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PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Department: Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar - 7/20/2017 - 9/12/2017
Today! Thursday, 7/20; 11 am - 2 pm
Insect Fest, Cummings Square, River Forest
Come celebrate and learn about insects. Explore how pollinators help us. Build a bug playground. Follow the migratory patterns of monarch butterflies and learn how to create habitat for them locally. For more information, call 708-386-4042. All ages.
Daily through Monday, 9/4; 10 am - 5 pm (weather permitting)
Butterflies & Blooms; Regenstein Learning Campus; Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
This wonderful exhibition, where visitors can immerse themselves in a habitat filled with hundreds of live butterflies, has become a Garden favorite. Fee applies.
Daily through 9/17; 10 am - 5 pm
Dinos and Dragons, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Brookfield Zoo’s summer Dinos & Dragons exhibit features 17 animatronic creatures, including the Stegosaurus, Apatosaurus, Tyrannosaurus rex, and Chinese dragon. Zoogoers can also get up-close views of live reptiles, including a Komodo Dragon. The exhibit features hands-on activities, as well as a dinosaur dissection lab and excavation site.
Daily through 8/27; 10 am - 4 pm
Saturdays and Sundays, through 10/1; 11 am - 4 pm
Family Drop-in activities, Chicago Botanic Garden, Regenstein Learning Campus
Join us at the Regenstein Learning Campus for fun, hands-on activities for families and children.
Daily through Sunday, 10/15
“Brazil in the Garden”; Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Come experience the vibrant sights and sounds of Brazil as the Garden celebrates the biodiversity and culture of the country with plants and special offerings inspired by Brazil. There will be Brazilian music on selected evenings, special exhibits in the Joutras gallery and Lenhardt library, classes, family drop-in programs, food in the Café, and Roberto Burle Marx-inspired plantings throughout the Garden. Check the Garden’s website for specific dates and activities. Free, but registration is required for classes.
Fridays and Saturdays, 7/21 - 8/12; 4 - 9 pm
Summer Nights, East Mall, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Brookfield Zoo’s summertime event is back for a fourth season. Enjoy the Zoo with cooler evening weather, enhanced dining, beer and wine garden, live music, roaming performers, kid entertainment, and a new laser light show, all surrounded by wildlife and nature. Entertainment includes a 4 pm Opening Act, 6 pm Kid’s Entertainment, 7 pm Headliners on the Main Stage, and 9 pm Laser Light Show.
Thursday, 7/27; 7:30 - 9 pm
Evening Moths, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Learn about and view the often overlooked “butterflies of the night,” moths. We’ll set out bait and black lights - prepare to be surprised. For adults and ages 8 & up. Register by 7/26.
Saturday, 7/29; 10 am
Canyon Tour, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Sagawau Canyon hike highlights the geology of Northeastern Illinois. Hike is over rough terrain, 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.
Sunday, 7/30; 1 pm
Habitat Hike, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
The wetlands, prairie and forest all have their own unique story of survival. Join a guided 1.5-mile hike to explore the wide variety of habitats along the way.
Sunday, 7/30; 1:30 pm
Ecosystem Exploration, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
What is an ecosystem? This hike will explore eight different ecosystems found at Sand Ridge. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and be prepared for the weather. Register by 7/28.
Thursday, 8/3; Noon - 4 pm
5th Annual Teen Exploration Day
Powderhorn Lake, 13843-14387 S Brainard Ave, Burnham
Join us for our 5th annual Teen Exploration Day. This event is teen-focused, with activities highlighting outdoor adventure and education. Try your hand at canoeing, tree climbing, restoration activities, guided hikes, learning about conservation and engaging with other youth. For more information or to register groups of more than 10, email experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov <mailto:experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov> or call 708-386-4042 ext. 19.
Friday, 8/4; 7 - 10 pm
River Trail at Night, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Adults are invited to enjoy the nature center at their leisure. Enjoy a casual picnic dinner, hike our trails, sit by the campfire, roast marshmallows or enjoy the exhibits inside. Adults only. $10 per person.
Saturday, 8/5; 10 am - 2 pm
Back-to-School Paddle & Archery Day, Rolling Knolls, Elgin
Come celebrate the start of the school year with an exciting day of paddling, archery, pond dipping and more at one of our newest preserves - Rolling Knolls! Gear and equipment provided. For more information or to reserve a group spot, call 708-386-4042, ext. 26.
Sunday, 8/6; 9 am - 5 pm
CAMBr Meltdown, Pulaski Woods, Willow Springs
The CAMBr Meltdown is Chicagoland’s premiere mountain biking event, with racing for all ages and abilities. Free for spectators.
Tuesday, 8/8; Pre-activities start at 5:30 pm. Concert runs from 6:30 - 8 pm.
Forest Jams, Whealan Pool, 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 local musicians. For more information, call 312-415-2970 or email experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov <mailto:experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov>.
Wednesday, 8/9; 6 -9:30 pm
Full Moon Celebration Paddle, Skokie Lagoons, Tower Rd Boat Launch
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. Call 312-533-5751 to reserve a spot.
Saturday, 8/12; 1pm
Summer Ramble, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Take a naturalist-led hike and see what’s happening along the way during the summer season.
Saturday, 8/12; 1:30 pm
Everyday Scientist, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Your observations of plants and animals anywhere and anytime can change the world. Learn how you can help collect information used by scientists to better understand our planet and save species.
Tuesday, 8/15; 5 - 7 pm
Camping 101, Camp Dan Beard, Northbrook and Camp Shabbona, Calumet City
Camping 101 is a hands-on workshop series designed to teach basic camping skills. Learn tent set-up, campfire building, dressing for camping, camping etiquette and more. No registration is required. Perfect for families and novice campers.
Saturday, 8/19; 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.
Saturday, 8/19; 9:30 am - 2 pm
Upper Des Plaines River Paddle & Clean-Up, Dam No. 1 Woods East, Wheeling
Join our clean-up efforts as we paddle along the river, learn about aquatic life, and why it is important to keep our rivers clean. Tools provided. To reserve your spot, call 708-386-4042.
Monday, 8/21; Noon - 2:45 pm
Spectacular Solar Eclipse, Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs
Watch this rare natural phenomenon here. We will have telescopes ready for viewing during the entire partial eclipse of the sun. The sun will be at maximum eclipse at 1:19 pm with 87% coverage.
Monday, 8/21; 12:30 - 2:30 pm
(Almost) Total Solar Eclipse, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Learn about and view our closest star, the sun, through a special filter on our telescope as we experience an (almost) total solar eclipse. The maximum coverage of our sun by the moon will be between 1 - 1:40 pm.
Thursday 8/24; 3:30 - 6 pm
Archery 101, Dan Ryan Woods, Grove 5, Chicago
Never tried archery before? Attend this session to learn all things archery: history, bow parts and proper technique.
Friday, 8/25 and Saturday, 8/26; 5 pm
ZooBrew, East Mall, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Enjoy bears and beers, lions and lagers, anteaters and ales...all at Brookfield Zoo's 6th annual ZooBrew, a unique beer-tasting event featuring over 80 beers. Tickets required.
Friday, 8/25; 6:30 - 7:45 pm
Sunset Hike, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Enjoy an after hours, 2-mile hike at a relaxed pace. We will explore the trails, look for flora and fauna, and take in the beauty of nature lit up by the sunset hues. Wear comfortable shoes. Registration required. Adults only. Limit 20.
Saturday, 8/26 and Sunday 8/27; 9:30 am to 1:30 pm
Share the Trails
Look for our staff and volunteers along the trails with info and giveaways throughout the Forest Preserves. And be sure to check out our Share the Trail website at fpdcc.com/stt.
Saturday, 8/26; 6 - 9 pm
Sunrise Nature Photography, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
An outdoor workshop combining the skills of both a naturalist and a photographer. Focus on amazing nature scenes. Adults and teens only. Registration required by 8/23. Location will be provided upon registration.
Sunday, 8/27; 2 - 7 pm
Dan Ryan Woods 100th Anniversary, Dan Ryan Woods, Chicago
Commemorate the 100th anniversary of Dan Ryan Woods with guided hikes, archery, information about the preserve and Dan Ryan himself and so much more. At night, enjoy a free Forest Jam concert outside the Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion. For more information, call 312-415-2970.
Sunday, 8/27; Pre-activities start at 5:30 pm. Concert runs from 6:30 - 8 pm.
Forest Jams, Dan Ryan Pavilion, 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 local musicians. For more information, call 312-415-2970 or email experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov <mailto:experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov>.
Monday, 9/4; 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.
Thursday, 9/7; Pre-activities start at 5:30 pm. Concert runs from 6:30 - 8 pm.
Forest Jams, Cummings Square, 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 concerts by local musicians. For more information, call 312-415-2970 or email experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov <mailto:experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov>.
Saturday, 9/9 - Sunday, 9/10
CLIC Training, Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest
The Camping Leadership Immersion Course (CLIC) Training is an overnight course that provides skills such as camping equipment use and care, outdoor activities, teamwork and nature-based education for leaders of school, community, Scouting or youth groups. After completing this training, you and your group of up to 30 are eligible to borrow tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads and cookware for a one-night campout at Camp Sullivan. For more information, email experience.camping@cookcountyil.gov.
Saturday, 9/9; 8 am - 2 pm
Fishin’ Buddies Fall Fishing Derby, Wampum Lake, Thornton-Lansing
This annual family fishing derby is perfect for all skill levels. Register at fishin-buddies.net/fishing
Saturday, 9/9; 10 am - 5 pm & Sunday, 9/10; 10 am - 4 pm
A River 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 Road and 7th Street and take the shuttle bus to the site. Adult admission $10; family pass $25 for 1 or 2 adults and up to 4 children; seniors (over 62) $5; children (6-17) $5. Free for kids under 6. Cash only. More info at aRiverThruHistory.com.
Saturday, 9/9; 7 - 10 pm
Nighty Sky Program: Astronomy vs. Astrology, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Peak at the universe through telescopes; guided by the Chicago Astronomical Society. No registration required.
Sunday, 9/10; 8:30 am
ZooRunRun for the Conservation Fund, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
ZooRunRun features a 5k timed race, 5k fun walk and 1 mile kids dash with courses located entirely within the Brookfield Zoo. Each race entry raises awareness and funds for the Chicago Zoological Society Animal Care and Conservation Fund, dedicated to making a difference for species across the globe.
Sunday, 9/10; 10 am - 4 pm
Art in Nature, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Watch artists as they paint along our scenic trails. Listen to live music, view additional artwork for sale and vote for your favorite artist. Try your hand at drawing or painting your own watercolor, materials and instruction provided. Children can sculpt with clay, paint or draw.
Sunday, 9/10; Anytime from Noon - 2 pm
GPS Scavenger Hunt, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Stop in and learn about this technology inspired scavenger hunt. We’ll provide you with coordinates of some hidden treasures to find in the forest. Check out one of our GPS units or bring your own. Supplies are limited.
Sunday, 9/10; 1 pm
Makin’ Music Bluegrass Jam, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Make a simple musical instrument from an invasive plant species, then join the fun in a bluegrass jam circle! Bring your basses, fiddles, mandolins, guitars, and banjos too. Northern Illinois Bluegrass Association members welcome. The jam is open to anyone who wants to play or listen.
Save the Date!
Saturday, 9/23; 1 - 9 pm
Party for the Preserves: Wild and Wonderful, Camp Bullfrog Lake, Willow Springs
Enjoy hikes, paddling, archery, artmaking, learn about fish, gaze at the stars, and lose yourself in the wild in one of the densest wilderness areas in the region. Celebrate your Forest Preserves and all the great activities available throughout our 70,000 acres. We’re kicking off the week of National Public Lands Day with celebrations at two of our campgrounds. Learn more at fpdcc.com/party. These festivals are free. However, some items (food, souvenirs, and materials) will be available for purchase onsite
Save the Date!
Sunday, 9/24; 1 - 9 pm
Party for the Preserves: Workshop in the Woods: Primitive Skills, Creative Reuse and Nature Play, Camp Dan Beard, Northbrook
Create tools and art using reclaimed wood, build and climb with tinker trees, split firewood, build a shelter, learn primitive skills, explore our pop-up adventure playground. End the night with a giant bonfire! Celebrate your Forest Preserves and all the great activities available throughout our 70,000 acres. We’re kicking off the week of National Public Lands Day with celebrations at two of our campgrounds. Learn more at fpdcc.com/party. These festivals are free. However, some items (food, souvenirs, and materials) will be available for purchase onsite.
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