Evanston Ecology Center

2024 McCormick Blvd
Evanston IL, 60201
847-448-8256

Surrounded by the Ladd Arboretum,  the Ecology Center is home to a nature classroom with live animal exhibits,  nature-based educational programming,  and a multi-purpose room for event rentals. 

The Evanston Ecology Center strives to foster a greater appreciation, awareness and knowledge of the natural environment and our interdependence with it through educational programs and services.

Celebrate the Ecology Center's 50th Anniversary

Share Your Favorite Memories of the Ecology Center!

The Evanston Ecology Center is proud to celebrate 50 years of providing environmental programing and education. Over the years, the Ecology Center has built a legacy of connecting generations of community members to the natural world and raising environmental awareness.  As part of our celebration, we would love to hear about your favorite memories of the Ecology Center at Ecology Center Memories.

Programs and activities are held at  Ecology Center and the Ladd Arboretum, along with our satellite locations at Lovelace Park and the Lighthouse Beach Fog Houses.

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Special Events Calendar:

March 30th: Egg Hunt at Eggleston Park

April 20th: Earth Day Celebration

July 13th:  Unplug Illinois Day: Great Evanston Nature Walk

September: Harvest Fest

October: Zombie Scramble

October: Bug-a-Boo

Please see our  Special Events Page for more detailed information about these events.

Ecology Center Amenities

Nature Classroom: CLOSED FOR RENOVATION
Visit our nature classroom to view live animal exhibits and enjoy play items including puppets, blocks, and books. Our classroom is open to the public during our normal business hours when not in use for programing.  Year-round programming is offered in our nature classroom. The  room is also available for birthday parties on weekends, visit Ecology Birthday Party information to find out more.

Multipurpose Room: CLOSED FOR RENOVATION
With vaulted wood beam ceiling and a large stone wood burning fireplace, our Multipurpose Room provides a beauty space for many of our programming and events, including our Indoor Farmers' Market.  To find out more about the space, including rental information visit  Multipurpose Room Event Rentals.

Ladd Arboretum
The Ecology Center is located in the Ladd Arboretum.  Running between the North Shore Canal and McCormick Blvd., the Arboretum is located on a narrow strip of land  that is home to varieties of trees, gardens, bird sanctuary, sculptures, bicycle path and to a number of animals including  turtles, coyotes, deer and herons. The arboretum's tree collection is arranged by plant family including Birch, Legume, Nut Trees., Maple, Oak and Pine.  Gardens and areas include the Meadow Garden, Prairie Restoration Area, Washington Heritage Cherry Tree Walk, Independence Knoll, Rotary Club of Evanston's International Friendship Garden, Women's Terrace and Aspegren Gazebo and Meadow. 

The Arboretum contains a number of public art sculptures including the  "Silver Wings'' sculpture located at the northernmost point of the Arboretum.  For a complete list of sculptures in the Arboretum and the City of Evanston, visit the interactive Evanston Public Art Map.

The Ladd Arboretum was created through the cooperative effort of individual residents, civic-minded organizations and the City of Evanston on land leased from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation district. and named for Edward R. Ladd. 

Farmette and Apiary
Located in Eggleston Park, the Farmette and attached Apiary provide an ideal setting for urban agriculture education. The mission of these spaces is to demonstrate the importance and value of pollinators, native plants, and growing food. Children learn to grow food from seeds and harvest a variety of produce and the Apiary allows children to have first hand experience with bee-keeping.  Produce from the garden is used by the Garden Club, for camp activities and to feed the animals in our nature classroom.

Ecology Center Rentals 

Multipurpose Room Event Rentals: CLOSED FOR RENOVATION
Host your next event in the Ecology Center's large Multipurpose Room. With vaulted wood beam ceiling and a large stone wood burning fireplace, and views of the Ladd Arboretum, this room makes an ideal location for hosting events.  For more information visit Multipurpose Room Event Rentals.

Nature Classroom Birthday Party Rental: CLOSED FOR RENOVATION
Host your next children's party in our nature classroom.  Choose from many of our instructor lead natured/outdoor themes. Visit Ecology Birthday Party information to find out more.

Community Garden Rentals
The City of Evanston offers residents approximately 220 plots to rent from mid-March through mid-November. Garden plots are available each season through a lottery system. For more information visit Community Garden Rentals.

Snowshoe Rental
Snowshoeing is a great recreational activity for winter months. Come try out snowshoeing by renting a pair and exploring the Ladd Arboretum, or take them to a different location to explore the great outdoors! Snowshoe rentals are available from December to February, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 2:30 pm, when snowfall is over three inches. Email the ecology center at ecologycenter@cityofevanston.org or call 847.448.8256 for more information.

Evanston Environmental Association

The Evanston Environmental Association (EEA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the programs of the Ecology Center and promoting environmental awareness to the surrounding community.  Built in 1974, the Ecology Center was established through dedicated efforts of these private citizens who donated the building to the City of Evanston to provide environmental programing and education. Visit Evanston Environmental Association to learn more.