title
PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Department: Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar of Events and Activities 9/17/2024-10/21/2024
Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes
Tuesday, 9/17; 7:30pm - 11pm
Partial Lunar Eclipse, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Join us and view the partial total lunar eclipse! Registration required. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Thursdays, 9/19 through 10/17; Times vary
Weekly Caldwell Wood Wellness Center Programming, Caldwell Wellness Center, Chicago
An exciting new program will take place every Thursday! You can check our website for weekly offerings including time, age appropriateness, and other details. For more information, please call (773)758-8899 or visit the website.
Wednesday, 9/18; 4pm - 7pm
Night Hike: Stars and Stories, Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion, Chicago
Bring in gently used books and leave with some new-to-you books! The books can be of any genre and reading level, however we encourage you to bring nature-themed, large print, braille, and audio books. For more information, please call (312)415-2970 or visit the website.
Thursday, 9/19; 4pm - 6pm
Teen Exploration Day: Paleontology Mystery, Caldwell Woods, Chicago
Join us and learn the science behind the study of fossils. You can participate in a simulated fossil hunt to shed light on a 12,000-year-old mystery. Registration required. Ages 12 and up. Please call (773)758-8899.
Thursday, 9/19; 4:30pm - 7pm
Teen Exploration Day: Crafternoon, Bremen Grove, Tinley Park
Join us and find your inner artist. Nature will serve as your inspiration to create a variety of arts and crafts. Ages 13-19. For more information, please visit the website.
Thursday, 9/19 through Saturday, 9/21; 12pm - 3pm
Fall Nature Camp, Rolling Knolls, Elgin
Join us and learn the significance of harvest season in Native American culture while participating in various activities. This event is presented with Trickster Cultural Center. For more information, please call (773)758-8899 or visit the website.
Friday, 9/20; 11am - 12pm
Food is Medicine: A Small Taste of Native America, Thatcher Woods Pavilion, River Forest
Join us and learn about using fruits and plants in health from the American Indian Center’s Food is Medicine resident chef. You can sample a small tasting of healthy and traditional Native foods and learn about Indigenous ideologies. For more information, please call (312) 533-5751.
Saturday, 9/21 through Saturday, 9/28; 9am - 4pm
Party for the Preserves: Litter Clean-up, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Drop in and help care for our natural world by participating in National Clean-up Day. Supplies will be available to pick up onsite. For more information, please call (847) 381-6598.
Saturday, 9/21; 4:30pm - 7pm
Latino Conservation Week: Paddle and Clean-up, Powderhorn Lake, Burnham
You can help keep the forest clean and paddle the Calumet Region at Powderhorn Lake. For more information, please call (312) 415-2970 or visit the website.
Saturday, 9/21; 10am - 3pm
Chicago Portage Day, Chicago Portage Historic Site, Lyons
Join us and celebrate this National Historic Site, its cultural significance, and the history of Chicago. There will be presentations, demonstrations, site tours, games and activities. For more information, please call (312) 533-5751.
Saturday, 9/21; 1:30pm
Fall Color Ramble-Bilingual, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us for a 1.5-mile walk and witness the wonderful ephemeral color changes that nature has to offer! Registration required. This event will be offered in English and Spanish and will take place in sunshine or rainfall. Please call (708) 868-0606.
Saturday, 9/21 through Sunday, 9/22; 3pm - 12pm
Camping For All, Camp Bullfrog Lake, Willow Springs
Enjoy cycling, climbing, kayaking and camping while you explore beautiful Camp Bullfrog Lake in this program specially designed for individuals with a primary physical disability or visual impairment. Registration required. This event is presented with Adaptative Adventures. For more information, please visit the website.
Sunday, 9/22; 8am
One Voyage 5K Run and Walk, Busse Woods-Central, Elk Grove Village
Join us in the great outdoors by participating in a fun run for the entire family. This event will help get youth from the Chicagoland area into the outdoors. Registration required. This event will start at Grove 4. For more information, please visit the website.
Sunday, 9/22; 10am
Pedal the Preserves, Carl R. Hansen Woods, Schaumburg
You can learn the basics of bike riding like simple maintenance and safe riding skills. We will then explore the trail. Registration required. This is a family-friendly program. The event will start at Grove 1, and it is presented with Ride Illinois. Bikes will be available for loan upon request to the first 15 registrants. Please call (773)758-8899.
Sunday, 9/22; 10am
Accessible Autumnal Equinox Walk, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Join us for a talk about the equinox on a short, guided nature walk on a paved trail. Registration required. This program is ADA Accessible. Please call (708) 366-6530.
Sunday, 9/22; 10am - 12pm
Drop in Bird Banding, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Sagawau is celebrating its 27th year in bird banding! Drop in and see birds up close while learning about this scientific method. For more information, please call (630) 257-2045.
Sunday, 9/22; 10:30am - 12:30pm
“Check Out” Nature, Swallow Cliff Woods-North, Palos Park
Explore nature by checking out some of our gear. We will answer questions, give trail recommendations, maps, and more. For more information, please visit the website.
Tuesday, 9/24: 12 - 3pm
Nature is A Resource, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
An invitation to discuss how after-school programs and nature intersect. Presented with the Illinois Afterschool Network and geared for Out of School Time youth-serving staff, managers, coordinators and anyone excited to understand how nature can lend itself to an outdoor out-of-school time fun and learning while being up and active with youth. Join us for a light lunch, an outdoor activity and for discussion with and information from the Forest Preserves team and a partner about how you can put some nature into your program. Dress for the weather and be outside for part of the day. Wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes for walking. Registration required, see website for link.
Saturday, 9/28; 10am - 1pm
Party for the Preserves: Bike Ride, Beaubien Woods, Chicago
Celebrate National Public Lands Day with nature-based activities and bike rides. Divvy bikes provided will be provided and supplies are limited. For more information, please call (312)415-2970 or visit the website.
Saturday, 9/28; 10am - 2pm
Party for the Preserves, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us for fun activities that help us to become better stewards of the land. You can earn service-learning hours. For more information, please call (708) 868-0606.
Saturday, 9/28; 10:30am - 2:30pm
Party for the Preserves, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Join us and celebrate the Forest Preserves of Cook County on National Public Lands Day. The event will have many activities for attendees such as walks on the trail and arts and crafts. For more information, please call (847) 824-8360 or visit the website.
Saturday, 9/28; 11am - 2pm
Salsa Dance: Party for the Preserve, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Join us for a fun day of Salsa dancing outside. This event will have music, salsa dance instruction, a food truck, bilingual hikes, yoga and more. For more information, please call (312) 533-5751 or visit the website.
Saturday, 9/28; 12pm - 4pm
Community Powwow, Caldwell Woods, Chicago
Join us and celebrate Native American culture while recognizing the theme “Every Child Matters”. This event will have a traditional Powwow, native food, and listen to stories of culture from the area. This event will be held at Grove 1 and attendees are encouraged to wear orange. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 9/28; 1pm
Party for the Preserves: Go Green, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Celebrate National Public Lands Day by enjoying a nature walk and learning about the importance of green spaces. Registration required. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Saturday, 9/28; 5pm - 9pm
Party for the Preserves, Camp Bullfrog Lake, Willow Springs
Join us for live music, food vendors and a night hike to celebrate National Public Lands Day. For more information, please visit the website.
Sunday, 9/29; 10am - 2pm
Hispanic Heritage Month Paddling Celebration, Powderhorn Lake, Burnham
Bring the celebration outdoors to the Calumet region and paddle at Powderhorn Lake. For more information, please call (312) 415-2970 or visit the website.
Sunday, 9/29; 1pm
We are All Connected, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Join us for a guided bilingual nature walk that will explore how humans and all of nature are interconnected. This event will be offered in English and Spanish. For more information, please call (847) 381-6598.
Friday, 10/4; 5pm - 7pm
Halloween Hoot and Howl, Keystone Park, River Forest
Join us for an evening of slightly spooky family fun! The event will have live music, pumpkin painting, kid’s crafts, marshmallows around a campfire, and more. This event is presented with the River Forest Public Library and the River Forest Park District. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 10/5; 10am - 1pm
Pumpkinpalooza, Caldwell Woods, Chicago
Join us for a fun day of all thing’s pumpkins! We will have fun activities like pumpkin painting, bowling, ring toss, leaf rubbing, fall-themed obstacle course, and more. Registration required. This event will be held at Grove 1, and supplies are limited. This event is presented by Jerome Witte from My Town Realty Group. Please call (773)758-8899.
Saturday, 10/5; 11am - 3pm
Awe of Nature, Midlothian Meadows, Midlothian
Learn about how to connect people to nature through environmental engagement and community partners. This event is presented by The Nature Conservancy. For more information, please call (312) 533-5751.
Saturday, 10/5; 1pm
Oak Ecology, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Join us and walk under ancient oaks. You will learn about their natural history and why they are a keystone species. Registration required. Please call (630) 257-2045.
Sunday, 10/6; 1pm - 3pm
Nurtured by Nature, Harms Woods-Central, Glenview
Join us for a nature-centered day of wellness focusing on mental, physical, and emotional wellness while highlighting the benefits of our natural resources within the Preserves. The program will include yoga, meditation, art therapy, and more. Registration required. This event will be held at Grove 5, and it is presented by Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita and others. For more information, please visit the website.
Sunday, 10/6; 1:30pm
Nature Detective, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Learn how to look for clues to figure out nature’s mysteries. For more information, please call (847) 824-8360.
Sunday, 10/6; 9am- 3pm
Annual Arts and Crafts Fair, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
We are celebrating our 59th Annual Arts and Craft Fair! There will be art of all styles for sale by artists inspired by nature. This is an outdoor event. For more information, please call (708) 839-6897.
Tuesday, 10/8; 4pm - 6pm
Breast Cancer Awareness, Swallow Cliff Woods-North, Palos Park
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, stop by our table and learn about breast cancer, gain resources, and more. This event is presented by Advocate Health Care. For more information, please visit the website.
Wednesday, 10/9; 6pm - 8pm
Night of Nature Play, Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center, Chicago
Join us and experience nature at night! Play and discover what glows in the dark. For more information, please call (312)415-2970 or visit the website.
Thursday, 10/10; 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Teen Exploration Day: Fishing 101, Rolling Knolls, Elgin
Join us for an afternoon of aquatic education and casting lessons. Registration required. Ages 12 and up. Please call (773)758-8899.
Friday, 10/11; 1pm - 3:30pm
Connecting Newcomers to Nature, Thatcher Woods Pavilion, River Forest
Nature can help refugees and immigrants heal from trauma. We will learn about the ways nature heals us and explore how newcomer communities can connect with nature. Registration required. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 10/12; 10am - 12pm
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration, Schiller Woods-East, Chicago
Join us and celebrate Native American culture. This event will include drumming, Native dancing, exploring the Serpent Mounds, and more. This event is presented with the American Indian Center of Chicago. For more information, please call (312) 533-5751 or visit the website.
Saturday, 10/12; 1pm
Quarries: Stories of Ancient Reef Discovery, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Join us and celebrate Earth Science Week: Earth Science Everywhere. We will learn about the history of quarries and how it led to a greater understanding of fossilized coral reefs. Registration required. Please call (630) 257-2045.
Saturday, 10/12; 10am - 2pm
Family Fun Day, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Bring the whole family to spend time outside! There will be fun activities such as cooperative games, nature scavenger hunts, and more. For more information, please call (708) 868-0606.
Sunday, 10/13 through Monday, 10/14; 10am - 4pm
Indigenous Environmentalists Walk, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, enjoy a self-guided walk and learn about indigenous naturalists. For more information, please call (847) 381-6598.
Sunday, 10/13; 2pm - 5pm
Beats in the Forests, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Did you know that forest sounds can be used for making hip-hop beats? Join us and help record sound to make fun and relaxing beats. Beatmakers of all levels are welcome. Please bring a computer or phone. It is recommended to bring wired headphones for the best auditory experience. This event is presented by Solidarity Studios. For more information, please call (708) 839-6897.
Wednesday, 10/16; 4pm - 7pm
Conservation at Home Seed Swap and Plant Exchange, Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion, Chicago
Plant lovers unite! This event will include a native plant presentation followed by seed and plant sharing. Please bring a mug because warm beverages will be provided. For more information, please call (312)415-2970 or visit the website.
Thursday, 10/17; 10am - 12pm
Access Adventure Multi-Sport Day, Miller Meadow-South, Maywood
Everyone can enjoy cycling and climbing in the great outdoors. Registration required. This program is specially designed for individuals with a primary physical disability or visual impairment. This event is presented with Adaptive Adventures. For more information, please call (312) 533-5751.
Thursday, 10/17; 6pm - 8pm
Teen Exploration Days at Sand Ridge, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us after hours each month for fun activities. Registration required. Ages 13-18. The activities will include resources and tools for English and Spanish speakers. For more information, please call (708) 868-0606.
Friday, 10/18; 7pm - 9:30pm
Teen Exploration Days: Bonfire, Camp Dan Beard, Northbrook
Join us for a spooky night in the woods! We will have a bonfire with s’mores, listen to scary stories and search for bats on a night hike. Registration required. Ages 13 and up. Ages 13-17 must have adult supervision. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 10/19; 10am
Fall Color Walk, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Join us for a guided walk in the woods to celebrate Polish American Heritage Month. Registration required. This is a family program that will be offered in English and Polish. Please call (708) 366-6530.
Saturday, 10/19; 10am - 1pm
Fall Paddle Festival, Tower Road Boat Launch, Northfield
Join us and embrace the fall season with nature-based activities on and off the water. The activities will include a canoe trip, fishing, archery, pumpkin painting, nature play, and music. This event is presented with Back Yard Nature Center and Chicago River Canoe and Kayak. Please call (773)758-8899.
Saturday, 10/19; 1pm - 3:30pm
Hispanic Heritage Celebration, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Celebrate the conclusion of this special month by making traditional artwork for display on our Dia de los Muertos altar. For more information, please call (708) 839-6897.
Sunday, 10/20; 9am
Spooky Shuffle 5k/10k, Swallow Cliff Woods-South, Palos Park
This trail race takes you through the pristine Sag Valley Trail System. Registration required. This event is presented with the Village of Palos Park. For more information, please visit the website.
Sunday, 10/20; 10am - 2pm
Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Drop in and find all the hidden pumpkins during a fun self-guided scavenger hunt. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes. For more information, please call (847) 381-6598.
Sunday, 10/20; 10am - 3pm
Fall Festival, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Join us and celebrate the season with a special day of autumn fun! This event will have entertainment, beekeeping demonstrations, animal encounters, pumpkin painting, honey sales, activities and more. Admission is free. There will be some activities that require a small fee and there will be food available to purchase. For more information, please call (847) 824-8360.
end