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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 10/22/2024 - 11/18/2024. Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes.
Thursday, 10/24; 10am - 12pm
Fall Color Excursion, Caldwell Woods, Chicago
Join us and explore the North Branch paved trail. You can experience the changing colors of local species. The event will begin at Grove 1. For more information, please call (773)758-8899.
Saturday, 10/26; 10am
Project Feeder Watch, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
This program will teach you how birds are adapting to environmental change. You will learn how to identify, count, and report bird species findings and how scientists interpret the data. Registration required. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Saturday, 10/26; 10am - 2pm
The Great Sand Ridge Tiny Pumpkin Hunt, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Discover hidden pumpkins on a fun scavenger hunt! You can take home your own pumpkin after finding them all. Supplies are limited. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes. For more information, please call (708) 868-0606.
Saturday, 10/26; 11am - 3pm
Nature Navigator, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Join us for a fun day packed with interactive outdoor learning experiences led by refugee youth leaders from the Refugee Education and Adventure Challenge organization also known as REACH. This event will be held at Grove 1. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 10/26; 11:30am
Day Hiking Leadership Training, Bemis Woods-North, Westchester
This program is great for teachers and the youth. You can learn about the tools needed to take groups into the preserves for the day. Registration required. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 10/26; 12pm - 3pm
Dan Ryan Music Jam, Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion, Chicago
Join us for an afternoon of music! You can play your own instrument or listen to local talent from the community. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 10/26; 1pm
Introduction to Orienteering, Trailside Museum, River Forest
This program will teach you the basics of finding your way with maps and baseplate compasses. Registration required. Ages 8 and up. Please call (708) 366-6530.
Sunday, 10/27; 10:30am
The Un-haunted Forest, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Join us for a magical walk. Registration required. The cost is $5 per child Registration and payment are required by 10/24. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes. Please call (847) 824-8360.
Sunday, 10/27; 12pm - 5pm
Trunk or Treat, Eggers Grove, Chicago
Join us for a family friendly Halloween event filled with activities and candy. This is a family program, and it is presented by the Cook County Forest Preserves and the East Side Chamber of Commerce. For more information, please visit the website.
Sunday, 10/27; 1pm
Fall Art, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Let the fall color be your inspiration as you paint and create leaf art. Registration required. Ages 3-7 with an adult. Please call (847) 381-6592.
Sunday, 10/27; 1:30pm
The Un-haunted Forest, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Join us for a magical walk. Registration required. The cost is $5 per child Registration and payment are required by 10/24. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes. Please call (847) 824-8360.
Sunday, 10/27; 2pm - 5pm
Spooky Stories and S’mores, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Families can trick-or-treat through Halloween-themed activity stations! The activities include pumpkin painting, making s’mores and listening to spooky children’s stories. This is a family program. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes. For more information, please visit the website.
Friday, 11/1; 4pm - 8pm
Dia de Los Muertos Artmaking and Night Hike, Eggers Grove, Chicago
Celebrate the history of Dia de los Muertos with artmaking and a night hike. For more information, please visit the website.
Friday, 11/1; 6:30pm
Dark Sky Walk, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Join us for a walk in an Urban Night Sky Place during the darkest night of the month while searching for stars and planets. Registration required. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Saturday, 11/2; 8:30am
Bird Walk, Eggers Grove, Chicago
Join a naturalist as we explore this preserve while looking for local birds.
Saturday, 11/2; 5pm - 8pm
Stars, Stories, and S’mores, LaBagh Woods, Chicago
Join us for this annual celebration for an evening in the Preserves. You can listen to storytelling, take a night hike, make s’mores, view stars, and more. The event will be held at Grove 2. This event is presented with Haugan Elementary School and the American Indian Health Services.
Saturday, 11/2; 6pm - 8pm
Owl-o-ween Prowl, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us for a not-so-spooky night! You can learn about and search for these amazing predators of the night. Registration required. Candy will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to wear costume. Please call (708) 868-0606.
Sunday, 11/3; 11am & 12:30 pm
GPS Scavenger Hunt, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
You can learn about and participate in a technology-inspired scavenger hunt. Registration required. Please call (847) 824-8360.
Sunday, 11/3; 1pm- 3pm
Makin’ Music Bluegrass Jam, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Join the jam or just listen! You can make a simple musical instrument from repurposed invasive plants or bring your own instrument. For more information, please visit the website.
Sunday, 11/3; 1:30pm
Walk and Talk: History of the Preserves, Camp Pine Woods, Mount Prospect
Join us for a walk that is led at a slower pace and learn more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas.
Wednesday, 11/6; 5:30pm - 7pm
Camping 101, Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest
You can learn about basic camping skills in this 1.5-hour long workshop. For more information, please visit the website.
Friday, 11/8; 5pm - 8 pm
Stars, Stories, and Smores, Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion, Chicago
Join us for s’mores by the fire, storytelling, astronomy and more.
Saturday, 11/9; 10am
Book Discussion: “Ignition” by M.R. O’Connor, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Join us for a book discussion on exploring cultural views on fire. We will celebrate National Native American Heritage Month with a focus on Pawnee traditions. For more information, please call (630) 257-2045.
Saturday, 11/9; 1pm
Fossil Quarry Tour, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
The indoor presentation will teach you about Chicago’s ancient history through fossils. We will then visit a fossil reserve quarry. Registration required. Please call (630) 257-2045.
Sunday, 11/10; 1:30pm
Sugar Shack Time Machine, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Travel through time as we open our sugar shack and learn about the history of maple syrup. Registration required. Registration is required by 11/7. Please call (847) 824-8360.
Monday, 11/11; 1pm
Plants in the Military, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Join us on Veteran’s Day as we explore how plants are used in the military. For more information, please call (847) 381-6592.
Thursday, 11/14; 1pm - 3pm
Archery, Brookfield Woods, Brookfield
Participants can learn the learn the basics of archery. Ages 10 and up. Equipment will be provided. For more information, please call (312) 533-5751.
Friday, 11/15 through Monday, 11/18; 4:30pm - 11pm
Lightscape, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Join us and embrace the spirit and beauty of the season with glowing of lights, art, and music! We are celebrating our sixth year of this annual holiday celebration. We are taking this year’s celebration to new heights and lights with our re-imagined trail that will have dazzling installations debuting in the U.S. for the first time. You can leave your to-do list at home and make lasting memories at Lightscape. This event has tiered cost and timeslots. For more information, please visit the website.
Friday, 11/15; 5pm
River Trail Nightlife: Owl Prowl, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
A guided walk to search for local owls. Registration required by 11/12. Ages 8 and up. Please call (847) 824-8360.
Friday, 11/15; 6pm - 9pm
Pride Night, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Join us for a walk on candlelit trails and enjoy a hot cocoa bar and s’mores at a bonfire. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. LGBTQ2S+ people and allies are welcomed. This event is presented with the Kenneth Young Center. Please call (847) 381-6592.
Friday, 11/15; 7pm
River Trail Nightlife: Owl Prowl, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
A guided walk to search for local owls. Registration required by 11/12. Ages 8 and up. Please call (847) 824-8360.
Friday, 11/15; 7:30pm
Full Moon Nature Walk, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Enjoy a night walk on Sagawau trails. Registration required. Please call (630) 257-2045.
Sunday, 11/17; 9am - 12pm
Teen Exploration Day: Stewardship, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Join us to protect our natural areas by collecting seeds or removing invasive species. Registration required. Equipment will be provided. For more information, please visit the website.
Sunday, 11/17; 10am
National Take a Hike Day, Country Lane Woods, Willow Springs
Celebrate National Take a Hike Day by hitting the trail with a naturalist on a 5-mile hike.
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