title
PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Department: Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar- 2/7/2023- 3/14/2023
Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes.
Wednesday, 2/8; 10am - 12pm
Poetry Trail: Black History Month, Bemis Woods-South, Western Springs
In honor of Black History Month, walk a short, looped trail and read poetry for children written by Black authors along the way.
Friday, 2/10; 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Nature of Love, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us for s’mores around the fire while learning about friendship, family and love among our local wildlife. Registration required.
Saturday, 2/11; 11am - 2pm
Winter Exploration Day, Thatcher Woods Pavilion, River Forest
In partnership with the Portage Creek Boy Scouts, join us for winter activities including hikes, broom hockey, orienteering and more.
Saturday, 2/11; 6pm
Sweetheart Night Hike, Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs
Bring your favorite person to this guided walk. Learn about the romance of the forest at a bonfire. Ages 18 and up.
Sunday, 2/12; 1:30pm
Superb Owl Party, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Help us celebrate owls with crafts and activities. All ages.
Saturday, 2/18; 10:30am (Zoom)
Conservation at Home: Go Native and Get Wild, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Learn about the many benefits of gardening using native plants! Registration required.
Call to register and receive Zoom link.
Saturday, 2/18; 6am - 9am
Sunrise Nature Photography, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
An outdoor workshop focusing on amazing winter scenes. Registration required by 1/30. Location provided upon registration. Ages 13 and up.
Monday, 2/20; 1pm - 3pm
Snowy Play Day, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Drop in for snow day fun. Snow toys and activities will be available for outdoor family fun! Weather dependent; call for conditions.
Saturday, 2/25; 10:30am
Amazing Winter Residents, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Come for a walk on our scenic trails as we discuss some of the amazing year-round residents of the Preserves. Family program. Registration required.
Saturday, 2/25; 10am - 12pm
Frozen Feathers, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Let's take a short walk to see which resident birds we find and who is getting a head start on spring migration. Bring binoculars or borrow ours. Ages 10 and up. Registration required.
Saturday, 2/25; 10am - 12pm
Black History Month Celebration, Matthew Bieszczat Volunteer Resource Center (VRC), Chicago
Learn about Black environmentalists and the history of the Forest Preserves’ trails as it relates to the Underground Railroad Movement. Registration required.
Saturday, 2/25 and Sunday, 2/26; 10am - 3pm
Underground Railroad Walks, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us on a self-guided journey that follows the Underground Railroad route connected to the Calumet Region during the mid-1800’s.
Sunday, 2/26; 6pm - 8pm
Season of the Salamanders Walk, Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs
Discover if salamanders have begun their annual migration. Registration required.
Sunday, 2/26; 1pm
Snowshoe Walk, Camp Reinberg, Palatine
Enjoy the preserves in snowshoes. Registration required. Snow-shoes provided; 4” of snow required. If snowshoeing is not possible, walks and other activities will be offered. Programs begin at 1pm.
Tuesday, 2/28; 3pm - 5pm
Animal Olympics Trail, Miller Meadow-South, Maywood
Families and kids, follow the trail and compete in activities during a fun test of human abilities versus animal abilities! Complete all challenges to claim gold medal.
Saturdays, 3/4 and 3/11; 10:30am or 1:30pm
Sap’s Rising, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Walk in the sugar maple forest as winter comes to an end and learn about the sweet history of maple syrup making.
Sunday, 3/5; 1pm - 3pm
Makin’ Music Bluegrass Jam, Thatcher Woods Pavilion, River Forest
Make a simple instrument from invasive plants or bring your own guitar, fiddle, etc. and join the jam! All are welcome to join or just listen. All ages.
Wednesday 3/8; 5:30pm - 7pm
Camping 101, Camp Reinberg, Palatine
Free workshop covering basic camping skills.
Saturday, 3/11; 10am and 2pm
Maple Tree Tapping, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Join us on a short hike as we discuss the history of tapping and tap a maple tree to taste some fresh sap as well as finished syrup. Registration required. Family program.
Saturday, 3/11; 1pm
Crabtree History Hike, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Experience a walk-through time together as we discuss the early days of Crabtree Nature Center and what came before.
Saturday, 3/11; 11am - 1pm
Conservation at Home: Kickstart your Garden! Matthew Bieszczat Volunteer Resource Center (VRC), Chicago
Learn about sustainable at-home gardening and conservation practices. Talk to local organizations about native gardening. Presentation at noon. Drop-in.
Saturday, 3/11; 10am
Women’s History Month Walk, Thatcher Woods Pavilion, River Forest
Join us for a hike during which we’ll highlight conservation leader Isabel Bassett Wasson and the work and discoveries she made at Thatcher Woods.
Saturday, 3/11; 8am
Be a Better Birder: Field ID, Eggers Grove, Chicago
Field test the skills you have learned virtually out in the preserves. Registration required. Only open to those who have completed Be a Better Birder: Intro to Bird ID.
Sunday, 3/12; 10am
Women’s Wilderness Walk, Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs
Celebrate Women’s History Month with a guided walk and learn about the women who helped shape the environmental conservation movement. All ages.
end