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PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Department: Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar of Events and Activities 3/12/2024 - 4/16/2024
Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes.
Tuesday, 3/12; 7pm - 8:30pm
National Girl Scout Birthday Evening Walk, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Enjoy an evening walk through the woods. Open to all levels of Girl Scout Troops. Registration required. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Thursday, 3/14; 11am - 1pm
Nature Hike and Journaling, Orland Grassland, Orland Park
Discover the joy of drawing and writing while learning and taking a hike in nature. Create a journal or bring your own.
Thursday, 3/14; 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Weaving Workshop, Swallow Cliff Pavilion, Palos Park
Create a small wall hanging art piece using natural materials. Supplies and instruction will be provided. Ages 10 and up. Ages 10-17 with an adult.
Saturday, 3/16; 9am - 11am
The Energy of Water: A Forest Therapy Walk, Rolling Knolls, Elgin
Join us as we explore the movement of water all around us. Participants will be guided through a grounding exercise, walk, tea ceremony and a water mandala activity. Registration required. Please call (773) 758-8899.
Saturday, 3/16; 10am
Women’s History in Conservation Walk, Plum Creek Meadow, Chicago Heights
Walk and Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. This hike will be 1.8 miles and will be led at a slower pace with frequent stopping and interpretation.
Saturday, 3/16; 10am - 12pm
Restoration and S’mores, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Help restore our woodlands by cutting down invasive species and having a brush pile burn. S’mores and light snacks will be provided after the restoration work. Registration required. Ages 12 and up. Please call (708) 868-0606.
Saturday, 3/16; 10:30am
Sap’s Rising, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Walk in the sugar maple forest as winter comes to an end and learn about the sweet history of maple syrup making. Registration required. Please call (847) 824-8360.
Saturday, 3/16; 1pm
Marzanna Craft for Kids - in Polish, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Poznaj Słowiańską tradycję witania wiosny i stwórz własną “Marzannę”. Wstęp wolny, rejestracja pod numerem 708-366-6530. Program dla dzieci do lat 12 w towarzystwie opiekuna.
Saturday, 3/16; 1:30pm
Sap’s Rising, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Walk in the sugar maple forest as winter comes to an end and learn about the sweet history of maple syrup making. Registration required. Please call (847) 824-8360.
Saturday, 3/16; 1pm
Signs of Spring, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Join us for a walk looking for signs of spring’s arrival and learn about plants and animals’ response to the longer days. Registration required. Please call (630) 257-2045.
Sunday, 3/17; 11am - 3pm
Maple Syrup Festival, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Celebrate the arrival of spring with a special day of activities including crafts, games, tree tapping, and maple syrup history with syrup samples to taste. For more information, please call (847) 824-8360.
Sunday, 3/17; 12pm
Mental Health Tune-Ups, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Learn about the importance of mental health and how to help raise awareness while benefiting from time spent in nature. Registration required. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Wednesday, 3/20; 11am - 2pm
Celebrate Spring Fest, Cummings Square, River Forest
Celebrate the vernal equinox and the arrival of spring by painting a bird house, learning about seasonal changes, building, and playing with natural materials, as well as other kid-friendly activities. For more information, please call (312) 533-5751.
Thursday, 3/21; 1pm
Teen Exploration Day: The Botany of Zelda, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Inspired by the Nintendo game, learn how the fictional plants of Hyrule Forest connect to our native plants. Registration required. Ages 12-17. Please call (708) 366-6530.
Saturday, 3/23; 8am
Wellness in the Woods: Bike Ride, Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center, Chicago
Learn about Marshall “Major” Taylor and his connection to the Forest Preserves. Join us on a 16-mile guided bike ride on the trail named in his honor. Must bring your own bike and helmet.
Saturday, 3/23; 11am
Accessibility Trail Outing, Miller Meadow-South, Maywood
Join us on a 1.7-mile paved trail with resting points throughout. Perfect for those who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility. Grove 6. For more information, please call (312) 533-5751.
Saturday, 3/23; 1pm
Muddy Paws Walk, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Let’s search the muddy trails to identify what other animals are using them.
Saturday, 3/23; 1pm - 3pm
Spring Eggstravaganza, Mathew Bieszczat Volunteer Resource Center, Chicago
Celebrate the changing season and learn about Cook County’s wildlife through crafts, themed walks, refreshments and more. For more information, please call (773) 758-8899.
Saturday, 3/23; 1pm - 3pm
Painting and Papercrafts, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Celebrate spring with arts and crafts inspired by the changing season. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. Ages 13-17 with an adult. Please call (708) 868-0606.
Sunday, 3/24; 11am - 2pm
Truckin’ Into Spring, Bemis Woods-South, Western Springs
The event is hosted in partnership with Go Ape Chicago. Enjoy activities including the nature obstacle course named Treetop Nets. Food trucks and vendors will be onsite. For more information, please call (312) 533-5751.
Sunday, 3/24; 1pm
Artist as Naturalist, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Celebrate Women’s History Month by learning how artists made scientific discoveries accessible to society. Registration required. Please call (630) 257-2045.
Sunday, 3/24; 1:30pm
Bucket Bug Hunt, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Walk through our sugar bush to learn about early spring insects. For more information, please call (847) 824-8360.
Monday, 3/25; 11:45pm - 3am
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Watch this celestial phenomenon unfold into the wee hours of the morning. Registration required. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Wednesday, 3/27 through Friday, 3/29; 9am - 3pm
Spring Nature Camp, Rolling Knolls, Elgin
Learn the significance of spring in Native American culture while participating in various timed activities with Trickster Cultural Center. Registration required. Please call (773) 758-8899.
Wednesday, 3/27; 10am - 1pm
Spring Break-OUT Adventure, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Enjoy time out of school with activities including archery, nature play, hikes, art, and other fun. For more information, please call (312) 533-5751.
Wednesday, 3/27; 11am
Spring Break Feeding Frenzy, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Learn what, why and how staff feed the animal ambassadors at the nature center. Registration required. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Wednesday, 3/27; 5:30pm - 7pm
Camping 101, Camp Bullfrog Lake, Willow Springs
Join us for a workshop covering basic camping skills. Registration required. Please visit the website for more information.
Thursday, 3/28; 10am - 1pm
Spring Breakout Adventures, Mathew Bieszczat Volunteer Resource Center, Chicago
Try a variety of outdoor recreation activities while spending school break in nature. For more information, please call (773) 758-8899.
Friday, 3/29; 11am - 2pm
Spring Breakout Adventure, Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center, Chicago
Explore, discover, and create! Spend your spring break outside with several outdoor recreation activities.
Saturday, 3/30; 1pm
Micro-Safari Part II, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
The microscopic adventure through Crabtree's waters continues. Registration required. Please call (847) 381-6598.
Thursday, 4/4; 5pm
Wellness in the Woods: Bike Ride, Sauk Trail Woods-Central, South Chicago Heights
Join us on a guided bike ride for 5 miles. Must bring your own bike and helmet.
Saturday, 4/6; 10am - 2pm
2nd Annual Trash Bash, Miller Meadow-South, Maywood
Make spring cleaning more sustainable! Our event partners will be collecting electronics, prescription drugs, books, musical instruments, bikes, clothing and more. The first 50 donors will receive a free "Don't be Trashy" t-shirt. For more information, please call (312) 533-5751.
Saturday, 4/6; 11am - 1pm
Arab American Heritage Month, Elizabeth Conkey-South, Palos Heights
Learn and explore contributions from the Arab American Community.
Sunday, 4/7; 2pm
Arab American Heritage Walk, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month by participating in a guided walk to learn more about the culture and history and its impact on our country. Registration required. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Monday, 4/8; 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Partial Solar Eclipse, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Join us and watch the eclipse safely. A solar telescope and eclipse glasses are available on-site. For more information, please call (847) 381-6598.
Monday, 4/8; 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Solar Eclipse Viewing, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Join us and watch the eclipse. A solar telescope and eclipse glasses are available on-site. For more information, please call (708) 366-6530.
Wednesday, 4/10; 5:30pm - 7pm
Camping 101, Camp Reinberg, Palatine
Join us for a workshop covering basic camping skills. Registration required. Please visit the website for more information.
Friday, 4/12; 1pm - 3pm
Bird Painting Workshop Step-by-Step: Goldfinch, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Join us for bird painting. All skill levels are welcomed, and all supplies are provided. Registration required. The cost is $5 per person. Ages 15 and up. Please call (708) 366-6530.
Friday, 4/12; 7pm
Timberdoodle Walks, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Observe and learn about the American woodcock courtship display in the darkening sky. Registration required. Ages 7 and up. Please call (847) 381-6598.
Saturday, 4/13; 8am
Fishing Derby, Papoose Lake, Palos Park
Join the Village of Palos Park and the Forest Preserves for a family-fun day of fishing. Prizes awarded.
Saturday, 4/13; 9am - 10am
Animal Origami, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Observe bird feeder activity as we make origami animals such as bunnies, insects, and birds, including your own favorite animal! Registration required. Please call (708) 868-0606.
Saturday, 4/13; 9am - 3pm
ENTICE Workshop: The Wonderful World of Lichens, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
In partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, explore the world of lichens by learning about this symbiotic partnership. You will learn how to identify lichens and how they can be incorporated into your classroom. Professional Development hours available. Registration required. For more information, please call (630) 257-2045.
Saturday, 4/13; 11am - 12:30pm
Wilderness Survival 101, Deer Grove-East Palatine
This hands-on program demonstrates how to use the natural resources around you. Grove 4. For more information, please call (773) 758-8899.
Saturday, 4/13; 1pm - 2pm
Teen Exploration Day: Wilderness Survival 101, Deer Grove-East Palatine
This hands-on program demonstrates how to use the natural resources around you. Grove 4. For more information, please call (773) 758-8899.
Saturday, 4/13 through Sunday 4/14
Camping Leadership Immersion Course, Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest
This overnight training course will teach you the skills needed to plan and lead group camping trips. The course will cover such topics as safety, day-hiking, tent, stove-set up, teambuilding and leadership skills, as well as educational offerings. After training, you will gain access to the gear library and group site. Registration required. The cost is $25 per person, which includes food and camping gear. Ages 18 and up. For registration and more information, please visit the website.
Sunday, 4/14; 11am
GPS Scavenger Hunt, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Learn about and participate in a technology-inspired scavenger hunt. Registration required. Please call (847) 824-8360.
Sunday, 4/14; 12:30pm
GPS Scavenger Hunt, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Learn about and participate in a technology-inspired scavenger hunt. Registration required. Please call (847) 824-8360.
Sunday, 4/14; 1pm
Accessible Wildflower Walk, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
This leisurely walk will highlight wildflowers along a paved driveway. Registration required. Please call (630) 257-2045.
Sunday, 4/14; 1pm - 3pm
Sand Ridge Service Days: Garlic Mustard Pull, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us each month as we care for the Sand Ridge Campus with a variety of activities! Earn service-learning hours. Registration required. Please call (708) 868-0606.
Sunday, 4/14; 2pm
GPS Scavenger Hunt, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Learn about and participate in a technology-inspired scavenger hunt. Registration required. All ages. Please call (847) 824-8360.
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