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PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Department: Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar- 3/15/2022 - 4/5/2022
Please check the Forest Preserve of Cook County’s website, www.fpdcc.com/events, for updates and changes.
Wednesday, 3/16; 11am - 2pm
Celebrate Spring Fest, Cummings Square, River Forest
Build and play with natural materials: make a decorative terrarium, paint a bird house, and participate in other activities.
Thursday, 3/17; 7pm - 9pm
Salamander Night Walk, Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs
Join a naturalist to discuss habitats of salamanders and search for these amazing amphibians, which are making a remarkable seasonal migration. Ages 10 and up. Registration required.
Friday, 3/18; 7:30pm
Moon Walk, Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs
Let the full moon be our guide as we walk the 1-mile White Oak trail. Bring binoculars, limited pairs to lend. Registration required.
Friday, 3/18; 6:30pm
Woodcock Walk, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
After a short introduction to the American woodcock, take a walk to observe the males spiraling upward in the darkening sky. Ages 7 and up. Registration required.
Saturday, 3/19; 1pm - 3pm
North Branch Scavenger Hunt Series, Edgebrook Woods, Chicago
Search for clues to discover what makes different Preserves unique.
Saturday, 3/19; 1pm
Shades of Green Hike, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Grab a warm cup of green tea and hike to see what green signs of spring are sprouting and if any leprechauns are visiting.
Sunday, 3/20; 1:30pm
What is the Vernal Equinox? Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Learn about the official start of spring and its seasonal effects on the nature around us. Registration required.
Sunday, 3/20; 11am - 3pm
Maple Syrup Festival River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Celebrate the arrival of spring with walks, maple syrup information and more. Call 847-824-8360 for more information.
Sunday, 3/20; 11am
Spring Equinox Walk, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Welcome the first day of the spring season with a walk to view migrating birds, emerging insects, spring wildflowers, and animals building homes. Registration required. Call 708-366-6530.
Wednesday, 3/23; 10am - 12pm
Spring Break Camp: Animals in Motion, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Fly, run, swim or leap into this activity-packed camp. Enjoy games, crafts, and nature hikes! Ages 7 to 10. $10 per child. Registration required.
Wednesday, 3/23; 10am
Waterfowl Watch, Sagawau Nature Center, Lemont
Meet at McGinnis Slough to peer through a spotting scope and watch for migratory waterfowl. Ages 14 and up. Registration required. Call 630-257-2045.
Thursday, 3/24; 10am - 12pm
Spring Break Camp: Animals in Motion, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Fly, run, swim or leap into this activity-packed camp. Enjoy games, crafts, and nature hikes! Ages 7 to 10. $10 per child. Registration required.
Saturday, 3/26; 10am - 2pm
Reptile Rendezvous, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Meet our ambassador reptiles up-close. Learn about their unique adaptations and discover what makes them different from amphibians.
Saturday, 3/26; 11:30am
Day Hiking Leadership Training, Bemis Woods-North, Western Springs
Calling all teachers, group leaders & youth educators! The Day Hiking Leadership Training program gets youth and groups of all ages outside by empowering teachers and group leaders with the skills and resources they need to lead safe and fun outdoor experiences. We will focus on, thoughtful trip planning, risk management practices, memorable outdoor activities, outdoor ethics, hiking best practices, appropriate gear and more. Training will include two mandatory portions: an online portion available starting two weeks prior, consisting of classroom work and an in-person portion on Saturday, Mar 26. In-person portion will include a group day hike, gear inventory and lending processes. Online portion must be complete prior to the in-person portion. Registration required. Participants must be at least 18 years or older, be affiliated with an organization and be present on hiking trips when borrowing gear.
Saturday, 3/26; 1pm
Cook County Carnivores, Sagawau Nature Center, Lemont
Use a key and replicas of skulls to identify our local carnivores. Examine their pelts and learn about their life cycles. Ages 10 and up. Registration required.
Sunday, 3/27; 1:30pm
Bucket Bug Hunt, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Hike through the sugar bush to find out who has fallen into our sap buckets.
Sunday, 3/27; 8am
Here Comes the Sun, Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs
Let the sun start your day. Enjoy naturalist-led mindfulness activities and a short hike to help mind, body, and spirit sync with the rhythms of the natural world. Registration required.
Wednesday, 3/27; 10am
Waterfowl Watch, Sagawau Nature Center, Lemont
Meet at McGinnis Slough to peer through a spotting scope and watch for migratory waterfowl. Ages 14 and up. Registration required. Call 630-257-2045.
Wednesday, 3/30; 11am - 2pm
Spring Breakout Adventure, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Youth and families, enjoy time out of school with activities including animal encounters, nature play, hikes, and other fun during this drop-in program.
Friday, 4/1; 11am - 2pm
Spring Breakout Adventure, Sauk Trail Woods, Chicago
Spend your time on break, outside! Enjoy a chance to try your hand at several outdoor recreation activities. Explore, discover, and create!
Friday, 4/1; 6:30pm
Woodcock Walk, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
After a short introduction to the American woodcock, take a walk to observe the males spiraling upward in the darkening sky. Ages 7 and up. Registration required.
Friday, 4/1; 7pm
Woodcock Walk, Wolf Road Prairie, Westchester
Witness the amazing spring courtship flight of the male woodcock bird at Wolf Road Prairie near Westchester. Led by John Elliot of Chicago Audubon. Ages 18 and up. Registration required. Call 708-366-6530.
Saturday, 4/2; 1pm
Signs of Spring, Sagawau Nature Center, Lemont
How do plants and animals respond to the longer days? Join us for a trail hike looking for signs of spring’s arrival. Registration required. Call 630-257-2045.
Sunday, 4/3; 1pm - 3pm
Pond Dipping, Bode Lake, Streamwood
Net dip to investigate macroinvertebrates and learn what they can tell us about aquatic habitats. Ages 5 and up. Registration required.
Sunday, 4/3; 11am, 12:30pm, and 2pm
GPS Scavenger Hunt, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Learn about and participate in a technology-inspired scavenger hunt.
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