We are fortunate to have several incredible outdoor spaces in the Glen Ellyn area. That’s why we have developed a variety of activities centered around getting out and enjoying nature!
Self-Guided Tours
Explore nature at your own pace! Discover natural and restoration areas in your community parks with our self-guided tours. Our tours cover a wide range of locations, including Lake Ellyn’s trees and demonstration garden, Village Green Park’s demonstration garden, Maryknoll Park, and Panfish Park’s trees. Learn more »
Nature Walking Club
Join fellow nature enthusiasts for leisurely walks as we explore our natural heritage on local trails. These relaxed outings offer a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the natural treasures that surround us and to learn about the seasonal changes taking place. Held rain, snow, or shine, these walks will leave you feeling inspired by the beauty of nature and its ever-changing wonders. Registration is required; participants must be 18 or older. View upcoming walks and register »
Nature Education Programs
Connect with nature year-round through our exciting programs! We offer hands-on experiences for children, teens, and adults to explore trees, birds of prey, mammals, insects, native plants, and more. Plus, summer camps are available for an immersive nature experience!
View current offerings »
Habitat Heroes: Project Churchill
Ages 8 and up
Help us accomplish our habitat restoration mission for 2026. We will focus staff and volunteer efforts, service projects, and scout and school groups on removing invasive brush from the center of the trail that loops through Churchill Park. Work will take place in the south section, covering the area from trail to trail, north to south, and east to west. Participation is free, but registration is required. Please bring work gloves and a water bottle. View upcoming days and register »
Trail Recommendations
Escape to nature right in your own backyard! Whether you’re planning an outing with family and friends or exploring on your own, there are plenty of local trails waiting to be explored.
View our top trail picks »
Adopt-A-Park
Play an active role in beautifying your parks.
Glen Ellyn is blessed with many beautiful parks, natural areas, and open spaces. Help us keep them that way! With these wonderful amenities comes the responsibility of being good stewards of public lands. We could use your help in caring for our park spaces so that everyone can enjoy them.
Adoptions are ideal for any group interested in making a positive and lasting impact on the environment. Service projects may include litter pickup, mulching, weeding, planting native wildflowers, and reporting vandalism.
People of all ages and backgrounds can actively participate in the Adopt-A-Park program. It is open to individuals, businesses, groups, and other community organizations.
Download the application »
Wildlife Rehabilitation
The Glen Ellyn Park District is not equipped or licensed to accept injured, ill, or orphaned birds/animals. However, we are fortunate to have a valuable resource right here in Glen Ellyn – DuPage County Forest Preserve’s DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center (formerly Willowbrook Wildlife Center)! This native wildlife rehabilitation facility can provide information and connect rescuers with rehabilitators.
Web: www.dupageforest.org/willowbrook-wildlife-center
Phone: (630) 942-6200