Full Moon Hike
The night is bright, the moon is full, and it's a great night for a hike! Come with us to wander the park at night and experience the woods in a fun new way as we navigate only by the light of the full moon and stars above.
The full moon in March is called the Worm Moon! As the ground begins to thaw in the early spring, worms will start to emerge and become active again, providing aeration and nutrients to the soil for the spring plants.
In the Outdoors: Trekkin' and Trackin'
Whether it’s snow or mud, March is the perfect time for animal tracking! Atwood Park is home to a wide variety of creatures, many of whom share the same trails we do. Come explore the park and search for animal tracks as we follow the signs left behind by wildlife. How many different creatures' prints will you be able to find? Join us for a guided trek around the park, and learn to identify the tracks and signs of local wildlife.
Meeting Location: North entrance of Atwood Park, Atwood Center, 2685 New Milford School Rd.
Let’s discover the hidden world of animal tracks together!
About In the Outdoors
Be “In the Outdoors” all season long, rain or shine, you can’t go wrong! It’s great for all ages, through all of life’s stages. Bring your scout group, or your whole family!
Events are FREE, pre-registration is highly recommended.
In the Outdoors events are sponsored by Rock River Disposal.
In the Outdoors: Cozy Creations for Feathered Friends
Join us this February for a relaxing and cozy bird-watching afternoon by the fire! Enjoy the warmth of a crackling fireplace while observing winter birds just outside the windows of Lupton Hall. Listen to soothing classical music and get creative as we make simple pinecone bird feeders to help nourish our feathered friends during the colder months. It’s the perfect combination of nature, creativity, and comfort!
About In the Outdoors
Be “In the Outdoors” all season long, rain or shine, you can’t go wrong! It’s great for all ages, through all of life’s stages. Bring your scout group, or your whole family!
Events are FREE, pre-registration is highly recommended.
In the Outdoors events are sponsored by Rock River Disposal.
Full Moon Hike
The night is bright, the moon is full, and it's a great night for a hike! Come with us to wander the park at night and experience the woods in a fun new way as we navigate only by the light of the full moon and stars above.
February's full moon is most often called the Snow Moon or Bone Moon. Food tends to be scarce as the temperatures hit the lowest of the low, and people often used to rely on making bone broth to get through this harsh season.
In the Outdoors: Snowy Views in Snowshoes
Snow doesn’t mean you have to stay inside! There’s something truly magical about the woods when they’re blanketed in snow.
Join us for a peaceful snowshoe tour through Atwood Park and experience the winter wonderland up close. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned snowshoer, all skill levels are welcome!
Bring your own snowshoes or borrow a pair from the lodge. Please note that smaller snowshoe sizes may be limited. In the event of no snow, the tour will continue as a guided winter hike on foot.
Please arrive on the north entrance of the park (2685 New Milford School Road) and meet at the Atwood Center.
About In the Outdoors
Be “In the Outdoors” all season long, rain or shine, you can’t go wrong! It’s great for all ages, through all of life’s stages. Bring your scout group, or your whole family!
Events are FREE, pre-registration is highly recommended.
In the Outdoors events are sponsored by Rock River Disposal.
In the Outdoors: Hootin' Holidays
Winter in northern Illinois can get pretty chilly, but the birds of prey in our exhibit are well-equipped to deal with it!
During Hootin' Holidays, you’ll get to know the birds and learn some adaptations that make them capable of surviving the elements throughout the year. You might even get to dissect an owl pellet!
About In the Outdoors
Be “In the Outdoors” all season long, rain or shine, you can’t go wrong! It’s great for all ages, through all of life’s stages. Bring your scout group, or your whole family!
Events are FREE, pre-registration is highly recommended.
In the Outdoors events are sponsored by Rock River Disposal.
In the Outdoors: Happy Harvest
In this time of feasts, celebrations, and thanks, join us as we dive into the advantages of shopping and eating local.
Join guest speaker, Dr. Martin Quirk, to discuss the advantages of why growing a garden or supporting local can help make for more sustainable holiday meals and more.
Sustainable, harvest-themed crafts to follow lecture. Coffee and sustainable snacks will be provided.
About In the Outdoors
Be “In the Outdoors” all season long, rain or shine, you can’t go wrong! It’s great for all ages, through all of life’s stages. Bring your scout group, or your whole family!
Events are FREE, pre-registration is highly recommended.
In the Outdoors events are sponsored by Rock River Disposal.
Trunk or Treat
Join Atwood staff for Trunk or Treat festivities! Learn about our nocturnal neighbors and about how, even if you're not an owl, your senses can adapt in the dark of night, too! Come with no fear or fright, as we host an all treats, no tricks, that is sure to delight!
Activities will include:
Carnival-Style Games: Tin Can Toss, Spin the Wheel, Duck Pond
Sensory Activities: Memory Smell Test, Mystery Touch Boxes
Birds of Prey Tour: Learn about adaptations of nocturnal animals
Please meet at the Atwood Center, 2685 New Milford School Road, Rockford, IL.
This event runs rain or shine, so please be prepared to be outdoors. Please wear closed-toed and closed-heeled shoes to participate.
Parents and children under age two are free.
In the Outdoors: Leafy Masterpieces
Join Atwood staff for a hike among the brilliant colors of autumn! The first hour of this program will be a hike, where participants will have the chance to collect fallen leaves. Following the hike, participants will get a chance to create a leafy masterpiece with different mediums in addition to their selection of leaves.
About In the Outdoors
Be “In the Outdoors” all season long, rain or shine, you can’t go wrong! It’s great for all ages, through all of life’s stages. Bring your scout group, or your whole family!
Events are FREE, pre-registration is highly recommended.
In the Outdoors events are sponsored by Rock River Disposal.