Allow your little one time to explore the wonders of nature. Seek adventure in a new habitat each day. Using your senses and curiosity you'll wander into woodlands, wetlands, and prairie with a sense of wonder and awe. Discover who and what might be living or growing there. Natural items, creativity, and imagination will spark kids' love for play and learning in nature.

Want to practice and improve your fishing skills? Join us as we learn about fish behavior, bait selection, lures and techniques. Each day features a 1.5 hour fishing session. One day of guided boat fishing is included and all equipment is provided.

Foster your camper’s enthusiasm for the natural and human history of Lake County. From dinos to the modern day, we’ll explore how the habitats and people of Lake County have changed over time.

Campers will learn about the slimy, crawling, and flying invertebrates of Lake County and what makes them special. Invertebrates (animals without backbones) make up the largest group of animals on Earth. Each day's explorations highlight different ecosystems and the invertebrates that inhabit them.

Trek through forests, prairies and wetlands to learn about the different animal species that make Lake County home. Discover the unique adaptations of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects through hands-on investigations, live animal encounters and nature explorations.

In this dynamic two-week outdoor program, culminating with an overnight camp-out, high schoolers will explore and study the local ecosystems of Lake County. Conservation Explorers (ConEx) will highlight the importance of conservation and stewardship as participants gain real-world, hands-on experience through data collection and learning from Forest Preserve experts. Participants will also learn about summer job opportunities and career options in the science field.

Allow your little one time to explore the wonders of nature. Seek adventure in a new habitat each day. Using your senses and curiosity you'll wander into woodlands, wetlands, and prairie with a sense of wonder and awe. Discover who and what might be living or growing there. Natural items, creativity, and imagination will spark kids' love for play and learning in nature.

Want to practice and improve your fishing skills? Join us as we learn about fish behavior, bait selection, lures and techniques. Each day features a 1.5 hour fishing session. One day of guided boat fishing is included and all equipment is provided.

Foster your camper’s enthusiasm for the natural and human history of Lake County. From dinos to the modern day, we’ll explore how the habitats and people of Lake County have changed over time.

Campers will learn about the slimy, crawling, and flying invertebrates of Lake County and what makes them special. Invertebrates (animals without backbones) make up the largest group of animals on Earth. Each day's explorations highlight different ecosystems and the invertebrates that inhabit them.

Trek through forests, prairies and wetlands to learn about the different animal species that make Lake County home. Discover the unique adaptations of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects through hands-on investigations, live animal encounters and nature explorations.

In this dynamic two-week outdoor program, culminating with an overnight camp-out, high schoolers will explore and study the local ecosystems of Lake County. Conservation Explorers (ConEx) will highlight the importance of conservation and stewardship as participants gain real-world, hands-on experience through data collection and learning from Forest Preserve experts. Participants will also learn about summer job opportunities and career options in the science field.

In this dynamic two-week outdoor program, culminating with an overnight camp-out, high schoolers will explore and study the local ecosystems of Lake County. Conservation Explorers (ConEx) will highlight the importance of conservation and stewardship as participants gain real-world, hands-on experience through data collection and learning from Forest Preserve experts. Participants will also learn about summer job opportunities and career options in the science field.

Learn about native bees and how you can help them through the community science program BeeSpotter.

Want to practice and improve your fishing skills? Join us as we learn about fish behavior, bait selection, lures and techniques. Each day features a 1.5 hour fishing session. One day of guided boat fishing is included and all equipment is provided.

Seek adventure by exploring a new local ecosystem each day and learn about what habitats make Lake County special. Campers will get up close with the plants and animals residing in different ecosystems and discover what efforts are done by the Lake County Forest Preserves to conserve our wild spaces.

Want to practice and improve your fishing skills? Join us as we learn about fish behavior, bait selection, lures and techniques. Each day features a 1.5 hour fishing session. One day of guided boat fishing is included and all equipment is provided.

Seek adventure by exploring a new local ecosystem each day and learn about what habitats make Lake County special. Campers will get up close with the plants and animals residing in different ecosystems and discover what efforts are done by the Lake County Forest Preserves to conserve our wild spaces.

These live outdoor musical performances begin at 7 pm every Tuesday through August 5 at Independence Grove in Libertyville.

Want to practice and improve your fishing skills? Join us as we learn about fish behavior, bait selection, lures and techniques. Each day features a 1.5 hour fishing session. One day of guided boat fishing is included and all equipment is provided.

Discover new ways to bring local history into your Illinois social studies lessons. In this workshop, teachers will work closely with Dunn Museum education staff to learn how they can enhance their current curriculum by including local history examples. Resources such as primary sources, related images, and videos will be shared for teachers to use in their lessons.

Seek adventure by exploring a new local ecosystem each day and learn about what habitats make Lake County special. Campers will get up close with the plants and animals residing in different ecosystems and discover what efforts are done by the Lake County Forest Preserves to conserve our wild spaces.

Grab a tasty brew with friends at the Beer Garden at Independence Grove while you test your knowledge on Lake County past and present in a fun and educational trivia game. Your team will be quizzed on nature, history, the forest preserves and more.

Want to practice and improve your fishing skills? Join us as we learn about fish behavior, bait selection, lures and techniques. Each day features a 1.5 hour fishing session. One day of guided boat fishing is included and all equipment is provided.

Want to practice and improve your fishing skills? Join us as we learn about fish behavior, bait selection, lures and techniques. Each day features a 1.5 hour fishing session. One day of guided boat fishing is included and all equipment is provided.

Únase a un educador ambiental y explore la reserva forestal Fox River. Caminata es en Español y Ingles.
Join an environmental educator and explore the Fox River Forest Preserve. The walk is in Spanish & English.