Visitors can learn more about the Calumet Region’s rich cultural and natural history by paying a visit to the Ford Calumet Environmental Center (FCEC). The center offers a variety of public programs for all ages to enjoy, as well as classroom spaces open to school and community groups.
The Ford Calumet Environmental Center Mission Is
“To create a gateway and center point that knits together the Calumet region to serve local communities, draw in regional visitors, and celebrate the region’s environmental, cultural, and recreational assets.”
Do you have a question about local flora and fauna? Our on-site naturalists are happy to help answer your questions, point you toward a helpful resource, or loan you a field guide or a pair of binoculars to help you explore the park.
Monday-Saturday: 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Phone: 312-590-5993
The Ford Calumet Environmental Center offers a variety of programing and opportunities. Check out what we have to offer below.
Interested in spending your day at Big Marsh Park and the Ford Calumet Environmental Center as an individual, group, or organization? Click the link below to learn more.
We offer a variety of facilitated or self-guided outdoor-based programs for school groups and organizations. Click below to find out more about field trips and camps.
If you are looking to explore the Southeast Side Natural Areas in a fun and interactive way, look no further. Click below and learn how you can pick up your Adventure Packs.
Southeast Side Parks offer a variety of eco-recreational activities, such as biking, climbing, and hiking. Click below to learn more about where and how you can participate.
The center serves as the hub for all Southeast Side Natural Areas, see list below, and is home to the Chicago Park District’s team of Natural Area Resource Technicians; the amazing crew remediates, restores, and reclaims these sites for our local communities and future generations.
Approximately 300 acres of prairie, marsh, and woodlands, located at 11559 S. Stony Island Ave.
Around 16 acres of prairie, walking paths with trees, and a rock climbing wall, located at 87th at S. Lake Shore Dr.
One of the largest wild spaces in Chicago with over 140 acres of marsh, prairie, savanna, and woodlands, located at 2200 E. 103rd St.
Also known as Park 565, has around 144 acres of marsh, prairie, and savanna, located at 11600 S. Torrence Ave.
At 133 acres, this park includes marshes, prairies, and woodlands, located at 13200-13298 S. Torrence Ave.
This is a 70-acre park that is currently undergoing a major restoration process. Located at 7901 S. Farragut Dr.
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Join the Chicago Park District and Chicago Climbs for this Community Climb. Ages 6+ are welcome (climbers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). These climbs are FREE and include all climbing equi...
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We want to take the Big Marsh experience to the next level and new heights… literally. We are embarking on a mission to complete the original vision by expanding the experiences and developing new trails on the “Big Hill”.