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programs and sports

Nature

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

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. You must be 18 years of age or older to take part. Registration is required.

DateTopicTimeLocationRegister
Friday, February 9Winter Birds9-10 amManor ParkRegister »
Friday, March 22Neighboring Park9-10:30amLambert LakeRegister »
Friday, April 12Spring Wildflowers9-10amChurchill ParkRegister »
Friday, May 17Neighboring Park9-10:30amGlacial RidgeRegister »

Nature Education Programs

We offer nature discovery experiences year-round. Children, teens, and adults can connect with nature in our hands-on programs. We offer fun programs on trees, birds of prey, mammals, insects, native plants, and more. Camps are also available during the summer.

View current offerings »

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, among other tasks (activities vary by season and location). It’s free to participate, but registration is required.

DateTimeLocationRegister
Saturday, February 179-11 amManor ParkRegister »
Saturday, March 169-11 amChurchill ParkRegister »
Saturday, April 209-11 amAckerman WoodsRegister »
Saturday, May 189 am-12 pmLake EllynRegister »

Trail Recommendations

No need to travel long distances to experience nature. Whether you’re planning an outing with family and friends or exploring on your own, there are plenty of local trails that provide a great escape.

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. However, 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 the DuPage County Forest Preserve’s Willowbrook Wildlife Center right here in Glen Ellyn! It is a native wildlife rehabilitation facility that serves as a valuable resource for information and can connect rescuers with rehabilitators.

Web: www.dupageforest.org/willowbrook-wildlife-center
Phone: (630) 942-6200