We had such a great turnout at our first Wester Park hike that we're doing it again. Sort of. We'll meet at the gazebo in the park but we're going to explore different parts of the downtown and city. Expect to hike three to four miles. Please park on Fisher Avenue for free. It's the […]

Join us at Cedar Cliff Forest Preserve for a Saturday morning hike. We'll cross over a stream and hike through the lovely prairie and scented woods. We'll stop at the limestone cliffs and take in views of the lovely Rock River. This hike will loop for slightly less than two-and-a-half miles. There are a couple […]

We love Haight! Our lunchtime loop at Haight Park is going to be a lot of fun! Park for free on the street at N. 1st Street and Lafayette. We'll meet at the gazebo, have a quick info session and then hike around downtown and Haight Village. We'll hike for approximately two miles. Leashed dogs […]

Perhaps the name of this hike is confusing, but once you're there, it will all makes sense! There are three miles of trails that loop through two preserves. We'll hike through prairies, oak savannas and a pine forest. There are moderate hills along the way. Hikers who want to do two miles will have that […]

When you turn into the preserve, you'll immediately see a small parking lot on your right. Keep driving! There is a bigger parking lot a little bit further down the road. Park there and meet by the picnic tables. We'll hike for four miles throughout this lovely, sprawling preserve. We'll hike along the Kishwaukee River, […]

Back by popular demand! This is a peaceful, contemplative hike. We won't do much talking during this hike, but it won't be completely silent either. Meet at Walker Park on the corner of Myott and Sheridan. We'll head over to the Greenwood Cemetery and hike about two miles. It was in the teens during our […]

We'll hike for three miles at this lovely preserve. We'll walk through deciduous and coniferous forests and alongside the Rock River on this beautiful morning hike. Park in the very first parking lot. We'll have a quick meeting and then hit the trails for three mile "out and back." That means we'll hike for one-and-a-half […]

Pollinator Palooza is a wonderful outdoor event that features pollinator-themed games and craft stations to entertain visitors of all ages. You can build a bee hotel for leaf-cutter bees and grass-carrying wasps and even learn how your actions can support native pollinators. They'll even teach you how to design a pollinator garden that will impress […]

This event is different from most of our 815 Outside hikes. Instead of hiking, we'll be spreading out and photographing nature. Here's what to do. Before Sunday Download the free iNaturalist app. On Sunday Meet in the parking lot. We'll have a quick tutorial. We'll take out our phones and practice taking pictures of nature […]

Join us for a walk through the beautiful woodlands at Oak Ridge Forest Preserve. This hike will take us through about 2-3 miles of beautiful wooded trails with slight elevation changes. To find the preserve, navigate 3 miles south of Cherry Valley. The park is 1/2 mile east on Blomberg Road from the Blomberg & […]

Join us for a leisurely 2 mile walk on the recreational path at Midway Village. We will meet at Midway Village's Entrance 2 on Guilford Road across from Reid Farm Road.

Join us on this beautiful hike through the Lost Flora Fen. This hike will include up to two miles of boardwalks and grassy trails and fairly level terrain with some slight elevation changes. If it has recently rained, there is a possibility for ankle deep water. Rubber boots would be recommended in this case. *PLEASE […]

Join us for an easy afternoon hike through Kieselburg Forest Preserve! Our trail will be about 2 miles with some slight elevation gain, and all ages are welcome. We will meet at the first parking area.

UPDATE: This hike will now be taking place at the neighboring Nardi Prairie! The lupines are in full bloom over at Nardi, so it will be a beautiful walk! Join us to look for wildflowers on a hike through Nardi Prairie! We will meet in the parking lot at 6651 N. River Road, Oregon at […]

Enjoy the beauty of Jensen Forest Preserve on this calming sunset hike! This hike will be 1-2 miles in length and bring you through the beautiful landscapes at the preserve. All ages are welcome!