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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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Not Available
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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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Not Available
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This fall, take a walk in the Garden and learn to identify birds in their sometimes-confusing fall plumage. Earlier bird walks will highlight warblers, vireos, and flycatchers, while later ones will feature ducks, sparrows, and hawks. Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them.
Saturday, September 5, 2026, 8 – 9:30 a.m.
Alan Anderson, Chicago Audubon Society
Meet at Visitor Center
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9/5/2026 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
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This fall, take a walk in the Garden and learn to identify birds in their sometimes-confusing fall plumage. Earlier bird walks will highlight warblers, vireos, and flycatchers, while later ones will feature ducks, sparrows, and hawks. Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 8 – 9:30 a.m.
Alan Anderson, Chicago Audubon Society
Meet at Visitor Center
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9/10/2026 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
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Beginner Bird Walk Main Island
Join us on an evening bird walk through the Garden as we search for songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors. No prior bird-watching experience is required, and binoculars are recommended but not necessary! Dress for the weather.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Bridget Kiernan, birder and horticulturist, Chicago Botanic Garden
Meet at Visitor Center
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9/15/2026 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
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This fall, take a walk in the Garden and learn to identify birds in their sometimes-confusing fall plumage. Earlier bird walks will highlight warblers, vireos, and flycatchers, while later ones will feature ducks, sparrows, and hawks. Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them.
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 8 – 9:30 a.m.
Alan Anderson, Chicago Audubon Society
Meet at Visitor Center
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9/19/2026 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
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Creating Monarch Butterfly Gardens
Monarch butterfly populations are declining, and these butterflies could become an endangered species. Creating gardens with native plants and milkweed supports their survival. Learn the best plants to attract monarchs, their metamorphosis and migration patterns, and how to identify monarch eggs and caterpillars on milkweed that can be grown in your own garden. Leave with a milkweed plant to put in your garden.
Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Jane Talesnick, monarch enthusiast and educator
Classroom 1, Learning Center
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9/23/2026 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
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New! Celebrate the changing of the seasons and fall migration with Feminist Bird Club–Chicago. Explore fall migrants, year-round residents, and how to measure time in seasons and animal behavior. All levels are welcome. This walk is open to all and intended for AFAB-identifying folks or members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Binoculars available for use. Dress for the weather. A portion of the proceeds from this walk will be donated to Feminist Bird Club-Chicago.
Friday, September 25, 2026, 8 – 9:30 a.m.
Zelle Tenorio, Feminist Bird Club Chicago
Meet at Visitor Center
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9/25/2026 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
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Furry Neighbors | Mammals of Illinois
New! Interested in wildlife, ecology, or the hidden lives of familiar species? Discover the diversity of mammals living alongside us in this interactive class. Explore the defining characteristics of mammals, how they interact with local ecosystems, and the most prevalent species found in northeastern Illinois. Examine real skulls, furs, and specimens, using physical evidence to better understand various mammal behaviors, adaptations, and everyday activities.
Monday, September 28, 2026, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Jesse Davis, metro 4-H youth development educator, University of Illinois Extension
Classroom 1, Learning Center
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9/28/2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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New! This fall, take a walk in the Garden and learn to identify birds in their sometimes-confusing fall plumage. Earlier bird walks will highlight warblers, vireos, and flycatchers, while later ones will feature ducks, sparrows, and hawks. Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them.
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 8 – 9:30 a.m.
Alan Anderson, Chicago Audubon Society
Meet at Visitor Center
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10/3/2026 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
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Fall Migration Bilingual Bird Walk
New! Join bilingual birder Daniela Herrera on this fall bird walk where she will guide you through the wonders of fall migration birding. On the walk, you will look for various fall migrants. 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 otoño, donde te guiará por las maravillas de la migración de otoño. En el recorrido, buscaremos aves migratorias. 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.
Saturday, October 10, 2026, 9 – 11 a.m.
Daniela Herrera, bilingual birder
Meet at Visitor Center
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10/10/2026 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
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Introduction to Beekeeping
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, October 10, 2026, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wil Pilipauskas, head beekeeper, Willie's Honey Company
Classroom 5, Learning Center
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10/10/2026 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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New! Learn all about insects in this crash course in insect ecology, anatomy, and diversity. Careful observation makes understanding and identifying insects easier than you think. Learn what insects are, how they are classified, and what they do. Gain skills to better understand and observe the enormous and beautiful diversity of insect appearance and function in the natural world. Class will start inside then move outdoors. Dress for the weather.
Sunday, October 11, 2026, 9 a.m. – noon
Levi O'Brien, arborist, dendrologist, and tree educator
Classroom 4, Learning Center
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10/11/2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Birding the Barbara Brown Nature Preserve
This fall, take a walk in the Garden’s Barbara Brown Nature Reserve and learn to identify birds in their sometimes-confusing fall plumage. Some of the species we will seek include warblers, vireos, and flycatchers, and perhaps ducks, sparrows, and hawks. Dress for the weather; bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. A map will be sent.
Thursday, October 15, 2026, 8 – 9:30 a.m.
Alan Anderson, Chicago Audubon Society
Meet at Barbara Brown Nature Reserve
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10/15/2026 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
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New! Enjoy the season of frights by searching for the “scary” birds of the Garden—raptors! Explore bird behavior, plumage, and calls while birding for raptors with Feminist Bird Club-Chicago. All levels are welcome. This walk is open to all and intended for AFAB-identifying folks or members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Binoculars available for use. Dress for the weather. A portion of the proceeds from this walk will be donated to Feminist Bird Club-Chicago.
Sunday, October 18, 2026, 8 – 9:30 a.m.
Zelle Tenorio, Feminist Bird Club Chicago
Meet at Visitor Center
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10/18/2026 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
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New! Enhance your appreciation of nature through journaling. Explore new ways of looking at plants, wildlife, and the sky in this interactive class. Start inside to learn the basics of nature journaling, including how to center yourself in the practice and tune in to the world around you. Then, go outside to get some practice in a supportive setting. All supplies included. Class will start inside and then move outdoors for a Garden walk. Dress for the weather.
Sunday, October 18, 2026, 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Nina Kozial, horticulturist and writer
Classroom 4, Learning Center
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10/18/2026 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
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The Wonderful World of Bird Behavior
New! Unravel the mysteries of the secret lives of birds through a historic lens. Explore a variety of birds as they sleep, eat, sing, and dance, with an emphasis on midwestern species. Using historical texts, examine the unique behaviors of various species and come away with a better understanding of these often overlooked, but fundamental, aspects of the avian life cycle. The course will conclude with an optional bird walk on November 16 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. around the Garden to examine migratory birds exhibiting some of the behaviors you studied.
4 Mondays, October 19 – November 9, 2026, 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Bob Dolgan, filmmaker and bird enthusiast
Classroom 6, Learning Center
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10/19/2026 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
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Beginner Bird Walk Malott Japanese Garden
Discover the sights and sounds of nature on a relaxed evening bird walk throughout the Malott Japanese Garden and Evening Island. This guided walk will help you spot songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors in their natural habitat. This is a beginner-friendly event, but all levels of experience are welcome. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Bridget Kiernan, birder and horticulturist, Chicago Botanic Garden
Meet at the Lavin Plant Evaluation Garden
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10/20/2026 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
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Squirrel Tail Accessory Workshop
New! Try your hand at beginner-friendly taxidermy techniques and transform an ethically sourced squirrel tail into a striking accessory. Receive step-by-step guidance from an experienced taxidermist, learn the basics of sustainable specimen preservation, and transform a squirrel tail into jewelry or a keychain perfect for displaying, gifting, or wearing. Whether you are an oddities enthusiast or curious about the world of the strange, explore your creativity in this workshop and celebrate the season of the odd. All supplies included. Class registration will close on October 14. Cancellations after October 14 are not eligible for a refund.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Insect Asylum, non-profit vintage taxidermy and insect museum
Classroom 5, Learning Center
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10/21/2026 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
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This fall, take a walk in the Garden and learn to identify birds in their sometimes-confusing fall plumage. Earlier bird walks will highlight warblers, vireos, and flycatchers, while later ones will feature ducks, sparrows, and hawks. Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them.
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 8 – 9:30 a.m.
Alan Anderson, Chicago Audubon Society
Meet at Visitor Center
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10/24/2026 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
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New! Where do the bees go as the seasons change? Learn about the lifecycle of Illinois native solitary bees, including what happens to them as temperatures cool in fall and winter. Discover how you can help support native bees at home through your landscaping and gain a new appreciation for the little creatures that make our world go round.
Sunday, October 25, 2026, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Wil Pilipauskas, head beekeeper, Willie's Honey Company
Classroom 1, Learning Center
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10/25/2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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This fall, take a walk in the Garden and learn to identify birds in their sometimes-confusing fall plumage. Earlier bird walks will highlight warblers, vireos, and flycatchers, while later ones will feature ducks, sparrows, and hawks. Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them.
Saturday, November 7, 2026, 8 – 9:30 a.m.
Alan Anderson, Chicago Audubon Society
Meet at Visitor Center
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11/7/2026 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
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Wintering Bees in Cold Climates
New! What happens to your beehive in winter? Beehives can be a challenge to overwinter, especially in northern climates. Troubleshoot with an expert beekeeper and learn care tips that will help you maintain a healthy bee colony year-round.
Sunday, November 8, 2026, 10 a.m. – Noon
Wil Pilipauskas, head beekeeper, Willie's Honey Company
Classroom 6, Learning Center
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11/8/2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Beginner Bird Walk Dixon Prairie
Take a peaceful afternoon walk through the beautiful Dixon Prairie as we search for waterfowl and raptors during the tail end of fall migration. This is a beginner-friendly event, though all levels of experience are welcome. Bring binoculars if you have them. A map will be sent. Dress for the weather.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Bridget Kiernan, birder and horticulturist, Chicago Botanic Garden
Meet at Shida Evaluation Garden
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11/10/2026 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
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Birding the Barbara Brown Nature Preserve
This fall, take a walk in the Garden’s Barbara Brown Nature Reserve and learn to identify birds in their sometimes-confusing fall plumage. Some of the species we will seek include warblers, vireos, and flycatchers, and perhaps ducks, sparrows, and hawks. Dress for the weather; bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. A map will be sent.
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 8 – 9:30 a.m.
Alan Anderson, Chicago Audubon Society
Meet at Barbara Brown Nature Reserve
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11/12/2026 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
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This fall, take a walk in the Garden and learn to identify birds in their sometimes-confusing fall plumage. Earlier bird walks will highlight warblers, vireos, and flycatchers, while later ones will feature ducks, sparrows, and hawks. Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them.
Saturday, November 21, 2026, 8 – 9:30 a.m.
Alan Anderson, Chicago Audubon Society
Meet at Visitor Center
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11/21/2026 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
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Beginner Bird Walk Main Island
Join us on an afternoon bird walk through the Garden as we search for songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors. No prior bird-watching experience is required, and binoculars are recommended but not necessary! Dress for the weather.
Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Bridget Kiernan, birder and horticulturist, Chicago Botanic Garden
Meet at Visitor Center
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12/1/2026 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
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Welcome to the whimsical world of beetle pinning. Embark on an enchanting journey to preserve the beauty of these incredibly varied creatures forever. Learn expert techniques that turn you into a skilled entomologist as you position, pin, and preserve these specimens. With hands-on practice, you will create a museum-quality pinned specimen to display in your home. Beetles are ethically sourced. All supplies included. Class registration will close on November 25. Cancellations after November 25 are not eligible for a refund.
Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 10 a.m. – Noon
Insect Asylum, non-profit vintage taxidermy and insect museum
Classroom 5, Learning Center
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12/2/2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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New! Explore the Garden in its winter glory and discover our early winter bird residents. Dress for the weather, and bring binoculars and a field guide, if you have one.
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 8 – 9:30 a.m.
Alan Anderson, Chicago Audubon Society
Meet at Visitor Center
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12/5/2026 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
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Winter Bilingual Bird Walk
New! Join bilingual birder Daniela Herrera on this winter bird walk where she will guide you through the wonders of winter birding. On the walk, you will look for winter birds around the Garden. 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 invierno, donde te guiará por las maravillas de invierno. En el recorrido, buscaremos aves invernales en el Jardín. 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.
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 2 – 4 p.m.
Daniela Herrera, bilingual birder
Meet at Visitor Center
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12/12/2026 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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