Seasonal Highlights

There are great opportunities to explore Chicago Wilderness throughout the year. Each season there's something new to see or do in the natural areas in the Chicago region. You can go bird watching in the spring, plunge into Lake Michigan in the summer, take in the fall colors, or explore the region's cross-country skiing trails during the winter. Here are more suggestions to help you enjoy Chicago Wilderness all year.

Winter

Don't let the winter weather keep you from enjoying Chicago Wilderness!

photo: Jim Nachel

Outdoor winter sports like snow shoeing and cross-country skiing can turn snowy weather into a great opportunity to get outdoors and explore the region's natural areas. Many forest preserve districts and other organizations host skiing events, including nighttime candlelight skiing.

Even in winter, natural areas in the Chicago region are full of life. Well-fed white-tailed deer can easily withstand the harsh weather. In January the white-tailed bucks begin dropping antlers. In late January or early February, Canada geese begin their northward migration from refuges in southern Illinois. If you visit natural areas in late winter, you may also see snow geese passing through on their way north.

For those who prefer to stay warm inside in the winter, this is a good time of year to take some time to plan your garden for the spring. Landscaping with native plants is good for the environment and for wildlife. You can prepare to create a nature-friendly yard by learning more about native plants and natural landscaping.

For information on specific winter activities and events, contact Chicago Wilderness member organizations or use the events listing on the Chicagoland Environmental Network web site.

Spring

Spring is an exciting time to explore Chicago Wilderness!

photo: Morton Arboretum

Migratory birds begin to return to the region. In March, muskie and walleye begin spawning in the region's rivers. Female rabbits prepare nests, and doves reappear in the area. Resident Canada geese begin nesting and wood ducks return and start searching for good nesting spots. In April, wild turkeys can be heard gobbling in some natural areas. Coyotes and foxes bear their young in the spring, and white-tailed bucks start to re-grow their antlers.

Spring is a good time to get outside to hike, watch for migrating birds, and enjoy the first wildflowers of the season. Visit a wetland in the spring and you may be one of the first people to hear the chorus frogs begin singing.

You can also get involved in Chicago Wilderness in the spring by volunteering to help study the local flora and fauna. Many citizen scientist programs start training volunteers in early spring. See our Volunteer section for more information on training opportunities. Earth Day takes place in April and people in the Chicago region celebrate with a variety of events, ranging from festivals to educational lectures and outdoor restoration work parties.

For information on specific spring activities and events, contact Chicago Wilderness member organizations or use the events listing on the Chicagoland Environmental Network web site.

Summer

Summer is a popular time to get out and explore the natural places in the Chicago region.

photo: Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

In early summer, visitors to the natural areas in Chicago Wilderness may catch sight of young raccoons foraging with their mothers. Young red foxes emerge from their dens and adult Canada geese molt. Butterflies, dragonflies and other interesting insects are plentiful in the prairies, wetlands and other natural areas during the summer months. Prairie flowers bloom throughout the summer and prairie grasses and other plants reach impressive heights.

Throughout the summer, volunteer citizen-scientists head into the wild to help collect data about the health of our region's natural communities. They monitor butterflies, frogs and other animals and study the health of ecosystems such as streams, prairies and forests. You can learn more about how to become a citizen scientist on our Volunteer page.

Summer is also a great time to just have fun enjoying the outdoors and exploring nature. Park districts, forest preserves and other organizations host countless fun activities in the summer. You can join in on a guided nature walk, attend an outdoor festival, or sign your kids up for nature-oriented activities and day camps.

For information on specific summer activities and events, contact Chicago Wilderness member organizations or use the events listing on the Chicagoland Environmental Network web site.

Fall

Fall colors and cool weather make autumn a beautiful time to explore the outdoors.

photo: Morton Arboretum

Wooded areas offer spectacular displays in the fall. Prairies and wetlands are also great places to take in the warm palate of autumn colors. Fall can also be a good time for bird watching. Head to a natural area near you and you might spot some birds that don't normally live in the Chicago region as they pass through on their way from breeding grounds further north to their winter homes in the south.

You can join in a variety of autumn activities in Chicago Wilderness. Organizations that belong to the consortium host tours, story-telling events and other activities for families. You can also join in outdoor Halloween events or participate in volunteer activities.

National Public Lands Day takes place every September and many Chicago Wilderness consortium member organizations celebrate by hosting volunteer work days and educational activities throughout the region. These events give citizens a chance to give something back to the public lands we enjoy year-round.

For information on specific autumn activities and events, contact Chicago Wilderness member organizations or use the events listing on the Chicagoland Environmental Network web site.

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