MAPS members can sign up for each event listed below by following the specified link. Remember that signing up an event means agreeing to the MAPS Photo Outing Waiver of Liability.
Members that attend an event will be able to share their images with others after the outing. Create JPG or PNG images that are 2000 pixels on the long side, saved with a sRGB color space, then you can drag and drop them to Google Photos using the link provided. The link appears after the outing is over.
If you are not sure how to prepare or upload your images, please follow the detailed instructions in these documents:
==> How to prepare your images
==> How to upload your images
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“Drama” at The Morton Arboretum
Dec 2025In keeping with our Monthly Photo Outing at the Arboretum, the theme for the month of December will be “Drama” with the group outing on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
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Early December is typically the peak period for Sandhill Crane migration at Jasper–Pulaski, when tens of thousands of cranes gather in the fields and roosting areas around the property. The best viewing is at the Sandhill Crane Observation Area, especially around sunrise and sunset, when large flocks arrive and depart in dramatic, vocal waves — ideal for photography. Expect cold, windy conditions and heavy visitor traffic on peak days, so arrive early and dress warmly. Bring long lenses, and a tripod or monopod for the best viewing and shooting experience. Specifics Tips and Crane count update from Indiana DNR: Any Questions: Contact outing chair Chuck Diewald 708-320-8339
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Join MAPS for an opportunity to photograph the Arboretum’s annual Illumination holiday lights exhibition. LIMTED to 20 Sign-ups. Deadline 11/09/25
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The theme for our Monthly Photo Outing at the Arboretum will be “In the Mood” with the group outing on Saturday, November 1.
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Nestled among rolling woodlands and quiet shorelines in Willow Springs, Maple Lake Farm Forest Preserve offers stunning reflections of vibrant autumn foliage at its peak. On October 23 at our next Photo Outing
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“Drama” at The Morton Arboretum
Oct 2025In keeping with our monthly Photo Outing at the Arboretum, the theme for the month of October will be “Drama” with the group outing on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 7:00am – 10:00am. Note: This is a different date than the regularly scheduled outing due to scheduling conflicts. “The eye should learn to listen before it looks.” – Robert Frank We will meet by 7:15am in parking lot # 1. This is the main parking lot by the Visitor Center. Meet in the furthest east corner near Meadow Lake where we can head off in either a group or on your own. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring the necessary gear. Sign up here for the October Outing at the Arboretum. Afterward, be sure to…
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Join us at the Green Valley Forest Preserve Picnic Area-East Shelter on for the MAPS Annual Potluck Picnic and Mobile Photography Workshop.
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Join MAPS on September 16 for a Photo Outing to St. James Farm in Warrenville. The 595-acre forest preserve contains more than 100 acres of woodlands, prairies, and wetlands. The grounds are home to more than 300 native plant species and wildlife, including great blue herons, red-bellied woodpeckers, white-breasted nuthatches, coyotes, fox squirrels and white-tailed deer. St. James Farm also contains a riding stable and many farm outbuildings brightly colored for architectural photography. A massive wood-planked German-style barn, a gabled-roof-and-wing farmhouse and a colonial-style red brick stable are on the property. We will meet at 07:30 AM (one hour after sunrise, when the preserve opens) in the parking lot at…
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In keeping with our monthly Photo Outing at the Arboretum, the theme for the month of September will be “Patterns in Nature” with the group outing on Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 7:00am – 10:00am. “Photography helps people to see.” – Berenice Abbott We will meet by 7:15am in the Schulenburg Prairie parking lot where we can head off in either a group or on your own. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring the necessary gear.
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Ball Horticultural Gardens
Aug 2025Join MAPS for the August Photo Outing to Ball Horticultural Gardens, an evaluation and testing grounds for the world’s wealth of horticultural introductions and improvements for over 80 years.
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In keeping with our monthly Photo Outing at the Arboretum, the theme for the month of August will be “Cast a Shadow” with the group outing.