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Nature Tours Classes Chicago

Discover the wonders of nature in Chicago with classes on urban gardening, wildlife observation, and outdoor photography. Dive into the rich ecosystems of the city and learn how to foster sustainable practices in this urban environment.

5 classes in-person in Chicago have spots left, and 4 classes live online are available.

Forest Bathing Experience

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 19611 W Grass Lake Rd, Chicago, IL

Immerse yourself in the healing power of the forest and achieve inner peace through the ancient practice of Japanese forest bathing. Connect with nature's harmony and tranquility as you indulge your senses in a gentle and mindful walk, followed by a serene tea ceremony using native plants. Dress for the weather and let the forest guide you towards serenity.

(121) All levels 18 and older

Seasonal Tree Walk

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL

Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you embark on a captivating journey through the changing landscapes of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Discover the hidden stories and secrets of the unique trees that grace each section of the Garden in this enlightening morning walk.

(121) All levels 18 and older

Forest Bathing Walk

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL

Embark on a rejuvenating journey through nature's embrace with our immersive forest experience. Embrace the therapeutic benefits of Shinrin-yoku as you engage all your senses in the healing power of the forest. Join us for a mindful walk amidst nature's tranquility, culminating in a serene forest tea ceremony.

(121) All levels 18 and older
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Birds in the Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Chicago, IL

Discover the art of creating a vibrant bird oasis in your garden with expert insights and practical tips. From native plant selection to nesting strategies, delve into the intricacies of sustaining diverse bird populations. Join us for an enriching presentation followed by an optional bird walk to witness these principles in action, weather permitting.

(121) All levels 18 and older

Introduction to Bird-Watching

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL

Explore the fascinating world of bird-watching in the beautiful setting of Chicago. Learn the fundamentals of bird identification and observation techniques in this immersive class at the renowned Chicago Botanic Garden. Join us for an unforgettable bird-watching experience and discover the diverse avian species that call this area home.

(121) Beginner 18 and older

Grow a Butterfly Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden @ Online via Zoom

Experience the enchantment of a butterfly garden as you learn how to attract these winged wonders to your outdoor space. Discover the secrets of creating a nectar-rich haven for butterflies and their caterpillars in this captivating online class.

(121) All levels 18 and older

Front Yard Foraging

UW Botanic Gardens @ Online Class

Discover the bountiful world of edible weeds and wild foods in your own backyard with this engaging class. Learn how to identify, gather, and cook these nutritious ingredients while also gaining knowledge on gathering ethics, regulations, and cooking techniques. Expand your culinary horizons with the abundance of nature's pantry.

(13) All levels 18 and older

Bird Talk: Gardening for Birds

UW Botanic Gardens @ Online Class

Learn how to create a vibrant and thriving backyard habitat for birds with Bird Talk: Gardening for Birds. Discover the crucial role your backyard can play in preserving bird species and combatting the decline of common birds. Join us at UW Botanic Gardens and make a valuable contribution to the survival of the birds we love.

(13) All levels 18 and older

Bird Talk: The Woodpeckers of Washington

UW Botanic Gardens @ Online Class

Discover the awe-inspiring world of hummingbirds as master birder Connie Sidles unveils their extraordinary abilities and stunning beauty. From defying gravity with their courtship flights to flying faster than the eye can see, these tiny dynamos of the avian world will leave you captivated. Join us to unravel the enchantment of hummingbirds and learn how to attract them to your garden.

(13) All levels 18 and older
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Bird Walk: Summer Nesting Birds

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL

Join us as we look for and study the nesting birds of the Garden. We’ll spend time learning how to identify their territorial songs and how to perform a nesting bird survey.  We will start out at the Barbara Brown Nature Reserve, which has good variety of nesting birds and is a place most visitors to the Garden do not normally visit. We will also check out nesting birds of the prairies, as well as herons, shorebirds, and waterfowl. ...

(121) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Field Study: Birds of Spring

The Morton Arboretum

Learn how to identify Illinois' spring resident and migratory birds by sight and call and meet other birders. We will meet primarily outdoors and visit different habitats around the area to learn calls and identification of field marks. Indoors, we will discuss behavioral clues that help in identification, feather arrangement, and physical topography and review daily checklists from the prior field days. Notes: Held indoors and outdoors. Please...

(15) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules

Forest Yoga Walks

The Resiliency Institute @ 16W560 Bluff Rd, Willowbrook, IL

Rejuvenate yourself with forest yoga walks by stepping outside and away from electronics to connect with nature, quiet the mind, and reduce stress. Walks will begin with a brief ecological overview of the area, continue with invitations to deepen connection to nature and self, then conclude with a tea ceremony of locally harvested plants. We'll focus on energy exchange with the natural world, discover our place within it, and foster an appreciation...

(2) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules

Forest Bathing Immersion

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL

Escape to the healing embrace of nature's sanctuary as you discover the ancient practice of Japanese forest bathing. Immerse your senses in the calming energy of the forest, reducing stress and boosting your immune system. Join us for a serene and mindful walk, followed by a tranquil tea ceremony using native plants.

(121) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Spring Warbler Workshop

The Morton Arboretum @ 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle, IL

In this focused workshop, enjoy the spring warbler migration while learning about identification, arrival dates, migration patterns, habitat preferences, and daily feeding techniques. Brightly colored warblers are one of the highlights of spring - time to dust off and improve those identification skills! Notes: Held outdoors. Please dress for the weather and for hiking on uneven terrain during the Friday field sessions.  Covid-19 Safety:...

(15) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$100

3 sessions

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Father's Day Canoe Adventure

Chicago Botanic Garden

How’s this for a unique way to spend part of Father’s Day?  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...

(121) All levels 5 and older
No upcoming schedules

How to Raise Butterflies at Home

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Chicago, IL

Observing the transformation of a tiny caterpillar into a beautiful adult butterfly is miraculous. Learn methods of sheltering larvae and pupae in a safe, protective environment to ensure they escape predation and disease, maturing into adulthood. You will build a pupae/larvae rearing box to raise butterflies at home.

(121) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Forest Bathing Adaptive Experience

Chicago Botanic Garden

Forest bathing, originally developed in Japan as Shinrin yoku, refers to the practice of immersing all your senses in the healing forest to reduce stress hormones and increase immune function. Connect with forest life around you through mindful activities on a gentle walk, covering a quarter to a half mile, and ending with a simple tea using native plants. Designed for adults with limited mobility. At no additional cost, a participant’s support...

(121) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Oaks: A Natural History

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Chicago, IL

Uncover the rich history and multifaceted role of oaks in the midwestern landscape. Delve into their fascinating uses, folklore, and ecological partnerships, while exploring their presence in the Chicago area. Get ready to immerse yourself in the grandeur of these majestic trees in the great outdoors.

(121) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Natural Wellness through Laughter

Chicago Botanic Garden

Is laughter really the best medicine? Find out during this fun, interactive workshop that combines simulated laughter exercises with breathing techniques to produce a wide range of physical, psychological, and emotional benefits. Medical research provides sufficient data to show that even if a person pretends to laugh or act happy, his/her body produces happiness chemicals. As a result, participants experience enhanced mental and physical health,...

(121) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Butterflies of Illinois

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Chicago, IL

Join expert entomologists for a unique look at the diversity of butterflies found across Illinois. Explore the status of Illinois butterflies and discover the best places in Illinois to see these remarkable creatures. Their new book, Butterflies of Illinois: A Field Guide, will be available for sale and signing. Please plan to visit the Butterflies & Blooms exhibit after class.

(121) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
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Reviews for Nature Tours Classes in Chicago

Nature Tours Classes in Chicago are rated 4.3 stars based on 151 verified reviews from actual CourseHorse.com purchasers.

  • Forest Bathing Experience

    Reviewed by Michelle M. on 9/11/2023
    This was my first experience but I have done a lot of research on forest bathing. Sally did a great job! She is so kind and generous and even stayed a little after to talk to me about how I am trying to set up a business of my own around forest bathing. My only suggestion is that the gardens provide a detailed explanation on where to find the group. I was 15 minuets late because I am not the greatest map reader and had to figure out where to go once I parked. Maybe drawing on the map or suggesting a specific parking lot would help. It was a beautiful day and I am SO glad I attended!
  • Birds in the Garden

    Anonymous review on 11/17/2018
    She truly knew her subject material and was very informative. Eager to start making some additions to my garden. Hope you will have her back again......good speaker!

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