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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 7/23/2024 - 9/16/2024. Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes.
Thursday, 7/25; 8:30am
Forest Therapy, Bluff Spring Fen Nature Preserve, Elgin
Awaken your senses and renew your bond with nature with a Certified Forest Therapy Guide. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. Please call (773)758-8899.
Thursday, 7/25; 9am - 10:30am
Clean Up and Explore, Linne Woods, Morton Grove
Do your part to help keep the forest preserves clean! Litter pick-up supplies are available for check out. Registration required. Meet at Grove 2. Please call (773)758-8899.
Thursday, 7/25; 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Art in Nature, Swallow Cliff-North, Palos Park
Drop in and create land art, write a poem, and make tie dye using fruits and spices.
Thursday, 7/25; 6pm - 8:30pm
Learn to Fly Fish: On the Water, Horsetail Lake, Palos Park
We will review casting and other aspects of fly fishing. You can then practice fishing with additional instructions and tips. This event is presented by Ike Rhodes of Illinois Fly Fishing and the Village of Palos Park. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. For more information, please visit the website.
Friday, 7/26; 1pm
Dragons and Damsels, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Join us for a moderate 1-mile walk. We will watch aerial artists hunt and fight for territory in awe-inspiring aerial displays. Registration required. Ages 12 and up. Please call (630)257-2045.
Saturday, 7/27; 8am
Morning Cycle, Sauk Trail Woods-Central, Chicago Heights
Join us for a 16-mile bike ride. This event is geared for experienced cyclists. Please bring your own bike and bike helmet. For more information, please call (312)415-2970.
Saturday, 7/27; 10:30am
High Summer Nature Walk, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Families can join us for a guided walk to experience summer in the gardens and woods surrounding Trailside Museum. Registration required. This is a family program. Please call (708) 366-6530.
Saturday, 7/27; 10:30am - 1pm
Archery and Games, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Adults and families can join us and practice archery. You can have fun playing your favorite backyard games. Instruction, equipment, and games will be provided. For more information, please call (312)533-5751.
Saturday, 7/27; 1pm
Disability Pride Month: Sensory Walk, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
You can gain a new perspective of the world by using different senses.
Thursday, 8/1; 10am - 12pm
Adaptive Adventures: Rock Climb, Sauk Trail Woods-Central, South Chicago Heights
This event has rock climbing and cycling opportunities tailored for people of all ages with a primary physical disability. Registration required. For more information, please visit the website.
Thursday, 8/1; 11am - 2pm
Bat Chat, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
You can learn about these fascinating creatures while watching them over the river. Registration required by 7/30. Please call (847)824-8360.
Saturday, 8/3; 6:30am - 8am
Rise and Shine, Hummingbirds, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Bring your coffee to wake up with the hummingbirds. Registration required. Please call (630)257-2045.
Saturday, 8/3; 10am - 12pm
Green Lake Open Fishing Clinic, Green Lake Family Aquatic Center, Calumet City
Join us as we learn to fish with instructions. Registration required. A fishing license is required for participants ages 16 and up. Supplies and equipment will be provided. Please call (708)868-0606 or visit the website.
Saturday, 8/3; 10am - 1pm
Back-to-School Community Adventure Day, Caldwell Woods, Chicago
Welcome the school year with a day of community give-a-ways, school supply distribution, and adventure. You can enjoy activities such as archery, kids tree climbs, disc golf, artmaking, food, and much more! All ages. Donations are limited. This event is presented with ICNA Chicago, Niles-Maine Library, Hive Center for the Book Arts, and others. For more information, please call (773)758-8899.
Sunday, 8/4; 10:30am
Summer Prairie Blooms Walk, Silver Creek Family Picnic Area, Melrose Park
Join a naturalist for a short hike as we check out what’s in bloom at this fine nearby prairie. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. Please call (708) 366-6530.
Sunday, 8/4; 1:30pm
Cicadas: Teen Exploration Day, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Teens will explore the world of the cicadas. Registration required. Ages 13-17. Please call (708)839-6897.
Wednesday, 8/7; 6pm - 8pm
Camping and Cooking 101, Camp Reinberg, Palatine
This 2-hour workshop covers camping and outdoor cooking basics. Registration required. All ages. Camping and cooking gear will be provided. For more information, please visit the website.
Wednesday, 8/7; 8:45pm
Night Sky Walk, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Enjoy an evening walk in the largest Urban Night Sky Place in the world. Registration required. Please call (708)839-6897.
Friday, 8/9; 10am - 12pm
Craftpalooza, National Grove-South, North Riverside
Kids, get creative! You can help decorate a large canvas with stamps, paint, and markers. This event is presented with the North Riverside Public Library. For more information, please call (312)533-5751.
Saturday, 8/10; 10:30am
A Closer Look: Magnifier and Microscope Walk, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Join us and explore the tiny secrets of the woods. We will examine plants and small animals both on our walk and in our classroom. Registration required. Please call (708) 366-6530.
Sunday, 8/11; 6:30am - 8am
Rise and Shine, Hummingbirds, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Bring your coffee to wake up with the hummingbirds Registration required. Please call (630)257-2045.
Sunday, 8/11; 8:30am - 10am
Morning Mugs with a Naturalist, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Join our naturalist for a conservation about nature. Bring your own mug and we will provide the beverages.
Saturday, 8/17; 7am - 8:30am
Summer Shakeout, Orland Grassland-South, Orland Park
Enjoy a 1.6-mile walk or run through the prairie.
Saturday, 8/17; 9am - 2pm
Hummingbird Fest, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Join us for activities, viewing, and demos of how the birds are banded for tracking and research purposes.
Saturday, 8/17 through Sunday 8/18; 5pm
Camping 101: Overnight, Camp Reinberg, Palatine
This event is part workshop and part campout! You can learn camping skills and then spend the night. Registration required. The cost is $50 per family of 6 or less. For more information, please visit the website.
Wednesday 8/21; 6pm
Twilight Canoe, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Join us and explore the wonders of the lake. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. Please call (847)381-6592.
Wednesday 8/21; 7pm - 9pm
Night of Nature Play, Eggers Grove, Chicago
Open play, star gazing and s’mores. For more information, please call (312)415-2970.
Thursday, 8/22; 7:30pm - 9pm
Telescope Party, Swallow Cliff-South, Palos Park
Calling all amateur astronomers and night sky enthusiasts! Bring your telescope or use one of ours for an evening of stargazing.
Friday, 8/23; 6pm
Twilight Canoe, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Join us and explore the wonders of the lake. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. Please call (847)381-6592.
Saturday, 8/24; 6pm - 11pm
Busse Night Ride, Busse Lake Boating Center, Elk Grove Village
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to ride the Busse Woods trail at sunset, twilight or in the dark! Tickets include live music, bonfires, refreshments and more. Registration required. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 8/24; 6:30pm - 10pm
Summer Bonfire, Camp Shabbona, South Holland
Join us as we celebrate summer with a bonfire, activities, walks and more. For more information, please visit the website.
Sunday, 8/25; 9am - 5pm
CAMBr Meltdown. Pulaski Woods, Willow Springs
The Palos Meltdown is Chicagoland’s premier mountain bike event. This event has racing for all ages and abilities. This event is free for spectators. For more information, please visit the website.
Wednesday, 8/28; 6:30am - 8am
Rise and Shine, Hummingbirds, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Bring your coffee to wake up with the hummingbirds Registration required. Please call (630)257-2045.
Wednesday, 8/28; 4pm - 6pm
Pond Paddle, Thatcher Glen Pond, River Forest
Enjoy the afternoon outdoors by paddling. Registration required. Instruction, equipment, and kayaks will be provided. Please call (312)533-5751.
Saturday, 8/31; 7pm - 9pm
Starry Night Walk, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us for a guided walk, observe the night sky, and learn about the constellations and astronomy. Registration required. Please call (708)868-0606 or visit the website.
Sunday, 9/1; 1pm
“The Passenger Pigeon’s Flight to Extinction” Film Screening, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
The passenger pigeon was the continent's most abundant bird with a population in the billions. Martha was the last of the species and she died at the Cincinnati Zoo on September 1, 1914. This event will have a viewing of the film “The Passenger Pigeon’s Flight to Extinction” followed by a discussion with author, Joel Greenberg, and one of our naturalists. The discussion will cover the film, how we struggle to maintain biodiversity and the conditions necessary for human well-being. Registration required. Please call (630)257-2045.
Thursday, 9/3; 8:30pm
Astronomy and Technology, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
You can learn about the various apps used to raise awareness about the impact of light pollution on nocturnal wildlife. Registration required. Please call (708)839-6897.
Saturday, 9/7; 10am
Hummingbird Sit, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
You can spend some time in our hummingbird garden learning session with our staff.
Saturday, 9/7; 11am - 3pm
Art in Nature, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Join us and observe artists at work. There will be art activities for kids and adults. There will be music, dance, and artwork for sale. For more information, please call (847)381-6592.
Saturday, 9/7; 12pm - 3pm
Migrating Monarchs Celebration, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
You can learn about the migration route to Mexico and how you can help monarchs and other pollinators! You can see how monarchs are raised, tagged for tracking, and watch butterflies being released. There will be fun activities, kid’s crafts, traditional and indigenous celebrations, as well as educational displays. For more information, please call (708) 366-6530.
Sunday, 9/8; 6am
Night Sky Walk, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Join us for an early morning hike to experience the dawning of a new day. Registration required. Please call (708)839-6897.
Sunday, 9/8; 11am - 2pm
Conservation at Home: Herbal Tea Party, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Join us for a walk in our gardens. You will learn about native plants and sample infused teas made from them. For more information, please call (847)824-8360.
Friday, 9/13; 4pm - 7pm
Faire at the Square, Cummings Square, River Forest
Drop in and enjoy our carnival of creative and sustainable re-used materials. There will be an ice cream truck on-site. For more information, please call (312)533-5751.
Saturday, 9/14; 10am
Silver Creek Prairie Walk, Silver Creek Prairie, Melrose Park
Join us and learn about restoration efforts, goals, and ways you can get involved. Registration required. Ages 12 and up. Please call (708) 366-6530.
Saturday, 9/14; 10am - 2pm
Archaeology Day, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us and learn about the Calumet region’s cultural history. There will be activities which include archaeology displays, mock archaeology digs, and more. For more information, please call (708)868-0606 or visit the website.
Saturday, 9/14; 12pm - 3pm
Fall Nature Fest, LaBagh Woods, Chicago
Enjoy food, drinks, games, Jesse White Tumblers, animal ambassadors, free give-a-ways, and much more! This event will be held at groves 1-4. This event is presented by the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen, and others. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 9/14; 6pm - 8pm
Skate Party, Dan Ryan Woods, Chicago
Join us for a skating party! You can show off your skating skills and routines, or just roll along to the music. This event will be held at Grove 15. Participants must bring their own skates and safety gear. For more information, please call (312)415-2970.
Saturday, 9/14; 6:30pm - 10pm
Full Moon Paddle, Tower Road Boat Launch, Northfield
Join us for an exclusive after-hours moonlit paddle through the Skokie Lagoons. Registration required. Ages 8 and up. For more information, please visit the website.
Sunday, 9/15; 10am - 12pm
Pedal the Preserves: I and M Bicycle Trail, Husar I and M Parking Lot, Willow Springs
Join us for a family friendly bike ride. You will learn about safety, techniques, and tips. Bike helmets and loaner bikes will be available. This event is presented with Ride Illinois. For more information, please visit the website.
Sunday, 9/15; 1pm - 3pm
Teen Exploration Days: Kayaking, Camp Bullfrog Lake, Willow Springs
Enjoy an afternoon on Bullfrog Lake and learn paddling techniques. Registration required. Ages 13 and up. For more information, please visit the website.
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