Next Story Time: Monday, Aug 3, 2026
10:30 AM
Join Reddick Library at Nell's Woodland on the first Monday of the month from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM for a nature themed story time. Enjoy stories, music, and a craft followed by a short hike through the park. This event is for children of all ages. Registration is required. Please register in person at the library or call (815)434--0509.
Date: Wednesday, Aug 5 2026
Room: Violet Room, Wellness Building
12PM-1PM
Learn something new, eat something great, enjoy nature! Lunch n Learn series is a fun monthly program for adults that combines a mini-healthy eating class with a make and taste lunch experience. In August, participants will explore quick tips for creating healthy Summer Salads, while creating a corn and black bean salad. Participants will also take home recipes and a helpful tip sheet filled with ideas for quick, healthy lunches.
Date: Wednesday, Aug 5 2026
1:30PM-2:30PM
Visit Nell’s Woodland to listen to "Peter Rabbit" and create a snack that Peter would love! This event is for children in Grades K-2. Registration is required. To register, click the register button, call the library at (815) 434-0509, or stop by the Circulation Desk. When attending this event, please park in the lot to the left of the entrance gate.
Date: Saturday August 8 2026
9AM-10AM
The tour includes a 1-mile leisurely walk, narrated by Joe Jakupcak. Joe's passion for geology, native wildlife, and local history is showcased during the Nell's Woodland guided walk. Guided tours are given bi-weekly.
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
10AM - 12PM
Insect collections play an important role in education, research, and conservation. We’ll cover ethical and effective ways to collect insects, which species are appropriate to collect, and how specimens are preserved for study. Participants will also view a reference collection and observe a live, narrated demonstration of insect pinning. If time and weather permit, the program will include an outdoor demonstration of basic insect collecting methods.
Date: Thursday, Aug 13, 2026
Room: Violet Room, Wellness Building & Trail
5PM-6PM
Yoga Nidra is a deeply restful practice that lies between shavasana and meditation - a state where the body relaxes fully while the mind remains gently aware. Nidra is a Sanskrit term meaning “sleep.” In this early evening session, you’ll be guided through the foundations of Yoga Nidra, learning how to enter this restorative state of conscious rest. It's an accessible and calming practice suitable for all levels. Come unwind, reset and explore the art of deep relaxation. This session will focus on the concept of healing. Bring a yoga mat, water, and any props that support your comfort such as blocks, bolsters or belts. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and athletic shoes.
8PM - 9:30PM
Join us for an immersive nocturnal hike where you'll use specialized acoustic detectors to listen for the inaudible calls of bats. Learn about about the 13 species of bats that call Illinois home, why their populations are in decline, and what you can do to help. Then experience the thrill of “listening in” on a short hike with specialized acoustic equipment as they forage and navigate the night sky. All ages are welcome. Space is limited. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a flashlight or headlamp.
Date: Wednesday, Aug 19 2026
Room: Violet Room, Wellness Building
9:30AM-11:30AM
Join us for a fun day filled with Bingo and a craft project centered in designing a Cyanotype using Nature at Nell's Woodland. This program is dedicated for seniors to gather in community and try something new. This event is open to all seniors. To register, secure your spot easily through your senior home director. For seniors that living independently, please register directly using the link above. To Book Free Transportation, Call NCAT Directly at (833) 433-6228 to reserve your seat. All NCAT transportation fees are fully prepaid by Nell's Woodland. Questions? Call Nell's Woodland directly at (815) 331-1078.
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
Room: Violet Room, Wellness Building & Trail
5PM-6PM
Slow down and reconnect through a peaceful, mindful walking practice. Take a gentle walk through the woods, practicing presence, breath awareness and appreciation for each step. No meditation experience is necessary – just bring comfortable shoes, and open heart and a willingness to slow down. Each session will focus on a different theme. In the event of inclement weather, class will be held indoors.
Date: Tuesday, August 20, 2026
Room: Oak Room, Ecology Building
5PM-7PM
Join IVCC instructor, Allie Dale, at Nell’s Woodland for a photography class designed to provide a creative, low-pressure experience. Slow down, observe your surroundings, and capture meaningful images. We will be focusing on composition, perspective, and mindful seeing rather than technical camera settings. Both DSLR camera users, mirrorless camera users, and smartphone photographers are welcome. Children under the age of 16 may attend when accompanied and enrolled with a participating adult. The goal of this class is to leave feeling confident, inspired and connected to your creativity, regardless of equipment or experience level. Register for one or both sessions.
Date: Saturday August 22, 2026
9AM-10AM
The tour includes a 1-mile leisurely walk, narrated by Joe Jakupcak. Joe's passion for geology, native wildlife, and local history is showcased during the Nell's Woodland guided walk. Guided tours are given bi-weekly.
10AM - 12PM
Kids are invited to explore the fascinating world of native bees and other insect pollinators during this fun, hands-on program. Participants will learn why pollinators matter and then get creative by building their own “bee hotel” using recycled and natural materials to take home and support local bees. This program is free to attend. All youth must be accompanied by an adult.
Date: Wednesday, September 9 2026
Room: Violet Room, Wellness Building
12PM-1PM
Learn something new, eat something great, enjoy nature! Lunch n Learn series is a fun monthly program for adults that combines a mini-healthy eating class with a make and taste lunch experience. In July, participants will explore quick tips for creating healthy lunches and snacks while making and tasting Chicken Shawarma together. Participants will also take home recipes and a helpful tip sheet filled with ideas for quick, healthy lunches.
Date: Tuesday, September 17, 2026
Room: Oak Room, Ecology Building
5PM-7PM
Join IVCC instructor, Allie Dale, at Nell’s Woodland for a photography class designed to provide a creative, low-pressure experience. Slow down, observe your surroundings, and capture meaningful images. We will be focusing on composition, perspective, and mindful seeing rather than technical camera settings. Both DSLR camera users, mirrorless camera users, and smartphone photographers are welcome. Children under the age of 16 may attend when accompanied and enrolled with a participating adult. The goal of this class is to leave feeling confident, inspired and connected to your creativity, regardless of equipment or experience level. Register for one or both sessions.
Date: Wednesday, October 7 2026
Room: Violet Room, Wellness Building
12PM-1PM
Learn something new, eat something great, enjoy nature! Lunch n Learn series is a fun monthly program for adults that combines a mini-healthy eating class with a make and taste lunch experience. In July, participants will explore quick tips for creating healthy lunches and snacks while making and tasting Chicken Shawarma together. Participants will also take home recipes and a helpful tip sheet filled with ideas for quick, healthy lunches.
Date: Wednesday, Oct 14 2026
Room: Violet Room, Wellness Building
9:30AM-11:30AM
Join us for a fun game day filled with Bowling, as well as Balloon Volleyball at Nell's Woodland. This program is dedicated for seniors to gather in community and try something new. This event is open to all seniors.
Date: Wednesday, November 11 2026
Room: Violet Room, Wellness Building
12PM-1PM
Learn something new, eat something great, enjoy nature! Lunch n Learn series is a fun monthly program for adults that combines a mini-healthy eating class with a make and taste lunch experience. In July, participants will explore quick tips for creating healthy lunches and snacks while making and tasting Chicken Shawarma together. Participants will also take home recipes and a helpful tip sheet filled with ideas for quick, healthy lunches.
Date: Wednesday, December 9 2026
Room: Violet Room, Wellness Building
12PM-1PM
Learn something new, eat something great, enjoy nature! Lunch n Learn series is a fun monthly program for adults that combines a mini-healthy eating class with a make and taste lunch experience. In July, participants will explore quick tips for creating healthy lunches and snacks while making and tasting Chicken Shawarma together. Participants will also take home recipes and a helpful tip sheet filled with ideas for quick, healthy lunches.
Date: Wednesday, Dec 16 2026
Room: Violet Room, Wellness Building
9:30AM-11:30AM
Join us for a holiday party at Nell's Woodland. This program is dedicated for seniors to gather in community and try something new. This event is open to all seniors.
Dates: July 10, 11, 12 2026
10AM - 3PM daily
Nell’s Woodland invites ten emerging High School artists who demonstrate an interest in visual art to participate in an immersive, three-day collaborative art retreat. Selected through a competitive portfolio process, participants will engage in hands-on mentorship across a range of disciplines, including plein air painting, wet felting, cyanotype photography, and a shared collaborative project. At the heart of the retreat is the creation of a collaborative project. Each artist contributes an individual piece that becomes part of a unified work, symbolizing both personal expression and collective vision. This culminating artwork will be exhibited publicly, celebrating the power of collaboration and community. Set within the natural landscape of Nell’s Woodland, the retreat fosters connection, experimentation, and creative growth. Participants will explore new materials and techniques, exchange ideas with peers, and build meaningful relationships with fellow artists and experienced mentors. More than a workshop, this program is a dynamic space for inspiration, skill-building, and the formation of a lasting creative network.
Date: TBD
10AM - 11AM
The tour includes a 1-mile leisurely walk, narrated by Joe Jakupcak. Joe's passion for geology, native wildlife, and local history is showcased during the Nell's Woodland guided walk. Guided tours are given bi-weekly.
