Hidden Oaks Nature Center

08/31/2026

Love wildlife? Love photography? Join our Will County Wildlife Facebook group to see tons of photos of wildlife taken by photographers from across the county. These photos are just a small sampling of what you will see when you join the group, and you're invited to share your own photos as well. Join this fun and supportive community to learn more about our local wildlife and who you might see on your outdoor adventures.

08/28/2026

Grasshoppers, katydids and crickets are all part of the soundtrack of summer. They may look and sound similar, but once you know what to look — and listen — for, telling them apart gets a little easier.

Can you tell a cricket from a grasshopper? How about a grasshopper from a katydid? Learn what separates these related insects that are noted both for their jumping ability and the sounds they make.

08/27/2026

Grab a book and head to Hidden Oaks for our Adult Reading Retreat! Enjoy book-themed activities before or after finding a cozy spot inside or out to curl up with a good book for awhile. Don't have a book with you? Check out Plot Twist Books' pop-up store to buy a new favorite.

Adult Reading Retreat
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5
Where: Hidden Oaks Nature Center

9/5/2026: Calling all busy grownup bookworms — spend a little time at Hidden Oaks Nature Center focusing on your reading goals.

08/26/2026

August is almost over, so don't miss your chance to enter your picture-perfect snapshots from the preserves in our monthly photo contest! Each monthly winner receives a $75 Mastercard gift card and will compete in January for the grand prize — a $500 gift card.

Get all the details or enter your photos here >>> https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/event-calendar/preserve-the-moment-photo-contest-2026

08/25/2026

Today's cool 360-degree view comes to us from Hidden Lakes Trout Farm in Bolingbrook. This is a great spot to cast a line, take in the scenery, as well as extend your journey to Whalon Lake via the DuPage River Trail.

(Photo by Anthony Schalk)

08/24/2026

Your observations of interesting plants and animals in the preserves could be more valuable than you realize.

By sharing them through the Forest Preserve District's iNaturalist project, you can help Conservation Department staff document species and better understand the natural areas they manage. Find out how you can get started at the link below.

Nature sightings can help staff document species and changes in local preserves.

08/20/2026

A period of wet, rainy weather means there will be fungus among us, and that is certainly the case at Hidden Oaks Preserve! After the recent rain and storms, fungus is popping up all over the place, everything from coral fungus to jelly fungus plus mushrooms of many shapes and sizes. Here's a look at what we've seen. Do you have a favorite fungus to come across on your outdoor adventures? (Photos by Suzy Lyttle)

08/20/2026

Sip tea while watching and learning about ruby-throated hummingbirds at our tea party. These tiny birds are busy fueling up for their long migration, so they will be coming and going from the feeders in our hummingbird courtyard. Tea and light snacks will be served.

Hummingbird Tea Party
When: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29
Where: Plum Creek Nature Center at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve
Registration is required.

8/29/2026: Learn about hummingbird migration and other interesting facts as we sip tea and enjoy some light snacks.​

08/17/2026

If you've ever walked face first into a spider web, it might have left you wondering about how spiders make their sticky silk and weave their webs. We've got answers.

Spider silk is stronger than any other fiber on Earth, but how do these eight-legged creatures make it? They are specially equipped for making silk, with glands and structures designed for just that purpose. 

08/13/2026

Love summer wildflowers? Drop by the rainbow garden at Hidden Oaks Nature Center to see what's in bloom and what pollinators are busy at work.