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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 3/11/2025 - 4/7/2025
Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes.
Thursday, 3/13 through Friday, 3/14; 11:45pm - 2:30am
Total Lunar Eclipse, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Join us as we watch this celestial phenomenon unfold into the wee hours of the morning. Registration required. Participants must bring a chair. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Friday, 3/14; 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Full Moon Walk and Paint, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Enjoy a moonlit hike and create a full moon masterpiece with step-by-step instructions. Registration required. Please call (847) 381-6592.
Saturday, 3/15; 10:30am
Sap’s Rising, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Join us for a walk in the sugar maple forest as winter comes to an end. You will learn about the sweet history of maple syrup making. Registration required. Please call (847) 824-8360.
Saturday, 3/15; 1pm - 3pm
Season of the Salamanders, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Enjoy a hike while learning about the ecology of these amphibians and their seasonal breeding pools. Registration required. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Saturday, 3/15; 1:30pm
Sap’s Rising, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Join us for a walk in the sugar maple forest as winter comes to an end. You will learn about the sweet history of maple syrup making. Registration required. Please call (847) 824-8360.
Sunday, 3/16; 11am - 3pm
Maple Syrup Festival, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Celebrate the arrival of spring with a special day of activities including crafts, games, tree tapping and maple syrup history with sample tastes. For more information, please call (847) 824-8360.
Sunday, 3/16; 12pm - 2pm
Tree Cookie Painting, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Paint and enjoy the last scenes of winter before spring arrives. Registration required. Please call (708) 868-0606.
Sunday, 3/16; 1pm
Drawing Wildlife, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Join us and learn artistic techniques to capture the beauty of wildlife. Registration required. Ages 16 and up. Art supplies will be provided. Please call (630) 257-2045.
Thursday, 3/20; 1pm - 3pm
Spring Equinox, Schiller Woods-East, Chicago
A celebration of renewal with Native dancing, drumming, storytelling and a planting demonstration. This program is presented by the American Indian Center and will be held at Grove 13. For more information, please call (312) 533-5751 or visit the website.
Saturday, 3/22; 10am
Stroll Into Spring, Miller Meadow-South, Forest Park
Join us for a short stroll on a 1.7-mile paved loop trail. This program is perfect for strollers, wheelchair users, or those with limited mobility. This program will begin at Grove 6 and the trail walk will include multiple resting points. For more information, please call (312) 533-5751 or visit the website.
Saturday, 3/22; 1pm
World Water Day, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
World Water Day returns! Join us for an indoor presentation to celebrate and recognize the critical role water plays in our world. For more information, please call (630) 257-2045.
Saturday, 3/22; 1pm - 3pm
Spring Eggstravaganza, Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, Chicago
Drop-in and celebrate the changing season and its importance in various cultures! You will explore this historic preserve and the wildlife that calls it home. This event will include many activities like arts and crafts, themed walks and more. For more information, please call (773)758-8899.
Saturday, 3/22 through Sunday, 3/23; 5:30pm
Camping Leadership Immersion Course, Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest
This overnight course teaches essential camping skills. Once you complete the course, bring groups up to 30 people for an overnight stay. Registration required. The cost is $25 per person. Training is required to access camping gear. For more information, please visit the website.
Sunday, 3/23; 1pm
Accessible Spring Ephemeral Walk, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Join a naturalist as we take a short walk along the paved areas at Sagawau. You can view the earliest Spring blooms. Registration required. Please call (630) 257-2045.
Monday, 3/24; 9am - 3pm
Mental Health First Aid Certification, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
The Mental Health First Aid for Adults Certification class will teach you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. Registration required. Please call (847) 381-6592.
Monday, 3/24 through Wednesday, 3/26; 12pm - 3pm
Dagwaag Camp, Rolling Knolls Pavilion, Elgin
Join us and learn the significance of spring in Native American culture while participating in various themed activities. This program is presented by Trickster Cultural Center. For more information, please call (773)758-8899.
Tuesday, 3/25 through Thursday, 3/27; 9am - 12pm
Spring Break Camp: Forces of Nature, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Explore the forces of earth, wind, water and fire through games, outdoor play and crafts. This program requires in-person registration. Ages 7-12. The cost is $30 per child. Please call (847) 381-6592.
Wednesday, 3/26; 10am - 1pm
Spring Break Fest, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Youth and families, enjoy time out of school! The activities include archery, building and playing with natural materials, learning orienteering, painting a bird house and more. For more information, please call (312) 533-5751 or visit the website.
Wednesday, 3/26; 12pm - 2pm
Outdoor Lab: Pond Dipping, Eggers Grove, Chicago
Drop-in and learn about the hidden life of vernal pools through an outdoor lab. For more information, please call (224)763-4317 or visit the website.
Thursday, 3/27; 11am - 1pm
Spring Breakout Adventures, Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, Chicago
Drop-in and try a variety of outdoor recreation activities while spending school break in nature. For more information, please call (773)758-8899.
Thursday, 3/27; 5:30pm
Camping 101, Camp Bullfrog Lake, Willow Springs
Join us for a workshop to learn basic camping skills like how to set up a tent, build a fire, dress for the weather and more! For more information, please visit the website.
Friday, 3/28; 11am - 2pm
Spring Breakout Adventure, Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center, Chicago
Explore, discover and create! Enjoy your break outdoors with several outdoor recreation activities. For more information, please call (224)763-4317 or visit the website.
Friday, 3/28; 7pm
Woodcock Walk, Wolf Road Prairie, Westchester
Join us and witness the amazing spring courtship flight of the male woodcock at Wolf Road Prairie. Registration required. This program will be led by John Elliott of the Chicago Bird Alliance. Please call (708) 366-6530.
Saturday, 3/29; 10am
ESL Walking Club, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Take a guided walk and discuss nature related topics with other adult English Language Learners. For more information, please call (847) 381-6592.
Saturday, 3/29; 10am - 2pm
Women in the Wilds Expo, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us and celebrate women in conservation and the natural sciences with presentations. This program will include hands-on activities as well as information on promoting job and volunteer opportunities. Light refreshments will be provided. Please call (708) 868-0606.
Saturday, 3/29; 11:30am
Day Hiking Leadership Training, Bemis Woods-North, Oak Brook
Calling all teachers and youth educators! This program provides free training on tools needed to take groups out to the Forest Preserves for the day. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 3/29; 12pm- 3pm
Music Jam, Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, Chicago
Create music with the community and listen to local talent. Participants can bring your own instrument. For more information, please call (773)758-8899.
Sunday, 3/30; 1pm
Worst Case Scenario Hike, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Enjoy a short hike and learn day hiking safety, packing tips and more. Registration required. Ages 13 and up. Please call (708) 366-6530.
Sunday, 3/30; 1:30pm
Tree Faces, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Join us and make faces on our trees with natural materials. For more information, please call (847) 824-8360.
Wednesday, 4/2; 10am - 12pm
World Autism Awareness Day-Sensory Kit for the Outdoors, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
We are launching our sensory kit for our neurodiverse community to make outdoors accessible! For more information, please call (847) 381-6592.
Saturday, 4/5; 10:30am - 2pm
Fire for the Forest, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Join us and learn the basics of prescribed burns followed by a 1-mile hike. Registration required. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Saturday, 4/5; 1pm
Sagawau’s Unseen Wetlands, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Explore and observe the flora and fauna that inhabits Sagawau’s springs and ephemeral pools. Registration required. Ages 13 and up. Participants must bring a pair of hiking boots. Please call (630) 257-2045.
Saturday, 4/5; 1pm - 2pm
Teen Exploration Day: Wilderness Survival 101, Busse Forest-South, Elk Grove Village
This hands-on program demonstrates how to use the natural resources around you. For more information, please call (773)758-8899.
Saturday, 4/5; 7pm
Woodcock Watch, Country Lane Woods, Willow Springs
Join us and witness the magical courtship display of the male woodcock. Registration required. Participants must bring binoculars. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Sunday, 4/6; 9:30am
Tails on our Trails, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Soak in the fresh air as you and your dog explore and discover nature together. Registration required. Each dog must have an adult present. Please call (847) 824-8360.
Sunday, 4/6; 11am - 2pm
Arab American Celebration, Maple Lake Boating Center, Willow Springs
Join us for a celebration of Arab American Heritage Month. This program will honor Arab American culture and contributions through art making, cultural showcases, food and more. For more information, please call (312) 533-5751 or visit the website.
Sunday, 4/6; 1pm
Tails on our Trails, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Soak in the fresh air as you and your dog explore and discover nature together. Registration required. Each dog must have an adult present. Please call (847) 824-8360.
Sunday, 4/6; 1pm - 3pm
Earth-a-Palooza, Linne Woods, Morton Grove
Join us for an eco-friendly family fun fest! This event will include many activities such as guided walks, Junior Rangers program, bird watching, touch-a-truck, tree climbing, crafts and a visit from Brookfield Zoo. For more information, please call (773)758-8899.
Sunday, 4/6; 1pm - 3pm
Makin’ Music Bluegrass Jam, Thatcher Woods Pavilion, River Forest
Drop-in and make a musical instrument or bring your own. All ages are welcome to play or listen. For more information, please call (708) 366-6530.
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