Nature Study Classes
The Nature Institute aims to provide educational classes for everyone. Many of our classes are geared towards children, but these nature study classes are specifically designed for older students and adults. Check out our upcoming offerings below.
Tuesday, August 9, 9am: Free
Join Ramona for a leisurely hike up to a few of the prairies at TNI. We will discuss the difference between the prairies and what makes them such important habitats in Illinois.
Easy to moderate hike. You will also want a water bottle, a wide brim hat, and good hiking shoes.
Tuesday, September 9th, 6 pm: $25
Interested in learning more about plant identification? Join us for this 2 hour workshop! Learn:
- Basic plant anatomy
- Field guide instruction
- IL wildflower identification
We'll also head out into one of our hill prairies to practice your new ID skills. A copy of Newcomb's Wildflower Guide is included in the workshop fee. $25/person. Limited to 10 participants.
Tuesday, September 9, 9 am: Free
Join Ramona for a leisurely hike searching for Native Fall Fruits. We will certainly find some persimmons and if we are lucky maybe even a pawpaw. Hikers will be invited to try the fruit if it is ripe and ready to eat. Hike will occur on September 9 starting at 9 am.
Easy to moderate hike. Bring your water bottle, and good hiking shoes.
Saturday, September 13, 2:30 pm: $5
Join us for a bird hike led by staff from the Audubon Center at Riverlands. Bring your binoculars, hiking shoes, and a water bottle. We will traverse easy to moderate trails while looking for birds in the area.
Tuesday, October 12, 9 am: Free
Join Ramona for a leisurely hike searching for growing mushrooms. We will take identification guides along with us to see if we can name the mushrooms.
Easy to moderate hike. Bring your water bottle, favorite mushroom id guide and good hiking shoes.
Tuesday, November 18, 9 am: Free
Join Ramona for a leisurely hike while we enjoy some literary works by various writers.
Easy to moderate hike. Bring your favorite nature inspired poem or short story to share with the group. You will also want a water bottle and good hiking shoes.
Saturday, December 6, 10 am: $25
Take home your own oyster mushroom growing kit. We will provide all the materials and help you get your kit started then all you have to do is take it home and store it somewhere warm and dry. You will have fresh oyster mushrooms to use in recipes in 4-6 weeks.
Bring a small box or bag to transport your kit home in. It will be in a bag, but a box will make it a little easier to carry.
Tuesday, December 9, 9 am: Free
Join Ramona for a leisurely hike while we enjoy the last days of fall. We will look for animals getting ready for winter, enjoy the last migrating waterfowl, and be thankful for a great year so far.
Easy to moderate hike. You will want a water bottle and good hiking shoes.
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