ONGOING
Spring Migration Bird Hikes Tuesdays, 8-9 a.m., through May 12. Matt Hales of the Illinois Audubon Society will lead hikes looking for migratory species as well as resident species. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 Clear Lake Ave., 217-544-2473.
April Nature Walks Saturdays in April, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Nature lovers can enjoy guided wildflower and bird walks on historic Elkhart Hill, enjoying the beauty of blooming flowers and the songs of returning birds. Lunch options available. Walks leave from The Country Bumpkin. Participants will be guided by wildflower guide Gilette Ransom and ornithologists Lara Borgerson, Joe Funk and Rhetta Jack. To reserve a spot, call or visit elkharthistoricalsociety.org. Adults $15, children $10. The Country Bumpkin, 103 Gov. Oglesby St., 217-947-2238.
Bird Hikes Saturdays through May 16, 8 a.m. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111. Local birder Kevin Veara will lead the group in search of migrating birds. Hikes start at the Nature Center and are open to the public. All levels of birders welcome.
APRIL
“Hummingbirds and Orioles: Spring’s Most Sought-After Visitors” Thu., April 16, 6-7 p.m. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 217-303-1996. Discover the migration timing, favorite habitats, feeding tips and fun facts about hummingbirds and orioles. Presented by Wade Kammin, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop.
The Art of Photographing Trees Botanical Class Sat., April 18, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Pick up expert tips, hear fascinating stories from the field and get inspired by the vibrant beauty of trees from renowned arborist, author and photographer Guy Sternberg. No registration required. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
Arbor Day Tree Giveaways Fri., April 24, 1-3 p.m. and Sun., April 26, 1-3 p.m. Old State Capitol, Dan-Thomas House, Kidzeum. 217-785-5030. Seedlings as well as small wildflower seed packets will come with planting instructions. Staff will help guests select the best tree. Trees will be available at these these locations while supplies last: Old State Capitol – Red oak, red osier dogwood and bald cypress (limit 2 trees/family), Sumac Shop (Dana-Thomas House Foundation) – Fragrant sumac (limit 1 tree/family); and Kidzeum – Red maple (limit 1 tree/family). Presented by State Historic Sites and the City of Springfield.
Earth Day Presentation Celebrating the Emiquon Preserve Fri., April 24, 5:30-8:30 p.m. The Nature Conservancy’s Randy Smith will tell the ongoing story of the Emiquon Preserve, a 6,700-acre wetland restoration along the Illinois River. Social hour at 5:30pm. Presentation at 7pm. Registration not required. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 217-481-0432.
Orchid Basics and Repotting Workshop Sat., April 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116. The Garden welcomes back Tom Gephart and Kent Weil for a morning all about orchids. Stop by and have a plant repotted at a nominal cost (based on the size of the plant) and learn how to care for an orchid, diseases and pests common with orchids and helpful orchid growing tips.
2026 Earth Fair Sat., April 25, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Annual event featuring children’s activities, food trucks and more designed to showcase and encourage Earth stewardship. Presented by the city of Springfield and Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Free. Union Square Park, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-789-2255
MAY
Spring Into Science at LLCC Fri., May 1, 5:30-8 p.m. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200. In this family-friendly event, participants can celebrate science by exploring stations focused on flowers and plants, including flower dissections, and get the opportunity to plant a flower to take home. Students can “learn to be a bander” at a bird banding demonstration. Marine biology activities will include a touch tank and a saltwater scavenger hunt. Additional attractions will feature chemistry demonstrations, interactive science activities and explorations connected to spring and science. On the second floor of Sangamon Hall.
Planting Days Sat., May 2 and Sat., May 9. Details TBA. Guests welcome as seedlings are planted for this year’s crop. Enos Park Neighborhood Garden, 1022 N. Fifth St., 217-610-0720.
Milkweed Giveaways Sat., May 2, 9, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and Sun., May 3, 9-11am. Various locations. Learn all about planting milkweed and the importance of pollinator gardens. Then take home your free milkweed. Participants can learn how they can help with your neighborhood park pollinator garden. Meet neighborhood pollinator garden, University of Illinois Extension, Springfield Jaycees and parks foundation volunteers. May 2 schedule: 9-11am, Jaycee Park shelter; 11am-1pm, Erin’s Pavilion building entrance; 1-3pm, Washington Park shelter.; May 3: 9-11am, Lincoln Park, shelter in parking lot.
Junior Naturalists Sat., May 2, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. This hands-on nature exploration program is for children ages 5 to 8. At this session, participants will learn about a nature topic, make a craft and enjoy a snack. Costs cover class materials. Naturalists can also register for individual sessions at a cost of $12 each for members and $15 for nonmembers. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.
Senior Naturalists Sat., May 2, 1-3 p.m. This hands on-nature exploration program is for children ages 8-12. At this session. participants will learn about a different insects. Costs cover class materials. Naturalists can register for individual sessions at a cost of $12 each for members and $15 for nonmembers. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.
Springfield Civic Garden Club Mon., May 4, 9:30 a.m. Monthly meeting. Open to all. Doors open at 9 a.m. for refreshments. For more info, visit the club’s website, Facebook site or call. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 217-899-3283.
Tiny Adventurers Wed., May 6, 10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. This hands-on nature exploration program is for children ages 3 to 5 with an adult chaperone. At this session, participants will learn about a nature topic, make a craft and enjoy a story. Younger siblings are welcome but the program is geared toward the 3-5 age range. Morning and afternoon sessions available. Registration is preferred. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.
This article appears in April 16-22, 2026.
