Extend Earth Day for 48 hours with North Pond during their celebration. April 24, head to the garden by 10a.m. to help make everything beautiful again by cleaning up litter, painting park benches and fences, planting wildflowers and more. 2551 N. Stockton Drive, volunteermatch.com
There’s no better way to spend a beautiful day than outside, and at Morton Arboretum, there’s an abundance of activities to choose from. Hike through over 1,700 acres filled with over 200,000 plants. Not sure where to start? We suggest the 4-acre Children’s garden, lunch at Gingko Restaurant & Cafe and then a walk through one of the 16 miles of trails. Plus—April 17, put your running shoes on for the socially distant Champion of Trees 10k. 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, Mortonarb.org
Earth Day Celebration at LaBagh Woods
Explore LaBagh woods with guided hikes off the trails from 12 to 4p.m. While there, do your part with the county-wide litter cleanup, and then use recycled materials to create a project. The woods, which was named after long-time Chicago resident Ella LaBagh, hosts a number of tree species like large oaks, maples and cottonwoods—plus a variety of birds.
Learn to divide perennials in preparation for the season; go on a spring bird walk; and hear about which flora and fauna are best for birds and butterflies. Those are only a few of the fun events this month, along with online cooking classes, photography talks and so much more. What else is in bloom? Butterfly orchids, crimson bottlebrush, ice follies large-cupped daffodil and so much more this season at the botanic garden. 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, chicagobotanic.org
Spring Flower Show at Lincoln Park Conservatory
Walk amongst the flowers at Lincoln Park Conservatory’s Spring Flower Show “Pretty in Pink.” Running through May 9, the exhibit fills the Victorian-era glass house with the quintessential spring color in flora of azaleas, tulips, orchids, hydrangeas, lilies and peonies. 2391 N. Stockton Drive, lincolnparkconservancy.org
For over 100 years, the Garfield Park Conservatory has been introducing locals and visitors alike to exotic plants and landscapes. Soak in the sun at the outdoor gardens, visit the desert house, explore the fern room and more during your visit. Our must-visit? The palm house, where you’ll see the towering trees at 65-feet high. 300 N. Central Park Ave., garfieldconservatory.org
Earth Day: Party for the Planet at Brookfield Zoo
It’s time for spring cleaning—and there’s no better way to do it than during Earth month. Cleanse your home and bring any electronics, textiles and books to the Brookfield Zoo April 24. While you’re there, make a day out of it and visit the variety of animals—learning more about how you can make a difference for them. 8400 31st St., Brookfield, czs.org
