Spring brings us colors in petals and feathers.  Join us and take time ro enjoy the show both high and low.  A seasonal snack will be provided.   14+ and up  

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED! Join us to investigate how plants defend themselves from getting eaten and still manage to thrive.  You will learn how to identify 3 kinds of plants that are dangerous to mammals or birds.  Come dressed to step a bit off trail in close toed shoes, long pants and long [...]

The Monarchs are here and living in Lake Zurich! Did you know that Lake Zurich is a Monarch City? Will explore the life cycle on our local milkweeds and find out how we can do more to help out the monarch population. This program will be for the whole family. Bits for adults and [...]

We will learn the life cycle of this fascinating beetle through games and stories.  Then, we will explore the Old Mill Grove wetland to catch, examine close up and release these magical ‘Lights of the Summer Night”.  A seasonal snack will be served. Dress for the evening and mosquitoes. We can’t use insect spray on [...]

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT: Fantastic Fireflies Join our naturalist Mary Kozub and AOF directors, for this special members-only event,  as we explore the interesting life of our local fireflies and learn about their life cycle.  We’ll be walking to four different viewing spots, within the nature park, while we enjoy their beautiful display. Snacks will be [...]

Learn about these interesting and diverse insects of the water and air through exploration of a local wetland and pond. We’ll collect samples from the pond using aquatic nets. Taking the time to identify these creatures can tell us a lot about the water quality and who else is calling Lake Zurich home! We [...]

Join Ancient Oaks Foundation as they celebrate the opening of the new nature playscape, Kuechmann Kove.    A nature playscape (or natural playground) is defined as a space with as few man-made components as possible. Using native plants, natural components and lots of trees, these playscapes represent a natural place or ecosystem. Playscapes are designed [...]

SORRY THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED: Gather around the campfire to find out more about the adaptations and social life of the “prairie wolf”. We will hike to listening spots and enjoy a favorite campfire snack. Dress for the weather. $5/person  

Join us to build a fort using materials we find in the woodland. You will build our own self-styled fort. You can work as a team or build your own fort. These forts will be designed for play and dismantled after the program. Dress for the weather. Kids only! A seasonal snack will be served. [...]

Our 7th annual fundraiser will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022 from 6-10 pm at Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer. This popular event consists of a light casual dinner, drinks, team trivia, raffle baskets, games and a silent auction.  And, NEW THIS YEAR - a little Karaoke fun!  Past participants rave about [...]