Junior Naturalists Description: Tiny Trekkers is a once a week drop off program for ages 3 - 5. Registration is offered by the month only, [...]

Description: Did you know TNI uses millions of seeds each year to increase biodiversity of the prairies and woodlands on the preserve? Our goal is [...]

This new program is offered exclusively to 6th – 9th grade students! Critters & Crypts is our weekly Dungeons & Dragons group. Journey on quests [...]

Spider Science Step into some creepy crawly science for the spooky season! Learn about web-building, silk strength, and spider hunting styles. Description: Calling all homeschool [...]

Carnivorous Plant Lab Can we interest you in a horrifyingly interesting class this Halloween season? Dive deep into the world of carnivorous plants, from nitrogen [...]

Description: Have an old telescope laying around, but never use it?  Always wanted to look at the universe through a telescope, but don’t own one?  [...]

Making the Most of Fall Let's hike the preserve and enjoy the trees while they still have their leaves. Description: Roaming Naturalists is a monthly [...]

Junior Naturalists Description: Tiny Trekkers is a once a week drop off program for ages 3 - 5. Registration is offered by the month only, [...]

This new program is offered exclusively to 6th – 9th grade students! Critters & Crypts is our weekly Dungeons & Dragons group. Journey on quests [...]

Heartland Prairie Hikes are a long-running volunteer-led hike at Heartland Prairie at Gordon Moore Park in Alton. Join other prairie enthusiasts on the 2nd and [...]

Bring your little one for Reggio-inspired forest play. Various invitations will be offered to spark your child’s curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Ages 18 months [...]

Trail Challenge Members are invited to join TNI staff for a guided hike of Rock Trail. After the hike you will receive your sticker proving [...]

Wild Kratt Kids Time to suit up and discover your creature powers! Learn which creature facts are myth and fact, where to find animals, and [...]

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the release of Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy.  Therefore, we will celebrate by watching various movies [...]

Junior Naturalists Description: Tiny Trekkers is a once a week drop off program for ages 3 - 5. Registration is offered by the month only, [...]

This new program is offered exclusively to 6th – 9th grade students! Critters & Crypts is our weekly Dungeons & Dragons group. Journey on quests [...]

Spider Science Step into some creepy crawly science for the spooky season! Learn about web-building, silk strength, and spider hunting styles. Description: Calling all homeschool [...]

Description: The Nature Institute manages Heartland Prairie at Gordon Moore Park. This prairie jewel has been growing continuously for over 40 years and was the [...]

Forest Bathing Description: Join Jess Thenhaus, a certified Forest & Nature Therapy Guide, for a unique outdoor experience at The Nature Institute. Forest Bathing is [...]

Join us on a night hike through the woods. On the trails of the Mississippi Sanctuary and Olin Nature Preserve the terrain is light to [...]