Through displays, living animals and public programs the museum's goal is to provide education on indigenous plants and wildlife. Displays feature living fish, reptiles, birds and mammals found in the area -- including the red fox, red-tailed hawk and coyote.
Programs include crafts and stories for kids, nature walks and volunteer workdays with some programs requiring registration. Groups wishing to visit are asked to contact the museum in advance.
Naturalists also provide audio/visual programs for schools, churches and other groups from November through February.
The museum used to be the site of Cook County's wildlife rehabilitation center, but visitors are advised it is no longer used for this function and will not accept injured or orphaned animals.
Dogs are forbidden.