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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 7/18/2023 - 9/18/2023
Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes.
Tuesday, 7/18 through Thursday, 7/20; 9:30am - 2:30pm
Field Botany - Teacher Workshop, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
In partnership with Illinois Science Teaching Association, attend a 3-day workshop on local field botany. Learn field identification techniques and vegetation survey methods with data that can be brought back to the classroom. Registration required. 17 ISBE approved PD hours.
Wednesday, 7/19; 10am - 2pm
Produce in the Preserves, Eggers Grove, Chicago
Join us for a farmers’ market with limited free produce and workshops about farming. Call 206-718-3735 for more information.
Thursday, 7/20; 12pm - 2pm
Reptile Rendezvous, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Meet our ambassador reptiles. Learn about their unique adaptations and features.
Thursday, 7/20; 1pm - 3pm
Knitting in Nature: An Introduction, Swallow Cliff-North, Palos Park
With nature as our backdrop, learn the basics of knitting and simple techniques. Supplies provided. Drop in.
Friday, 7/21; 9:30pm - 11pm
Teen Exploration Night: Bat Monitoring Night Hike, Eggers Grove, Chicago
Search for resident bat activity and learn how cellphone technology is used for research. Registration required. Ages 12 and up. Call 312-415-2970 for more information.
Saturday, 7/22; 10am - 12pm
Dog Days of Summer, Beck Lake, Des Plaines
Enjoy a doggy canoe paddle, nature walk, paw print painting and more! Dogs must be pet/person friendly and remain on leash. Dog Personal Flotation Devices not provided. Call 773-758-8899 for more information.
Saturday, 7/22; 10:30am
High Summer Nature Walk, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Join us for a guided hike to experience summer in the gardens and woods. Registration required. Family program. Call 708-366-6530 for more information.
Saturday, 7/22; 10am - 2pm
Latino Conservation Weekend: Canoe and Cleanup, Powderhorn Lake, Burnham
Learn canoeing basics, try new skills, and help keep Powderhorn Lake clean. Equipment provided.
Sunday, 7/23; 12pm
Latino Conservation Weekend: Ecology Walk, Eggers Grove, Chicago
Learn about current restorative conservation efforts and join a community of individuals involved at Eggers Grove.
Sunday, 7/23; 1pm
Cicadas, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Learn about their secretive beginnings which later become a part of the summer throng.
Tuesday, 7/25; 6am
Mingle in the Morning: Senior Walking Club, Sauk Trail Woods-Central, South Chicago Heights
Mingle with others interested in health, wellness, and the outdoors.
Friday, 7/28; 7pm - 9pm
Starry Night Hike, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us for a guided walk and night sky observations as we admire the stars and learn about astronomy. Registration required. Call 708-868-0606 for more information.
Saturday, 7/29 and Sunday, 7/30; 10am - 3pm
Junior Naturalist, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Pick up a Junior Naturalist booklet at the nature center and complete the activities to earn a prize.
Saturday, 7/29; 10:30am
Pond Dip Discovery, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Who lives on and below the water? Let’s dip our nets and scoop up our discoveries! Registration required. Ages 5 to 12 with adult. Call 708-366-6530 for more information.
Saturday, 7/29; 2pm - 5pm
Family Game Day, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Adults and families, enjoy an afternoon full of your favorite backyard games, nature trivia and walks.
Sunday, 7/30; 10am - 12pm
Pedal the Preserves, Carl Hansen Woods, Elgin
In partnership with Ride Illinois, a family-friendly bike ride starts with a safety discussion and practical skills demo. Registration required. Refreshments and free helmets available. Meet at Grove 1 and ride along the Poplar Creek Trail System. Call 773-758-8899 for more information.
Sunday, 7/30; 12pm - 2pm
River Monsters, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Explore the Des Plaines River and learn about the creatures that live under its’ surface. All ages.
Tuesday, 8/1; 8:15pm
Moon Walk, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Let the full moon be our guide as we hike in the largest Urban Night Sky Place in the world. Registration required. Call 708-839-6897 for more information.
Saturday, 8/5; 1pm
Songs of Summer, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Enjoy the songs of cicadas echoing through the trees. Join a guided walk to find these diurnal singing insects. Registration required. Call 630-257-2045 for more information.
Thursday, 8/3; 6pm - 7:30pm,
Camping 101, Camp Dan Beard, Northbrook
Free workshop covering basic camping skills. All ages.
Friday, 8/4; 10:30am
Teen Exploration Day: River Kayaking 101, Schuth’s Grove, Riverside
Learn how to kayak on moving water during this 3-mile paddle. Registration required. Instruction, equipment, and shuttle provided. Ages 13 and up. Call 312-533-5751 for more information.
Saturday, 8/5; 10am - 1pm
Back-to-School Community Adventure Day, Bunker Hill, Niles
Pick up a school supplies bag (limited) and enjoy archery, an obstacle course, hikes and more! In partnership with ICNA Relief Center of Chicago and Niles-Main Public Library. All ages. Meet at Grove 6.
Saturday, 8/5; 10am - 2pm
Summer Paddling at Wampum Lake, Wampum Lake, Thornton
Summer Paddling at Wampum Lake. Registration required. Call 312-415-2970 for more information.
Sunday, 8/6; 1pm
Bugapalooza, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Explore insects with activities and crafts. Who will you catch, and release on your insect safari?
Monday, 8/7 through Friday, 8/11; 8:30am - 12:30pm
Great Outdoors Camp, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Discover nature and experience the lessons the land teaches through exploration and recreation. The camp is separated into two groups. The first group is for children entering 1st through 3rd grades. The second group is for children entering 4th through 6th grades. Registration opens April 1st and must be done in person. The cost of the summer camp is $25 per child. Cash or check are the accepted forms of payment. Forms, waivers, and payment are required to complete registration.
Thursday, 8/10; 3pm - 5pm
Pond Paddle, Thatcher Woods Pavilion, River Forest
Enjoy an afternoon out paddling. Instruction and equipment provided. Thatcher Glen Pond. Registration required. Call 312-533-5751 for more information.
Saturday, 8/12; 10:30am
Nature Sketching Workshop, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Grow your skills in art and observation. Registration required. All skill levels. Ages 13 and up. Call 708-366-6530 for more information.
Saturday, 8/12 through Sunday, 8/13; 5:30pm
Camping 101 - Overnight, Camp Reinberg, Palatine
Part workshop, part campout! Learn camping skills then spend the night. Registration required. All Ages. Cost $50 for a family of six.
Sunday, 8/13; 11am - 1:30pm
Yoga and Meditation in the Preserves, Rolling Knolls, Elgin
Explore your chakras through yoga & meditation. Certified instructor. Yin Yoga: 11am - 12pm. Meditation: 12:30am-1:30pm. Registration required. Call 773-758-8899 for more information. Bring a yoga mat, towel, and water.
Sundays, 8/13 through 9/3; 1:30pm - 3pm
Introduction to Capoeria Angola, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Participants will learn the rich history of Capoeira in Brazil, be introduced to basic movements, which includes dance, acrobatics, and self-defense. Attendees will also learn how to play several percussive instruments and sing songs in Portuguese. Registration required. Call 708-839-6897 for more information.
Wednesday, 8/16; 8:15pm
Dark Sky Walk, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Walk in the world’s largest Urban Night Sky Place during the darkest night of the month and view the stars and planets. Registration required. Call 708-839-6897 for more information.
Thursday, 8/17; 10am - 12pm
Picnic and Paddle, Beck Lake, Des Plaines
Experience the Des Plaines River watershed by land and water. After paddling, enjoy yard games and lunch cooked over a fire. Equipment and food provided. Registration required. Call 773-758-8899 for more information.
Thursday, 8/17; 12pm - 2pm
Nature Discovery Day, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Drop in for a fun afternoon of nature discovery including nature games, art making, kite flying and more.
Thursday, 8/17; 3:30pm - 6:30pm
Teen Exploration Day: Fire Building 101, Camp Reinberg, Palatine
Learn different methods for fire building outdoors. Registration required.
Saturday, 8/19; 9am - 2pm
Hummingbird Fest, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Join us for activities, viewing, and demos of how the birds are banded for tracking and research.
Saturday, 8/19; 10:30am
Parent/Child Woodland Ramble, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Explore the secrets of the woods as we look for cool plants and creatures great and small! Registration required. Call 708-366-6530 for more information.
Wednesday, 8/23; 7:30pm - 9pm
Telescope Party, Swallow Cliff-South, Palos Park
Calling all amateur astronomers and night sky enthusiasts! Bring your own telescope or use ours for an evening of stargazing. Meet at Grove 2.
Friday, 8/25; 5pm - 7pm
Teen Exploration Day: Biodiversity Meetup, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Learn about local species, ecosystems and conservation issues through field investigations, animal encounters, conversations and more. Registration required. Ages 13 and up. Call 708-839-6897 for more information.
Saturday, 8/26; 9:30am - 12pm
Junior Nature Photography, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Learn how to capture nature through hands-on learning about cameras and photography. Registration required. All photography levels welcome. Ages 8 to 15. The deadline for registration is 8/23. Call 847-824-8360 for more information.
Saturday, 8/26; 10am - 12pm
Pedal the Preserves: Salt Creek Greenway, Twenty-Sixth Street Woods, LaGrange Park
In partnership with Ride Illinois, join us for a family-friendly biking event! Safety demonstration, techniques, tips, and guided ride. Registration required. Helmets and loaner bikes available. Call 312-533-5751 for more information.
Saturday, 8/26; 10am - 3pm
Summer Camp for Adults, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Enjoy a day of fun outdoor activities including survival skills, campfire cooking, hiking, and s’mores! Registration required. Call 847-381-6592 for more information. Fee $20.
Saturday, 8/26; 10:30am
Colors of the Forest - Natural Dyes, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Hands-on class teaching the traditional uses of plants and trees as dyes. In partnership with Trickster Gallery as part of a botanical photography exhibit at Trailside. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. Call 708-366-6530 for more information.
Saturday, 8/26; 6pm - 11pm
Busse Night Ride, Busse Lake Boating Center, Elk Grove
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to ride the Busse Woods trail at sunset, twilight or in the dark! Tickets include live music, bonfires, refreshments and more. Registration required. Please visit Forest Preserves website for details on registration and possible fees.
Saturday, 8/26; 6:30pm - 10pm
Summer Bonfire, Camp Shabbona Woods, South Holland
Join us at Camp Shabbona Woods as we celebrate summer with a bonfire, nature play, artmaking, lawn games, evening walks and more.
Sunday, 8/27: 10 am - 1 pm
Crabtree Nature Center Grand Re-Opening, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Celebrate the newly renovated Crabtree Nature Center! Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, visitors can enjoy tours of the updated nature center, guided walks, and nature play activities.
Tuesday, 8/29; 6am
Mingle in the Morning: Senior Walking Club, Eggers Grove, Chicago
Mingle with others interested in health, wellness, and the outdoors.
Wednesday, 8/30; 6pm
Twilight Canoe at Crabtree, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Explore natural wonders surrounding a local lake in a canoe at twilight. Registration required. Ages 12 and up. Call 847-381-6592 for more information.
Friday, 9/1; 9am
History & Photography Walk, Chicago Portage National Historic Hike, Lyons
Grab your camera and take a guided walk, stopping along the way to discuss the history of the site and to snap some pictures. Cameras not required.
Saturday, 9/2; 10am
International Vulture Awareness Day, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Learn about the important members of nature’s clean-up crew! Meet our turkey vulture and make a cute vulture craft.
Saturday, 9/2; 10am - 11:30am
Fire for the Forest, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Learn about the benefits of prescribed burns on a 1-mile walk.
Thursday, 9/7; 4:30pm - 7pm
Archery: Teen Exploration Day, Breman Grove, Tinley Park
Receive instruction from certified staff and try your hand at archery. Designed for teens ages 13 to 19. Call 312-415-2970 for more information.
Friday, 9/8; 4pm - 7pm
Faire at the Square, Cummings Square, River Forest
Enjoy this "creative-reuse carnival" with themed games made from repurposed materials! Win prizes, learn about nature, and more. Drop in event.
Saturday, 9/9; 10am
Dolomite Prairie Hike, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Enjoy a hike through Sagawau’ s Dolomite Prairie. Rough terrain. Ages 14 and up.
Saturday, 9/9; 10am - 2pm
Archaeology Day, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Pay homage to the Calumet Region’s Native American cultural history while investigating the artifacts that help tell their stories. Activities include archaeology displays, a mock archaeology dig, and more.
Saturday, 9/9; 10am - 4pm
A River Thru History - Des Plaines Valley Rendezvous, Columbia Woods, Willow Springs
Celebrates the history of when explorers and voyageurs paddled waterways, and trappers and hunters lived near the river systems. Visit Forest Preserves website for additional information.
Saturday, 9/9; 12pm - 3pm
Migrating Monarchs Celebration, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Learn about and view live monarch butterflies as we raise, tag, and release them so they can journey to Mexico.
Sunday, 9/10; 10am - 5pm
A River Thru History - Des Plaines Valley Rendezvous, Columbia Woods, Willow Springs
Celebrates the history of when explorers and voyageurs paddled waterways, and trappers and hunters lived near the river systems. Visit Forest Preserves website for additional information.
Sunday, 9/10; 11am - 2pm
Herbal Tea Party, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Walk our gardens to learn about native plants then sample different infused teas made from them.
Sunday, 9/10; 11am - 3pm
Art in Nature, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Celebrate creativity, music and color as all ages are invited to try different media and techniques to create art. Sculpt, paint, and draw to bring out your inner artist.
Thursday, 9/14; 4:30pm - 7pm
Archery, Dan Ryan Woods-Central, Chicago
Receive instruction from certified staff and try your hand at archery. Meet at Grove 5. Ages 10 and up. Junior archery for kids under 10 is available.
Thursdays, 9/14 through 11/2; 6pm - 8:30pm
Chess Night at Sand Ridge: Teen Exploration Day, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Come learn the game of chess, help construct a board and play a match. Ages 13 to 18.
Saturday, 9/16; 9am - 3pm
National Clean Up Day, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Help care for our natural world by joining us and making River Trail and the surrounding preserves cleaner. Pick up supplies onsite.
Saturday, 9/16; 10am - 12pm
Prairie Picking, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Help collect native plant seeds for replanting. Wear a hat, gloves, sturdy shoes, long pants, and long sleeves.
Saturday, 9/16; 1pm
Sweeping the Prairie, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
What kind of invertebrates can we find in the prairie and why is it important to know? Sweep net through the prairie and along the side from an accessible path to find out. Family program.
Saturday, 9/16; 5:30pm - 7pm
Afro-Brazilian Martial Arts, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Learn the different aspects of Capoeira (Afro-Brazilian martial arts) on a basic level and in a safe environment. We will incorporate movement, music, rituals, and history into this art form.
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