5th Annual Wood Dale Grove Picnic

Come join in the family fun and delicious eats at our 5th Annual Wood Dale Grove Picnic! We’ve put in our order for gorgeous weather and are looking forward to another wonderful gathering of great food, great people, and great conversation.

If you’ve never been to Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve, you’re in for a treat! The South Shelter offers plenty of picnic tables (approximately 8 feet wide, so there’s lots of seating), beautiful views overlooking the lake, and plenty of shade from the surrounding trees.

We’ve placed our order for a warm, sunny day (fingers crossed!), but we plan to gather rain or shine.

Event Details

Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
Time: 11 AM – 3 PM
Location: Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve – South Shelter, 895 N. Wood Dale Rd., Wood Dale, IL

This is a family-friendly event, and children are welcome. Please note that the shelter is located very close to the lake, so parents should keep a close eye on their children at all times.

What to Bring

We ask that you bring a whole food, plant-based, no-oil dish to share, along with the recipe or a list of ingredients used, including any common allergens.

Need ideas? Consider bringing:

• Chili
• Pasta dishes
• Burrito bowls
• Taco salads
• Stir-fries
• Soups
• Pasta salads
• Finger foods
• Healthy snacks

If you’re new to plant-based eating or simply “plant-curious,” keep it simple! A tray of fresh fruit, vegetables, hummus, or guacamole is always appreciated.

And by all means, bring a friend! Help us spread the word—and the great food. It’s good for our health, our planet, and the animals.

Important: Bring Your Own Eating Utensils

To help reduce waste and minimize plastic going into landfills, we ask everyone to bring their own eating utensils, plates, bowls, and cups.

We will provide a cleaning tub so you won’t have to worry about taking home soiled flatware or dishes.

Directions

Please note: Google Maps may place the location incorrectly and direct you beyond the preserve entrance.

Follow Wood Dale Road north of Lake Street (Route 20) approximately one mile to the entrance of Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve.

Once you enter the preserve, follow the driveway to the RIGHT and proceed to the South Shelter. We’ll be waiting for you there!

The entrance is located on South Wood Dale Road, between East Stone Avenue and Oak Meadows Drive.

We look forward to seeing you on September 13 for another memorable picnic filled with delicious food, friendship, and fun!

If you’d like, I can also make this shorter and more suitable for a Meetup, Facebook event, or email announcement.