programs & events
There’s something for everyone at the Southeast Side parks! From festivals, to campouts, to climbing classes, check out all the exciting outdoor adventures we have planned in your community.
The Chicago Park District has adjusted its programs and events schedule in response to the modified Stay at Home order. Please note that all program dates are subject to change based on guidance from City and State public health officials.
Click on an event to see details and to RSVP.
Mighty Mosses
10:00am -12:00pm
Big Marsh
Mighty Mosses
Time
Saturday, April 8th
10:00am -12:00pm
Location
Big Marsh Park
Ford Calumet Environmental Center
11559 S. Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60633
EVENT DETAILS
Despite their important role in ecology and botanical history, mosses are criminally understudied. How do mosses help soils and microorganisms? How many species are there? When it comes to the mosses of Chicago, we’re not entirely sure. This program will deliver a comprehensive overview of what we do know about the mosses in our region, as well as tips and tricks for identifying them, and how we can begin filling the knowledge gap. Following the presentation, we’ll go for a hike in the park to put our new ID skills to the test!
Face coverings are now optional in all of Chicago Park District Facilities.
To Register click here.
FREE
Para mas información en Español llama a 312-590-5993
Earth Day Clean-Up at Big Marsh Park
10:00am - 1:00pm
Big Marsh
Earth Day Clean-Up at Big Marsh Park
Time
Saturday, April 22nd
10:00am - 1:00pm
Location
Big Marsh Park
11559 S. Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60617
EVENT DETAILS
Join the Chicago Park District and Friends of the Parks for an annual Spring clean-up event at Big Marsh Park. Activities incldue trash pick-up and mulching. Gloves, garbage bags, and other tools will be provided.
If you are a member of a Park Advisory Council (PAC), park partner organization or other volunteer group and wish to host an Earth Day clean-up on April 22 IN COORDINATION WITH FRIENDS OF THE PARKS as part of our annual Earth Day Clean-up and Celebration, please fill out our site captain signup sheet here by March 8. If you are not affiliated with a group, FOTP can help connect you to local partners. And if you are looking for a park name and address, click here for a map and list of all parks in the city.
FREE
Para mas información en Español llama a 312-590-5993
Chicago River Day: Hegewisch Marsh
10:00am - 1:00pm
Hegewisch Marsh
Chicago River Day: Hegewisch Marsh
Time
Saturday, May 13th
10:00am - 1:00pm
Location
Hegewisch Marsh
13298 S Torrence Ave
Chicago, IL 60633
EVENT DETAILS
Join the Chicago Park District and Friends of the Chicago River to the annual cleanup and land restoration event at Hegewisch Marsh. Chicago River Day is a fun way to get some outdoor exercise volunteering along the river. We’ll spend the day planting native species and removing trash from the river’s edge. Participants will receive a free t-shirt depicting one of our river’s many living creatures.
Registration form to be posted soon.
FREE
Para mas información en Español llama a 312-590-5993
Bird Walk at Marian Byrnes Park
8:00am – 10:00am
Marian R. Byrnes
Bird Walk at Marian Byrnes Park
Time
Sunday, May 28th
8:00am – 10:00am
Location
Marian Byrnes Park
9662 S Van Vlissingen Rd
Chicago, IL, 60617
EVENT DETAILS
Join COS for a hike through one of the Chicago Park District’s newest natural areas; Marian Byrnes Park! With over 100 acres of wetlands, prairie, and savannah to explore, we’ll be on the look out for a variety of early migrants including rails, warblers, sparrows, and raptors. Beginning birders are welcome and extra binoculars will be available.
Please RSVP in advance!
FREE
Bats of Chicago
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Big Marsh
Bats of Chicago
Time
Thursday, August 24th
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location
Big Marsh
11559 S. Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60617
EVENT DETAILS
Did you know that there are almost a dozen species of bat found in Chicago? Despite their often-negative reputation, these flying mammals play an important role in our local ecosystem and lives. Join experts Maggie Jones and Edward Warden for a program all about our local bat species followed by a hike in search of these misunderstood creatures.
This program is free but requires RSVP. Please do so here and indicate how many people will be attending with you.
FREE
Para mas información en Español llama a 312-590-5993