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Located on the northwest side of Chicago, North Park Village Nature Center features a 58+ acre natural area and educational facility, situated within the 155-acre North Park Village campus. The natural area offers trails that wind through woodland, wetland, prairie, and savanna. A discovery room, a hands-on table of natural objects, and interactive displays are highlights of the Nature Center. In addition to the Nature Center and natural area, visitors can also enjoy exploration through Walking Stick Woods, a 12-acre woodland with trails and nodes designed for Nature Play.

There are public programs for preschoolers, school-age children, families, and adults. Eco-Explorers summer day camp focuses on nature-based games and learning activities for children aged 5-14 years old. Neighborhood Naturalists is a special outreach program serving third graders in Chicago Public Schools. Volunteers find many ways to express their interests at the Nature Center, including helping lead field trips, assisting during festivals, greeting visitors at the reception desk, and participating in ecological restoration efforts.

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The mission of North Park Village Nature Center is to provide visitors with an opportunity to interact with and learn about wildlife and natural resources in an urban setting. There are programs, events, and activities for all ages to enjoy while discovering our shared natural heritage at the first nature center within the city of Chicago. Open 7 days a week (excluding holidays) from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Whether you seek serenity, a place to spot a rare bird or a place to volunteer your time and talent, visit this oasis of nature in the city – this hidden gem.

In addition to maintenance conducted by the park district, North Park Village benefits from the dedication and hard work of volunteers who collect and scatter native seed, plant native species, pick up trash, monitor flora and fauna, and remove invasive species. At North Park Village Nature Center, Community Stewardship Days occur every Wednesday and Sunday from 9:00AM–12:00PM. Registration is required. Contact the Nature Center at 312-744-5472 to RSVP. Learn more about volunteer opportunities throughout the parks by visiting our Community Stewardship Program page.