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, 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.
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 region’s soils—you’ll learn how geology connects to the living prairie and how these relationships have shaped modern soil.
The session begins with a brief introduction to the geological history of the region, followed by an opportunity to create your own soil-based artwork. For a deeper dive, participants can also join in making the paints themselves directly from raw glacial sediments.
Connect with the land—and see the prairie in a whole new hue.
Monday, February 9th, starting at 6 pm
Let’s hike the quiet trails and see the impact of a long winter’s rest on the flora and fauna on the preserve.
Tuesday, March 10th, starting at 9 am
The sun is shining and the flowers are starting to bloom. Let’s learn about some of our favorite native wildflowers and then head out for a walk to find and identify them.
Saturday, March 21st, starting at 10 am
Early spring days bring sunlight to the forest floor which give the spring ephemerals a chance to grow. Come out for a morning spring wildflower walk.
Tuesday, April 14th, starting at 9 am
Join Missouri Botanical Garden ethnobotanist Dr. Kate Farley for a springtime walk to learn about useful plants of the Midwest! We will talk about edible and medicinal plants that we find along the trail, including discussions of history and folklore. Plan for a gentle hike of up to two miles, with plenty of stops along the way.
Saturday, April 18th starting at 10:30 am
Along the Mississippi Flyway we see many, many spring migrants. Lets look and listen for these tiny birds that are only here for a short time each year.
Tuesday, May 12th, starting at 9 am
We moved to SmartRec by Amilia for activity, event, and camp registrations. Learn how to create your SmartRec account and see registration instructions here.