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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.teachkids@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 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | Winter 2026 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 |Summer 2025 | Top of Page |
Course Name: Exploring an Endangered Species: Black-crowned Night-herons **THIS CLASS IS FULL. If you would like to be put on the wait list, email dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov.** When people think of conservation, they typically imagine wild spaces away from urban centers, but cities can also present exciting opportunities for the conservation of rare species. The largest nesting colony of state 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. In this workshop, teachers will learn about the ecology of black-crowned night-herons and how the concept of OneHealth connects with conservation efforts for this species. They will come away with strategies for teaching about adaptations and ecosystems and ways to help their students develop skills in making observations and collecting data. Although targeted to teachers of third through fifth, all educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. 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.
Course Name: Native Bees What is all the buzz? Native bees are where its at and there are lots of native bees in Illinois. Explore and learn about bee taxonomy, bees versus other pollinators, mimics, native versus nonnative bees, behavior, and reproduction. Discover ways to help native bees with human-enhanced nesting structures and plant selection for a successful pollinator garden. Good for all grade levels. 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.
Course Name: Invasive Carp Look up close at these invasive fish from the water. These fish, also known as Asian Carps, are nonnative fishes that have invaded the waterways of Illinois and many other states. They responsible for enormous economic, recreational, and environmental impacts. At this workshop we will provide an introduction to their life history as well as data to quantify their effects. Containment methods being used in Illinois to keep invasive carp out of Lake Michigan will be discussed. In the morning we will be on the Illinois River in a boat. Life jackets will be provided. 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.
Course Name: Wildlife Basics: Birds Our feathered wild birds are all around us. We see them every day, but do not always know a lot about them. This workshop for educators of grades prekindergarten through 12 will provide an introduction to, and educational resources about the wild birds in our state. We will focus on the life history of these species, and we will go on a hike to look for birds and their signs. 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.
Course Name: Wild Illinois History Explore early French Fur Trapping History at Illinois at Isle A Cache. This interdisciplinary teaching unit for educators of grades four through eight focuses on early exploration and settlement, 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 and 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. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. 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.
Course Name: Illinois Raptors Educators of grades prekindergarten through eight are invited to register for this workshop to learn about the hawks, owls, vultures, falcons and eagles of Illinois at the Illinois Raptor Center in Decatur. Life history and identification information will be provided. Staff from the Illinois Raptor Center will have live raptors to observe, too. You'll participate in educational activities related to raptors and will receive many resources to help you incorporate the topic into your curriculum. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the information as appropriate. 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.
Course Name: Galls, Pests, & Trees What are those bumps on oak leaves? How did those swirly designs get into the wood? What made the D-shaped hole on this tree trunk? This workshop answers these questions and more. Take a closer look at the role insects play in trees and investigate the differences between commensalism, interdependence, and invasiveness while gaining knowledge and resources for your classroom. Although targeted to teachers of fifth through 12th grade, all educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate.
Course Name: Illinois Wetlands Wetlands are habitats for a wealth of animals. At this workshop, we will visit wetland habitats around the Nature Museum as we learn about adaptations and interactions of organisms in a wetland. We will also explore how humans can help maintain biodiversity in wetlands. Developed for teachers of grades four through middle school, other educators are welcome to register but may need to adapt the information and activities, as appropriate. Correlations between the information presented and Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards and Next Generation Science Standards will be addressed. Supplemental educational 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.
Course Name: Illinois Bobcats Bobcats in Illinois? How do scientist study this elusive native feline and its growing population. Learn about bobcat ecology and behavior. Once low in number, bobcat is now 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 grade 6th-12th but can be adapted for other grades. 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.
Fall 2025 | Top of Page |
Course Name: Weather, Climate, & Climate Change 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 in your classroom to help students explore what is going on in their backyard. Targeted for grades PreK-12. Supplemental educational 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.
Course Name: Wildlife Basics: Mammals This workshop for educators of grades prekindergarten through 12 will provide an introduction to and educational resources about the wild mammals in our state. We will focus on the life history of these species, and we will go on a hike to look for mammals and their signs. We will show you how to use the topic of Illinois wild mammals to support the teaching of several of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for science and Next Generation Science Standards with your students. 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.
Course Name: Urban Nature Nature is all around us, even in the most urban of settings. 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. Receive plants to help enhance the habitat around your learning space. 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.
Course Name: Oak Ecosystems In urban, suburban and rural locations in Illinois, oaks carry special significance as reminders of our history and drivers of biodiversity. Teachers of grades PK-8 can join us to explore the various species of oaks, and the characteristics of the ecosystems in which they are found, including forests, woodlands, savannas, and barrens. Why are oak ecosystems special, and what is being done in Illinois to conserve them?
Course Name: Mosquitos & Ticks Mosquitos and ticks are often looked at as the scourge of summer. These fascinating creatures fill an important niche. Explore how they live, the various types and diseases they carry, and where they are found. Participants will be seeing how scientist sample and study them. Hands-on activities will be conducted, and you'll receive supplemental educational resources. Educators of all grade levels are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate.
Course Name: Coyote Track Explore Coyote Track interactive visualization tool. This online site centers around coyote ecology and behavior related to data collected from radio-collared coyotes in urban and rural areas of Illinois. Using real data, this workshop will guide participants through the visualization data tool and standard-based lessons that support the unit. Participants will learn about how and why scientists are studying coyotes in Illinois including learning about telemetry and how the information is gathered. The workshop is for teachers of students in 6th-12th grade but can be adapted to other grades. 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.
Course Name: Introducing Young Children to the Nature of Winter Winter is a wonderful season for young children to explore nature! There is so much to see and learn, you just have to Look for the signs. Join us to discover what nature can tell us in winter. We will take a hike to put our knowledge to work and will feature the Field Trip Pack from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). We will show you how to support the teaching of several of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for Science and Next Generation Science Standards with your students. Although targeted to grades prekindergarten through two, all educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. You'll take away numerous resources to use with young children when learning about nature. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the IDNR.
Course Name: Wait List Registration Do not register in this workshop block unless instructed to do so by IDNR Education personnel.
Winter 2026 | Top of Page |
Course Name: Weather, Climate, & Climate Change 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 some citizen science in your classroom to help students explore what is going on in their backyard. Targeted for grades PreK-12.
Course Name: Winter Animals Where do animals go in winter? What do they do and how to they survive? 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.
Course Name: Illinois Biodiversity What is biodiversity? Does Illinois have much biodiversity? How are plants and animals adapted for survival in the four major habitat types in the state? We'll explore our Biodiversity exhibit and dive into our 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. Numerous supplemental educational items will be provided. Although targeted to educators of grades fourth through eight, educators of other grade levels are welcome to register but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate.
Course Name: Wildlife Basics: Birds What makes a bird a bird? Designed for educators working with students from prekindergarten through 5th grade, this workshop offers an engaging introduction to the wild birds of Illinois and provides educational resources to support classroom instruction. 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. 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.
Spring 2026 | Top of Page |
Course Name: Wild Illinois History Explore early French Fur Trapping History at Illinois at Isle A Cache. This interdisciplinary teaching unit for educators of grades four through eight focuses on early exploration and settlement, 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 and 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. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. 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.
Course Name: Weather, Climate, & Climate Change 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 some citizen science in your classroom to help students explore what is going on in their backyard. Targeted for grades PreK-12.
Course Name: Illinois Frogs & Toads Hop on over to The Morton Arboretum and join us for this workshop about Illinois frogs and toads. Designed for educators of grades prekindergarten through four, you'll learn about these amazing creatures and receive many Illinois-specific resources. Anuran life history, identification, relationships to other organisms and adaptations will be among the topics covered. Although targeted to teachers of grades PreK through fourth, all educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. You?ll take away several resources to use in your classroom!?
Course Name: Woodland Basics Learn about the ecology of Illinois woodland habitats. We will learn 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. Although targeted to educators of grades 3 through 8, educators of other grade levels are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted as appropriate. 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.
Course Name: Wildlife Basics: Reptiles What makes a reptile a reptile? Explore the wild reptiles of Illinois learning their life history and taxomony. Discover through a hike how to look for reptiles and their signs. This workshop for educators of grades prekindergarten through 12 will provide an introduction to and educational resources about the wild reptiles in our state. We will show you how to use the topic of Illinois wild 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. 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.
Course Name: Illinois Wetlands Join other educators of grades second through ninth as we learn what wetlands are and explore the fascinating organisms that live in them. We will discuss the life history, adaptations, and identification of wetland species and will put the skills to practice as we visit and sample several wetlands on the grounds of The Grove, comparing the types of organisms found in the different habitats. Hands-on activities will be conducted, and you'll receive supplemental educational resources.
Course Name: Geology & Herpetology: The Bridging of Two Sciences What do geology and herpetology have in common? Join us to learn about 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 we have in the Chicago area. The focus will be on current species and include how we can follow change in species through fossil remains. Up to 1.5 miles of easy to strenuous hiking involved.
Summer 2026 | Top of Page |
Course Name: Illinois Dragonflies Join us for this workshop about the dragonflies of Illinois! We will be working in the field and in the lab as we discuss the identification, life history and behaviors of these fascinating invertebrates, both as aquatic nymphs and as adults. Although targeted to educators of grades six through 10, educators of other grade levels are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted as appropriate. You'll be provided with several resources to use with your students. 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.
Course Name: Blast From the Past: Witness Trees of Illinois 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. Major portions of this program will be outdoors, and participants should dress for the weather.
Course Name: Adaptive Aves 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 relatable 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. You'll take away several resources ready to plug into your classroom curriculum!
Fall 2026 | Top of Page |
Course Name: Illinois Pollinators They buzz, flutter, and crawl and play a critical role in maintaining ecosystems. Educators of grades kindergarten through eight are invited to register for this workshop to 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. Supplemental educational resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register for this workshop but may need to adapt the materials for their students, as appropriate.
Course Name: Weather, Climate, & Climate Change 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 some citizen science in your classroom to help students explore what is going on in their backyard. Targeted for grades PreK-12.
Course Name: Introducing Early Childhood Students to Illinois Mammals 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. Professional Development Hours will be provided.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS
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