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PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Department: Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar - 2/19/2019 - 3/19/2019
When it Snows!
Cross-country skiing is a fun way to stay active during winter. Sagawau Nordic in Lemont is open daily from 9am - 4pm as long as conditions are skiable (frozen ground and 5” snow). 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; registration required. Watch Sagawau’s 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.
Saturday, 2/23; 4pm - 8pm
Winter Wine & Whiskey Fest, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Come out of your winter hibernation and warm up at Brookfield Zoo's Winter Wine and Whiskey Fest! This fun-filled event features wine and whiskey samples, live music from Red Carpet Riot, small bites, and meet and greets with Animal Ambassadors, all in the zoo's relaxed setting!
Saturday, 2/23; 11am - 2pm
Snowshoe Trekking, Camp Bullfrog Lake, Willow Springs
Enjoy the Forest Preserves on snowshoes. Conditions permitting; 4 inches of hard snow required. Free.
Saturday, 2/23; 10am - 1pm
Winter Watercolors, Caldwell Woods Warming Shelter, Chicago
Explore the beauty of nature through watercolor painting. All material provided. Registration required. Call 708-386-4042.
Saturday- Sunday, 2/23 - 2/24; 1:30pm
Sap’s Rising, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Walk in the sugar maple forest to learn about the sweet process of maple syrup making.
Saturday, 2/23; 11am and 2pm
Black History Month: Underground Railroad Hikes, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us on an imaginary journey that follows an Underground Railroad route used in Illinois in the mid-1800s.
Sunday, 2/24; 10:30am families; 1pm adults
Fledgling Birder, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Every accomplished birdwatcher learned from someone. Join a naturalist to learn binocular basics, bird identification and best bird feeder tips.
Friday, 3/1
Bird House Building Contest, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Build a creative, functional birdhouse. We will hang it up at Trailside where visitors will vote on their favorite. See our website for full details. Entries accepted through 5/1.
Saturday, 3/2; 11am
Hike the Des Plaines, Evans Field, River Forest
Hike into the start of the spring with this casual-paced hike along the Des Plaines Trail. We will hike roughly 2 miles on this non-looped trail.
Sunday, 3/3; 1pm
Sun Gazing, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Stop on by and learn about our nearest star, and take a look with our filtered telescope.
Saturday, 3/9; 9am, 11am, and 4pm, Sunday 3/10; 10am
One Earth Film Festival, Thatcher Pavilion, River Forest
Join us for free family films during the day, and a special adult twilight program with a fee. Discussions and other activities included. For details, visit One Earth Film Festival website.
Sunday, 3/10; 11am - 1:30pm
Conservation@Home: Kick Start your Garden! Rolling Knolls, Elgin
Learn how to create a sustainable garden using conservation practices, and talk to local organizations about native landscaping and gardening. There will be a Conservation@Home presentation at 12:45pm.
Saturday, 3/16; 10am
Conservation @ Home: Winter Pruning, Little Red School house, Willow Springs
Proper pruning can greatly improve the overall appearance and health of woody plants. Join University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners to learn the tricks of the trade when it comes to pruning trees and shrubs.
Saturday, 3/16; 10am
Hike the Preserves, Jurgensen Woods, Lansing
Take a fitness hike (7.5 files) and enjoy the natural beauty around you.
Sunday, 3/17; 11am - 3pm
47th Annual Maple Syrup Festival, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Celebrate the arrival of spring with a special day of activities including: crafts, games, tree tapping, and maple syrup history with syrup samples to taste. Call for more information.
Sunday, 3/17; 1pm
Sagawau Science: Out in the Field, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Understand a naturalist by being part of their excursion. Use you power of observation to identify ecological connections.
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