Knee High Naturalists

Knee High Naturalists

Spring Babies Description: Put on some boots and bring your sense of adventure! Put on some boots and bring your sense of exploration! This program [...]
ECO Homeschool Adventures: Solar Power Palooza (6th - 12th)

ECO Homeschool Adventures: Solar Power Palooza (6th - 12th)

Solar Power Palooza While visiting TNI, you might become lost, left behind, encounter confused or inquisitive aliens/monsters, or run afoul with some insane scientists. Your [...]
Yoga + Hike

Yoga + Hike

Description: Moonbird Yoga is headed to the Nature Institute for a 60-minute hike in nature before connecting more in a 60-minute yoga practice with a [...]
Native Plant Sale

Native Plant Sale

Saturday May 17    
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Are you ready to plant natives in your yard this year? Join us on May 18th to purchase some locally grown plants. We will have [...]
17 May

REC Fest at the National Great Rivers Museum

Saturday May 17    
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
The Nature Institute is participating in REC Fest at The National Great Rivers Museum. Come see us there!  
17 May

The Great ARTdoors: Make your own Seed Packets

Saturday May 17    
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Our spring Great ARTdoors workshops are taught by Jill Haack from the Edwardsville Arts Center. These workshops are open for teens and adults. See below [...]
Spring Edibles (Members Only)

Spring Edibles (Members Only)

Description: Join our education staff for a leisurely hike to learn about the many edible plants out on the preserve. You’ll learn the basics of [...]
Classic Flicks - Attack of the Giant Leeches

Classic Flicks - Attack of the Giant Leeches

Saturday May 17    
8:30 pm - 10:00 pm
With the recent release of the reimagined Nosferatu we thought why not make 2025 the year of classic horror?  Come experience some thrills and chills [...]
Tiny Trekkers: Bugs and Beasties

Tiny Trekkers: Bugs and Beasties

Bugs and Beasties Description: Tiny Trekkers is a once a week drop off program for ages 3 – 5. Registration is offered by the month [...]
Tiny Trekkers: Bugs and Beasties

Tiny Trekkers: Bugs and Beasties

Bugs and Beasties Description: Tiny Trekkers is a once a week drop off program for ages 3 – 5. Registration is offered by the month [...]
ECO Homeschool Adventures: Forestry Fundamentals

ECO Homeschool Adventures: Forestry Fundamentals

Forestry Fundamentals Learn the basics of forestry through examining tree cookies, exploring special tree adaptations, and discovering the elements of a healthy forest. Description: Calling [...]
Forest Playdate

Forest Playdate

Thursday May 22    
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Description: 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 [...]
23 May

Family Friday: Fungus Among Us

Fungus Among Us From molds to mushrooms and more, let’s learn about fungus through hands-on activities. Description: Join us monthly on a Friday evening for [...]
Telescope Night

Telescope Night

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?  [...]
Heartland Prairie Hike

Heartland Prairie Hike

Tuesday May 27    
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
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 [...]
07 Jun

Two Rivers Fishing Fair at Pere Marquette

Saturday June 07    
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Nature Institute is participating at the Two Rivers Fishing Fair at Pere Marquette. Come see us there!    
Roaming Naturalists

Roaming Naturalists

Tuesday June 10    
9:00 am - 10:15 am
Description: Roaming Naturalists is a monthly hike designed for adults (all ages welcome) that want to learn more about the natural world. Topics will range [...]
Heartland Prairie Hike

Heartland Prairie Hike

Tuesday June 10    
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
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 [...]
Moonlight Hike

Moonlight Hike

Wednesday June 11    
9:00 pm - 10:15 pm
Description: Join us on a night hike through the woods. On the trails of the Mississippi Sanctuary and Olin Nature Preserve the terrain is light [...]
Forest Bathing

Forest Bathing

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