Date: Thursday, October 22 2026
Room: Violet Room, Wellness Building
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
Date: Friday, October 23 2026
10AM-2PM
Open to LaSalle County Middle Schools - A Field Trip featuring Programs in our Spheres of Influence - Ecology, Wellness and the Arts
Date: Saturday October 24 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, October 24, 2026
Room: Ecology-Building Oak Rooms and the Trails
11:00AM-12:30PM
Experience fall colors with University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists. Our Fall Foliage Hikes invite you to slow down, connect with nature, and deepen your appreciation for the dazzling palette of autumn. Each hike offers a unique opportunity to learn, explore, and capture the vibrant beauty of the season. Participants of all ages and skill levels are welcome
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Room: Ecology-Building Oak Room
6PM-9PM
Bring the whole family for a fun and educational evening exploring the fascinating world of nocturnal wildlife! This family-friendly Master Naturalist program will highlight Creatures of the Night, including owls, moths, bats, and more. Enjoy hands-on indoor activities and crafts, then head outdoors for guided hikes featuring interactive stations such as a bat acoustic walk, insect light sheeting, and other engaging nature experiences. Whether you're young or young at heart, join us for an evening of discovery as we uncover the wonders of nature after dark. The program is open to individuals and families of all ages. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on trails after dark.
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Room: Ecology-Building Oak Room
6PM-9PM
A Halloween-themed nature event with themed tables inside with crafts or activities and then in the woodland Bat hikes Mothing
Date: Tuesday, October 27 2026
Room: Violet Room, Wellness Building
6PM-7PM
T’ai chi comprises gentle and slow movement exercises which increase the accumulation, circulation and balancing of energy. The movements are easy to learn and appropriate for people of all ages and physical abilities. Those who regularly practice T’ai chi experience greater energy, better balance and enables and improved quality of life. This class will introduce you to T’ai chi while experiencing the benefits of practice.
Date: Thursday, October 29 2026
Room: Violet Room, Wellness Building
5PM-6PM
A class focused on restorative yoga. Restorative yoga is a gentle and relaxing practice that uses props to support the body in passive stretching. Learn how restorative yoga can improve your sleep, mood, well-being, and pain management. Come away more relaxed, limber and feeling better!
Date: Thursday, October 29 2026
Room: Ecology-Building Oak Room
5PM-6:30PM
Celebrate National Bat Week by discovering the hidden world of bats. Learn how these nighttime mammals contribute to healthy ecosystems through pollination and insect control, explore current bat conservation efforts, and enjoy a cooking demonstration featuring foods connected to bats. We'll finish the evening with a short walk through Nell's Woodland, using acoustic monitors to listen for bats flying overhead.
Date: Friday, October 30 2026
10AM-2PM
Open to LaSalle County Middle Schools - A Field Trip featuring Programs in our Spheres of Influence - Ecology, Wellness and the Arts
Next Story Time: Monday November 2, 2026
10:30 AM
Join Reddick Library at Nell's Woodland 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, 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: Saturday November 14 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: Thursday, November 14 2026
Room: Ecology Building, Oak Room
2PM-4PM
Share and discover native plant seeds at this community seed exchange at Nell's Woodland. Participants are encouraged to bring native seeds to share, but it is not required. A variety of locally collected native seeds will be available for everyone to take home. Learn about native plants that thrive in our region, connect with fellow plant enthusiasts, and leave with seeds to grow in your own landscape. This program is part of the Native Plant Learning Series, which offers opportunities to learn about native plants through hands-on workshops, seed exchanges, and guided outdoor experiences. Participants will explore topics ranging from seed starting and garden preparation to plant identification and ecological benefits.
Date: Thursday, November 19 2026
Room: Violet Room, Wellness Building
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
Date: Saturday November 28, 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: 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. FOR SENIORS LIVING IN SENIOR HOMES secure your spot and transportation through your senior home director. FOR SENIORS LIVING INDEPENDENTLY please register directly by calling Nell's Woodland (815) 331-1078. If needed Nell's will provide Free Transportation to this Event for Seniors Living Independently within the ENCAT service area upon request. Questions? Please call Nell's Woodland directly at (815) 331-1078.
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.
