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Thorn Creek Nature Center

247 Monee Rd.
Park Forest, IL 60466

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708-747-6320

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Thorn Creek Nature Center

Other Link http://tcwoods.org

Features

  1. Trails

Thorn creek nature perserve pic 1THORN CREEK NATURE CENTER                        
247 Monee Road, Park Forest, IL 60466
708-747-6320 
thorn_creek@att.net

Website: tcwoods.org
Fall/Winter Brochure 

  • Nature Center is open to the public Fridays 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Trails open daily year-round, dawn to dusk 
  • Trails are natural surface across uneven terrain 
  • Registration is required for programs. Call or email the nature center the Monday before the program. 
 

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve is a natural area of over 1000 acres jointly owned by University Park, Park Forest and the Forest Preserve District of Will County.  A Management Commission was formed in the 1970’s, made up of the landowners plus Friends of Thorn Creek Woods, the citizens group responsible in large part for preservation of these woods. Together they manage this large dry mesic oak hickory forest dominated by 150-year-old white and red oak trees with a rich understory of native shrubs, rare plants and spring wildflowers.

Workday March2018 by Dena Petraitis

FRIENDS OF THORN CREEK WOODS
Join Friends of Thorn Creek Woods and support the 985-acre Thorn Creek Nature Preserve and its Nature Center. Formed in 1969, Friends efforts ensured permanent protection for this unique open space enhancing Park Forest and the region. Friends' volunteers build and repair trails, create exhibits, monitor species, staff the nature center, lead programs, and raise funds for programs and improvements. Members enjoy a quarterly newsletter and sponsor Earth Day, plus Spring and Fall meetings. Annual family membership is $20 or $50 for an organization; life membership is $200. For more information: 708-747-6320; thorn_creek@att.net; tcwoods.org; P.O. Box 32, Richton Park, IL 60471.

 

Programs & Events 

Visit our website: tcwoods.org.
 

NOVEMBER  2023

prairie sampler work day 1PRAIRIE SAMPLER AND TRAIL WORKDAY    
Saturday, Nov., 1 - 3 p.m.
Thorn Creek Nature Center
Free! Ages 12 and older; children 15 or younger must be accompanied by an adult.     
Registration required by Monday, Nov., 13: 708.747.6320.

Get down and dirty at our Thorn Creek workday.  Help repair boardwalks, maintain trails, or weed and nurture our Prairie Sampler and butterfly gardens. Bring gloves, favorite tools and dress for the weather.


DECEMBER 2023

winter survivalWINTER SURVIVAL
Sunday, Dec. 3
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Thorn Creek Nature Center
All ages. Free.
Registration required by Monday, Nov. 27: 708-747-6320. 

Come learn about the winter survival tactics of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that call Thorn Creek home. We will explore different types of hibernation. After the hike participants will create a pinecone creature to take home. This program is sponsored by Thorn Creek Audubon Society. 



Thorn creek holiday 1HOLIDAY NATURE CRAFTS
Sunday, Dec. 10
1 - 3 p.m.
Thorn Creek Nature Center
All Ages. $5 per person.
Registration Required by Monday, Dec. 4: 708-747-6320.

Fun family program to create holiday decorations from natural materials. Craft twigs, seeds, pinecones and more into holiday creations to take home. All materials will be provided. This program will be held in an accessible facility.


JANUARY  2024

Learn your birdsLEARN YOUR BIRDS BY SPRING                  
Sundays, Jan. 14 through Feb. 18 (6 classes)
1 - 3:30 p.m.
Thorn Creek Nature Center
Ages 11 or older
$50 prepaid per person for full series
Registration and payment by Wednesday, Jan. 8: 708-747-6320.

Bird identification can be overwhelming but learning only a few birds each week makes it fun and easy!  Six weekly lessons and short hikes given by master birder Sue Zelek on the key shapes, markings, habits and songs for our local birds will make spring bird watching a snap! Price includes a Field Guide and other birding materials. Sponsored by the Thorn Creek Audubon Society.

trees in winterTREES IN WINTER
Saturday, Jan. 20
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Thorn Creek Nature Center
All ages.  
Registration required by Monday, Jan. 15: 708-747-6320. 

Just like animals, trees have their own winter survival tricks. Come see Thorn Creek Woods for the trees and learn how they protect themselves from the harsh elements. Sponsored by the Thorn Creek Audubon Society. Participants should be able to walk 2 miles outdoors on natural surface trails across uneven terrain.

FEBRUARY       2024

bird by sight and sound 1BIRDING BY SIGHT AND SOUND FOR KIDS            
Saturday, Feb. 17
1 - 3:30 p.m. 
$10 fee per person. Ages 7-12. 
Registration by Feb. 12; 708-747-6320. 

Learn simple ways to identify and observe birds, using binoculars, field guides, and bird call tapes. Learn our most common birds with fun games and crafts. The class includes a Beginner Bird Guide and other birding materials to take home. Sponsored by the Thorn Creek Audubon Society.


MARCH  2024

wild animal tracks 1WILD ANIMAL TRACKS          
Sunday, March 24
1 - 3 p.m.
Thorn Creek Nature Center
$10 per person. All ages.   
Registration required by Monday, March 18: 708-747-6320.

Tracks can be clues to wild animals’ identities and behaviors. Discover how animals survive through the different seasons.  We will walk the trails searching for tracks and other animal clues. Bring home your own track replica. Program is sponsored by Thorn Creek Audubon Society.

gourd bird house 1MAKE A GOURD BIRDHOUSE                                                            
Sunday, March 17
1 - 3 p.m.
Thorn Creek Nature Center
$15 per house; limit one per person. 
All ages: children younger than age 6 must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration required by March 11: 708-747-6320. 

This is a fun family workshop to create a natural style birdhouse from a gourd to be a welcoming nesting space for birds in your own backyard. Birdhouses are increasingly important to cavity nesters like wrens and chickadees. This is a Partnership for Programming event sponsored by the Thorn Creek Audubon Society. All materials will be provided.



APRIL  2024 

trail work day 2

SPRING CLEAN UP & TRAIL WORKDAY AT THORN CREEK WOODS          
Sunday, April 7
12 - 4 p.m. 
Thorn Creek Nature Center
Free!  All ages: children younger than 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration is required by April 1: 708-747-6320.

Bring a lunch and gloves and dress for the weather.  Refreshments will be provided. Part of this program will be held indoors in an accessible facility.  Outdoor work is on natural surface trails across uneven terrain. Shake the winter blahs and come help in the annual spring cleaning. There will be indoor and outdoor work preparing for spring. Come help build or repair boardwalks and maintain the trails throughout the preserve. 

prairie sampler work day 2PRAIRIE SAMPLER WORKDAY        
Saturday, April 13
1 - 3 p.m.
Thorn Creek Nature Center
Free!  Ages 12-adult; children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration required by April 8: 708-747-6320.

Get down and dirty and help care for Thorn Creek’s Prairie Sampler.   Located in front of the Nature Center, the small prairie needs your help with weeding, pulling tall goldenrod, and trimming out woody plants. Our Butterfly Garden on the side of the nature center also needs weeding and care. And if the non-native invasive plant Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata, is present again in our woodland, we can slow it down by pulling individual plants before they set seed. Bring your own gloves, hand clippers, and kneelers if you like.  Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots. Refreshments will be provided. Bags and a short orientation will be provided.

bridgeEARTH DAY AT THORN CREEK: YEAR OF THE CICADA                      
Sunday, April 21 
1 - 3 p.m.
Thorn Creek Nature Center
Free. All ages.
Registration required by April 15: 708-747-6320.

Earth Day at Thorn Creek Woods celebrates the 17-year Cicada. Learn about this cryptic insect that spends 17 years of its life underground! Find out about the natural history of cicadas and the impact of their eruption this spring. A fun family program that includes, cicada exhibits, slide show and recordings, origami cicada craft, games, cicada recipes, Earth Day Raffle and refreshments. 1:00- Learn all about Cicadas 1:30-origami cicada craft 2:00-insect bingo and more 2:30- self guided walk in the woods 3:00 - Raffle Drawing. The program is sponsored by Jim Marzuki Fund for Public Programming.


central park wetlands walkway 1CENTRAL PARK WETLANDS WALK                            
Sunday, April 28
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 
Wetlands Discovery Center, 30 N. Orchard Drive, Park Forest, located on the west end of the bathhouse.   
Free!  All Ages.
Registration required with Thorn Creek Nature Center by April 22: 708-747-6320.

We’ll explore the Central Park Wetlands, a haven for amphibians, dragonflies, damselflies, birds and soil critters. Learn the names of some water loving plants and animals and enjoy a craft and game. Sponsored by the Thorn Creek Audubon Society.


MAY 2024

Prairie sampler work day 3PRAIRIE SAMPLER WORKDAY        
Saturday, May 4
1 - 3 p.m.
Thorn Creek Nature Center
Free!  Ages 12-adult; children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration required by April 29: 708-747-6320.

Get down and dirty and help care for Thorn Creek’s Prairie Sampler.  Located in front of the Nature Center, the small prairie needs your help with weeding, pulling tall goldenrod, and trimming out woody plants. Our Butterfly Garden on the side of the nature center also needs weeding and care. And if the non-native invasive plant Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata, is present again in our woodland, we can slow it down by pulling individual plants before they set seed. Bring your own gloves, hand clippers, and kneelers if you like. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots. Refreshments will be provided. Bags and a short orientation will be provided. 



Nature Camp for Seniors_4TRAIL WORKDAY
Sunday, May 5
1 - 3 p.m.
Thorn Creek Nature Center   
Free! Ages 12 - adult, children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration required by April 29: 708.747.6320.
Workdays are an excellent way to give back to Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve! Help repair boardwalks and the bridge, clear undergrowth from the paths and boardwalks, plus open channels on the water diversion steps. Or weed and nurture our Prairie Sampler and Butterfly Garden. Bring your own gloves, hand clippers, and kneelers if you like.  Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots. Refreshments will be provided.

bird hike 1BIRD HIKE  
Sunday, May 19 
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Thorn Creek Nature Center
Free. All ages.  
Registration required by May 13: 708.747.6320. 

Let’s watch for our year-round resident birds and look for birds arriving to spend the summer here. Find out about the extraordinary migration patterns of birds. We’ll have some binoculars, field guides and identifliers available. If you have your own bring them along. Sponsored by Thorn Creek Audubon Society.

flower moon hike 1FLOWER MOON HIKE                          
Thursday, May 23
7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Thorn Creek Nature Center
Free! Ages 10 years or older.
Registration required by Thursday, May 20: 708.747.6320.

The abundant blooms of spring flowers and trees in May helped the Potawatomi keep track of the seasons. Join us around the night of the Flower Full Moon. On our hike we’ll listen for nocturnal animals and explore the idea that darkness helps predators.




JUNE  2024

Prairie Sample and Work Day_1PRAIRIE SAMPLER AND TRAIL WORKDAY      
Sunday, June 2
1 - 3 p.m.
Thorn Creek Nature Center
Free!    Ages 12 - adult, children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration required by May 27: 708-747-6320.

Get down and dirty at our Thorn Creek Workday. Help repair boardwalks, maintain trails, or weed and nurture our Prairie Sampler and butterfly garden. Bring gloves, favorite tools and dress for the weather.



Hidden pond hike 1HIDDEN PONDS HIKE                              
Sunday, June 23
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 
Thorn Creek Nature Center         
Free! Ages 13-adult
Registration required by June 17: 708-747-6320.

Join us for a guided tour of the wet areas of Thorn Creek Woods. Discover vernal ponds, listen for the return of amphibian choruses and explore the marshes of Owl Lake and beyond. These low-lying areas provide vital habitat for woodland creatures and are an integral part of the Thorn Creek ecosystem. Sponsored by the Thorn Creek Audubon Society.


Insets abound 1INSECTS ABOUND FOR KIDS                            
Sunday, June 30
1 - 3 p.m.
Thorn Creek Nature Center
Free.  Ages 6-12.
Registration by Monday, June 24: 708.747.6320.

Join us to observe the wide variety of these fascinating creatures. Discover what makes an insect unique. Explore the differences between insects, spiders, and other kinds of arthropods. On a hike we’ll search for insect habitats. Sponsored by Thorn Creek Audubon Society.


 

Open Positions


Click on the link below to view job openings: 

Assistant Naturalist - Thorn Creek Nature Preserve

Volunteering 

 Thorn Creek Volunteers 

Thorn Creek Woods as a nature preserve of over 1000 acres represents a peoples’ effort led by the Thorn Creek Preservation Association with its beginnings in the 1960’s. From the start, caring people have given their time, funds, efforts and support to preserve these woods as a natural resource that everyone can enjoy, and a place where plants and animals can live in peace.

Thorn Creek Volunteers act as advocates, build trails, create displays, lead groups, clean the nature center, the trails & preserve, collect data, monitor species, patrol boundaries, answer phones, assist with programs, and much, much more.  They make Thorn Creek Woods a living symbol of people living in harmony with nature, enriching their own lives and passing on to their children a priceless heritage.

Through all the seasons of the years, Thorn Creek Woods volunteers continue this tradition of lending time and talents, not only to protect Thorn Creek Woods, but also to make it a resource for all times and all people.

Volunteer Opportunities at Thorn Creek Nature Center and Preserve

Open Hours
Office Skills
Trailwork
Trail Watchers
Prairie Sampler and Butterfly Garden
Bakers
Nature Center Cleaning Tasks
Program Assistants
Photographs and Writings
Friends of Thorn Creek Woods
Donations of Things and Funds

Thorn Creek Nature Center and Nature Preserve depend on YOU!

Learn more about opportunities to become part of our wonderful team of volunteers.
Contact our Naturalist April Richards to see how you can help.
THORN CREEK NATURE CENTER
247 Monee Road, Park Forest, IL 6046
708-747-6320 or thorn_creek@att.net
2024 Volunteer Brochure
Volunteer Application Form

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