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PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Department: Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar - 11/19/2019 - 12/17/2019
Throughout the winter (when there is snow)
Snowshoes
Snowshoes are available at 5 nature centers 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.
Cross-country Skiing and Ski Rental
Starting December 21, as soon as conditions are skiable (frozen ground and 5” snow), Sagawau Nordic is open 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.
Friday, 11/22; 7pm
Night Hike, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Hike a trail with a naturalist to look for and learn about the nocturnal creatures that call Crabtree home.
Saturday, 11/23; 10am - 12pm
Woodworking with Invasives, Rolling Knolls, Elgin
Create functional furniture and toys using local natural materials. Separated by age groups: 18 and up and ages 8-17. Equipment provided.
Saturday through Sunday, 11/23 - 11/24; 10am - 4:30pm
Community Tree Trim, Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Does your community group want to get into the holiday spirit early? Join Brookfield Zoo in gearing up for our Holiday Magic celebration by participating in Community Tree Trim. Sponsoring a tree is a beautiful way to support the zoo and celebrate the 38th annual Holiday Magic! School groups, scout troops, families - all are welcome to participate in Tree Trim!
Saturday, 11/23; 10am - 12pm
Wellness in the Woods: Awakening Wonder, Swallow Cliff Woods-North, Palos Hills
Come to the woods and step out of day-to-day pressures. Enjoy a tune-up of senses and spirit during this program led by Joy Clough. Registration required. Call 312-533-5751.
Saturday, 11/23; 1pm
Feed the Birds, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Learn about the best bird foods, feeders and landscape elements to benefit resident winter birds. You’ll even make a simple bird feeder to take home!
Saturday, 11/23; 7:30pm - 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. Ages 18 and up. Registration required.
Sunday, 11/24; 10am - 3pm
47th Annual Settlers’ Day, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Experience costumed living-history demonstrators, history hikes, crafts, an imaginary wagon train adventure and more. Admission is free, nonperishable food or monetary donations benefiting a local food depository gratefully accepted.
Sunday, 11/24; 1:30pm
Feed the Birds, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Learn about birds and bird feeding for the winter season.
Saturday, 11/30; 1pm
Fall Hike, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Enjoy a naturalist-led hike in the crisp fall air.
Saturday, 11/30; 10am - 3pm
Tree Cookie Painting, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Paint and enjoy the last scenes of fall before winter begins!
Saturdays and Sundays, 11/30 - 12/22, Thursday through Tuesday, 12/26 - 12/31; All day
Holiday Magic, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Now in its 38th year, celebrate Chicagoland’s largest and longest running lights festival. With over one million twinkling LED lights, a 41-foot talking tree, a skating rink, carolers, ice carvers and much more, it is a magical time for the entire family.
Thursday, 12/5; 10:30am - 12:30pm
Nature Play Date, Dan Ryan Woods, Chicago
Enjoy playing music and exploring with natural materials in a new nature play space.
Thursday, 12/5; 3pm - 8pm
Seed Cleaning & Potluck, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
In partnership with The Field Museum, help clean seed from local natural areas. Call 312- 665-7167 to register.
Saturday, 12/7; 4pm - 8pm
Winter Bonfire, Camp Dan Beard, Northbrook
Join us for a celebration of winter with a huge bonfire! Outdoor activities and s’mores provided. Parking at Potawatomi Woods.
Sunday, 12/7; 1pm - 2:30pm
One Ounce Wonders, Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs
Bundle up for this brisk bird walk about the tiny songbirds that spend their winters at the Little Red Schoolhouse. Binoculars will be provided. Registration required. All ages.
Sunday, 12/8 and Saturday, 12/14; 1:30pm
Wax Clinic, Sagawau Nature Center, Lemont
Learn how simple it is to care for your skis. We will discuss ski maintenance for wax-able and wax-less skis.
Sunday, 12/8; 11am - 3pm
Christmas Past, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Visit our pioneer settlement and celebrate this joyous time of year in a simpler way with homemade toys, chestnuts roasting and popcorn popping in the open fire.
Sunday, 12/08; 1:30pm
Sit Down With A Skunk, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Learn about skunks’ unique adaptations and meet River Trail’s resident striped skunk.
Wednesday, 12/11; 5pm - 6pm
Priority Species of the Chicago Wilderness Library Program, Altgeld Branch Chicago Public Library, Chicago
Learn about species of concern around Cook County through reading and activities.
Saturday, 12/14; 9am
Fireside Yoga at Thatcher Woods, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Join us for an indoor yoga class surrounded by nature. Bring your mat and meet us at Thatcher Woods Pavilion. Ages 12 and up.
Saturday, 12/14; 12pm - 3pm
Stairs, Stories and S’mores, Swallow Cliff Woods-North, Palos Hills
Stair climbing, storytelling, sledding and snowshoeing (weather permitting), s’more making. All your favorite winter activities in one place!
Saturday, 12/14; 4pm - 8pm
Winter Bonfire, Camp Shabbona, South Holland
Enjoy the warmth of a bonfire, nature play, artmaking and s’mores.
Saturday, 12/14; 7pm
Owl Prowl, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Join Chicago Ornithological Society for an owl prowl through some of the best owling locations. We will be on the lookout for multiple species of owls during high mating and calling season. Dress appropriately for the weather with multiple layers as temperatures can drop rapidly after sunset and owling is frigid business. Flashlights permitted but not required. Ages 13 years and up. Check our website for registration information.
Sunday, 12/15; 1pm - 3pm
Creative Invasives, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Help us open the woodlands by removing buckthorn, and then create a holiday gift utilizing this woody invasive. Ages 16 and up. Registration required.
Sunday, 12/15; 5:30am
Dawn Owl Prowl, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Hike and listen for owls as part of the 120th annual Christmas Bird Count, with John Elliot from the Chicago Audubon. For adults and ages 10 and older. Call Trailside Museum to register.
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