Crabtree Nature Center

Crabtree Nature Center Crabtree Nature Center is a part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, IL. We have over 3 miles of
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About Forest Preserve District of Cook County

Don’t you sometimes just want to escape? Explore the natural beauty of Cook County for an hour, a day or even a night. When you’re surrounded by 70,000 acres of wild and wonderful, there’s no better place to feel free. This page has been created for the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Crabtree Nature Center and its visitors to share news, ideas and e

vents. We welcome your engagement and feedback, but comments posted by a member of the public are the opinion of the poster only, and do not necessarily imply endorsement of or reflect the opinions or policies of the Forest Preserves. Comments containing any of the following content will not be permitted and are subject to removal and/or restriction at any time and without prior notice:

• Obscene, sexual or pornographic content and/or language
• Content that promotes discrimination by the government on the basis of race, age, religion, gender or other protected class
• Private, personal information published without consent
• True threats to any person
• Conduct that violates any federal, state, or local law or encourages illegal activity
• Spam, commercial promotions or links to malware or viruses
• Actual defamation

The Forest Preserves reserves the right to deny access to our social media sites for any individual who repeatedly violates the Forest Preserves social media policy, at any time and without prior notice. All comments posted to any Forest Preserves social site are bound by the social media platform’s terms of use or code of conduct. Users who enter private or personal information do so at their own risk, and the Forest Preserves is not responsible for any damages resulting from the public display of, or failure to remove, private or personal information. Content posted on the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s social media sites may be subject to disclosure under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act and retention under the Local Records Act. This policy and terms of use may be amended from time-to-time, without further notice.

Let's meet some of the staff who make Crabtree Nature Center great, starting with our current director. Jeff Rapp has be...
06/23/2026

Let's meet some of the staff who make Crabtree Nature Center great, starting with our current director. Jeff Rapp has been the director of Crabtree Nature Center since June 2008. He joined the Forest Preserves in May of 1990 with an internship at River Trail Nature Center. Throughout his years of service, Jeff has been instrumental in sharing his passion for natural history with the public. He is a "jack-of-all trades" with knowledge that spans both flora and fauna, and in the summer, he loves sharing his knowledge of cicadas and bats. Jeff is here most days, so don't forget to say hi, and feel free to inquire about any subject related to Crabtree or the Forest Preserves.

Learn how to utilize tech while exploring the outdoors at the forest preserves nature center in Northbrook, River Trail ...
06/22/2026

Learn how to utilize tech while exploring the outdoors at the forest preserves nature center in Northbrook, River Trail Nature Center!

Turn your smartphone into a powerful nature tool!

Join us on Sunday, June 28 from 1:30pm - 2:45pm for our Using Plant Identification Apps workshop. Learn how popular apps can help you identify wildflowers, trees, and other plants with confidence while exploring the outdoors.

Whether you’re a beginner or a budding naturalist, this hands-on program will help you get more out of your nature adventures.

Registration is required. Call 847-824-8360 to reserve your spot today!

Technically, yesterday was the first full day of summer, but that's ok! Happy summer solstice a day late. Enjoy the warm...
06/22/2026

Technically, yesterday was the first full day of summer, but that's ok! Happy summer solstice a day late. Enjoy the warm days ahead and all the beautiful flowers in bloom throughout the season.

06/21/2026
Have you noticed the changes on our front walkway? Master Gardeners have been working hard to turn the triangle behind o...
06/17/2026

Have you noticed the changes on our front walkway? Master Gardeners have been working hard to turn the triangle behind our map table into a native plant demonstration garden. Master Gardeners planned, planted, and mulched around many native species and built a stone walkway for visitors to experience the garden up close. Keep an eye on this garden throughout the season and see how the progress is coming on this awesome new space!

Are you curious about fishing, but you don't know where to start? Join us for free family fishing fun on Friday, June 19...
06/16/2026

Are you curious about fishing, but you don't know where to start? Join us for free family fishing fun on Friday, June 19th, at Rolling Knolls in Elgin. Learn to fish, examine specimens, and create art with your family. The fun goes from 10 am to 1 pm. Learn more or register by calling the nature center at 847-381-6592.

Cue the “aww,” it’s baby animal season here in Cook County! While it’s exciting to spot a baby bunny or a fledgling bird...
06/14/2026

Cue the “aww,” it’s baby animal season here in Cook County! While it’s exciting to spot a baby bunny or a fledgling bird, well-meaning “rescuers” can often do more harm than good. Most young wildlife found alone aren’t orphaned; their parents are simply nearby, foraging for food or watching from a distance. Learn more on the FPCC blog:

Cue the “aww,” it’s baby animal season here in Cook County! While it’s exciting to spot a baby bunny or a fledgling bird, well-meaning “rescues” can often do more harm […]

Yesterday, we asked you what could have made this hole. The answer is...a prairie crayfish. Prairie crayfish dig tunnels...
06/12/2026

Yesterday, we asked you what could have made this hole. The answer is...a prairie crayfish. Prairie crayfish dig tunnels close to wetlands. These tunnels can reach 6 feet deep and fill with water to provide the crayfish a safe, wet tunnel to live in. If you happen to be here on a rainy day, there is a chance you might see one walking along the trail. Otherwise, they stay safely buried for the majority of their 3-4 years of life. The best signs that they are here are the holes they make close to ponds. Freshly dug tunnels may have a tall chimney around the entrance, which will wash away over time. Keep an eye out on the Giant's Hollow trail for the prairie crayfish!

What could that be? Was it made by a snake? A chipmunk? What do you think made this hole? We'll give the answer tomorrow...
06/11/2026

What could that be? Was it made by a snake? A chipmunk? What do you think made this hole? We'll give the answer tomorrow.

🌳Our Annual Explore the Forest Event was a massive success! From tree climbing, archery, and fishing to free oak tree gi...
06/11/2026

🌳Our Annual Explore the Forest Event was a massive success! From tree climbing, archery, and fishing to free oak tree giveaways and live entertainment, we made some unforgettable memories in nature. 🧗‍♂️🎣🐝

A massive thank you to our incredible community, our volunteers, and all of our wonderful partners who brought this event to life:
🌳Forest Preserve District of Cook County Staff, Arlington Anglers, Illinois Bee Rescue, Monarchs, Milkweed and More, Chicago Region Trees Initiative, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, 4-H, University of Illinois Extension - Cook County Master Naturalists, University of Illinois Extension: Cook County, Kenneth Young Center, Chicago Voyagers, Northwest Mosquito Abatement District, Wheeling IL, and WICI Song & Dance Theater.

📸Check out the album from our fabulous FPCC Photographer, Jerry Attere below to see the fun, and drop your favorite memory from the day in the comments! See you next year! 🌳✨

Address

3 Stover Road
Barrington, IL
60010

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm
Saturday 8am - 4pm
Sunday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+18473816592

Website

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