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PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Department: Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar - 1/22/2019 - 2/19/2019
When it Snows!
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. Beginner ski lessons are offered on Saturdays at 9:30 am for a fee; Watch Sagawau’s Facebook page and call 630-257-2045 for the most up-to-date trail conditions. Registration required.
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
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.
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 brush pile burn while enjoying winter family-fun activities. All ages.
Friday, 1/25; 7pm
Winter Night Hikes, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Use your senses on a winter evening while on a guided hike at River Trail. Afterwards, warm up inside with snacks and hot chocolate. $3/person.
Saturday, 1/26; 11am - 2pm
Snowshoe Trekking, Camp Dan Beard, Northbrook
Enjoy the Forest Preserves on snowshoes. Conditions permitting; 4 inches of hard snow required. Free.
Wednesday, 1/30; 6pm - 8pm
All About Fire, Thatcher Woods Pavilion, River Forest
Learn safe practices for fire building and containment, then make your own fire! Marshmallows to conclude our evening of fun. All ages.
Saturday, 2/2; 6am - 9am
Sunrise Nature Photography, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
An outdoor workshop combining the skills of a naturalist and photographer focusing on amazing winter scenes. Ages 13 and up.
Saturday, 2/2; 10am - 1pm
Winter Exploration Day, Caldwell Woods Warming Shelter, Chicago
Learn to navigate using new-found orienteering skills, art making, track animals, and winter shelter building if snow permits. Snowshoeing and sledding, conditions permitting.
Friday, 2/8; 7pm
Spark in the Dark, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Couples, friends and family members are invited to join us for a candlelit Valentine’s-themed evening hike focusing on “love” in the animal kingdom. Ages 18 and up.
Friday, 2/8; 6pm - 8pm
Botanical Beverages, Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion, Chicago
Learn about the history of plant-based beverages, their benefits, and enjoy a tasting. Registration required, call 708-386-4042.
Saturday, 2/9; 9am
Bird N’ Bagel, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Enjoy and learn about birds at the feeder with John Elliott of Chicago Audubon, while sipping hot drinks and noshing on bagels. Optional bird walk to follow.
Saturday, 2/9; 12pm - 3pm
Winter Exploration Day, Thatcher Woods Pavilion, River Forest
Learn to navigate using new-found orienteering skills, art making, track animals, and winter shelter building if snow permits. Snowshoeing and sledding, conditions permitting.
Sunday, 2/10; 1pm - 3pm
History of Camping in the Forest Preserves, Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest
Join us for a learning session on the connection between camping and the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Open to all. Refreshments provided.
Sunday, 2/10; 1pm
Sagawau Science: Winter Insects, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Some insects are active through the winter. We’ll go out and search for these cold hearty survivors. Ages 14 and up.
Friday, 2/15; 6pm - 7pm
Night Hike in the Snow, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us for a winter night hike to see what Mother Nature may have in store. Program will take place snow or no snow.
Saturday, 2/16; 10am
Hike the Preserves, St. Mihiel Woods East, Tinley Park
Get some exercise and learn about local forest preserves. Fitness Hike: over 3.1 miles, less interpretation, faster pace. Interpretive Hike-roughly 3 miles.
Saturday, 2/16; 1pm
Birch Leggings and the Birkie, Sagawau Enviornmental Learning Center, Lemont
Learn the history of the Birkebeiner Ski Race and how it became the “greatest show on snow.” Ski with wood skies or dress like a Viking and win a prize! Event will take place if ski trails are open.
Saturday, 2/16; 10am
Conservation@Home: Winter Pruning, Little Red School House, Willow Springs
Join Illinois Extension Master Gardeners to learn how proper pruning can greatly improve the overall appearance and health of woody plants.
Sunday, 2/17; 1pm
Conservation@Home: Creating Native Pollinator Habitats, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Learn to support native pollinators year-round. A “make-and-take” bug hotel for the first 15 participants.
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