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.

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!

Restoration Workdays

Best for ages 8 and up
Make a positive impact on the environment. Activities include clearing invasive plants, cutting and stacking brush, planting native flowers, trees, and seeds, and maintaining trails, depending on the season and location. It’s free to participate, but registration is required.

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.

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.

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