Roaming Naturalists is a monthly hike designed for adults that want to learn more about the natural world. Topics will range from birds to plants to insects and beyond. While each hike will have a topic of focus, we will allow the interest of the group and the surprises that nature throws at us to determine what we learn on our hike.

Hike will start at 9am. Meet your guide at the trail head parking lot.

Hikes will range from 1-2 miles (rarely 3 miles) and easy to moderate terrain. These hikes will occur rain or shine. In the event of icy conditions, or excessive snow, the hike may be canceled. The Nature Institute closes for the weather when Alton Public Schools close.

Roaming Naturalist Hikes are free to attend. Suggested Donation: $5

Register Here: https://www.thenatureinstitute.org/roaming-naturalists/

October 8 – Off-Site Adventure – Meet at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site for a tour of the Grand Plaza. 30 Ramey St, Collinsville, IL 62234

Have you been to Cahokia Mounds? Cahokia Mounds is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an Illinois State Historic Site. Monks Mound, the largest mound on site is the largest earthen structure in the Americas at 1000 feet tall and 1000 feet long. Join us for a morning hike to learn more about the people who built the mounds. This is your chance to tour one of the most significant pre-Columbian cities in the Midwest.

November 12 – Creek Hike

Wear your water shoes or boots because we are going on a Creek Hike. We are fortunate to have so many creeks at The Nature Institute to explore. This hike will be a bit more challenging as we walk along and even in the creek to get to Beaver Falls. This hike will be over 2 miles in length and moderate to difficult depending on your hiking ability.

December 10 – Fall Hike

Let’s enjoy these last fall days on the trail. Winter solstice is right around the corner and the natural world is falling asleep. Let’s look for all the changes happening as the weather cools and the sun shines a little less each day. Bring your binoculars as we look for fall migrating birds and your layers to keep warm.