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PROPOSED MISCELLANEOUS ITEM OF BUSINESS
Department: Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar - 7/12/2016 - 9/13/2016
Thursday, 7/14; 5 - 7 pm
Butterfly Lab, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Drop in on Sagawau’s Butterfly Lab to learn about the local lepidopterans. See what’s hatching and learn ways to support conservation efforts.
Saturdays and Sundays through October 9; 1:30 and 2:30 pm
Garden Chef Series: Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden Kitchen Amphitheater,
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Join noted chefs as they feature fresh produce and prepare original recipes. Free.
Saturday, 7/16; 9 am - Noon
Painting by the Pond, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Watch artists at work as they create original paintings near our pond. Enjoy seeing the many different styles of “plein air” painting (painting from life). Paintings displayed until August 16.
Saturday, 7/16; check in 5 pm to Sunday, 7/17; 1 pm
Family Campout, Camp Reinberg, 1801 N Quentin, Palatine
This special overnight event for families is a great intro to camping. Basic skills training, a cookout and outdoor activities are included. 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>.
Sunday, 7/17; 1-3 pm
Art in Nature Series: Artists Trading Cards, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Join artist Nancy Lawrence to create little works of art on 3½" x 2½" cards. Any medium can be used. Bring your creativity.
Sunday, 7/17; 1:30 pm
Bug-a-Palooza, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Learn about the amazing diversity of insects as we catch and release as many different kinds as we can.
Thursday, 7/21; 11 am - 2 pm
Insect Fest, Cummings Square, 536 N Harlem Ave, River Forest
Rain Location: Thatcher Woods, 8030 Chicago Ave, River Forest
Let’s celebrate insects! Explore how pollinators help us. Build a bug playground. Follow migratory patterns of monarch butterflies and learn how to create habitat for them locally. All ages.
Sunday, 7/24; 1:30 pm
Ecological Restoration Workday, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
You can help restore natural habitats by removing invasive plants! Ages 18 & up and families with children 9 & up are welcome.
Tuesday, 7/26; Pre-activities start at 5:30 pm. Concert runs from 6:30 - 8 pm
Forest Jams, Cermak Aquatic Center, 7600 W Ogden Ave, Lyons
Rain location: Thatcher Woods Pavilion, 8030 Chicago Ave, River Forest
Head out to our summer concert series and participate in group jam sessions, learn about making instruments from natural and recycled materials and enjoy music by Mambo 7, a Mernegue/Bachata band from the Dominican Republic For more information, call 312-415-2970 or email experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov.
Thursday, 7/28; Pre-movie activities start at 6:30 pm. Movie begins at dusk.
Films in the Forest - “Inside Out,” Rolling Knolls, 11N260 Rohrssen Road, Elgin
Rain Location: Camp Reinberg, 1801 N Quentin Rd, Palatine
Join us for Inside Out, the Pixar hit about a young girl’s struggles as witnessed through her emotions, to adapt to a new community. Before the movie there will be family-friendly activities as well as a visit from PBS Kids’ Nature Cat. 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.
Saturday, 7/30; 10:30 am
Herons, Geese, and More, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Join us for a hike along the slough as we observe the similarities and differences among these fascinating wetland residents. Binoculars recommended. Registration required. Family program. Limit 15.
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 and Halsted, Chicago
Join us for The Nut Job, where a mischievous squirrel, must plan a heist to get into his town’s biggest nut shop in order to help his pals in the park gather food to survive the winter. There will be all kinds of family-friendly nature activities before 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.
Thursday, 8/4; Noon - 4 pm
4th Annual Teen Exploration, Powderhorn Lake, 13843-14387 S Brainard, Burnham
This annual event is teen-focused, with activities highlighting outdoor adventure and education. Try your hand at canoeing, tree climbing, archery and other fun. Call 312-533-5751 for more information.
Tuesday, 8/9; Pre-activities start at 5:30 pm. Concert runs from 6:30 - 8 pm.
Forest Jams, Whealan Pool, 6200 W Devon, Chicago
Rain location: Mathew Bieszczat Volunteer Resource Center, 6100 N Central, Chicago
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 the Hoyle Brothers, an American/Rockabilly/Honky-tonk/Western Swing Band. For more information, call 312-415-2970 or email experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov.
Thursday, 8/11; 3:30 pm - 6 pm
Archery 101, Lake Avenue East Woods, 4887 W Lake Ave, NorthbrookNever tried archery before? Attend this session to learn all things archery: history, bow parts and proper technique. Explore River Trail Nature Center before you join in on the archery fun.
Thursday, 8/11; 6:30 - 8 pm
Concert at the Cliff, Swallow Cliff Visitors Center, 10267 Calumet Sag Road, Palos Hills
In partnership with the Village of Palos Park, enjoy the summer sounds Johnny Russler & Beach Bum Band. Bring your chairs, blankets and picnic baskets for a relaxing evening. Call 708-671-3760 or visit palospark.org for details.
Thursday, 8/11; Pre-movie activities start at 6:30 pm. Movie begins at dusk.
Films in the Forest - “Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’ Holle,” Green Lake Woods, 1100 River Oaks Drive, Calumet City
Rain location: Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Ave, South Holland
Join us for Legend of the Guardians, the Owls of Ga’Hoole, a mythical story about warrior owls and their fight to save the species. Family friendly activities start before the movie. 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.
Saturday and Sunday, 8/13 and 14; 10 am - 3 pm
Kite-Flying Performances and Kite-Making Workshops, West Meadow, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Enjoy soaring, stunt-kite performances set to music by members of the Chicago Fire Kite Team and members of the Kite Society of Wisconsin and Illinois. Free.
Friday, 8/19; check-in 5 pm to Saturday, 8/20; 1 pm
Family Campout, Camp Sullivan, 14630 Oak Park Ave, Oak Forest
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 Humming Bird Fest at Sagawau 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>.
Saturday, 8/20; 9 am - 2 pm
Hummingbird Fest, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Celebrate the beauty of these amazing birds! Join us for activities, viewing and demos of how the birds are banded for tracking and research purposes.
Sunday, 8/21; 1 pm
Cicadas!, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Lurking below the soil for most of their lives, these insects crawl to the surface and make themselves known during the August heat. Learn about their secretive beginnings which later become a part of the summer throng throughout our area.
Tuesday, 8/23; Pre-movie activities start at 6:30 pm. Movie begins at dusk.
Films in the Forest - “The Big Year,” Cermak Woods, 7600 W Ogden Ave, Lyons
Rain Location: Thatcher Woods Pavilion, 8030 Chicago Ave, River Forest
Join us for Big Year, a hilarious look at three men’s attempt to be the Birder of the Year. As part of our #birdthepreserves initiative there will be all kinds of family-friendly bird activities before 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.
Thursday, 8/25; 6 - 9:30 pm
Full Moon Celebration Paddle, Skokie Lagoons, Tower Road Boat Launch, Winnetka
Join us for a unique paddle as we celebrate the full moon. This is more than a canoe trip - it’s an experience full of surprises you won’t soon forget.
Friday, 8/26; 7:30 pm
An Evening in the Cabin, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us as we open up the cabin for an evening. Experience what pioneer life might have been like with wild edible samples and activities of the time. Register by 8/24.
Saturday, 8/27; 1:30 pm
Keystone Species, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Oak trees, beavers, bees and hummingbirds all play a huge role in supporting ecosystems. Discussion will be followed by a hike. Registration required. Adult program. Limit 20.
Sunday, 8/28; 11 am - 2 pm
Family Fish School, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Have fun with your family learning about fish and fishing with the Forest Preserves’ fish biologist. Limited equipment available or bring your own. Registration required.
Sunday, 8/28; 1 - 2:30 pm
Solar Astronomy Drop-In, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River ForestLearn about and view our closest star, the sun, through a special filter on our telescope, cook a snack in a solar oven, and make a sun craft! Drop-in program for adults and families.
Thursday, 8/30; 5 - 7 pm
End of Summer Archery and Hike, Eggers Woods, 11201 S Avenue B, Chicago
Explore the trails around Eggers Woods on a hike led by Forest Preserves staff, followed by a hands-on archery workshop. Pack a picnic and stay for dinner! Other activities, too.
Sundays in September; 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.
Tuesday, 9/1; Pre-activities start at 5:30 pm. Concert runs from 6:30 - 8 pm.
Forest Jams, Dan Ryan Woods, Grove 5, 87th and Western, Chicago
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 Chicago Heat, Chicago’s Premier Blues Band For more information, call 312-415-2970 or email experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov.
Saturday, 9/3; 1:30 pm
Insects and Blooms, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Discover what’s blooming in our tall grass prairie, and examine what insects are pollinating these late flowering plants. Registration Required. Family Program.
Saturday, 9/3; 7:30 - 9:30 am
Bird Walk: Fall Migration; Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Take a walk in the Garden with a member of Chicago Audubon Society and learn to identify birds in their sometimes-confusing fall plumage. Dress for the weather and meet at the Visitor Center. Registration required and fee applies.
Sunday, 9/4; 1 pm
Stroll Through a September Prairie, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Experience a prairie’s “golden month.” Join us for a two-mile walk along Phantom Prairie to view sunflowers and goldenrods that shine this time of year!
Monday, 9/5; 1:30 pm
Holiday Program: Singing Insects, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us on Labor Day for an insect program. Do you ever hear a chorus outside your window as you try to fall asleep? Come discover the insects that sing. Presentation followed by a short hike to see how many insects we can hear.
Saturday and Sunday, 9/10 and 11; 10 am - 4 pm
Opening of the Regenstein Learning Campus; Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Learn…play…get inspired by the natural world at the opening of the new Regenstein Learning Campus. Run up and down the rolling hills, strike a yoga pose, splash in the water (and play in the mud), find your inner artist, create a mosaic, make a smoothie, dance, and just have fun. Plus, there will be music, family drop-in activities, free plants to take home, and more. Come to this free celebration, and get just a taste of the 500-plus classes offered by the Joseph Regenstein Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Free.
Saturday, 9/10; 10 am - 2 pm
Fishin’ Buddies Fall Fishing Derby, Wampum Lake, I-90/94 &Thornton Lansing Rd, Thornton-Lansing
This annual family fishing derby is perfect for all skill levels. Register at fishin-buddies.net/fishing.
Saturday, 9/10; 10 am - 5 pm & Sunday, 9/11; 10 am - 4 pm
A River Runs Thru History, Des Plaines Valley Rendezvous, Columbia Woods, Willow Springs
Look back 200 years to frontier life and enjoy food, music, crafts, reenactments, canoe races, games and more. Park free at UPS parking lot at Willow Springs Rd and 7th St and take the shuttle bus to the site. Adult admission $10; family pass $25; seniors (over 62) $5; children (6-17) $5. Free for kids under 6. Cash only. More info at aRiverThruHistory.com
Sunday, 9/11; Noon - 3 pm
Migrating Monarchs Celebration, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Learn about this amazing globe-trotting butterfly and trace its migration route through fun activities, crafts, and displays. See how monarchs are raised, and tagged for tracking. Learn how you can help monarchs and other pollinators! Family event.
Saturday, September 24; Early morning til late in the evening
Save the Date: Party for the Preserves: A Celebration of Public Lands Day, Five Campgrounds.
The Forest Preserves will celebrate Public Lands Day with a Party for the Preserves. Our five campgrounds, located throughout the county, will be the host sites for all day activities that celebrate and offer a variety of fun, educational environmental and nature based activities that celebrate all the great stuff you can do in the preserves. Look for birding, biking, running, art making, hiking, animal encounters, nature games, camping demos, yoga or other fitness, restoration and stewardship during the day. In the evening each campground will host an admission based party with a unique theme including live music, a movie or other performances. Special camping packages will be available for campers who want to spend the night.
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