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PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Department: Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar- 12/17/2019 - 1/21/2020
Throughout the winter (when there is snow)
Snowshoes
Snowshoes are available at 5 nature centers when snow is 4” or greater. Equipment is limited and is loaned with no charge on a first come, first serve basis. Driver’s license required.
Cross-country Skiing and Ski Rental
Starting December 21, as soon as conditions are skiable (frozen ground and 5” snow), Sagawau Nordic is open from 9am - 4pm. Trails will be open and groomed as snow conditions permit and could include a late start or an early finish. Watch our Facebook page and call 630-257-2045 for the most up-to-date trail conditions.
Ski Equipment Rental
Rentals available from 9 am-2 pm daily. Equipment must be returned by 3:45 pm. Rental package includes skis, bindings, boots and poles. Classic and skate skis available. All children and adult sizes. Visit Forest Preserve website for rental fees. Groups of 10 or more, Monday through Friday only. Schedule in advance.
Saturdays and Sundays, 12/21 - 12/22, Thursday through Tuesday 12/26 - 12/31; All day
Holiday Magic, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Now in its 38th year, celebrate Chicagoland’s largest and longest running lights festival. With over one million twinkling LED lights, a 41-foot talking tree, a skating rink, carolers, ice carvers and much more, it’s a magical time for the entire family.
Friday, 12/20; 7pm
Evening Owl Hike, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Join us for a talk about these nocturnal hunters. Afterwards we will look for these unique predators on a .5-mile hike.
Saturday, 12/21; 10am
Hike the Preserves-Fitness Hike, Sauk Trail Woods, Chicago Heights
Get some exercise, meet new people, and learn about your local Forest Preserves with this new program out on the trails. Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster pace with little to no stopping or interpretation.
Saturday, 12/21; 10am
Hike the Preserves-Walk and Talk, Midlothian Meadows, Midlothian
Get some exercise, meet new people, and learn about your local Forest Preserves with this new program out on the trails. Walk and Talk hikes are for the curious mind who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. These hikes will be led at a slower pace with frequent stopping and interpretation.
Saturday, 12/21; 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Winter Solstice Bonfire, Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs
Short hikes, hot cocoa, s’mores, music and stories around the bonfire. Plus, other entertainment and activities. $5/person. All ages.
Saturday, 12/21 through Sunday, 1/5
Winter Break Nature Fun, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
When kids are out of school, drop in for free, family-friendly indoor and outdoor nature activities. See schedule and watch our Facebook page for special offerings.
Monday, 12/23; 11am - 2pm
Winter Break-Out Adventure, Thatcher Woods Pavilion, River Forest
Come out for fun and adventure during winter break. Snowshoeing (conditions permitting), hikes and more.
Friday, 12/27; 11am - 2pm
Winter Break-Out Adventure, Rolling Knolls, Elgin
Come out for fun and adventure during winter break! Sledding and snowshoes (conditions permitting), hikes and more.
Friday, 12/27; 10am
Wild Wind, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Learn the science and patterns behind wind followed by a wind-themed artmaking activity.
Saturday, 12/28; 11am - 2pm
Winter Break-Out Adventure, Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest
Come for fun and adventure during winter break! Climbing wall, snowshoes (conditions permitting), hikes and more.
Monday, 12/30; 1pm
Raptor Rendezvous, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Learn about local owls and hawks, meet a live raptor and more.
Thursday, 1/2; 11am - 2pm
Winter Break-Out Adventure, Dan Ryan Woods, Chicago
Come for fun and adventure during winter break! Sledding and snowshoeing (conditions permitting), hikes and more.
Saturday, 1/4; 10am
New Year Nature Bath, Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs
Indoor talk, then a hike to awaken our senses to the sights, sounds and smells of nature in winter. Ages 18 and up.
Saturday, 1/4; 10am - 1pm
Winter Exploration Day: Stewardship and Winter Recreation, Beaubien Woods, Chicago
Help restore this unique ecosystem then enjoy a hike to explore winter animals. In partnership with the Field Museum.
Sunday, 1/5; 1pm
Survival Hike, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Let's survive a 2.9-mile hike while discussing and learning different methods used by animals to survive. Ages 18 and up.
Sunday, 1/5; 1:30pm
Wonderful Winter Wildlife, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Learn how local wildlife must sleep, move or adapt in order to survive Chicago winters.
Friday, 1/10; 5pm - 7pm
Winter Watercolors, Rolling Knolls, Elgin
Join us for a winter art workshop as we explore the beauty of nature through watercolor painting. Materials provided. Ages 21 and older. BYOB (no glass). Registration required.
Saturday, 1/11; 1pm - 3pm
All About Fire, Thatcher Woods Pavilion, River Forest
Learn safe practices for fire building and containment, then make your own fire and toast a marshmallow. All ages.
Saturday, 1/11; 9am
Fireside Yoga at Thatcher Woods, Thatcher Woods Pavilion, River Forest
Bring your mat and join us for an indoor yoga class surrounded by nature. Ages 12 and up.
Monday, 1/20; 12pm - 3pm
M.L.K. Jr. Day of Service, Dan Ryan Woods, Chicago
“Life’s most persistent and urgent questions is: What are you doing for others?”-Martin Luther King Jr
Remove invasive plants while learning about efforts being made to maintain heathy habitats. Enjoy sledding (weather permitting) and winter activities. Groups of 10 or more, register at 708-386-4042 Ext. 19.
Saturday, 1/18; 10am
Frozen Science, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Explore our frozen season by experimenting with freezing points of various items.
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