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PROPOSED MISCELLANEOUS ITEM OF BUSINESS
Department: General Office
Chicago’s True Nature: The Forest Preserves of Cook County Documentary
WYCC PBS Chicago TV On-Air Screening Dates
Sunday, May 15th @ 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 21st @ 7:00 PM
Monday, May 16th @ 9:00 PM
Sunday, May 22nd @ 4:00 PM
Department: Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar - 5/11/2016 - 6/7/2016
Save the Date!
Tuesday, 6/7; 10 am - 2 pm
Live Healthy Discover Nature, Daley Plaza, Chicago
Join us after the June board meeting to celebrate all things in the Forest Preserve and kick off our summer programming. We are at Daley Plaza until 2 pm with information, giveaways, live animals and fun bird activities. The noontime performance with the Andean musical group Sisai is part of our #birdthepreserves initiative and celebrates birds’ migratory journey between North and South America.
Sundays in May and Saturdays in June; 10 amCanyon Tours, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Sagawau Canyon will highlight the geology of Northeastern Illinois. Hike is over rough terrain, and wading through a stream is necessary. Registration in person or by phone, starts the Monday prior to the program date. No groups. Space is limited.
Saturdays - Sundays, 5/7 - 10/30; 10 am - 5 pm; open Wednesdays until 8 pm, 6/8 - 8/31 (weather permitting)
Model Railroad Garden: Landmarks of America; Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
The 7,500-square-foot Model Railroad Garden features trains running on 1,600 feet of track. The garden-scale trains are 1/29th the size of life-size trains. Train and garden enthusiasts, young and old, return year after year for the delightful sights and sounds of the miniature trains traversing high and low through tunnels, across bridges, and around buildings. All are intricately handcrafted with natural materials, including twigs, bark, leaves, acorns, and pebbles. More than 5,000 tiny trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and flowering plants of close to 300 varieties re-create the topographical landscape of America. Vignettes of tiny people and animals give the exhibit a storybook feel, while sound effects and a working geyser capture visitors’ imaginations. Fee applies.
Thursday, 5/12; 4 - 6:30 pm
Nature Obstacle Course & Adventure Night, Bremen Grove, Grove 1,
400-6498 Nature Drive, Oak Forest
Attempt our nature obstacle course - created from all natural forest materials. Also, join our staff for archery instruction, nature crafts and other surprises. Archery for ages 10 & up; other activities for all ages. No reservation needed; call 312-533-5751 for more information.
Saturday - Sunday, 5/14 - 5/15
Camping Leadership Immersion Course; Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest
The CLIC overnight training course teaches camping equipment use and care, campground cooking, outdoor activities, teamwork and nature-based education. After completing this training, group leaders can borrow tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads and cookware for a group campout at Camp Sullivan. Training is required to gain access to gear. For more info, email experiencecamping@cookcountyil.gov <mailto:experiencecamping@cookcountyil.gov>.
Saturday, 5/14; 9 am - 3 pm
International Migratory Bird Day, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Spread your wings for bird conservation! Spend the day celebrating birds and learn how they continue to serve as indicators of environmental health.
Saturday, 5/14; 11 am - 3 pm
Nature Block Party: A Celebration of Biodiversity, Eggers Grove, 11201 S Ave B, Chicago
Discover the flora and fauna of the urban preserves. Join us for restoration activities, bird and tree hikes, games, biking and more!
Wednesdays and Fridays,
5/18 and 5/20 - McLaughry Springs; 5/25 and 5/27 - Bergman Slough
Birding in Your Preserves, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Some birds are specific to habitat type. Join us as we highlight different habitats by visiting a new preserve each week. Adults and interested teens. Registration required.
Thursday, 5/19; 5 - 8 pm
Navigation Unplugged, Thatcher Woods, 8030 Chicago Ave, River Forest
Come create art inspired by nature. Try your hand at a variety of projects with a creative reuse focus. All Ages. No registration required.
Saturday, 5/21 - Sunday, 5/22; 10 am
Malott Japanese Garden Children’s Festival; Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Enjoy a tea ceremony and shakuhachi flute performance, along with activities such as calligraphy and making original samurai helmets. Free.
Saturday, 5/21; 1:30 pm
Spring Constellation Mythology, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Ever wonder what constellations are in the night sky? Their names and mythology will be revealed during an informative discussion. Registration required. Ages 10+. Limit 25.
Sunday, 5/22; 8 am
Des Plaines Canoe and Kayak Marathon, 906 River Rd, Mt Prospect
Join the second oldest continual canoe race in the United States! Race begins at Oak Springs Road in Libertyville and ends at Dam #2 in Mount Prospect. Free for spectators. Race starts at 8 am. Activities at Dam #2 start at 11 am. To register, visit canoemarathon.com
Sunday, 5/22; 1 pm
Sunday Funday, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
We’ll search for crawling, slithering and flying creatures in this activity-packed program! Dress for the outdoors.
Sunday, 5/22; 1 - 3 pm
Trailside History Hike, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Enjoy a long guided hike to learn about the history of Trailside Museum and Thatcher Woods. Visit Native American sites, an abandoned village and more. Adults and children 12 & up. Register by 5/20.
Sunday, 5/22; 1:30 pm
Migratory Madness, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Find out the what, where, when, why and how of bird migration.
Sunday, 5/22; 1:30 pm
Wetlands of Sand Ridge, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us as we journey around Sand Ridge to investigate three distinct wetlands: marsh, swamp and ephemeral/vernal. We will take a look at their differences and discuss what wildlife might call each type of wetland home. Dress for the weather and be prepared for an hour-long hike.
Wednesday, 5/25; 4:30 - 7:30 pm
Skokie Lagoons Evening Tour, Skokie Lagoons
Tower Road Boat Launch, North Branch Trail, Winnetka
Drop in during your lunch hour for a relaxing way to enjoy the afternoon - paddling Big Bend Lake. Beginners welcome.
Daily, 5/28 - 9/5; 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 daily (weather permitting)
Butterflies & Blooms; Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
An outdoor butterfly garden where visitors can immerse themselves with hundreds of live tropical butterfly species from around the world. Visitors can also watch butterflies and moths as they hatch in the pupa and cocoon emergence room.
Fee applies
Saturday, 5/28; 11 am to 7 pm
Free Opening Day, Whealan Aquatic Center, Chicago; Cermak Family Aquatic Center, Lyons; Green Lake Aquatic Center, South Holland
Enjoy FREE fun in the water all day Saturday. Swim, splash or just plain cool off this season at one of the Forest Preserves’ three aquatic centers. From water slides to family play areas to scenic forest preserve views, our aquatic centers offer something for everyone. Check SwimFPDCC.com for regular daily hours and any changes
Wednesday, 6/1; 10 am - 2 pm
NATURE IS ACCESSIBLE!, Little Red School House Nature Center, Willow Springs
Visitors of all abilities are invited to celebrate nature through accessible activities. Nature Cat from the PBS Kids show will be joining us!
Saturday, 6/4; 8:30 am - 1 pm
Share the Trail, various locations
Look for our staff and volunteers along the trails on National Trails Day with info and giveaways throughout the Forest Preserves. And be sure to check out our Share the Trail website at fpdcc.com/stt!
Saturday, 6/4; 10:30 am - 12 noon
Planting for Pollinators, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Find out how to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden using native plants. Enjoy a walk through our garden and leave with a souvenir.
Registration Required. Interested teens and adults. Limit 20.
Saturday, 6/4; 1:30 pm
Live Healthy, Discover Nature! Hike, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join our monthly hiking club. A naturalist will lead a vigorous, four-mile hike on our trails.
Sunday, 6/5; 9 am - 12 pm
Commissioner Timothy O. Schneider’s Fishing Derby, Busse Woods, Schamburg
Bring your friends, family and fishing gear and try to catch the largest, small, longest or squirmiest fish. To register call 847-640-1632 or email tim.schneider@cookcountyil.gov and leave a name, address, email, phone number and number attending.
Sunday, 6/5; 12 - 4 pm
Explore the Forest: 100 Years and Growing!, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Celebrate the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Climb a tree! Touch a fish! Check out the restoration equipment! Pitch a tent! Try archery! See the many ways to enjoy the forest preserves. Special Activities at this Leave No Child Inside Event.
Sunday, 6/5; 1 pm
Companion Planting, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Myth or fact? Decide for yourself after learning all about the ideas behind it and how to apply it in your own garden. Univ. of IL Extension-led program. Adult program, register by 6/3.
Sunday, 6/5: 1:30 pm
Creature Feature: Reptiles, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Visit with some of our local reptiles to learn about their amazing adaptations.
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