World Nature Conservation Day is celebrated every year on July 28th. This year, Riverside has turned the day into a celebration weekend. On Saturday July 29th and Sunday July 30th, Riverside will host a World Nature Conservation Weekend. Join us as we come together to highlight Riverside's natural conservation efforts and emphasize our appreciation for nature and the outdoor environment.
The main aim of World Nature Conservation Day and Weekend is to spread awareness of nature and our ecosystem that creates a healthy environment for humankind. It is a day to create positive opinions and change to our climate. This globally-celebrated holiday stresses the need for preserving the natural resources to maintain a healthy society. Saving plants and animals facing extinction is another focus of World Nature Conservation Day.
The weekend is packed with a variety of activities from kayak paddles and bird watching to nature walks. You won't want to miss out! Many event activities are free and have unlimited capacity but certain events have limited capacity and require a ticket so check below for the schedule of events for the weekend and sign up now.
Kayaking
Time(s): 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm
Location: 65 E Burlington St Parking Lot
Cost: $35-$50 (cost depends on tandem or solo kayak)
Bird Watching
Time: 9:00am
Location: Riverside Library
Cost: Free
Guthrie Park Arboretum Tour & Tutorial on Riverside Tree Viewer
Time: 11:30am
Location: Guthrie Park
Cost: Free
Swan Pond Tour: Site History & Ecological Restoration Plan
Time: 11:30am
Location: Swan Pond Park
Cost: Free
Kayaking
Time(s): 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm
Location: 65 E Burlington St Parking Lot
Cost: $35-$50 (cost depends on tandem or solo kayak)
Bird Watching
Time: 9:00am
Location: Riverside Library
Cost: Free
Guthrie Park Arboretum Tour & Tutorial on Riverside Tree Viewer
Time: 11:30am
Location: Guthrie Park
Cost: Free
Swan Pond Tour: Site History & Ecological Restoration Plan
Time: 11:30am
Location: Swan Pond Park
Cost: Free
Tai Chi
Time: 9:30am
Location: Scout Cabin
Cost: Free
Olmsted Society Walking Tour: North Division
Time: 2:00pm
Location: Riverside Train Station
Cost: $20 ($15 for seniors)
Gears 2 You: Gears 2 You offers vintage and tandem bicycles for rent. Riding through the curved streets of Riverside on bike is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon. Gears 2 You also brings your old bicycles back to life. That old bike you have sitting around in your garage? Bring it down to this friendly bicycle repair shop for a tune-up! You can even chat with a bike specialist and arrange a pick-up for your old bike. They'll bring it to the shop for a fix-up, and bring it right back to you so you can be back on the trails in no time!
Cubanito Express - Breakfast sandwiches, salads, and coffee are on menu as well as famous house specialty Cuban sandwiches that combine the flavors of Cuba and Puerto Rico with the flavors of Mexico. Their Signature Pressed Sandwiches, the Cubanito Express, will keep you coming back for more!
Empandus - Empanadus is a new take on empanadas. You can try one of their classic flavors, or something more modern. Our favorite is the Buffalo Chicken with cubes of chicken, red peppers, and blue cheese. There are also vegan and vegetarian options like The Vegan Al Pastor featuring soy meat, pineapple, onions, and cilantro.
La Barra - La Barra is a local Italian restaurant that serves up all of your favorites. From delicious appetizers and salads to pasta and pizza, there’s something for everyone here. Pro-Tip: Take advantage of their two-for Tuesday deal. Buy one pizza or pasta and get a second pizza or pasta for free!
La Estancia - The local’s pick for authentic Mexican, La Estancia has all of your favorites. Their incredible margaritas are a fan-favorite and perfect for a night out. It's styled after the traditional botanera in which the restaurant converts into a music lounge at night. On Friday evenings you can expect lively show with Mexican folk dancing!
Sawmilly Sandwich Shoppe - Whether you’re looking to sit down for lunch or need something to grab and go, the Sawmilly has a wide range of hand-made sandwiches. Their turkey is roasted and the brisket is smoked daily while the pulled-pork shoulder is slow-cooked overnight. Pair that with some fresh toppings and bread and you'll get a sandwich that was voted Chicago’s Best.
The Chew Chew - A wonderful upscale, modern Americana restaurant, The Chew Chew offers a wide range of dishes, with menus that reflect local, seasonal produce. The specials change daily, but if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to start with our favorite, the Bacon-Wrapped Dates. With the hip space, the superb service, and the excellent food, it’s a hospitality trifecta.
Catrina Tequila Bar - If you’re looking for an incredible cocktail, Catrina Tequila Car has you covered. All of their cocktails and hand-crafted and made with fresh ingredients. Our favorite, the Paloma Negra with tequila, lime juice, grapefruit soda, and grapefruit will delight your taste buds with its fruit-forward finish.
Quincy Street Distillery - Every cocktail at Quincy Street Distillery is handcrafted with history in mind. Their recipes are far different from most gins and whiskey's we drink today. Their corn whiskey gives sweeter notes, and when it’s combined with different botanicals, a magical drink transforms.
Higgins Glass Studio - The motto at the Higgins Glass studio is “modern miracles with everyday glass.” A visit to this sparkling space on Quincy Street will reveal exactly why that’s the case. This glass art studio will leave you breathless as you walk through a variety of hanging glass art as well as functional furniture like tableware, lamps and more!
Riverside Arts Center - It’s not just the galleries that will tempt your inner artist at the Riverside Arts Center. It’s the studio spaces that hold unique classes led by area artists who are experts in their field. Classes change seasonally and vary from open classes for teenagers to painting classes for seniors so there is something for everyone.
Riverside Farmers' Market - Every Wednesday from June 7th to October 4th meet us for Riverside's Farmers' Market from 2:30-7:00. With food vendors offering fresh blended smoothies, honey, micro greens, gourmet meals and more, the market makes it easy and delicious to eat local. Walk along Riverside's Historic Water Tower as you shop and gaze among a variety of local vendors.
Riverside Museum - The Museum has a unique collection of artifacts, photographs, and archival materials that emphasize the planning and landscape architecture of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. The legacy of Olmsted and Vaux includes public buildings and private residences designed by significant architects and local history dating from the Native American period to the present.
Spend the weekend in beautiful Riverside enjoying nature! Birding, arboretum tours, kayaking and other activities will showcase the natural beauty of the landscape. There’s something for all interest and ability levels.
The Village of Riverside is also participating in the new Cross-Community Climate Collaborative initiative. The initiative is designed to bring together communities to share ideas, secure resources, and drive large-scale projects within and across communities that achieve agreed upon greenhouse gas emissions reductions, equity, and sustainability goals. Learn more about how Riverside is planning for 2050 HERE.