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PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Department: Conservation & Experiential Programming
Summary: .PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Saturday, 9/23 & Sunday, 9/24; 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Party for the Preserves
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.
Saturday, 9/23; 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Camp Bullfrog Lake , Willow Springs
Wild and Wonderful: Enjoy hikes, paddling, archery, art-making, learn about fish, gaze at the stars, and lose yourself in the wild in one of the densest wilderness areas in the region.
Sunday, 9/24; 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Camp Dan Beard, Northbrook
Workshop in the Woods: Primitive Skills, Creative Reuse and Nature Play
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!
Saturdays and Sundays through 10/8; 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Garden Chef Series, Chicago Botanic Garden, Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden
Watch and learn from local chefs on how to cook with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Seating is first-come, first served for these free demonstrations.
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.
Saturday, 9/9; 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Night Sky Program: Astronomy vs. Astrology, Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs
Peak at the universe through telescopes; guided by the Chicago Astronomical Society. No registration required.
Saturday, 9/16; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Conservation@Home: Fall Compost Program, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Master Gardeners will demonstrate the three-bin composting technique. Learn how composting can reduce waste from fall garden clean up and help you prepare your garden for spring.
Saturday, 9/16; 1:00 p.m.
Nature Writing: Journal to Haiku, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Use nature to jumpstart your creativity by writing poetry and drawing. For adults & interested teens. Registration required.
Sunday, 9/17; 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Archery 101, Bremen Grove 1, Tinley Park
Never tried archery before? Learn all things archery: history, bow parts and proper technique. Archery equipment is provided for all programs. All archery programs are for ages 10 & up. Call 708-386-4042 for info.
Friday, 9/22; 7:00 p.m.
Autumnal Equinox Hike, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Join us for an informative chat about the science and cultural beliefs surrounding the Autumnal Equinox, and then hike as darkness falls.
Friday, 9/22; 7:00 p.m.
Night Hike, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Some of our local wildlife begin their day after the sun sets. Learn about these animals and more on a guided hike.
Saturday, 9/23; 1:30 p.m.
The History of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Sand Ridge Nature Center, Calumet City
Come along on a short hike and learn about the history and founding of the Forest Preserves of Cook County and Sand Ridge Nature Center.
Sunday, 9/24; 10:00 a.m.
Fall Celebration Hike, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Enjoy our first fall nature hike in the woods, and observe how nature begins its transition to the new season.
Tuesday, 9/26; 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Seniors in all Seasons, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
It’s never too late to learn something new. Drop in for our Senior Day of programs and activities all about nature. Light refreshments served. Groups and organizations welcome. Registration preferred. Call for more information. This program is offered in partnership with the Wildbird Shack.
Saturday, 9/30 - Sunday, 10/1; Check-in 3:00p.m. on 9/30. Check-out 1:00 p.m. on 10/1.
Family Campout, Camp Bullfrog Lake, Willow Springs
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 an application, call 708-386-4042.
Sunday, 10/1; 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Red Gate Woods: Beginning of the Atomic Age, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
What happened in a Southwestern Forest Preserve that changed the world? Meet at Sagawau for a presentation, then drive to Red Gate Woods and hike to the site of the world’s first nuclear reactor. Participants will drive their own vehicles. For adults & interested teens. Registration required.
Sunday, 10/1; 1:00 p.m.
Bird the Preserves: Knock, Knock! Who’s there?, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
The red-bellied woodpecker, that’s who! Learn about this bird’s adaptations, make your own feeder, and go on a binocular hunt.
Sunday, 10/1; 1:30 p.m.
All-A-Buzz About Honey, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Meet River Trail’s beekeeper; learn about honeybees and their hives.
Tuesday, 10/3; 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Pond Paddle, Thatcher Glen Pond at Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Take in the early fall colors on the pond as we learn about parts of a canoe and go through an introductory class on basic paddling strokes. We’ll conclude with a fire next to the pond. Call 708.366.6530 to reserve a space. All paddle programs are for ages 5 & up.
Wednesday, 10/4; 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Painting by the Pond Art Workshop, Rolling Knolls, Elgin
Explore nature through painting while taking in the Rolling Knolls landscape! Follow along as an instructor leads you step-by-step in creating a beautiful autumn landscape using a large tree slice as your canvas. All painting materials will be provided. Ages 21+. $20/person. Payment required upon registration. Refunds are not available for any reason, including inclement weather. Space is limited. Call 312-505-0659 to register.
Wednesday, 10/4; 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Camping 101, Camp Shabbona, Calumet City
A free, hands-on, 90 minute workshop series designed to teach basic camping skills to first time campers. Learn tent set-up, campfire building, dressing for camping, camping etiquette and more. No registration is required. Perfect for families and novice campers. Parents required to be present with children 16 and younger.
Thursday, 10/5; 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Archery 101, Swallow Cliff Stairs (North entrance), IL Rt 83 (Cal Sag Rd) & US Rt 45
Never tried archery before? Learn all things archery: history, bow parts and proper technique. Archery equipment is provided for all programs. All archery programs are for ages 10 & up. Call 708-386-4042 for info.
Friday, 10/6; 7:00 p.m.
Harvest Moon Hike, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Hike the trails under the full Harvest Moon.
Saturday, 10/7; 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Familias Jugando en la Naturaleza, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Familias con niños pequeños vengan a jugar en y con la naturaleza. Muchas actividades divertidas dirigidas en español por padres líderes de la Asociación de Logan Square. Nature activities led in Spanish in partnership with parent leaders from the Logan Square Neighborhood Association.
Saturday, 10/7; 1:30 p.m.
Live Healthy, Discover Nature! Hike, Sand Ridge Nature Center, Calumet City
Join our monthly hiking club. A naturalist will lead a vigorous hike on our trails.
Saturday, 10/7; 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Night Sky Program: Phases of the Moon, Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs
Peak at the universe through telescopes; guided by the Chicago Astronomical Society. No registration required.
Sunday, 10/8; 1:00 p.m.
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. The jam is open to anyone who wants to play or listen.
Monday, 10/9; 1:30 p.m.
Holiday Program: Birds at the Feeder, Sand Ridge Nature Center, Calumet City
One of the easiest ways to learn to identify different birds is by watching them at a feeder. Join us during the Columbus Day holiday as we provide a variety of foods to attract various bird species and see if any surprise visitors stop by.
Thursday, 10/12; 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Camping 101, Camp Bullfrog Lake, Willow Springs
A free, hands-on, 90 minute workshop series designed to teach basic camping skills to first time campers. Learn tent set-up, campfire building, dressing for camping, camping etiquette and more. No registration is required. Perfect for families and novice campers. Parents required to be present with children 16 and younger.
Saturday, 10/14; 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Fall Fishing Derby, Horsetail Lake - McCarthy Rd (123rd) and 104th Avenue
The Village of Palos Park and the Forest Preserves of Cook County‘s (FPCC) are offering you and your family a FUN day of fishing. Bring your rod and tackle or we have rods to borrow if you do not have one. Try your luck at catching the largest fish in your age group. Free
Saturday, 10/14; 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Fall Paddle Festival, Skokie Lagoons, Tower Road Boat Launch, Tower Rd east of I-94, Northfield
Enjoy the fall season with activities both on and off the water. We will have canoe trips, guided hikes, archery, craft making and more. Call 312.533.5751 for more info. All paddle programs are for ages 5 & up.
Sunday, 10/15; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Conservaton@Home: Gardening Now, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
IL Master Gardeners will be on hand to provide helpful tips on what you can do in your yard right now to prepare your garden for fall, winte, and spring, as well as answer your general gardening questions.
Tuesday, 10/17; 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Hiking 101, Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest
This Outdoor Adventure will focus on hiking. This is a free, hands-on 90 minute workshop designed to teach basic day-hiking skills. Learn the 10 essential items to bring on a hike, proper hike planning techniques, hiking etiquette and LNT as well as basic map reading. No registration is required. Ideal for ages 10 and up. Parents required to be present with children 16 and younger
Wednesday, 10/18; 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Camping 101, Camp Reinberg, Palatine
A free, hands-on, 90 minute workshop series designed to teach basic camping skills to first time campers. Learn tent set-up, campfire building, dressing for camping, camping etiquette and more. No registration is required. Perfect for families and novice campers. Parents required to be present with children 16 and younger.
Friday, 10/20, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Family Night Out: Stars, Stories & S’Mores, Midlothian Meadows, Midlothian
Bring your family and friends for an opportunity to enjoy an evening in the Forest Preserves. Come join us for a cozy fire, s’mores, storytelling, astronomy, night hikes, natural material building and other nature-based activities.
For more information, call 708-386-4042 or email: experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov <mailto:experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov>
Saturday, 10/21; 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Paddle 101, Wampum Lake, 598 Thornton Lansing Rd, Thornton
Always wanted to try out canoeing, but never got the opportunity? Come out and learn the basics of canoe safety and paddling techniques. We supply the canoes, you supply the enthusiasm! All paddle programs are for ages 5 & up.
Sunday, 10/22; 1:00 p.m.
Art in Nature: Introduction to Pastels, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Artist Susan Flanagan will demonstrate the use of soft pastels and give students the opportunity to experiment with the application of pastels. Adults only. Registration required.
Tuesday, 10/24; 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Camping 101, Camp Dan Beard, Northbrook
A free, hands-on, 90 minute workshop series designed to teach basic camping skills to first time campers. Learn tent set-up, campfire building, dressing for camping, camping etiquette and more. No registration is required. Perfect for families and novice campers. Parents required to be present with children 16 and younger.
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