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PROPOSED MISCELLANEOUS ITEM OF BUSINESS
Department: Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary:
FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY CALENDAR - 2/12/2016 - 3/20/2016
Through Monday, 3/7; Open daily, 9 am - 4 pm
Cross-Country Ski Trails Open, Sagawau Nordic,
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Trails will be opened and groomed as snow conditions permit. All skiers must obtain a free trail pass. Rentals available until 2 pm. Rental equipment must be returned by 3:45 pm. Rental Rates: Individual-$15; Senior-$10; Family-$40. Must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by parent or guardian to rent skis. Equipment is for use at Sagawau only.
Saturdays and Sundays, through 3/6; 9:30 am
Beginner Cross-Country Ski Lessons, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Learn to ski with a professional instructor. Lessons cover the basic skills of flatland skiing and getting up and down easy hills. Ages 12 & up. First come, first served. Limit 12. Reservations not accepted. Please arrive by 9 am for registration and equipment fitting. $20/person.
Friday, 2/12; 7 pm
Love is in the Air, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Romance is in the air for all kinds of animals. Learn more, then go for a night hike on snowshoes (conditions permitting) and enjoy cocoa by the fire. Adults only. Registration required.
Saturday, 2/13; 9 am - 3 pm
Birch Leggings and the Birkie, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Bring out your wooden skis and wool knickers. Learn the history of the Birkebeiner Ski Race and how it became the greatest ski race.
Saturday, 2/13: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Sweetheart Night Hike, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Sweethearts are invited to enjoy the nature center at their leisure. Hike a short trail, roast marshmallows, then warm up inside with refreshments. Ages 21 & up. Register by 2/11. Limit 40. $10 per couple.
Saturday - Sunday, 2/13 and 2/14; 11 am - 3 pm
Darwin Celebration Days, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Celebrate Charles Darwin’s birthday! Join us as we explore adaptation, fitness, selection and survival through activities and displays. Drop-in program for adults and families.
Saturday, 2/13 and 2/27; 10 am - 4 pm
Snowshoe Trekking, Camp Bullfrog Lake, 9600 wolf Rd, Willow Springs
There’s no better way to experience the preserves in the winter than by snowshoe. Come on out and try our snowshoes (conditions permitting) for free. Open to the public. No registration required. Check facebook.com/campincook for snow conditions & updates. Snow conditions at each campground will be updated by 9 am on these Saturdays.
Saturday, 2/13 through Sunday, 3/13; 10 am - 4 pm
The Orchid Show; Regenstein Center, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
More than 10,000 blooming orchids from around the world will be found climbing up columns, handing from virtually every surface, and blooming in the surrounding space in the Greenhouses and Greenhouse Gallery of the Regenstein Center. This year, the orchid displays explore contracts. Ticket price applies.
Sunday, 2/15; 1 - 2:30 pm
Warm Hearts Hike, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Join us for a winter nature walk, as we discuss love in the animal world! Adult program. Register by 2/12.
Thursday, 2/18; 10 am - Noon
Animal Tracking: Print, Pattern and Place, 536 N Harlem Ave., River Forest
Join us as we investigate who’s been visiting our local preserve. Learn about the habits and adaptations of animals in winter, and make your own animal track to take home! All ages.
Friday, 2/19; 7 pm
Winter Night Hike, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Meet us for a night hike to learn about the nocturnal animals that live at River Trail. Then warm up inside with snacks and hot cocoa. Register by 2/17.
Sunday, 2/21 and Tuesday, 3/1; 2 pm
Library Talk: “Orchidology: Orchidaceous Investigations”; Lenhardt Library, Regenstein Center, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Come and learn more about orchids and see a special exhibit of books from the rare book collection of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Free.
Saturday, 2/27; Noon - 4 pm
Winter Exploration Day, Rolling Knolls, 11M260 Rohrssen Rd, Elgin
Get outside and enjoy winter in the preserves. This is a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy snowshoe nature hikes, cross-country skiing and sledding (weather permitting). We’ll also have winter crafts, a campfire and more. All ages.
Sunday, 2/28; 11 am - 3 pm
Black History Month: Underground Railroad Hike, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us to learn about Black History with an educational display and interactive history hike. An imaginary journey follows an Underground Railroad route used in Illinois in the mid-1800s.
Sunday, 2/28: 1 pm
This Old Birdhouse, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Prepare for the upcoming nesting season by constructing a birdhouse. Plans and placement suggestions included. One birdhouse per family. Ages 10 & up. Registration required. Space is limited. $5 fee.
Sunday, 2/28; 1:30 pm
Animal Encounters, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Many animals call our nature center home. Meet one of these animals during a casual afternoon encounter.
Sunday, 2/28; 3 pm - 5 pm
Seed Swap; Burnstein Hall, Regenstein Center
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Come with or without seeds to share and enjoy demonstrations, a lecture and information sessions. Free.
Saturday, 3/5; 10 am - 3 pm
Snowshoe Trekking, Camp Reinberg, 1801 N Quentin, Palatine
There’s no better way to experience the preserves in the winter than by snowshoe. Come on out and try our snowshoes (conditions permitting) for free. Open to the public. No registration required. Check facebook. com/campincook for snow conditions & updates.
Saturday, 3/5; 3 pm
One Earth Film Festival, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Join us at Thatcher Pavilion, 8030 Chicago Ave. for a free showing of the film Nature Play. A discussion and fun activities will follow the film. For festival details, visit oneearthfilmfest.org.
Sunday, 3/6; 1:30 pm
Pioneer Living, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Have you ever wondered what life was like 200 years ago? Visit our cabins and find out what Illinois’ pioneers experienced.
Saturday, 3/12; Noon - 4 pm
Winter Exploration Day, Thatcher Woods, 8030 W Chicago Ave., River Forest
Get outside and enjoy winter in the preserves. This is a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy snowshoe nature hikes, cross-country skiing and sledding (weather permitting). We’ll also have winter crafts, a campfire and more. All ages.
Monday, 3/14; 7:30 pm
Birds and the Cook County Preserves
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N Cannon Dr., Chicago
Judy Pollock of Living Habitats shares some unique birds found in the Cook County Forest Preserves and places to see them along with a mini-program on bird songs and calls. She will also share more info about local bird conservation projects, tips on bird finding, and the 2016 Cook County Big Year project.
Thursday, 3/17; 11 am - 2 pm
A Taste of Maple Syrup Fest, Cummings Square, 536 N Harlem, River Forest
Join us to celebrate the start of spring! Learn how real maple syrup is made and enjoy lunch from food trucks with maple syrup-focused menus. All Ages. No registration required.
Sunday, 3/20; 11 am - 3 pm
44th Annual Maple 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.
District(s): Districtwide
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