Since the beginning of time, Indigenous cultures have utilized music as an integral part of life. One such instrument used by native peoples of this region is the courting flute. […]

Join us  to experience Casper Bluff Preserve and the adjacent Casper Creek Natural Cemetery after dark during JDCFs annual Open Hike Night. Luminarias will light the trails leading to the […]

One of the first signs of spring is the sound of frogs waking up and calling. Join staff from JDCF at the Meeker Street Footbridge in downtown Galena for our […]

Join the festivities to learn about the birds that are arriving back in NW Illinois for the summer at the World Migratory Bird Day celebration at the Galena River Trailhead […]

Rutherford Refuge at Twin Bridges Nature Preserve was dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve in 2021. This is an official status reserved for only the rarest and highest-quality natural areas […]

Since 2011, JDCF and the Galena Art & Recreation Center have partnered to bring a unique nature camp to area youth. The Camp will run from June 11-13 from 9 […]

Depending on the heat index, this event will move indoors following a brief walk. A thousand years ago, Wapello was the site of a Native American village. Today, it is […]

You are invited to join Chicago Field Museum insect educators and scientists to see their amazing collections of local, native insects at JDCF's Casper Bluff Reserve south of downtown Galena, […]

During our first session, we will discuss, via Zoom, Shelter and Storm: At Home in the Driftless. Tamara Dean (2025). If you are new to the book club, please email […]

This event has been cancelled for 2026 due to cold weather.

Join tree expert from JDCF and the Northern Illinois Forestry Association for a walk in the woods at Schurmeier Forest.  Participants will learn how to ID trees and shrubs native […]