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PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Department: Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar - 12/11/2018 - 1/22/2019
When it Snows! Sagawau Nordic, Lemont
Cross-country skiing is a fun way to stay active during winter. Starting December 15th, as soon as conditions are skiable (frozen ground and 5” snow). Sagawau Nordic in Lemont is open daily from 9am-4pm. Trails will be open and groomed as snow conditions permit and could include a late start or an early finish. Watch our Facebook page and call 630-257-2045 for the most up-to-date trail conditions.
Snowshoes are available at all our Nature Centers
Snowshoes are available when snow is 4” or greater. Equipment is limited and is loaned with no charge on a first come, first serve basis. Driver’s license required.
Follow us on Facebook to learn about pop-up Snowshoe programs when conditions allow.
Sledding Hills offer winter fun day and night!
Sledding hills are open when the ground is frozen and covered with a minimum of three inches of snow. Dan Ryan, Caldwell Woods, Swallow Cliff, Westchester Woods, Deer Grove, Schiller Woods, Pioneer Woods and Thaddeus S. “Ted” Lechowicz Woods.
Every Day, 11/3 - 1/27; 12pm - 4pm (Extended Holiday Magic hours)
Chicago Wolves Skating Rink, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Glide through the holidays at the new Chicago Wolves Skating Rink at Brookfield Zoo! Skaters are welcome to bring their own skates, or rent skates on site.
Saturdays and Sundays, 12/1- 12/23, and Wednesday - Monday, 12/26 - 12/31
Holiday Magic, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Now in its 37th year, celebrate Chicagoland’s largest and longest running lights festival. With over one million twinkling LED lights, a 41-foot talking tree, carolers, ice carvers and much more, it’s a magical time for the entire family.
Saturdays and Sundays, 12/5 - 3/3; 9:30am
Beginner Cross-Country Ski Lessons, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Learn to ski with a certified Professional Ski Instructor of America. Registration is required by phone or in person only. Registration for each lesson starts the Monday prior to the lesson date. $20/person. Ages 12 and up.
Friday, 12/14; 7pm
Night Owls, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
An extended guided hike on our trails to search for local owls. Afterwards, warm up inside with refreshments and owl artifacts. Adults and teens only. $3/person. Registration required by 12/12.
Saturday, 12/15; 4pm - 8pm
Winter Bonfire, Camp Shabbona, South Holland
Giant bonfire, nature play, artmaking, and s'mores.
Saturday, 12/15 and Sunday, 12/16; 10am
Sagawau Science: Winter Bird Count, Sagawau Environmental Learn Center, Lemont
Assist the naturalist with a bird population survey. Ages 14 and up.
Sunday, 12/16; 5:30am
Dawn Owl Prowl, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Listen for resident great horned and screech owls as part of the 120th annual Christmas Bird Count, with Chicago Audubon’s John Elliott. Register: limited to 10 adults and children. Ages 10 and up.
Friday, 12/21; 5pm - 8pm
Winter Exploration Days, Eggers Grove, Chicago
Get active and explore the natural beauty of your local Forest Preserve this winter! This special event offers activities to prepare you for a delightful wintertime experience. Learn how to navigate using orienteering skills, use natural materials to create various art projects, and discover the animals that make the Preserves their home during the winter. Snowshoeing and other snow activities will be available weather permitting.
Friday, 12/21; 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Winter Solstice Bonfire, Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs
The winter solstice has been celebrated for centuries. We will celebrate the shortest day of the year, with a Nature Center open house, a short nature walk, and lighting of the bonfire.
Registration will open December 1st. $3.00/person. Not suitable for groups.
Sunday, 12/23; 1pm - 3pm
Species Spotlight, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
We are never sure what nature will show us on a day to day basis. We will surprise you with an animal feature!
Wednesday - Friday 12/26 - 1/4; 9am - 4pm
Winter Break Nature Fun, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Drop in any time when we’re open for nature fun both inside and outside. Free, family friendly activities every day. Closed on January 1st.
Friday, 12/28; 12pm - 3pm
Winter Breakout Adventures, Rolling Knolls, Elgin
Don't let the chilly winter weather bring you down - embrace the time off from school and head outdoors! Youth and families, join us for winter adventure and fun with activities like snowshoeing (weather permitting), crafts using wood, winter bird migration, tracking, shelter building and more!
Monday, 12/31; 6pm - 8pm
Zoo Year’s Eve, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Brookfield Zoo is great place to ring in the New Year with your little ones! Starting at 6:00 pm, celebrate in the Holly Jolly Theater with a live DJ, music, games, party favors, prizes and an early countdown to ring in the Zoo Year at 8:00 pm!
Wednesday - Friday, 1/2 - 1/4; 9:30am - 12pm
Winter Adventure Camp, Little Red School House, Willow Springs
Have fun outside this winter by exploring trails, learning how local wildlife survives freezing temperatures, and testing out winter experiments. Ages 8-10. Limit 15. $15 per child.
Saturday, 1/5; 1pm
New Year’s Resolution Walk, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Fulfill your resolution of being more active by taking a long walk with us. Afterwards, warm up with some hot cider.
Sunday, 1/6; see times below
Winter Walks, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
A winter hike through the woods.
1pm - 2:45pm if there is a base of 4” snow on snowshoes with a short lesson. Limited number of snowshoes available; registration required at least 3 days prior to reserve snowshoes.
1:30pm - 2:30pm if no snow.
Friday, 1/11; 5pm - 7:30pm
Cold Weather Creations, Swallow Cliff, Palos Hills
Make your own all-natural household and outdoor products using essential oils. Go on a hike, create land art, and more. Free.
Friday, 1/11; 7pm
Candle Lantern Hike, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Walk the trails with us by candlelight. Candle lanterns will be available for adults. We will search the night sky, listen for owls and enjoy an evening of nature, weather permitting.
Saturday, 1/12; 1pm
Conservation@Home: Winter Pruning, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Don’t let cold weather stop you from gardening, as pruning your trees and shrubs in the winter has many benefits. Join University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners to learn the tricks of the trade.
Saturday, 1/12; 12pm - 3pm
Winter Exploration Days, Beaubien Woods, Chicago
Get active and explore the natural beauty of your local Forest Preserve this winter! This special event offers activities to prepare you for a delightful wintertime experience. Learn how to navigate using orienteering skills, use natural materials to create various art projects, and discover the animals that make the Preserves their home during the winter. Snowshoeing and other snow activities will be available weather permitting.
Sunday, 1/13; 1pm - 3pm
History of Camping in the Forest Preserves, Camp Reinberg, Palatine
Join us for a learning session on the connection between camping and the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Open to all. Refreshments provided. Check camping website for details.
Sunday, 1/20; 9:30pm
Hike in the Light of a Winter Blood Moon, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Experience the Phantom Prairie trail during the lunar eclipse. Two-mile hike. Limited supply of snowshoes.
Monday, 1/21; 12pm - 3pm
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Dan Ryan Woods, Chicago
Join us for a day of stewardship. Help remove invasive plants while learning how we maintain healthy habitats. Warm up with a hot drink and a brush pile burn while enjoying winter family-fun activities.
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