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PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Department: Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar 3/19/2019 - 4/23/2019
Sunday, 3/24; 1pm
Fly a Kite Workshop, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Learn about the spring wind and weather, then we will harness the wind’s energy by making and flying kites! Ages 6 - 12 with adult. $5 materials fee per child.
Monday, 3/25; 10am - 12pm
Spring Breakout Adventure, Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs
Looking for outdoor activities while away from school? Drop on over to the Little Red Schoolhouse and see what exciting activities are planned. No registration required.
Tuesday, 3/26; 10am - 1pm
Spring Breakout Adventures, Rolling Knolls, Elgin
In conjunction with Activate Elgin’s March Into Health, thaw from the winter and recreate at this 56-acre nature preserve. Activities include a biodiversity hike, archery, pond fishing, and nature obstacle course.
Thursday, 3/28; 1pm - 3pm
Spring Break Nature Drop-In Days, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
We provide the fun, you bring the kids to explore something new each day.
Friday, 3/29; 7pm
Woodcock “Sky Dance” at Wolf Road Prairie, Westchester
Watch the amazing aerial display of the male woodcock bird as he calls, swirls and tumbles in the sky at dusk. For adults, and families with children 8+. For registration and directions call: (708) 366-6530.
Saturday, 3/30; 1pm
Signs of Spring Hike, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Enjoy a relaxed hike through the woods, while listening to birds and looking for early blooming wildflowers.
Saturday, 3/30; 1:30pm
Nature Kitchen, Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs
Children ages 3-5 years with adult will create mud pies, pond soup and other “natural smorgasbords of delight” using natural objects.
Sunday, 3/31; 1pm
Animal Tricksters, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
With April Fools’ Day right around the corner, see how animals play tricks through camouflage, mimicry, feigning death, deceptive bait and more.
Saturday, 4/6; 10am - 6pm
Zoos Go Blue for Autism, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
In partnership with Autism Speaks, we are happy to welcome the autism community for a complimentary day at Brookfield Zoo in recognition of National Autism Awareness Month. Join us for a fun-filled day of low sensory events around the zoo!
Sunday, 4/7; 12pm - 2pm
Archery 101, Maywood Grove, Maywood
Attend this session to learn the basics of archery. Ages 10 and up. Equipment provided.
Sunday, 4/7; 2pm
Raptor Feeding Program, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Come take a closer look at our captive birds of prey. We will talk about our display animals and their unique adaptations.
Saturday, 2/9 through Sunday, 3/24; 10am - 4pm
The Orchid Show, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
The tropics are closer than you think. The Orchid Show captures the spirit of islands, beaches, and rainforests in places like the South Pacific and the Amazon. You will get a feel for the radiance of blooms under sunlit palm trees and in forest canopies teeming with color and life. Picture more than 10,000 orchids in bloom, paired with sweeps of bromeliads and birds of paradise-lush, vibrant, intoxicating. Tickets are required and can be purchased from the Chicago Botanic Garden’s website.
Friday, 4/12; 10am - 12pm
Conservation @ Home Series: Building Better Soils, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Ever wonder what makes ‘good’ soil? Or how to create healthy soils in your landscape? Join University of Illinois Extension staff and volunteers to explore soil science in time for this growing season.
Saturday, 4/13; 8am - 11:30am
Spring Fishing Derby, Papoose Lake, Palos Park
In partnership with the Village of Palos Park, join us for spring fishing and fun. Prizes awarded for the largest fish caught in different age groups. Registration begins at 8am. Fishing from 8:30am - 11am. Catch and release event; fishing license not needed.
Saturday, 4/13; 1:30pm - 3pm
Fire 101, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Learn how a forest can benefit from fire and fire safety camping basics.
Saturday, 4/13; 2pm
Improv in the Woods, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Let our feet be the metronomes for this musical improv hike as we start with a lesson then find inspiration in nature. All hikable instruments are welcome.
Saturday and Sunday, 4/13 and 4/14; All day
Unearth Science festival, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Unearth the world of science like you have never seen it before. With a weekend full of activities, the Unearth Science festival celebrates science and nature in ways that will encourage you to see, touch, hear and explore. New: On Friday, 4/12, there is an evening for adults, with drinks and light fare for purchase. The festival includes free programs and hands-on activities; some special events and workshops have fees.
Sunday, 4/14; 10am - 6pm
Party for the Planet, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Every day is Earth Day at Brookfield Zoo, but on this very special day we will be showcasing some of the steps you can commit to that will truly make a difference for animals across the globe. With special Zoo Chats and green activities and crafts, Party for the Planet will be filled with educational, engaging, and fun activities for the entire family!
Sunday, 4/14; 1pm
Art in Nature: Mixed Media Nature Sketching, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Make a new mark on your sketchbook by utilizing more than just a pencil in this mixed media sketching class, taught by artist Karen Sako.
Sunday, 4/14; 1pm - 3pm
Hike and Bike! Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest
Join us for fun filled afternoon exploring our trails on foot and on bike. This relaxing adventure will provide a great excuse to get outside. Some bikes available. Registration and adult supervision required; space is limited. Please go to Experience Camping website to register.
Wednesday, 4/17; 6:30am - 8am
Sunrise Coffee and Canoe Cruise, Tower Road Boat Launch, Northfield
Start your day with a delicious cup of coffee and canoeing! While on the water, experience the sunrise, local wildlife, and learn about coffee sustainability practices from The Coffee & Tea Exchange. Coffee provided by The Coffee & Tea Exchange. Rain date: Wednesday, Apr 24.
Wednesday, 4/17; 11am - 2pm
Spring Breakout Adventures, Beaubien Woods - Flatfoot Lake, Chicago
Come out for a full day of activities suitable for all ages including archery, nature exploration, and artmaking. Registration required for groups of 10 or more.
Saturday, 4/20; 10am - 3pm
Earth Day, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us for a day set aside as a reminder to be good stewards of our planet every day. Activities include art-making, puppet shows, hikes and Earth Day Jeopardy!
Saturday, 4/20; 1pm
Sagawau Science: Spring Wildflower Walk, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Take a closer look at these short-lived wildflowers while walking through the woods.
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