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Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar - 12/16/2014 - 1/31/2015
Thursday, 12/18; 6 - 8 am
Solstice Sunrise Celebration, Cummings Square, River Forest
Help us welcome the sunrise with a fire and live music as we approach the shortest day of the year!
Saturday, 12/20 - 3/2
Cross-Country Ski Trails Open, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Trails will be opened and groomed as snow conditions permit. Sagawau Nordic is open daily,
9 am - 4 pm. All Skiers must obtain a free trail pass. Rentals available until 2 pm. Equipment must be returned by 3:45 pm. Call for exact opening date.
Saturday, 12/20; 2 pm or 4 pm
Christmas Concert, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Music makes the holiday come alive! Celebrate with Christmas music and entertainment by the Chicago Brass Band. Fee applies.
Sunday, 12/21; 11 am or 1 pm
Hanukkah Concert, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
You can picture the latkes sizzling as the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band performs in the Alsdorf Auditorium. Fee applies.
Sunday, 12/21; 1 pm
Snow Wonder, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Snow is a wonder! Learn about this magical crystal and have some fun with snow-themed crafts. Registration required.
Sunday, 12/21; 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Winter Solstice Bonfire, Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs
Celebrate the shortest day of the year with a nature walk, bonfire and trimming of the wildlife tree. In-person registration is required, starting December 1; $3 per person.
Mondays, 12/22 and 12/29; 12 noon - 4 pm
Winter Breakout Adventures
12/22 - Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion, Chicago
12/29 - Thatcher Woods Pavilion, River Forest
Don't let the chilly winter bring you down! Embrace your time off from school and head outdoors! Youth and families, join us for winter adventure and fun with activities like shelter building, GPS hikes, animal pelt stations and winter-themed games.
Come for the day or just an hour. Call 708-836-4042 Ext 23 for details.
Saturday, 12/27; 1 pm
A Winter's Walk, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Enjoy a guided nature walk followed by treats and cocoa by a campfire. Family program. Dress for the weather. Register by December 24. $2 per person.
Saturday, 12/27; 1:30 pm
Family Movie Fest, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Slow down and join us for a nature movie. We'll supply the popcorn.
Sunday, 12/28; 1:30 pm
To Snooze or Not to Snooze? River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Why do some animals sleep through the winter while others brave the season? We'll explore this mystery while examining wildlife artifacts and behaviors.
Thursday, 1/1; 9 - 11 am
Happy Canoe Year, Willow Road Dam, North of Forest Way and Willow Road, Winnetka
Experienced paddlers bring your canoe or kayak and ring in the New Year by paddling down the Chicago River from Willow Road Dam to Linne Woods in Morton Grove. Shuttle runs 8 am - 2 pm from Linne Woods (Dempster S.t and Ferris Ave.) to Willow Road Dam.
Saturdays and Sundays , 1/3 - 3/1; 9:30 am
Beginner Cross-Country Ski Lessons, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Learn to ski with a professional instructor. Ages 12 & up. First come, first served. Limit 12. Reservations not accepted. Please arrive by 9 am for registration and equipment fitting.
Saturday,1/3; 10 am - 12 noon
Snowshoe Hike, Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs
Learn how to use snowshoes as we explore the wonderful winter world outside! Ages 8 & up. Registration required. Limit 20.
Sunday, 1/4; 1 pm
Snow and S'Mores, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Join us in our nature play area for a campfire and winter fun. Dress for the outdoors.
Sunday,1/4; 1 pm
New Year's Resolution Walk, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Fulfill your resolution to be more active and come hike with us. Then warm up with hot cider. Register by January 2.
Friday, 1/9; 7 pm
Owl Prowl, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
We'll take a hike outside to try and call some local owls. Afterwards, warm up with snacks and hot cocoa while looking at owl artifacts. Ages 16 & up. Register by January 7.
Saturday, 1/10; 12 noon - 4 pm
Winter Exploration Days, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Get outside and enjoy winter in your local 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 arts and crafts, a campfire and more. All ages.
Friday, 1/16; 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 January 14.
Monday, 1/19; 12 noon - 3 pm
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion, Chicago
Celebrate Dr. King's birthday with service and other activities. Learn about conservation, restoration and invasive species, and help us burn a brush pile.
Tuesday, 1/20; 5 - 7 pm
Winter Wellness in the Woods, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Reap the benefits of exercising outside in nature. Instructor-led workouts will include a variety of winter-related activities. Learn how to dress for exercise in cold conditions.
Call 708-836-4042 Ext 23 to reserve a spot.
Saturday, 1/31; 10 am - 3 pm
Windy City Harvest Youth Farm Facilitator Training,
Plant Science Center - Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Join staff from the Garden's Windy City Harvest for a day focused on youth development in an urban agriculture or a school garden setting. Fee applies.
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