title
PROPOSED MISCELLANEOUS ITEM OF BUSINESS
Chicago’s True Nature: The Forest Preserves of Cook County Documentary
WYCC PBS Chicago TV On-Air Screening Dates
• Saturday, June 11 at 7 pm
• Wednesday, June 22 at 10 pm
• Monday, July 11 at 9 pm
• Saturday, July 16 at 8 pm
Department: Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar
Today!
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.
Saturdays in June & Sundays in July; 10 am
Canyon 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.
Mondays, 6/6 - Thursdays, 9/1
Sounds of Summer; Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
As the days get longer, music fills the Garden Mondays through Thursday evenings. Picnics are allowed on concert nights, and the Garden View Café and Garden Grille are open for pre-concert dining. Monday evenings feature Carillon Concerts; Tuesdays evenings are “Music on the Esplanade;” “Dancin Sprouts,” performances for kids, is Wednesday evenings; and Thursdays dance music is featured during “Hot Summer Nights.” Free.
Saturday, 6/11; 10 am
The Sun, Our Nearest Star, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
View the sun through a filtered telescope with our staff astronomer. Learn amazing facts about our nearest star. A slide program will be presented in poor weather. Register by 6/8.
Saturday, 6/11; 11 am - 1 pm
Gardening with Natives, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Learn more about native plants and their importance in the ecosystem. Master Gardeners will share information on native plants, provide tips on planting and answer questions.
Saturday, 6/11; 11 am - 3 pm
Beaubien Woods Celebration, Beaubien Woods, I-94 & Doty Ave, Chicago
Enjoy this annual family event held in partnership with Fishin’ Buddies and the Calumet Stewardship Initiative. Fish, explore and build with natural materials, hike and more! Register online at fishin-buddies.net/beaubiencelebration
Sundays, 6/12 and 7/10; 10 - 11:30 am
Yoga in the Woods, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
A 1.5-mile hike and yoga set to the sounds of nature will leave you in a relaxed and peaceful state. A yoga instructor will guide you through proper posture focusing on simple breathing, strength, and flexibility. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring your own yoga mat or beach towel. No previous experience necessary. Registration required. Ages 16 & up. Limit 25. Ages 10+. Limit 25.
Sunday, 6/12; 12 - 3 pm
Trail Art - Site as Studio, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Wander our trails and watch as artists create contemporary art works inspired by nature. Art installations up through July 10.
Thursday, 6/16; Pre-movie activities start at 6:30 pm. Movie begins at dusk.
Films in the Forest - “Tomorrowland”, Thatcher Woods, 8030 Chicago Ave, River Forest
Join us for movie nights! Different feature films with a nature connection will be presented along with family-friendly activities based on the film. Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy an evening of fun and entertainment at scenic preserve venues. For more information, call 312-415-2970 or email experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov. A teen bursting with scientific curiosity and a former boy-genius inventor embark on a mission to unearth the secrets of a place somewhere in time and space that exists in their collective memory; a place called “Tomorrowland.”
Friday, 6/17; 5 pm to Saturday, 6/18;
Family Campout, Camp Shabonna, 15810 Torrence Ave, Calumet City
This special overnight event for families is a great intro to camping. Basic skills training, a cookout and outdoor activities are included. As part of the fun, families can take part in special onsite activities and the Juneteenth Celebration at Sand Ridge Nature Center on Saturday. The cost is $75 for family groups up to 6. Camperships are available for families with financial need. For more information and to register, email experiencecamping@cookcountyil.gov <mailto:experiencecamping@cookcountyil.gov>.
Friday, 6/17; 7-9 pm
Twightlight Bird Hike, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
We’ll observe local birds during the transition from day to night.
Saturday, 6/18; 10 am - 3 pm
Annual “Juneteenth” Celebration, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us as we celebrate freedom, family and country with our historical Underground Railroad program and history displays, including interactive interpretive hikes, traditional music, wild edibles display, period recipe samples, crafts and more.
Saturday, 6/18; 8 - 11 pm
Night Sky Program, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Peek at the universe through telescopes; guided by the Chicago Astronomical Society.
Sundays, 6/19, 7/10 & 8/7; 11 am - 4 pm
Pepper Sundays; Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden; Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Pepper Sundays are devoted to all things pepper - how to grow them, the history of peppers and more. Family activities also will be offered at this free event. Free.
Sunday, 6/19; 10 am
Sagawau’s Living Library: The Tallgrass Prairie,
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Dynamic prairie ecosystems bring something new each month. Come see chapter 2: Early Summer Prairie. Each month will present a new chapter. Ages 12 & up. Registration required.
Sunday, 6/19; 1 pm
Father’s Day Walk, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Dads and their families can enjoy a guided walk by our pond and through the woods, while learning about some animal fathers. Register by 6/17.
Tuesday, 6/21; Pre-activities start at 5:30 pm. Concert runs from 6:30 - 8 pm.
Forest Jams, Green Lake Aquatic Center, 1100 River Oaks Drive, Calumet City
Rain location: Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Ave, South Holland, IL 60473
Head out to our summer concert series and participate in group jam sessions, learn about making instruments from natural and recycled materials and enjoy concerts by local musicians. For more information, call 312-415-2970 or email experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov.
Wednesday, 6/22; 7:30 pm
Solstice Fire, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Celebrate the beginning of summer with stories and snacks around our campfire.
Saturday, 6/25; 1 pm
Pollinator Friendly Gardening, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Learn how to make your garden a haven for pollinators and ensure that bees, butterflies, insects and birds have all they need to flourish. Instructor Kim Ellson, UI Extension. Registration required.
Sunday, 7/3; 1:30 pm
American Raptors, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Visit our national symbol, the bald eagle, and discover the unique characteristics that help our native birds of prey to survive.
Saturday, 6/25; Noon - 4pm
Swallow Cliff Pavilion Grand Opening/Wellness in the Woods,
Swallow Cliff Stairs (North Entrance) & US Rt 45, Palos Park
Celebrate our grand opening! Enjoy both the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature. Participate in a relaxing yoga session or an energetic circuit training series. Get tips on nutrition to supplement a healthy lifestyle. Call 312-415-2970 for more information.
Tuesday, 6/28; Pre-movie activities start at 6:30 pm. Movie begins at dusk.
Films in the Forest - “The Martian,” Caldwell Woods, 6350 W Devon Ave, Chicago
Rain location: Mathew Bieszczat Volunteer Resource Center,
6100 North Central, Chicago, IL 60646
Join us for movie nights! Different feature films with a nature connection will be presented along with family-friendly activities based on the film. Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy an evening of fun and entertainment at scenic preserve venues. For more information, call 312-415-2970 or email experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov. During a mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead but has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet.
Saturday, 7/2; 10 am
Naturalist Choice, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Nature is constantly changing. Join our naturalist for a seasonal program.
Sunday, 7/3; 9 am
July Bird Walk, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Join a naturalist on a guided bird walk to look and listen for calling and nesting birds. Bring binoculars, or borrow a pair of ours! Family program. Recommended ages 10 & up.
Sunday, 7/3; 1 pm
Red, White & Blue, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Hike our Bur Edge Trail and try to spot flowers, fruits or animals wearing our national colors!
Thursday, 7/7; 3 - 5 pm
Paddling 101, Wampum Lake, I-90/94 & Thornton-Lansing Rd, Thornton-Lansing
Interested in canoeing, but never tried it before? This one is for you! Learn about parts of the canoe and basic paddle stroke, and then test your new skills with a paddle around the lake.
Friday, 7/8; 8 pm
Animals of the Night Hike, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us as we explore the habits of nocturnal animals such as skunks, opossums, raccoons and bats. Then we’ll go out and see what critters we might find. Register by 7/6.
Saturday, 7/9; 10 am - 4 pm
Kid’s Fest; Wampum Lake, I-90/94 & Thornton-Lansing Rd, Thornton-Lansing
Enjoy fishing, hiking, canoeing, archery and other fun activities at this free outdoor extravaganza for kids of all ages. Presented in partnership with Fishin’ Buddies and the Youth Conservation Conference. Register online at fishin-buddies.net/kidsfest
Tuesday, 8/2; Pre-movie activities start at 6:30 pm. Movie begins at dusk.
Films in the Forest - “The Nut Job,” Kickapoo Woods, 144th Halsted, Chicago
Join us for movie nights! Different feature films with a nature connection will be presented along with family-friendly activities based on the film. Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy an evening of fun and entertainment at scenic preserve venues. For more information, call 312-415-2970 or email experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov. After he accidentally destroys the winter food supply of his fellow Liberty Park residents, Surly (Will Arnett), a squirrel, is banished to the streets of Oakton. Luckily, Surly finds the town's nut shop and hatches a plan to plunder its bounty. However, unbeknown to Surly and his ragtag team of animal associates, the nut shop is really a front for mobsters who plan to rob the bank next door. While Surly and his team break in to the shop, the mobsters carry out their own scheme in, “The Nut Job.”