Earth Day and Arbor Day events: Tree plantings, cleanups, nature walks and more
Saturday, April 18
The Champion of Trees 10K: 8 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. USATF-certified 10K course. Registration includes a T-shirt, race party with refreshments, and live entertainment. $80, plus $5.80 fee; register at mortonarb.org.
South Elgin Earth Day cleanup: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at SEBA Park, 151 S. Water St. Meet at the shelter, grab breakfast snacks, and then head out to clean the parks. If you have a group of 10 or more, contact jday@southelgin.com to be placed at a spot to accommodate everyone. All ages are welcome. Weather note: With rain in the forecast, be sure to keep an eye on South Elgin social media for updates. Visit southelgin.com.
Earth Day tree planting: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at Fabyan Forest Preserve in Batavia. Volunteers join the Forest Preserve District of Kane County for a tree planting, as well as giveaways, a naturalist-guided hike, and environmental education. Arrive no later than 10 a.m., as trees and shrubs typically go quickly. The event goes until noon or until all the trees and shrubs are planted, which can be within the first hour. Bring work gloves. Commemorative Earth Day pins for the first 250 volunteers. Park behind the recycling center at 517 E. Fabyan Pkwy., and staff will guide you to the planting areas. Free; no registration required. kaneforest.com.
Earth Day Celebration: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Hosted by Geneva Park District and the city’s Natural Resources Committee. Activities include small electronics recycling (additional items recycled for a fee), tomato plant and tree whip giveaways, food vendors, paper shredding, chalk art, and more. Donate bicycles to Working Bikes, which refurbishes them for families in need. Free. genevaparks.org.
Round Lake Area Park District Earth Day: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 18, at Prairie Grass Nature Museum, 860 Hart Road, Round Lake. Complete activities and crafts around the museum and learn how to help our planet by conserving and recycling. Children are welcome with an adult. Free, but registration required at rlapd.org.
Wood Dale Earth Day celebration: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at White Oaks Park. Free, family-friendly celebration filled with interactive activities, giveaways, and education. Junkluggers on-site from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for e-recycling; it’s free, but TVs and computers are $20 each. Also on-site is The Conservation Foundation hosting Nature Play, a guided outdoor experience where kids explore and play with natural elements. Visit wdparks.org.
Earth Day! at Hawthorn: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 18, in the H&M Court at Hawthorn, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills. Celebrate Earth Day with an afternoon of creativity, sustainability, and family-friendly fun. Give old textiles new life by learning how they can be repurposed. Plant seeds in mini pots using provided soil and supplies to take home and grow. Step inside a 3D holographic zoo adventure and experience animals like never before; limited to 25 families (up to five per family). While supplies last, the first 20 families to check-in at Hawthorn table will receive free admission — one per family household, no holds or reservations. Meet local organizations and discover ways to live more sustainably. Browse a curated market featuring local vendors, handmade goods, and eco-friendly products. Enjoy a live DJ and face painting throughout the event. Help create a collaborative mural using recycled materials with local artist Sarah Ratliff. Visit visithawthorn.com.
Earth Day Market: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Trickster Cultural Center, 190 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Explore community organizations and green initiatives to inspire ways to make a positive impact. Enjoy hands‑on sustainability education and explore earth‑friendly activities designed to spark creativity and environmental awareness. Seed swap, community artist vendors, earth-friendly activities. Free. tricksterculturalcenter.org.
Earth Day Nature Play: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Celebrate Earth Day with fun nature activities. Design an upcycled toy planter, create art using natural materials and enjoy outdoor exploration. Free. fpdcc.com/organizer/crabtree-nature-center.
Sunday, April 19
Mike Rylko Community Park Earth Day Celebration: 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, April 19, at the Nature Classroom at Mike Rylko Community Park, 1000 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove. Celebrate the Earth with arts, crafts and a nature walk. Free. bgparks.org.
Earth Day Party: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Sponsored by the Spring Valley Nature Club. Nature center activities: birdhouse building, seed bomb making and launching, crafts, live hawk demonstration, owl display, and more. Heritage Farm activities: beekeeping and honey tasting, heirloom gardening, games, food and drinks sales, and earth-friendly gifts for sale. Parking available at the nature center or St. Matthew Church. A tractor-drawn wagon ride transports attendees between the nature center and Heritage Farm. $3 or $12 per family; free for ages 2 and younger. Visit parkfun.com.
Emily Oaks Nature Center Earth Day Celebration: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at the Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel St., Skokie. Celebrate the life and accomplishments of Jane Goodall, primatologist and Earth champion. Earth-friendly campfire foods will be available for sale. Purchase native wildflowers and grasses at the Native Plant Sale. Free. skokieparks.org.
Newborn Animal Trivia-Earth Week: 1:30-3 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at Dunn Museum, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. Did you know baby rabbits are called kittens, or that to help their chances of survival, newborn deer have no scent? Drop in any time between 1:30 and 3 p.m. to put your knowledge (and luck) to the test as you are quizzed on infant animal facts. Free Earth Week program. Adult supervision required. Meet at the North Shore Gas Classroom. After the program, museum admission can be paid at the front desk for those who wish to visit the rest of the galleries. lcfpd.org.
Sounds of the Earth — Music and Nature in Harmony: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at New England Congregational Church, 406 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora; and 7 p.m. Monday, April 20, at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles. Chamber Music on the Fox event featuring Chicago Harp Quartet performing “Sun, Moon and Stars” by Harriet Adie, “Soiree d’Ete” (“Summer Evening”) by Bernard Andres, and “Cuban Dream After the Storm” by Alfredo Rolando Ortiz. In addition, learn about Friends of the Fox River, the Concerts & Community partner. $25 or $15 for students. Tickets: chambermusiconthefox.org.
Monday, April 20
Wildflower Watercolor at Lake Ellyn: 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, April 20, at Lake Ellyn Park in Glen Ellyn. As part of Glen Ellyn Park District’s Earth Week activities, take a walk to admire and sketch spring wildflowers in a restored oak woodland at Lake Ellyn Park, then return to the boathouse to create a watercolor. Liita Forsyth of The Little Bits Workshop provides instruction. All necessary supplies, including paints and brushes, will be provided. For ages 18 or older. $24 for residents or $30 for nonresidents. Register: gepark.org/register.
Tuesday, April 21
Library Storytime: 10:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, at Maryknoll Park, 845 Pershing Ave., Glen Ellyn. Bring your little ones ages 5 and younger for a storytime celebrating Earth Day. Free with registration: gepark.org/register.
Wednesday, April 22
BACT’s Earth Day event: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, at Pederson Preserve and the adjacent Rieke Family Preserve, at the intersection of Lake-Cook and Hart roads, Barrington. Barrington Area Conservation Trust invites community volunteers to drop in to assist District 220 students in planting native plants, reorganizing supplies and roadside cleanup. Includes a short presentation. landtrustalliance.org.
Earth Day celebration: 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, at Lincoln Marsh Prairie Patch Play Area, Harrison and Pierce avenues, Wheaton. Crafts and activities for all ages. Dress for the outdoors. Registration is free at wheatonparkdistrict.com.
Earth Day planting: Noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, at the renovated pantry garden space across from the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, 834 N. Highland Ave., Aurora. Join in planting more than 2,000 tomatoes and peppers along with beans, cabbage, collard greens, lettuce, spinach and more. Tour the garden and learn how you can get involved in providing fresh produce to the pantry guests. Visit facebook.com/MariesPantry.
Bensenville Earth Day Cleanup: 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, at Redmond Complex, 730 E. Jefferson St., Bensenville. Volunteers come together to work toward a cleaner, greener Bensenville with a day of community service and environmental stewardship. Gloves and trash bags will be available in the parking lot off Jefferson Street, directly across from the Edge Ice Arena. Dress for the weather, as volunteers will be picking up litter around Redmond Complex rain or shine. Sign up via bensenville.gov/1308/Earth-Day-Cleanup.
Earth Day Evening: 4:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, 28 Brookside Drive, Elgin. Nature-themed crafts and creative play for all ages in the Discovery Room and outdoor Nature Playspace. Free. cityofelgin.org.
Naperville’s annual Arbor Day Tree Sale: Through 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, or earlier if all trees are sold. Tree pickup will be on Saturday, April 25, at the public works service center, 180 Fort Hill Drive. Orders are available via naperville.il.us.
Earth Day history hike: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. Take a naturalist-guided hike while learning about the history of Earth Day and the importance it plays across the world. Free. Register: kaneforest.com.
One Earth Film Festival: Wednesday to Monday, April 22-27, at various locations in Chicago, in the suburbs and online. The festival centers on the theme “All Together Now,” and shows films that spark conversation, connection and collective action for our planet. Learn more at oneearthfilmfest.org.
Thursday, April 23
Migration Morning: 8:30 to 10 a.m. Thursday, April 23, in Manor Park, 375 Illinois St. Part of Glen Ellyn Park District’s Earth Week activities. Join a guided bird walk and spot the spring warblers. For ages 18 or older. Free with registration: gepark.org/register.
Arbor Day Plant Sale: 1-4 p.m. Thursday, April 23; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 24-25, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Shop from a variety of plants chosen by experts for success in a Chicago-area garden. Tickets: $15-$32, early access tickets $30-$47. mortonarb.org.
One Earth Film Fest screening of “Beyond Zero”: 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines. The church is a first time host of a One Earth Film. The movie follows the efforts and journey to sustainability of Interface Inc., an international company. The movie starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. Visit the exhibitor tables from Go Green Des Plaines, Go Green Mount Prospect, Clean Up — Give Back, and Interface, the company from the movie. A panel discussion and audience Q&A will follow the movie. Panelists include Chip DeGrace, director of design purpose at Interface Inc.; Josh Allain, Mount Prospect assistant to the village manager; and Donna Adam, executive director of Clean Up — Give Back. Light snacks and beverages provided. Free, but register via EventBrite.com.
Friday, April 24
Arbor Day Tree Planting: 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, April 24, at Ackerman Park, 800 St. Charles Road, Glen Ellyn. Part of Glen Ellyn Park District’s Earth Week activities. Learn how to correctly plant, mulch, and water a young tree. Tools will be provided. For ages 18 or older. Free with registration: gepark.org/register.
Arbor Day Celebration: 9:30 to 11 a.m. Friday, April 24, at Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St., Arlington Heights. Remarks from local officials, performance by Miner School students, tree planting and more. Students from preschool to sixth grade can participate in the annual Arbor Day Drawing Contest. Winners of each age category receive a $25 gift certificate to park district programs. ahpd.org/event/arbor-day-2026.
Saturday, April 25
Earth Day Community In Action Clean-Up Day: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, April 25, at various locations in Aurora and Montgomery. Join the Fox Valley Park District to help protect the environment through litter pickup and debris removal along the Fox River and local trails. Volunteers can choose between two main check-in sites: Montgomery dam parking, 101 Marsch Ave., or Waubonsie Lake Park and Trail, 998 Kautz Road. Sign up via bit.ly/4r0SuVr. facebook.com/FoxValleyParkDistrict.
City Nature Challenge: Saturday, April 25, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road, or 11 a.m. to noon at Churchill Park, 271 St. Charles Road in Glen Ellyn. Join this global citizen science competition. Document local plants and wildlife using the iNaturalist app. Children can search for nature-themed clues along the trail to unlock a treasure chest. Participants younger than 14 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Open to all ages. Free with registration: gepark.org/register.
Party for the Planet: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Join for hands-on activities, outdoor adventures, and animal interactions. Storytime in World of Wonders at 11:30 a.m. Join an expert naturalist for a guided hike and learn how to utilize iNaturalist to identify native plants, animals and fungus up close at 1:30 p.m. Standard zoo admission rates apply. dtpd.org.
Lake Zurich Arbor Day Celebration: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 25, at Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Join the village for the annual Arbor Day event, open to all ages. At 9 a.m., a tree-planting ceremony near the barn with the Lake Zurich Tree Commission. Starting at 9:15 a.m., a free tree sapling giveaway; park scavenger hunt; community painting project with Do Art Productions; and “Coffee & Cocoa” with a village representative to discuss local topics of interest, especially pertaining to the village’s natural areas. From 10:30 a.m. to noon, community park cleanup; visit the events volunteer page to sign up. Trash bags can be picked up from the barn from 9-10:30 a.m., or bring your own. Dress for the weather and bring gloves. Also, SWALCO’s free compost giveaway, while supplies last; bring your own bucket and shovel. lakezurich.org/601/Arbor-Day.
Bensenville Earth Day Volunteer Cleanup: 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, April 25, at Varble Park, 1000 W. Wood Ave., Bensenville. Register in advance at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood St., and then head to Varble Park to pick up trash and mulch the trails. Visit bvilleparks.org.
Downers Grove Earth Week Volunteer Day: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 25, at McCollum Park, 6801 Main St., Downers Grove. Help the Downers Grove Park District beautify the community by mulching trees and clearing seasonal debris. Gloves, tools, and staff assistance provided. Volunteers get light snacks and a reusable water bottle. Dress to get messy. Register: dgparks.org.
Itasca Arbor Day celebration: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 25, at Springbrook Nature Center, 130 Forest Ave., Itasca. The mayor will kick off the event with the annual Arbor Day proclamation, followed by any tree dedications. Make a craft and help beautify the forest by planting some native wildflowers. Davey Tree Expert Co. will provide a tree climbing demonstration and some seedlings. Wings & Talons will be displaying their birds of prey. Free. itascaparkdistrict.com.
Montgomery Arbor Day Tree Dedication & Planting: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, April 25, at the Montgomery Police Department, 11 Civic Center Ave., Montgomery. Join the village beautification committee for the annual dedication of a new native Illinois tree in the Arboretum Garden, near the Route 30 silo. The ceremony features a tree-planting demonstration and a limited giveaway of tree saplings to community members at approximately 10:30 a.m. montgomeryil.org.
Bolingbrook Arbor Day Celebration & Shred Event: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25, behind Town Center, 375 W. Briarcliff. Before the event, join the tree planting ceremony at 10 a.m. at Liberty Park, 298 Orchard Drive. Tree giveaways, games and prizes, raffles, expert planting advice, and free hot dogs and water. Also, a drive-up community shred event with all sensitive documents shredded on-site; limit two-standard-size paper boxes per vehicle. bolingbrook.gov.
Nature Play on Earth Day: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Road, St. Charles. Free, all-ages drop-in event. Visit the Touch-A-Tree Truck area to see these big machines up close and learn how they help plant, move and care for trees. Indoor activities include crafts, animal meet & greets, and hands-on projects. Venture outdoors for the Harley the Hawk’s adventure storywalk, or play in the Hickory Hideout. First 100 families will receive a bur oak tree sapling, compliments of Bartlett Tree Experts. facebook.com/hickoryknollsdiscoverycenter.
Bensenville Family Earth Day Celebration: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Fischer Farm, 16W680 Old Grand Ave., Bensenville. Earth friendly craft, beeswax candle making, pollinator puzzles, a giant earth parachute and games. Also, Earth Day scavenger hunt, Meet the Beekeeper, a seed ball make-and-take, wagon rides, jungle-themed bounce house, face painting, food vendors, and the Grand Subaru recycling game. E-recycling and shred event for park district residents from 8 to 10 a.m. in the Bensenville Water Park & Splash Pad parking lot, 1100 W. Wood Ave. Grand Subaru also is collecting hard-to-recycle batteries and bulbs through its in-house recycling center at the dealership. Free. For details and list of recyclables, visit bvilleparks.org/earthday.
Earth Day Festival: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road in Bolingbrook. Enjoy music, free henna, slacklining and demonstrations from local artisans while discovering fun ways to shrink your carbon footprint by going green. Meet the bees that make honey, visit the resident animals, shop green vendors, and make your own hot dog and s’mores at the campfire. Explore musical instruments, courtesy of Bach to Rock, or create a nature craft to take home. Free giveaways. Free; no registration required. Visit reconnectwithnature.org.
Sunday, April 26
Forest Bathing Wellness Walk: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at Churchill Park, 271 St. Charles Road in Glen Ellyn. Part of Glen Ellyn Park District’s Earth Week activities. Join in a guided forest bathing walk led by a certified nature and forest therapy guide. A tea ceremony featuring foraged herbs concludes the experience. For ages 18 and up. $20 for residents, $24 for nonresidents. Register: gepark.org/register.
Ongoing
Earth Month exhibits: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, through April, at Knoch Knolls Nature Center, 320 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville. As part of Naperville’s “Earth Month” celebration, join in hands-on exhibits, displays and activities centering on the theme “Wildlife Conservation Success Stories.” Learn about the conservation plight of various local species. Visit napervilleparks.org/knochknollsnaturecenter.