Forest Park Nature Center

09/19/2026

Think snakes are slimy, scary, or out to chase you? 🐍 Let’s bust those myths together! Join us for Snakey Snacks on Sunday, September 27th from 3–4:30pm and discover the fascinating truth about Illinois’ most misunderstood neighbors.

Meet Curry the corn snake, enjoy tasty treats for both humans and reptiles, and get hands-on with fun, family-friendly activities. Perfect for curious kids and adults alike!

Tickets are just $5 per person (FREE for FPNC Members). Spots fill fast—register now at https://peoriaparks.org/event/snakey-snacks/ and get ready to see snakes in a whole new light!

09/18/2026

Ready for an adventure with your furry best friend? 🐾 Join us for our very first Pathways and Paws Dog Hike on Saturday, September 26, from 9:30–11:30am at Camp Wokanda!

Explore scenic trails, learn essential trail etiquette, and pick up safety tips—all while giving your pup a fun workout in the great outdoors. This is the perfect way to bond, meet fellow dog lovers, and enjoy the beauty of Camp Wokanda together.

Meet us at the activity field. All well-socialized dogs are welcome—just remember to bring a 6ft leash (no flexi-leashes, please).

Cost: $5 per person
Spots are limited, so be sure to preregister: https://peoriaparks.org/event/pathways-and-paws/

Let’s hit the trail—tails will be wagging!

09/16/2026

The results are in—and we’re celebrating a huge success! Our very first Forest Park Nature Center BioBlitz brought together nearly 40 incredible volunteers, from curious first-timers to seasoned naturalists, all working side by side for 12 hours of discovery. Together, we documented an amazing 566 species across 9 taxonomic groups!

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our dedicated survey leaders and experts who guided the way, and to Melinda, our volunteer coordinator, and Brittany in marketing for rallying the community behind this monumental project. Your passion and teamwork made this possible!

This is just the beginning—BioBlitz will be back, and we can’t wait to see what we’ll discover next. Stay tuned for more opportunities to explore, learn, and protect the biodiversity that makes Forest Park Nature Center so special!

09/12/2026

We're one week away from Illinois River Sweep! You can still join sign up to be a part of this community project at https://ow.ly/YEpJ50ZMFM2

Maybe you'll be one of six lucky volunteers to find a 2026 River Sweep goose hidden at your cleanup site. 🪿

09/11/2026

Can you feel that fall magic in the air? 🍂✨ Mark your calendars for September 18th from 6:30-8pm and cozy up with us for an LGBTQ+ Campfire Night at Forest Park Nature Center! Whether you’re looking to make new friends, share your story, or simply relax by the fire, everyone is welcome in this warm, inclusive space. Enjoy the crackle of the campfire, the beauty of the outdoors, and a night filled with community and connection.

This event is FREE, but spots are limited—reserve yours today: https://peoriaparks.org/event/welcoming-walks-lgbtq-hike/

Let’s make memories together under the stars! 🌈🔥

09/08/2026

Welcoming Walk Sensory Hike
📅Saturday, September 23
🕰️2:00-3:30 pm

Forest Park Nature Center is hosting a welcome walk for community members of all ages and all ability levels! This inclusive activity welcomes participants of every fitness and mobility level to experience the beauty of nature together. The hike will follow a flat, accessible trail with plenty of rest stops, shade, and opportunities to observe plants and wildlife. Along the path, we will be stopping to engage multiple senses through nature. FPNC staff and HISRA inclusion staff will provide encouragement and support along the way, ensuring everyone can move at their own pace and enjoy a positive outdoor experience. Registration is required for this program. Welcoming Walks are free, but donations are appreciated.

To register use this link: https://peoriaparks.org/event/welcoming-walk-sensory-hike/
You may have to copy and paste this in a new weblink to register.
To register you can call Forest Park Nature Center at 309-686-3360.

Forest Park Nature Center is hosting a welcome walk for community members of all ages and all ability levels! This inclusive activity welcomes participants of every fitness and mobility level to experience the beauty of nature together. The hike will follow a flat, accessible trail with plenty of re...

09/05/2026

Yoga and Mindfulness in Nature
📅Sunday, September 20
🕰️11:30 am- 1:30 pm

Unplug, breathe, and reconnect with nature. Join Yogi Janie for a refreshing session of outdoor yoga and meditation, featuring a mindful hike and guided journaling. All supplies will be provided. This program is possible with the generous support of the Stella O’Hanlon Family. All participants must register. The cost of this program is $5 for all participants.

To register for this program, please use this link: https://peoriaparks.org/event/yoga-and-mindfulness-in-nature/
You may have to copy and paste this link into another web browser.

To register, you can call the Forest Park Nature Center at 309-686-3360.

Unplug, breathe, and reconnect with nature. Join Yogi Janie for a refreshing session of outdoor yoga and meditation, featuring a mindful hike and guided journaling. All supplies will be provided. This program is possible with the generous support from Stella O’Hanlon Family. Ages 16+ $5/Person for...

09/04/2026

Did you know the Illinois River Sweep isn't just for adults? Ages 5 and up are welcome to participate along with their adult! Families as well as school, church, and civic groups that include kids are welcome to help clean up the river on September 19! Learn more and sign up at https://ow.ly/6EKL50ZJyeJ

09/03/2026

🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩

ATTENTION: CANCELLED!!
This program has been cancelled due to low enrollment.

🍄 Members-Only Fungus Hike
📅Friday, September 4
🕰️5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Curious about mushrooms? You are invited to join us at Forest Park Nature Center for a presentation and hike with Kelli Parke, Program Coordinator. Come explore the fascinating world of mushrooms, including how they grow, where they live, and why they’re so important to our native ecosystems and ourselves. After the presentation, we will go on a walk to find mushrooms at Forest Park Nature Center. This program is best for guests 13 years and older. Please register for this program. Free for FPNC Members. Become a member today!

To register use this link: https://webtrac.peoriaparks.org/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=125185721

You may have to copy and paste this link into a new web page.
Please call the Forest Park Nature Center at 309-686-3360 and we can get you signed up.

09/03/2026