Adult and Family Programs
Check out the lists below to see our upcoming adult and family programs.
Click on the name of the program to see more details. You will find registration for events by clicking on the red link.
Adult and Family Programs
Yoga + Hike – 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 view of the Mississippi River. Then, stick around for a coffee from local shop Germania Brew Haus. Mark your calendar and grab your hiking boots along with your mat for a nature-centric Saturday morning outing! This program runs from 8 – 10 a.m on select Saturday mornings.
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 moderate (may include some elevation change) and is appropriate for families. You can expect the hike to be about 2 miles, and will include stops along the way.
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? You are in luck! Come on out to the Talahi Lodge on the night of the new moon and we will have some set up. You can also bring your own and we can help you use it. We will talk about how telescopes work and look at the moon and other night sky objects.
- Spring Edible and Medicinal Plants – Learn about the plants that can benefit you and grow right in our own backyard.
- Heartland Prairie Hike – Join native plant enthusiasts for a hike at Heartland Prairie. You will learn what is blooming and learn more about the native plants found there.
- Roaming Naturalists: Emerging Flora of the Forest Floor – We will see what later blooming plants are still around even as the trees are putting out their leaves.
- Roaming Naturalists: May we Move? – Let’s talk about migration, specifically migrating birds. We will hopefully see and hear some warblers on our walk.
- Ecology and Identification of Common Woodland Ferns in Illinois – Join Christopher Evans, a forester of U of I Extension, to learn all about ferns! Ferns are a spore-producing ancient lineage of vascular plants with a fascinating and complex life cycle. They are an integral part of Illinois ecosystems. This presentation will cover the life history, diversity, anatomy, and ecology of ferns. While ferns can occur in many different habitats, this presentation will end on how to identify some of the common ferns found in Illinois woodlands.
Volunteer Opportunities
During our restoration workdays, help us remove invasive species by pulling and cutting.
Special Events
Movie Nights – 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 set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth! Come experience the awe and majesty of this bygone age and see the natural beauty of the lands of the fourth age with us this year at TNI. This free event takes place monthly from April through October. Watch a classic movie on our giant inflatable screen. Bring your own seating (lawn chairs or blankets), as well as your own snacks. No alcohol is permitted. See below for our upcoming presentations. No pre-registration required. While this event is FREE, donations are welcome! Limited parking is available, so arrive early to grab your seat.
- April 18th at 8:30 PM: The Hobbit (1977)
- May 9th at 8:30 PM: The Lord of the Rings (1978)
- June 20th at 9:00 PM: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
- July 18th at 9:00 PM: The Two Towers (2002)
- August 15th at 8:30 PM: The Return of the King (2003)
- September 19th at 7:30 PM: The War of the Rohirrim (2024)
- October 17th at 7 PM: The Return of the King (1980)
The Nature Institute has switched all registration to Amilia SmartRec. Please check out this information page to learn more about setting up your account and registering for programs.