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Illinois Department of Natural Resourses (IDNR) - Workshops
             


The Illinois Department of Natural Resources' (IDNR) Division of Education sponsors educator workshops through the ENTICE program. These workshops offer Professional Development Hours for teachers.

Please register for workshops through the link shown with each workshop description. A nonrefundable registration fee is required. The fee is $10.00 per person plus a $1.00 convenience fee per registration unless stated otherwise in the workshop description. Should you have questions about workshop registration please email (dnr.entice@illinois.gov) or call (217-524-4126) the IDNR Division of Education. Should the IDNR cancel a workshop, registrants will be asked if they want to transfer their registration to another ENTICE workshop or receive a refund. Some restrictions apply.

ENTICE workshops are available to teachers, home-schooling educators, nonformal educators and youth-group leaders in Illinois only.


2025-2026 Workshop Schedule | Fall 2025 | Winter 2026 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 |

Fall 2025 | Top of Page |

Course Name:  Wait List Registration
Program:  ENTICE
Location: IDNR Springfield
Date(s):  December 31, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 Do not register in this workshop block unless instructed to do so by IDNR Education personnel.

| Register for this Workshop |


Winter 2026 | Top of Page |

Course Name:  Winter Animals
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Lincoln Park Zoo, chicago
Date(s):  January 24, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 Temperatures below freezing and snow on the ground might mean warm hot chocolate by the fire for us, but what about the animals that call Illinois home? Explore the amazing ways that animals survive in winter, what adaptations they have, and where they are hiding. Get up close to a beaver lodge and chat with a zookeeper about how the zoo's black bears survive the winter. Get creative with nature journaling during a winter walk and discover how beavers use their fat and thick fur to stay warm with a cool classroom activity. This workshop is for grades PreK-12. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Keystone Species: American Beaver
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Isle a la Cache, Romeoville
Date(s):  January 31, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 The American Beaver, mayor of its ecosystem, is a one-of-a-kind keystone species. Explore the life history, ecological importance, and reintroduction of the beaver in Illinois. Discover what makes a keystone species and why the beaver is considered one. Learn more about the importance of keystone species and why they matter. Take a hike to explore the beaver river habitat and take the STEM dam-building challenge. Supplemental classroom materials and resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Weather, Climate, & Climate Change
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Date(s):  January 31, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 What is weather and climate, and how does it relate to climate change? How are Illinois species being affected? Learn more about the science behind climate, weather, and climate change. Explore which species will be the losers and the winners with what is happening. Explore ways to help students understand this challenging and complicated topic that is in the headlines. Learn some ways you can incorporate citizen science into your classroom to help students explore what is going on in their backyard. Targeted for grades PreK-12. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Winter Animals
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Giant City State Park, Makanda
Date(s):  February 7, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 Temperatures below freezing and snow on the ground might mean warm hot chocolate by the fire for us, but what about the animals that call Illinois home? Have you thought about where the animals go in winter and how they survive the cold? Explore the amazing ways that animals survive in winter, what adaptations they have, and where they are hiding. Discover which animals stay and which ones go! This workshop is for grades PreK-12. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Deer Diaries: Exploring White-Tailed Deer
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Pickerill-Pigott Forest Preserve, Yorkville
Date(s):  February 21, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 The largest herbivore in Illinois is the White-tailed deer. Explore the life history and the challenges faced by this ungulate, hoofed mammal in Illinois. Join us as we explore the Chronic Wasting Disease curriculum, Prying into Prions: Investigating Chronic Wasting Disease. This educational unit for high school students can assist in studying prion diseases, including chronic wasting disease. Learn about transmissible spongiform encephalopathies by examining the role of proteins in organisms, the chemistry and properties of proteins, the genetic processes that create proteins, and how proteins can become pathogenic. Study how chronic wasting disease affects the Illinois white-tailed deer herd and what control measures are being taken. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Illinois Biodiversity
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago
Date(s):  February 28, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 What is biodiversity? Does Illinois have much biodiversity? Discover the fascinating ways that plants and animals have adapted to survive in Illinois' four major habitats. This workshop will explore the Museum's Biodiversity exhibit and collections to answer these questions and more about aquatic, woodland, wetland, and urban habitats and their inhabitants in this introduction to the natural resources of our state. This workshop is for grades 4th to 8th. Other grade levels are welcome to register but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Illinois Bobcats
Program:  ENTICE
Location: IDNR, Springfield
Date(s):  March 7, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 Lynx, wildcat, Bobcat oh my! And found in Illinois, too! How do scientists study this elusive native feline and its growing population? Once listed as a threatened species, their numbers have rebounded and increased, allowing them to be delisted and recovered. Learn about bobcat ecology and behavior, and what lead to the bobcat flourishing. Participants will learn about how and why scientists are studying bobcats in Illinois, including learning about telemetry and how the information is gathered. The workshop is for teachers of students in grades 6th-12th, but can be adapted for other grades. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Wildlife Basics: Birds
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, St. Charles
Date(s):  March 14, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 What makes a bird a bird? This workshop offers an engaging introduction to the wild birds of Illinois. Participants will learn about Illinois birds, take a guided hike to observe birds and signs of their presence, and learn a variety of hands-on activities to bring back to their classrooms. The workshop will also demonstrate how the topic of Illinois wild birds can be used to support both the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for science and the Next Generation Science Standards. The workshop is for teachers of students in grades K to 5th, but can be adapted for other grades. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours will be provided. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program and is sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

| Register for this Workshop |


Spring 2026 | Top of Page |

Course Name:  Wild Illinois History
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Fort Massac, Metropolis
Date(s):  March 21, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 Explore early French Fur Trapping History in Illinois. This interdisciplinary teaching unit focuses on early exploration and settlement, the riparian and geography of early Illinois, and compares trapping from the past to the present. Both Illinois science and social studies standards are covered. The activities and lessons are designed to supplement Illinois history and science instruction. It includes the uses of wildlife by Indigenous peoples and the trappers who came from Europe. Also highlighted is the conservation movement and how it affects views and uses of wildlife today. The workshop is for teachers of students in grades 4th to 8th, but can be adapted for other grades. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Weather, Climate, & Climate Change
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Saguwau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Date(s):  March 28, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 What is weather and climate, and how does it relate to climate change? How are Illinois species being affected? Learn more about the science behind climate, weather, and climate change. Explore which species will be the losers and the winners with what is happening. Explore ways to help students understand this challenging and complicated topic that is in the headlines. Learn some ways you can incorporate citizen science into your classroom to help students explore what is going on in their backyard. This workshop is for grades PreK-12. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Birds of Illinois
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Jubilee Farms, Berlin
Date(s):  April 10, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 Take a closer look at birds and bring the biodiversity of Illinois birds into your classroom. See how birds use their physical characteristics to adapt to the environment and how each species has a unique niche in the ecosystem. Get hands-on field experience banding birds with the Lincoln Land Association of Bird Banders (LLABB). Discover why scientists track and band birds as we join LLABB for a walk on the prairie, identifying birds in their natural habitat. This workshop is for grades PreK-12. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Illinois Frogs & Toads
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Morton Arboretum, Lisle
Date(s):  April 11, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 Do toads pee when you pick them up? Can frogs turn into a prince when kissed? Hop on over to The Morton Arboretum to learn the answers to all your burning questions about Illinois' frogs and toads. Learn about these amazing creatures that hop and leap in your backyard. Discover the anuran life history, their relationships to other organisms, and adaptations for survival. This workshop is for grades PreK-4th grade but can be adapted for other grades. Supplemental classroom resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Woodland Basics
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Kennekuk Environmental Education Center, Danville
Date(s):  April 18, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 What do oak trees, squirrels, blue bells, fireflies, and Morells have in common? They are all part of a healthy woodland ecosystem. Join us as we take a deep dive into the ecology of Illinois woodland habitats. Discover how plants, animals, and trees interact and depend on each other to create a healthy forest woodland ecosystem through classroom discussions and a 1-mile hike. This workshop is for grades 3rd to 8th, but can be adapted for other grades. Supplemental classroom resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Wildlife Basics: Reptiles
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Red Oak Nature Center, North Aurora
Date(s):  April 25, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 Snakes, turtles, and lizards, oh my! They might not be cute and fuzzy like mammals, but reptiles are amazing creatures too. What makes a reptile a reptile? Explore the reptiles of Illinois, learning their life history and taxonomy. Join us on a hike to look for reptiles and their signs. Learn how to use the topic of Illinois reptiles to support the teaching of several of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for science and Next Generation Science Standards with your students. This workshop is for grades PreK-12. Supplemental classroom resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Illinois Wetlands
Program:  ENTICE
Location: The Grove, Glenview
Date(s):  May 2, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 What do bald cypress, bog goldenrod, dragonflies, bluegill, and mallard ducks have in common? They are all part of a healthy Weltland ecosystem. Discover the fascinating world hidden within Illinois' wetlands and explore the interesting organisms that live in them. We will discuss the life history, adaptations, and identification of wetland species. Get hands-on experience through wetland sampling and comparing the types of organisms found in the different habitats in the wetlands found at The Grove. This workshop is for grades 2nd to 9th, but can be adapted for other grades. Supplemental classroom resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  It's All About the Phenology: Exploring the Timing of Nature
Program:  ENTICE
Location: IDNR, Springfield
Date(s):  May 16, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 When does spring start? When do the flowers bloom? How does nature know when to start a different time of year? It's all about the phenology or timing. Learn about this concept and how you can bring it to your students in your classroom. Explore different ways to collect data with students of all ages and help them understand nature in new ways. Supplemental classroom resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Mississippi River Aquatic Animals
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Mississippi River Institute, East Moline
Date(s):  May 30, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 Have you ever wondered what it would be like to float down the Mississippi River on a barge? Well, now is your chance! Join us as ENTICE takes on the mighty Mississippi aboard the Living Lands and Waters floating river barge, tied up, of course. Discover what animals live in and around the mighty Mississippi River. Explore the fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and invertebrates that call this river home during the summer months. Supplemental classroom resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Illinois Fishes
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Jake Wolf State Fish Hatchery, Havana
Date(s):  June 2, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 What is a fish, and what fishes do we have in Illinois? Explore the different types of fishes we have here in Illinois with a focus on game fishes and fisheries management at the Jake Wolf Memorial State Fish Hatchery. Learn about fish biology, habitats, and adaptations as we delve into the wet world they live in. We will explore fishes up close and personal by going on a behind-the-scenes tour at the hatchery. Supplemental classroom resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Illinois Herpetofauna: Frogs, Salamanders, Turtles, and Snakes
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Great Rivers Research and Education Center, Alton
Date(s):  June 6, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 Join NGRREC educators and researchers to explore Illinois' native herpetofauna, frogs, salamanders, turtles, and snakes. Participants will learn about current research on Bird-voiced Treefrogs, salamanders, timber rattlesnakes, and Blanding's turtles. You will get the chance to be in the field and participate in wetland sampling, frog call ID, and radio telemetry. Supplemental classroom resources will be provided to connect field science with student learning. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Wildlife Basics: Birds
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Date(s):  June 6, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 What makes a bird, a bird? Educators will get an introduction to common Illinois birds. Learn how to identify birds and how scientists investigate their behaviors. Join us for a hike to look for birds and signs of their presence. Discover ways to attract birds and take away plants to get started. Participate in activities that use birds as the phenomenon to support the Illinois Early Learning Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. This workshop is for grades PreK to 5th grade, but can be adapted for other grades. Supplemental classroom resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Geology & Herpetology: The Bridging of Two Sciences
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Saguwau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Date(s):  June 13, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 What do geology and herpetology have in common? Join us as we discover the geology and herpetology of the Chicago Region. This workshop will emphasize how geological forces have shaped the ecology of local reptiles and amphibians. Explore the connection between the shape of the land effect the different species of reptiles and amphibians that live in the Chicago area. The focus will be on current species and include how we can follow changes in species through fossil remains. Up to 1.5 miles of easy to strenuous hiking is involved. Supplemental classroom resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Cave Life: Living in a Dark World
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Camp Wartburg/Illinois Caverns, Waterloo
Date(s):  June 20, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 Dive into the deep, dark, mysterious world of caves! Many different species call the caverns of Illinois. How do they live? How do they survive? Explore this mysterious world with hands-on cave exploration. Part of this class will be a visit to Illinois Caverns to learn more about caves and the animals that live there. Supplemental classroom resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Summer 2026 | Top of Page |

Course Name:  Illinois Dragonflies
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Kennekuk Environmental Education Center, Danville
Date(s):  June 27, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 Rusty Snaketail, Prince Baskettail, and Eastern Amberwing all have one thing in common: being an Illinois Dragonfly! Take part in field work and lab studies as we discuss the identification, life history, and behaviors of these fascinating invertebrates, both as aquatic nymphs and as adults. This workshop is for grades 6 to 10 but can be adapted for other grades. Supplemental classroom resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Exploring an Endangered Species: Black Crowned Night Herons
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago
Date(s):  July 7, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 When you think of animal conservation, do you think of wild open spaces or a crowded city with little green space? You might be surprised to learn that cities can be exciting opportunities for the conservation of rare species. The largest nesting colony of endangered Black Crowned Night Herons in Illinois can be found at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo, where scientists have been studying and protecting these birds for more than ten years. Learn about the ecology of Black Crowned Night Herons and how the concept of OneHealth connects with conservation efforts for this species. Come away with strategies for teaching about adaptations and ecosystems and ways to help your students develop skills in making observations and collecting data. his workshop is for grades 3rd to 5th but can be adapted for other grades. Supplemental classroom resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Neighborhood Nature
Program:  ENTICE
Location: IDNR, Springfield
Date(s):  July 11, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 Nature is all around us, even in the most urban of settings. Sometimes, a weed growing in the cracks of a sidewalk or birds nesting in the eaves of a building are better teachers than we realize. Kindergarten through 12th grade educators will learn how to utilize the nature and natural phenomena right outside our classrooms to look for patterns, investigate plant and animal needs and preferences, and explore the amazing adaptations of the organisms in our schoolyards and neighborhoods. Supplemental classroom resources and materials will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Wave, Wildlife, and STEM: Coastal Science for Educators
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Illinois Beach State Park, Zion
Date(s):  July 16, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 Discover how a nature-based engineering solution is transforming Lake Michigan's shoreline and how you can bring this real-world science into your teaching setting. This hands-on workshop for 5th to 12th-grade educators will explore the intersection of coastal engineering and aquatic ecosystems through field experiences, research insights, and classroom-ready activities. Supplemental classroom resources and materials will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Blast From the Past: Witness Trees of Illinois
Program:  ENTICE
Location: St. James Farm Forest Preserve, Warrenville
Date(s):  July 24, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 Discover the special place oak trees have in the history of Illinois and local ecosystems. Used by surveyors in the early 1800s, witness, or bearing trees, were sought out as landmarks for creating the earliest state land surveys and plat maps. Some of these trees are still standing today and can be used as a lens to bridge the gap between science and social studies. Through a variety of activities, learn the role these trees played in the urbanization of Illinois, why they are still important today, and how oak trees are critical to local ecosystems. Then complete a STEM-based learning project to catalog potential witness trees and conduct a tree survey. Take ideas back to the classroom to get your students engaged in similar data collection projects at school. Supplemental classroom resources and materials will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Wild Illinois History
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Isle a la Cache, Romeoville
Date(s):  July 29, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 Explore early French Fur Trapping History in Illinois. This interdisciplinary teaching unit focuses on early exploration and settlement, the riparian and geography of early Illinois, and compares trapping from the past to the present. Both Illinois science and social studies standards are covered. The activities and lessons are designed to supplement Illinois history and science instruction. It includes the uses of wildlife by Indigenous peoples and the trappers who came from Europe. Also highlighted is the conservation movement and how it affects views and uses of wildlife today. The workshop is for teachers of students in grades 4th to 8th, but can be adapted for other grades. Supplemental classroom resources and materials will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Adaptive Aves
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Morton Arboretum, Lisle
Date(s):  September 12, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 Flap your wings down to The Morton Arboretum and explore animal structures and adaptations using a variety of activities with the theme of birds. Participants will explore several examples of different birds' feathers, participate in an interactive lab that examines beak adaptations, a hands-on exploration of bird's feet, and so much more! Participants will walk away with indoor and outdoor activities related to bird adaptations. Although targeted to teachers of grades fifth through eighth grade, all educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. Supplemental classroom resources and materials will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Fall 2026 | Top of Page |

Course Name:  Illinois Pollinators
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago
Date(s):  September 26, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 They buzz, flutter, crawl, and play a critical role in maintaining ecosystems. Learn about the importance of pollinators, the identification of Illinois pollinators, and the challenges they face today. Educators will take a walk through the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum's demonstration prairie to think about the ways that native ecosystems support these valuable pollinators. Correlations between the information presented and Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards and Next Generation Science Standards will be addressed. The workshop is for teachers of students in grades K to 8th, but can be adapted for other grades. Supplemental classroom resources and materials will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Fungi Among Us!
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur
Date(s):  September 26, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 From delicious and nutritious to deadly and poisonous, fungi is unlike anything else in the ecosystem. What are fungi, and how do they live? Found all over Illinois, they are diverse and fascinating. Explore the different types of fungi in Illinois, the lifecycle, importance in the environment, and a few of the animals that live among them. If the weather permits, we will take a fungus walk to see what we can find! Supplemental classroom resources and materials will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Weather, Climate, & Climate Change
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Red Oak Nature Center, North Aurora
Date(s):  October 3, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 What is weather and climate, and how does it relate to climate change? How are Illinois species being affected? Learn more about the science behind climate, weather, and climate change. Explore which species will be the losers and the winners with what is happening. Explore ways to help students understand this challenging and complicated topic that is in the headlines. Learn some ways you can incorporate citizen science into your classroom to help students explore what is going on in their backyard. Targeted for grades PreK-12. Supplemental classroom resources and materials will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Dunes to Forest: Biological Succession
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Illinois Beach State Park, Zion
Date(s):  October 10, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 Grab your beach gear and head to Illinois Beach State Park to explore the biological tapestry of the Lake Michigan dune ecosystem. Discover how plants and animals survive on Illinois only dune and swale topography. How does something take root on the sand and become stable? How does change happen over time? Explore these changing biological sessions on the beach at Lake Michigan. Targeted for grades PreK-12. Supplemental classroom resources and materials will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Bird Biology Basics
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Tawny Oaks Field Station, Edelstein
Date(s):  October 17, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 Feathers, bills, beaks, oh my! Birds are all around us and provide a gateway to learning about the natural world. Gain an introduction to bird biology, identification, and conservation during this workshop. Join us for a hike to look for birds and signs of their presence around the field station. The workshop is for teachers of students in grades 5th to 8th, but can be adapted for other grades. Supplemental classroom resources and materials will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Introduction to the Nature of Fall
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Hoover Forest Preserve, Yorkville
Date(s):  October 24, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 Fall is a great season for young children to explore nature! There is so much to discover, from falling leaves to animals getting ready for winter and birds migrating south for the winter. Join us as we explore what nature can tell us in the fall. We will take a fall hike using the IDNR Field Trip pack and participate in several hands-on activities to bring back to the classroom. The workshop is for teachers of students in grades PreK to 3rd, but can be adapted for other grades. Supplemental classroom resources and materials will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

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Course Name:  Wild Illinois History
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville
Date(s):  November 7, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 Explore early French Fur Trapping History in Illinois. This interdisciplinary teaching unit focuses on early exploration and settlement, the riparian and geography of early Illinois, and compares trapping from the past to the present. Both Illinois science and social studies standards are covered. The activities and lessons are designed to supplement Illinois history and science instruction. It includes the uses of wildlife by Indigenous peoples and the trappers who came from Europe. Also highlighted is the conservation movement and how it affects views and uses of wildlife today. The workshop is for teachers of students in grades 4th to 8th, but can be adapted for other grades. Supplemental classroom resources and materials will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

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Course Name:  Animal Architects
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Date(s):  November 7, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 The world is full of objects built by animals to help them survive. From beaver dams and spider webs to bird nests and bee hives. Challenge your students to use their engineering skills to create similar structures by using the resources provided and activities presented at the workshop. The workshop is for teachers of students in grades PreK to 5th, but can be adapted for other grades. Supplemental classroom resources and materials will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

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Course Name:  Introducing Early Childhood Students to Illinois Mammals
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, St. Charles
Date(s):  November 14, 2026
Time(s):  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

 Discover how to bring the fascinating world of Illinois mammals into your early childhood classroom! This hands-on workshop, designed specifically for early childhood educators, will explore ways to connect young learners with local wildlife through observation, play, and exploration. Participants will learn about common mammals found in Illinois, their tracks and signs, and seasonal behaviors. We'll spend time outdoors investigating habitats and modeling activities you can easily replicate with your students. You'll also receive a variety of resources, lesson ideas, and strategies to support science and nature learning aligned with the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards. This workshop can be adapted for other grades. Supplemental classroom resources and materials will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

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ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS
ENTICE workshops provide natural resources information, instructional methods and supplemental educational materials. When incorporated into lessons with students, the materials provided encourage and promote stewardship of our state’s natural resources. ENTICE also offers participants the opportunity to network with other educators in a friendly, cooperative, learning environment.

Illinois ENTICE provides the following items for participants.

  • free workshop/resource materials
  • meals during the workshop
  • opportunities to connect with natural resources and education professionals
  • lesson plans and activities correlated to the Illinois Learning Standards
  • for teachers, Professional Development Hours.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Workshops are open to all educators and are designed for targeted grade levels. Maximum enrollment for each course is 30 participants.


Have questions? Contact the IDNR Division of Education at dnr.entice@illinois.gov or 217-524-4126.

 

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