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PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Department: Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar - 11/14/2017 - 12/11/2017
Saturday and Sunday, 11/18-19; 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Community Tree Trim, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Get into the holiday spirit early by registering a community group for the zoo’s community tree trim. Assemble your group, make your ornaments, and head to the zoo to decorate your tree. Register at www.czs.org/treetrim <http://www.czs.org/treetrim>.
Saturdays and Sundays, 12/2-12/3, 12/9-12/10, 12/16-12/17, and Tuesday-Sunday, 12/26 - 12/31
Holiday Magic, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Now in its 36th year, celebrate Chicagoland’s largest and longest running lights festival. With over one million twinkling LED lights, it’s a magical time for the entire family. Highlights include a 41-foot talking tree, train display, carolers, ice carvers, and much more!
Friday, 11/24 - Sunday, 1/7
Wonderland Express, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
A celebration of artistry, horticulture, engineering, and imagination awaits at this holiday favorite. Inside, miniature trains pass through a garden filled with mini-replicas of beloved Chicago landmarks and sites all handcrafted from natural materials such as leaves, bark, and moss. Fees apply.
Wednesday, 12/6 - Monday, 12/18
‘Tis the Season, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Celebrate the season with special events during Wonderland Express. Family activities include Breakfast with Santa, a Christmas concert, a Hanukkah concert, and Hot Chocolate with Mrs. Claus. For adults, mark your calendar for Holiday Cheers! The seasonal tastings feature local spirits, wine, and winter brews. Fees apply.
Wednesday, 11/15; 4 - 7pm
All About Birds; Rolling Knolls 11N260 Rohrssen Rd, Elgin
Join us as we search for winter birds! Learn about adaptations that make it possible for these birds to survive during the colder weather. We’ll play games, go on a bird watching hike, and create bird themed crafts.
Friday, 11/17; 5 - 8pm
Stars, Stories, & S’mores; Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion, Chicago
Bring your family and friends for an opportunity to enjoy an evening in the Forest Preserves. Join us for a cozy fire, s’mores, storytelling, astronomy, night hikes, natural material building and other nature-based activities.
Saturday, 11/18; 7 - 8:30pm
Starry, Starry Night; Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs
Adults, this one’s for you! Enjoy an evening stroll under the fall stars followed by a tasty treat at the campfire.
Sunday, 11/19; 1:30pm
Nocturnal Hunters: Owls; River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Learn about the different adaptations that make owls fascinating.
Sunday, 11/19; 10am - 3pm
45th Annual Settlers’ Day; Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Celebrate our heritage by stepping back into America’s past. Don’t miss costumed living-history demonstrators, history hikes, crafts, an imaginary wagon train adventure and more! Admission is free, though donations of nonperishable food to benefit a local food depository will be gratefully accepted.
Friday, 11/24; 1pm
Turkey Trot Hike; Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Walk off that turkey dinner on a special post-holiday guided hike on our trails. Register by 11/23.
Sunday, 11/26; 1pm
Winter Preparation; Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Join a naturalist to learn how animals prep for and survive the cold months ahead.
Sunday, 11/26; 10am
Winter Bird Feeding; Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Feeding the birds is a great way to attract winter residents to your yard. Learn how to provide refuge for birds while watching our bird feeding station.
Friday, 12/1; 5 - 8pm
Stars, Stories, & S’mores; Caldwell Woods Warming Shelter, Chicago
Bring your family and friends for an opportunity to enjoy an evening in the Forest Preserves. Join us for a cozy fire, s’mores, storytelling, astronomy, night hikes, natural material building and other nature-based activities.
Saturday, 12/2; 1pm
Winter is Coming; Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Learn how local wildlife such as coyotes, beavers and owls survive and keep warm during the winter months. We will examine and touch real pelts, feathers and skulls. Family program.
Saturday, 12/2; 1pm
Cross-Country Ski Seminar; Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Learn the basics of cross-country ski equipment and how to prepare for your first cross-country ski experience. We’ll cover skis, boots and poles - including classic, skating and telemark equipment. Proper clothing, winter safety and what to expect the first time you ski will also be discussed.
Sunday, 12/3; 1pm
Holiday Plants; Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Join us for a program to discover how plants take center stage during the holiday season.
Sunday, 12/3; 1pm
Wax Clinic; Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Learn how simple it is to care for your skis. We’ll discuss ski maintenance for waxable and waxless skis.
Tuesday, 12/5; 5:30 - 7pm
Camping 101; Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest
Camping 101 is a free, hands-on workshop designed to teach basic camping skills to first time campers. Learn tent set-up, campfire building, dressing for camping, camping etiquette and more. Registration not required. Perfect for families and novice campers. Parents must be present with children 16 & younger. Programming from 5:30 - 7pm.
Tuesday, 12/5; 10am - 12pm
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 provided. Groups, organizations and individuals welcome. Registration is preferred.
Saturday, 12/9; 1pm
Wax Clinic; Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Learn how simple it is to care for your skis. We’ll discuss ski maintenance for waxable and waxless skis.
Sunday, 12/10; 1pm
Cross-Country Ski Seminar; Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Learn the basics of cross-country ski equipment and how to prepare for your first cross-country ski experience. We’ll cover skis, boots and poles - including classic, skating and telemark equipment. Proper clothing, winter safety and what to expect the first time you ski will also be discussed.
Sunday, 12/10; 1:30pm
A Touch of Nature Holiday Craft; Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs
Create your own homemade hostess gift using natural materials for the holidays - or keep it for yourself! Register by 12/7. Adults & interested teens. $5 fee.
Sunday, 12/10; 11am - 3pm
Christmas Past; Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Visit our pioneer cabins as we celebrate this joyous time of year in a simpler way with homemade toys, chestnuts roasting and popcorn popping in the open fire. Everyone is invited to make a craft to take home.
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