Join Us on the Water and In the Woods
Friends of the Chicago River has two exciting opportunities coming up to explore, learn, and celebrate the places that make our river system special.
Paddle into the Night at Moonlight Paddle
Friday, July 25, 7–10:30 p.m.
Skokie Lagoons, Forest Preserves of Cook County
Tower Road Boat Launch, Northfield, IL
$60 per person, $54 for Friends members
Experience the Skokie Lagoons like never before during this exclusive after-hours sunset and moonlight paddle. As daylight fades, the lagoons come alive with wildlife activity, offering a unique opportunity to spot great blue herons, egrets, bald eagles, turtles, and other river residents from the water.
Night paddling is not normally permitted in the Forest Preserves of Cook County, making this a rare chance to explore the lagoons under the glow of the setting sun and moonlight. Friends’ experienced canoe guides will provide equipment, paddling instruction, safety guidance, and fascinating insights about the river ecosystem along the way.
No paddling experience is necessary, and beginners are welcome. Space is limited, so advance registration is required.
Celebrate Nature and Community at Together for Trees
Saturday, August 1, 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Kickapoo Woods – Halsted St. south of W. 144th St., Riverdale, IL
Free and family-friendly
Join Friends and our partners for a family-friendly celebration of Kickapoo Woods and Prairie, one of the region’s treasured natural spaces. This free event invites community members to explore the preserve, learn about local conservation efforts, and discover how volunteers are helping care for this important landscape.
Take in the beauty of the preserve and learn how volunteers support restoration efforts through invasive plant removal, seed collecting, and other stewardship activities.
Drop-ins are welcome, but registration is encouraged.
Together for Trees is hosted in partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Friends of the Forest Preserves, Imani Village, Major Taylor Trail Keepers, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Openlands, and Chicago Model Masters Model Aviation Club.
