The Nature Institute's trails take a yearly hiatus from December 15-April 1. This means the trails are not available for regular hiking. However, The Nature [...]

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?  [...]

Snowflake Scientists 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 [...]

Description: A new spin on our classic Yoga + Hike program! You asked – and we agreed! This special winter edition includes a 30 minute [...]

Description: Learn to ID trees from their bark, buds, and branching! This is an adult program open to participants of all ages, but activities will be [...]

Snowflake Scientists 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 [...]

Winter Trees and Evergreens Learn to identify trees in the winter by their buds, branching, and bark! We’ll also investigate evergreens and the secret to [...]

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 [...]

Curiosity Woods 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 [...]

Join us for a book club discussion this winter. We will meet at the Mississippi Sanctuary Office and enjoy an amazing view of the Mississippi.

Join us at The Nature Institute on February 7, 2026, from 9 AM to 1 PM for a delightful day of eagle watching in a [...]

In this hands-on workshop, participants explore the science and story of Illinois’ ancient landscapes through art. Using watercolor paints made from glacial sediments—the foundations of the [...]

Curiosity Woods 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 [...]

Phun Phylogeny How do scientists classify living things, and why do we do it? Students are invited to explore the scientific world of classification through [...]

Ah, Valentine’s Day - the perfect time to explore the romantic entanglements of the animal kingdom. Cuddle up with your sweetie (whether human or pet) [...]

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