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Explore the best spots at the Chicago Botanic Garden to locate late-winter bird residents and the early migrants of spring. Later walks in May will occur during peak warbler migration. Dress for the weather. Bring binoculars and a field guide, if you have them.
Saturday, May 16, 2026, 8 – 9:30 a.m. Alan Anderson, Chicago Audubon Society
Meet at Visitor Center |
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Not Available
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Creating and enjoying a bird oasis connects us to nature and helps sustain bird populations. A small Chicago bird garden is showcased to illustrate how to attract more than 100 bird species. Tips include practices, landscape enhancements, and plant selection, with an emphasis on native plants. Learn about migration, species diversity, habitat, diet, nesting, supplemental feeding, and citizen science.
Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Pam Karlson, artist, certified professional gardener and garden designer
Classroom 1, Learning Center |
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Not Available
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Introduction to Bird-Watching
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If you want to become a birder, join this class to learn the basics. Learn about binoculars, how to use a field guide, and the field marks used to identify common birds of the Chicago area. Then we’ll go out for a bird walk and try out your newly acquired skills. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather.
Monday, May 18, 2026, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Jim Steffen, ecologist emeritus, Chicago Botanic Garden
Classroom 1, Learning Center |
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Not Available
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Hidden Neighbors | Reptiles and Amphibians of Illinois
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New! Discover the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians living right in your backyard. Through live animals and preserved specimens, interactive touch stations, and close-up encounters, you will gain a deeper appreciation for these often-overlooked creatures. Learn all about the diverse species found throughout Illinois, with a special focus on those that may be quietly thriving around your home and garden. Whether you are a reptile or amphibian enthusiast or just curious, this fun and educational experience will open your eyes to the secret lives of Illinois's incredible cold-blooded residents.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 10 a.m. – Noon Jesse Davis, Metro 4-H Youth Development Educator, University of Illinois Extension
Classroom 1, Learning Center |
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Not Available
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Spring Migration Evening Bilingual Bird Walk
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Join bilingual birder Daniela Herrera on this evening spring bird walk where she will guide you through the wonders of spring migration birding. On the walk, you will look for birds like warblers and flycatchers. All levels are welcome. This walk is open to all and intended for members of the BIPOC community and Spanish-speakers. A map will be sent. Offered in partnership with Daniela Herrera, @latina.birder on Instagram. Acompaña a la pajarera bilingüe Daniela Herrera en esta caminata primaveral, donde te guiará por las maravillas de la migración de primavera. En el recorrido, buscaremos aves como chipes y mosqueros. Todos los niveles son bienvenidos. Esta caminata está abierta a todos y dirigida a la comunidad BIPOC e hispanohablantes. Se enviará un mapa. Ofrecido en colaboración con Daniela Herrera, @latina.birder en Instagram.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 6 – 8 p.m. Daniela Herrera, bilingual birder
Meet at Visitor Center |
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Not Available
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Explore the best spots at the Chicago Botanic Garden to locate late-winter bird residents and the early migrants of spring. Later walks in May will occur during peak warbler migration. Dress for the weather. Bring binoculars and a field guide, if you have them.
Thursday, May 21, 2026, 8 – 9:30 a.m. Alan Anderson, Chicago Audubon Society
Meet at Visitor Center |
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Not Available
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Gardening for Hummingbirds
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One of summer’s delights is a visit from a ruby-throated hummingbird. Learn about these special guests and how to attract them to gardens during their warm-season residency. Migration, plant selection, eco-friendly gardening practices, nesting, supplemental feeding, and citizen science will be discussed.
Saturday, May 30, 2026, 10:30 a.m. – noon Pam Karlson, artist, certified professional gardener and garden designer
Classroom 1, Learning Center |
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Not Available
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In partnership with Friends of the Chicago River, the Garden invites you to participate in a rare opportunity to canoe the lakes of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Herons, ducks, small fish, and maybe even a few turtles and frogs will greet you as we explore their watery habitat. No experience with canoeing is necessary; instruction, canoes, life jackets, and paddles are all provided. Please choose one of the scheduled start times. You’ll enjoy a full hour canoeing the lakes of the Garden. Children must be at least five years old to participate. The fee is per boat, with a maximum of three participants per boat.
Saturday, June 6, 2026, 9 – 11 a.m. Friends of the Chicago River
Lavin Evaluation Garden |
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Not Available
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In partnership with Friends of the Chicago River, the Garden invites you to participate in a rare opportunity to canoe the lakes of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Herons, ducks, small fish, and maybe even a few turtles and frogs will greet you as we explore their watery habitat. No experience with canoeing is necessary; instruction, canoes, life jackets, and paddles are all provided. Please choose one of the scheduled start times. You’ll enjoy a full hour canoeing the lakes of the Garden. Children must be at least five years old to participate. The fee is per boat, with a maximum of three participants per boat.
Saturday, June 6, 2026, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friends of the Chicago River
Lavin Evaluation Garden |
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Not Available
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In partnership with Friends of the Chicago River, the Garden invites you to participate in a rare opportunity to canoe the lakes of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Herons, ducks, small fish, and maybe even a few turtles and frogs will greet you as we explore their watery habitat. No experience with canoeing is necessary; instruction, canoes, life jackets, and paddles are all provided. Please choose one of the scheduled start times. You’ll enjoy a full hour canoeing the lakes of the Garden. Children must be at least five years old to participate. The fee is per boat, with a maximum of three participants per boat.
Saturday, June 6, 2026, 1 – 3 p.m. Friends of the Chicago River
Lavin Evaluation Garden |
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Not Available
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Early Summer Bilingual Bird Walk
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Join bilingual birder Daniela Herrera on this summer bird walk where she will guide you through the wonders of early summer birding. On the walk, you will look for late-spring migrating birds as well as the year-round residents that we know and love. All levels are welcome. This walk is open to all and intended for members of the BIPOC community and Spanish-speakers. A map will be sent. Offered in partnership with Daniela Herrera, @latina.birder on Instagram. Acompaña a la pajarera bilingüe Daniela Herrera en esta caminata de verano, donde te guiará por las maravillas de la observación de aves a inicios de temporada. Buscaremos aves migratorias tardías y a los residentes permanentes que conocemos y queremos. Todos los niveles son bienvenidos. Esta caminata está abierta a todos y dirigida a la comunidad BIPOC e hispanohablantes. Se enviará un mapa. Ofrecido en colaboración con Daniela Herrera, @latina.birder en Instagram.
Sunday, June 7, 2026, 8 – 10 a.m. Daniela Herrera, bilingual birder
Meet at Visitor Center |
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Not Available
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In partnership with Friends of the Chicago River, the Garden invites you to participate in a rare opportunity to canoe the lakes of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Herons, ducks, small fish, and maybe even a few turtles and frogs will greet you as we explore their watery habitat. No experience with canoeing is necessary; instruction, canoes, life jackets, and paddles are all provided. Please choose one of the scheduled start times. You’ll enjoy a full hour canoeing the lakes of the Garden. Children must be at least five years old to participate. The fee is per boat, with a maximum of three participants per boat.
Sunday, June 7, 2026, 9 – 11 a.m. Friends of the Chicago River
Lavin Evaluation Garden |
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Not Available
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In partnership with Friends of the Chicago River, the Garden invites you to participate in a rare opportunity to canoe the lakes of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Herons, ducks, small fish, and maybe even a few turtles and frogs will greet you as we explore their watery habitat. No experience with canoeing is necessary; instruction, canoes, life jackets, and paddles are all provided. Please choose one of the scheduled start times. You’ll enjoy a full hour canoeing the lakes of the Garden. Children must be at least five years old to participate. The fee is per boat, with a maximum of three participants per boat.
Sunday, June 7, 2026, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friends of the Chicago River
Lavin Evaluation Garden |
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Not Available
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In partnership with Friends of the Chicago River, the Garden invites you to participate in a rare opportunity to canoe the lakes of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Herons, ducks, small fish, and maybe even a few turtles and frogs will greet you as we explore their watery habitat. No experience with canoeing is necessary; instruction, canoes, life jackets, and paddles are all provided. Please choose one of the scheduled start times. You’ll enjoy a full hour canoeing the lakes of the Garden. Children must be at least five years old to participate. The fee is per boat, with a maximum of three participants per boat.
Sunday, June 7, 2026, 1 – 3 p.m. Friends of the Chicago River
Lavin Evaluation Garden |
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Not Available
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New! Curious about the intersection of birds, art, and history? Birds in art do not begin and end with John James Audubon. Delve in and learn about the stories of various birds through historic materials, including the works of Mark Catesby and Thomas Bewick, and lesser-known figures in bird conservation such as Wisconsin's Kumlien family. Examine the evolution of game laws and conservation in the late 19th century while discovering more about various species including the greater prairie-chicken, American golden plover, piping plover, and eastern pewee.
Mondays, June 8 – June 29, 2026, 3 – 5 p.m. Bob Dolgan, librarian and bird enthusiast
Design Studio, Regenstein Center |
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Not Available
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Birding the Barbara Brown Nature Preserve
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Explore and identify the ducks and shorebirds of the Garden. The walk begins at the Barbara Brown Nature Reserve and will make stops along the shore, mudflats, and Dixion Prairie. Dress for the weather, and bring binoculars and a field guide, if you have them. A map will be sent.
Saturday, June 13, 2026, 8 – 9:30 a.m. Alan Anderson, Chicago Audubon Society
Meet at Barbara Brown Nature Reserve |
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Not Available
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Bird Sit at Kleinman Cove
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Join us for a seated, slow-paced birding experience. Rather than walking around the Garden in search of birds, you will observe and identify the birds surrounding or passing by the Kleinman Family Cove. This is a beginner-friendly event; all levels of experience are welcome. Seating is available at the Cove, but you are welcome to bring your own chair. Binoculars and field guides are recommended but not required. Dress for the weather.
Thursday, June 18, 2026, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Bridget Kiernan, birder and horticulturist, Chicago Botanic Garden
Kleinman Cove, Learning Campus |
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6/18/2026 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
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New! Discover the more than 400 species of solitary bees native to Illinois and create a “bee hotel” to provide habitat for these wonderful creatures. Solitary bees do not live in hives and often find their suitable habitat threatened by human development and activity. Using upcycled materials, you will create a nesting site for different species to take home with you. All supplies included. Bring your own drill gun if you prefer.
Saturday, June 27, 2026, 10 a.m. – Noon Wil Pilipauskas, head beekeeper, Willie's Honey Company
Classroom 4, Learning Center |
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Not Available
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Building Power for People and the Environment
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New! Curious about how to lower your environmental impact? Want to know what is being done in Illinois on environmental issues? Join the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC)— one of the top environmental policy organizations in the state—as they outline IEC’s work, structure, theory of change, and impact on the Illinois legislator. Discover environmental legislation changes that you may have missed and learn about 2026 priorities. Wrap up by talking about how individuals and organizations can be involved outside of the policy space.
Monday, June 29, 2026, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Sergio Vargas, Policy Manager Chicagoland Conservation; Francisco Lopez Zavala, Climate Policy Program Associate, Illinois Environmental Council
Classroom 1, Learning Center |
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6/29/2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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Beginner Bird Walk Dixon Prairie
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Join us on an evening bird walk through the Garden’s Dixon Prairie as we search for songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors. No prior bird-watching experience is required. Binoculars are recommended but not required. Dress for the weather. A map will be sent.
Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Bridget Kiernan, birder and horticulturist, Chicago Botanic Garden
Meet at Shida Evaluation Garden |
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7/15/2026 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
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Take a guided walk through our native shoreline and Dixon Prairie. Observe areas not visited by most and learn about our magnificent Illinois native plants and the wildlife that depend on them. Dress for the weather.
Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 9 – 10:30 a.m. Carly Zoladz, labeling coordinator, Chicago Botanic Garden
Meet at Carillion |
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7/28/2026 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
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Introduction to Beekeeping
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Curious about keeping bees? This beginner-friendly class covers everything you need to get started—from assembling equipment and installing bees to locating the queen, feeding your colony, and managing seasonal tasks.
Saturday, August 8, 2026, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wil Pilipauskas, head beekeeper, Willie's Honey Company
Fruit & Vegetable Garden Classroom |
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8/8/2026 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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Night Fliers Mothing Workshop
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New! A secret world comes alive after dark, one not often seen in the Garden. In this evening workshop, a special rig will be set up to draw in some of our most unique neighbors as you explore the night. Look closely, listen deeply, and meet some of the many creatures with whom we share the land. Learn to recognize various nighttime critters and become acquainted with community science apps that will be used in future research to help preserve our planet. Class will start inside then move outdoors. Dress for the weather.
Saturday, August 8, 2026, 7:30 – 11 p.m. Insect Asylum, non-profit vintage taxidermy and insect museum
Classroom 1, Learning Center |
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8/8/2026 7:30 PM - 11:00 PM
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Paths of Pollinators Walk
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Have you ever wondered how bees, butterflies, and other pollinators traverse the flowers at the Garden? How are they able to navigate between petals and pistils to find pollen? Take a walk around the Garden looking for and learning more about these magnificent creatures. Dress for the weather.
Tuesday, August 11, 2026, 9 – 10:30 a.m. Carly Zoladz, labeling coordinator, Chicago Botanic Garden
Meet at Visitor Center |
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8/11/2026 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
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Beginner Bird Walk Main Island
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Discover the sights and sounds of nature on a relaxed evening bird walk throughout our display gardens. This guided walk will help you spot songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors in their natural habitat. This is a beginner-friendly event; all levels of experience are welcome. Binoculars are recommended but not necessary. Dress for the weather.
Wednesday, August 19, 2026, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Bridget Kiernan, birder and horticulturist, Chicago Botanic Garden
Meet at Visitor Center |
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8/19/2026 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
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