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PROPOSED MISCELLANEOUS ITEM OF BUSINESS
Department: Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar - 12/15/2015 - 1/18/2016
Thursday, 12/17; 6:30 - 8:30 am
Solstice Sunrise Celebration, Cummings Square, 536 N Harlem Ave, River Forest
Help us welcome the sunrise with a fire and celebration as we approach the shortest day of the year. All ages.
Fridays, 12/18 and 1/8; 7 pm
Evening Owl Hike, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Listen to a talk about these nocturnal hunters, then join us as we look for these unique predators. Registration required.
Saturday, 12/19 - Monday, 3/7; Open daily, 9 am - 4 pm
Cross-Country Ski Trails Open, Sagawau Nordic,
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Trails will be opened and groomed as snow conditions permit. All skiers must obtain a free trail pass. Rentals available until 2 pm. Rental equipment must be returned by 3:45 pm. Rental Rates: Individual-$15; Senior-$10; Family-$40. Must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by parent or guardian to rent skis. Equipment is for use at Sagawau only.
Saturdays, 12/19 and 12/26, 1 pm
Beginning Snowshoeing, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Join us for a quick lesson on snow-shoeing basics and a naturalist-led trek. If adventurous, continue along on your own. Requires a minimum 4” snow base. Registration required. Space is limited.
Saturdays, 12/19 and 1/3; 1:30 pm
Snowshoe Hikes, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Enjoy a guided winter hike on our trails with snowshoes if there’s snow (or on foot if not). Equipment is limited. Register at least two days prior.
Sunday, 12/20; 6 am
Dawn Owl Walk, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Owls announce territory and begin courtship in early winter. As part of the 116th annual Christmas Bird Count, we’ll search for great horned and screech owls in Thatcher Woods. Led by John Elliott, Chicago Audubon. Adults and children 10 & up. Registration required.
Monday, 12/21; 11 am and 1 pm
Hot Chocolate with Mrs. Claus; Regenstein Center, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Cozy up with Mrs. Claus for some hot chocolate, cookies, story time and Wonderland Express.
Fee applies.
Monday, 12/21 and Tuesday, 12/22; Noon - 4 pm
Winter Breakout Adventures, Camp Reinberg, 1801 N Quentin Road, Palatine
Don’t let the chilly winter bring you down - embrace your time off from school and head outdoors. Youth and families, join us for snowshoeing (weather permitting), crafts using wood, winter bird migration activities, tracking and shelter building. Warm up with a campfire and s’mores. Come for the day or just for an hour. For more info, call 708-386-4042 ext. 26. All activities offered on each day, weather permitting.
*Continue the adventure and reserve a 10-person cabin to experience
the marvels of winter camping. Overnight activities will include an evening bonfire, night hike and star gazing. The evening program is 7:30-9:30 pm and is open to registered campers. For reservations, call 312-636-9750.
Monday, 12/21; 7 - 8:30 pm
Winter Solstice Bonfire, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Celebrate the shortest day of the year with a nature walk, bonfire and trimming of the wildlife tree. Family program; no organized groups please. In-person registration required starting 12/1.
$3 per person.
Sunday, 12/20; 10 - 6 pm
10:00 AM: Volunteer Restoration Workday
2:00 PM: Solstice Celebration & Bonfire
Somme Woods, Waukegan Road and Dundee Road, Northbrook
Tuesday, 12/22; Noon - 2 pm
Here Comes the Sun - Winter Solstice, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Celebrate the winter solstice by making a sun dial, cooking snacks in a solar cooker and viewing the sun through a filtered telescope. Drop-in family program.
Tuesday, 12/22; 7 pm
Solstice Celebration, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Discover the science and mythology surrounding the solstice and enjoy a hot drink around a campfire. Registration required.
Saturday, 12/26; 10 am
Photo Meet-Up, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
This monthly series is led by a naturalist and will highlight a natural area with scenic vistas, interesting plants and wildlife. For all photographer levels and camera types.
Saturday, 12/26; 1:30 pm
Animals of the Night, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us as we explore the habits of nocturnal animals such as the skunk, opossum, raccoon and bat.
Monday - Wednesday, 12/28 - 12/30; 9:30 am - Noon
Winter Nature Camp, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us for a three-day camp where we’ll explore the wonders of nature in winter. Ages 7-10. Register by 12/21. $15 per child.
Saturdays and Sundays, 1/2 - 3/6; 9:30 am
Beginner Cross-Country Ski Lessons, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Learn to ski with a professional instructor. Lessons cover the basic skills of flatland skiing and getting up and down easy hills. Ages 12 & up. First come, first served. Limit 12. Reservations not accepted. Please arrive by 9 am for registration and equipment fitting. $20/person.
Saturday, 1/2; 10 am - Noon
Snowshoe Hike, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Learn how to use snowshoes as we explore the wonderful winter world outside. Requires a minimum 4” snow base. Ages 8 & up. Registration required. Limit 20.
Saturday, 1/9; Noon - 4 pm
Winter Exploration Day, Caldwell Woods, 6350 W Devon Ave, Chicago
Get outside and enjoy winter in the preserves. This is a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy snowshoe nature hikes, cross-country skiing and sledding (weather permitting). We’ll also have winter crafts, a campfire and more. All ages.
Sunday, 1/10; 1 - 2:30 pm
Animals in Winter, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Ever wonder where animals go in winter? Learn strategies animals use to survive the cold. Drop-in family program.
Tuesday, 1/12; 7 pm
Master Gardener: Planting Perennial Peony’s, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Master Gardeners from the University of Illinois Extension present programs each month to help you become a better gardener. Registration preferred.
Thursday, 1/14; 10 am - 6 pm
Nature Preschool Open House; Lakeside Room, Visitor Center, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Drop in to find out about the new Chicago Botanic Garden Nature Preschool, opening in September 2016.
Friday, 1/15; 6 - 8 pm
Winter Bonfire, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us as we enjoy an evening around a bonfire telling stories, roasting marshmallows and sipping hot cocoa. Register by 1/13.
Friday, 1/15; 7 pm
Family Science Night, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Join us on a winter night for unique, nature-themed programs. Our resident “freeze miser” will guide you in science experiments with ice and snow. Registration required at least two days prior. $2 per person. 6:45 pm check-in, 7 pm start. Ages 6 & up. Register by 1/13.
Monday, 1/18; Noon - 3 pm
Martin Luther King Jr., Day of Service, Dan Ryan Woods, 87th and Western, Chicago
Join us for a day of stewardship and service. Help staff remove invasive plants that threaten the health of our forest preserves. Also, enjoy a variety of fun, family-friendly wintertime activities.