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PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Department: Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar of Events and Activities 3/17/2021 - 4/13/2021
Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website, www.fpdcc.com/events, for updates and changes.
Friday, 3/19; 8am
Bird Walk, Oak Forest Heritage Preserve, Oak Forest (Enter through the hospital entrance)
Join a naturalist for a walk while looking for local birds. Binoculars are available upon request. Call or email to register at Jessica.Becker@cookcountyil.gov or 312-415-2970. Facemasks required.
Saturday, 3/20; 10am
Walk and Talk: Elizabeth Conkey Woods, Crestwood
Celebrate Women’s History month with a hike inspired by prominent women scientists and conservationists throughout history. These hikes will be led at a slower pace with frequent stopping and interpretation. Register at conkeywoodswalkandtalk.eventbrite.com. Facemasks required.
Saturday, 3/20; 1:30pm
Wellness in the Woods: Reflecting on the work of Female Environmentalists, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us as we take a walk around our Dogwood Trail and discuss the role of women in the environmental movement. We will read short excerpts from famous women environmentalists including Rachel Carson, Winona LaDuke, Wangari Maathai, Vandana Shiva, and more. Registration and facemasks required. Call 708-868-0606, visit in person, (7 days a week 8am-4pm), or email sandridge.naturecenter@cookcountyil.gov.
Saturday, 3/20; 11am - 2pm
Celebrate Spring at Wolf Road Woods, Wolf Road Woods, Willow Springs
Families, join us at our celebration of the beginning of the spring season. We will have activities based around identifying signs of spring, craft-making, and guided hikes. For more information, call 312-533-5751. Facemasks required.
Saturday, 3/20; 6:30pm
Spring Equinox Walk, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Spring Equinox marks the beginning of a new season. Celebrate by taking a sunset stroll and learning about the plants and animals that indicate spring is near. Registration and facemasks required. Call 708-868-0606, visit in person, (7 days a week 8am-4pm), or email sandridge.naturecenter@cookcountyil.gov.
Saturday, 3/20; 2pm (Facebook Live)
What is Geoheritage? Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Since 1993, Geoheritage has served to conserve geology and landscapes. Learn all about this global movement to save geologically dynamic locations, how it has been implemented in the United States, and what the future may hold.
Saturday and Sunday, 3/20 and 3/21; 10:30am or 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. Registration and facemask required. Call 847-824-8360. All ages.
Sunday, 3/21; 1pm
Silent Spring Songs, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Our first migrants are back, and the year-round residents have changed their tunes. Take a walk to listen and learn some of the common bird songs and about the remarkable woman who alerted the U.S. to the perils of the overuse of pesticides. Registration and facemasks required. Call 847-381-6592.
Tuesday, 3/23; 12pm - 3pm
Spring Breakout Adventure, Rolling Knolls, Elgin
Celebrate the start of Spring with a day in the preserves! Join us for a staff-led or self-guided hike, take-home activities, a tree cookie garden marker craft, and creative reuse seed starting kits. Registration and facemasks required. Please email Timothy.mondl@cookcountyil.gov.
Wednesday, 3/24; 12pm - 3pm
Spring Breakout Adventure, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Kids, school is out for spring break! Join us for an afternoon of nature exploration, art making, scavenger hunts, and more. For more information, call 312-533-5751. Facemasks required.
Wednesday, 3/24; 12pm (Facebook Live)
Facebook Live at Lunchtime: Virtual Owl Pellet Dissection, Trailside Museum Facebook Page
Owl pellets, the regurgitated indigestible parts of an owl’s diet, are important because they give us a lot of information about the owl’s diet and habitat. Join us on as we dissect an owl pellet and discover what is inside.
Friday, 3/26; 7pm
Woodcock Walk, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Meet in the parking lot for a short intro inside, then a walk to observe the male woodcock dance. Ages 7 and up. Registration and facemasks required. Call 847-381-6592.
Saturday, 3/27; 10am (Facebook Live)
Take a Lichen to Some Moss! Sand Ridge Nature Center Facebook Page
Join a naturalist on a virtual nature walk as we look for lichens, moss, and other fungal finds.
Saturday, 3/27; 1:30pm (Facebook Live)
Zoology Club: March of the Frogs, Little Red Schoolhouse Facebook Page
Participants will learn about the ecology of native frogs and why vernal pools are so important for their life cycles.
Saturday, 3/27; 7:45pm - 10pm
Calling Frog Survey, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Use your sense of hearing to identify which frogs are calling tonight. The data will be used as part of the Calling Frog Survey for the Chicago Wilderness Region. Adults and children 10 and older. Registration and facemasks required. Call (708)839-6897.
Saturday, 3/27; 11am - 2pm
Explore: Schiller Woods-East, Schiller Woods-East, Chicago
Adults and families, come explore with us at Schiller Woods! You can do so by grabbing a self-guided exploration activity or join our staff on one of our guided hikes. We will have a litter pickup if you would like to help in cleaning up the preserve, a fire to warm up by, and a take-home nature activity for you to continue your adventure at home. For more information, call 312-533-5751. Facemasks required.
Sunday, 3/28; 7pm
Full Moon Hike, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Let the full moon be our guide as we hike the one-mile White Oak trail, and warm up by a fire under the night sky afterwards. All ages. Please bring binoculars. Limited pairs to lend. Registration and facemasks required. Call (708)839-6897.
Sunday, 3/28; 1pm - 2pm (Zoom)
Conservation@Home: Native Plants for a Bird Friendly Backyard
Join us for a Zoom presentation where we will give tips on choosing native plants to beautify your real estate and provide food for birds. For more information, call 312-533-5751. Registrants must include a valid email address. A Zoom login will be emailed 1 hour before the program begins. Please register at nativeplantsforbirds.eventbrite.com.
Sunday, 3/28; 1:30pm
Signs of Spring Nature Hike for Adults, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Join a naturalist as we take a short-guided hike to discover the subtle sights and sounds of early spring. Adults only. Registration and facemasks required. Call 708-366-6530.
Sunday, 3/28; 10:30am or 1:30pm
River Trail History Walk, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
A guided walk on our trails to learn about River Trail’s history and natural heritage. Registration and facemasks required. Call 847-824-8360. All ages.
Tuesday, 3/30; 5:30pm - 7pm
Camping 101, Camp Reinberg, Palatine
Free demonstration-based workshop series teaching basic camping skills. All ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring a folding chair/blanket for seating. Bring your own tent and we can help you practice setting it up. Facemasks required. Register at experience.camping@cookcountyil.gov.
Thursday, 4/1 through Tuesday, 4/13 (Virtual)
Brookfield Zoo Spring Run, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Brookfield Zoo’s first-ever Virtual 5K Spring Run/Walk takes you outdoors to enjoy the warm weather and glorious colors of spring. You choose the time and place-take a hike in a forest preserve, jog along a waterfront trail, or stroll through a neighborhood. Or if you enjoy competition, run the full 5K (3.1-miles) and compare your time with other runners. Each runner will receive a numbered bib and commemorative swag included with registration. To register, visit CZS.org.
Thursday, 4/1; 2pm (Facebook Live)
Born to be Wild, River Trail Nature Center Facebook Live
Spring is around the corner and with that comes baby animals! We will answer your questions and give you some tips on what to do if you come across wildlife. All ages.
Friday, 4/2; 11am - 3pm
Spring Breakout Adventure, Dan Ryan Woods, Chicago
Get outside this spring break and try something new. Join us for an afternoon of nature exploration, art, scavenger hunts, and more. Register at sbadanryan.eventbrite.com. Facemasks required.
Friday, 4/2; 7pm
Woodcock Sky Dance, Wolf Road Prairie, Westchester
The Woodcock, a drab and comical looking bird, makes a beautiful spiral flight in spring as part of its courtship. It happens just before dark when the males give an unmusical “peent” call, spiral up into the dark sky, land, then do it again. We will meet at Wolf Road Prairie in Westchester to try to see this amazing rite of spring. The walk will be on uneven ground in dark conditions. Registration and facemasks required. Directions to meeting place given upon registration. Call 708-366-6530.
Friday, 4/2; 7pm
Woodcock Walk, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Start with a brief informational program, then walk to watch the male woodcocks perform their amazing aerial courtship displays. Meet in the parking lot. Registration and facemasks required. Call 847-381-6592.
Saturday, 4/3; 10am - 1pm
Spring Breakout Adventure, Beaubien Woods, Chicago
Get outside this spring break and try something new. Join us for an afternoon of nature exploration, art, scavenger hunts, and more. Register at sbabeaubienwoods.eventbrite.com. Facemasks required.
Saturday, 4/3 and Sunday, 4/4; 9:30am - 2:30pm
Spring Selfie Scavenger Hunt, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Pick up a scavenger hunt sheet and see how many of the items you can find (photograph along the trail), then, share your favorite scavenger selfie on our FB page! Facemasks required.
Saturday, 4/3 through Sunday, 4/11; 9am - 4pm
Children’s Story Trail and Craft, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Walk a short trail near the museum while you enjoy reading a posted nature story. Afterwards, stop by the Museum to pick up a related craft and activities bag to continue the adventures! Facemasks required.
Sunday, 4/4; 11am - 2pm
Family Fun Drop In, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Nature themed activities and crafts can be picked up for take home. All ages. Facemasks required.
Sunday, 4/4; 9am
Fitness Hike: Brezina Woods, Proviso Township
Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to no stopping or interpretation. Fast walk and slower paced options will be available. 6 miles, non-looped trail. Meet in the parking lot, and space is limited. Registration and facemasks required. Visit brezinawoods.eventbrite.com.
Wednesday, 4/7; 11am - 1pm
Walk and Talk, Deer Grove East, Palatine
Walk and Talk Hikes are for curious minds who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. These hikes will be led at a slower pace with frequent stopping and interpretation. Under 3 miles. Paved trail. Registration and facemasks required. Visit eventbrite.com/e/walk-and-talk-deer-grove-east-tickets.
Wednesday, 4/7; 8:30am
Wake up with Nature (Waterfowl), Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Let us wake up with nature’s beauty and wonder together on this one-mile morning walk. Look for more Wake up with Nature programs to explore a different topic each week. Registration and facemasks required. Call 847-381-6592.
Wednesday, 4/7; 5:30pm - 7pm
Camping 101, Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest
Free demonstration-based workshop series teaching basic camping skills. All ages - children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring a folding chair/blanket for seating. Do you have your own tent that you need practice with? Bring it and we will help! Masks are required to be worn by all program participants. Registration and facemasks required. Visit fpdcc.eventbrite.com.
Wednesday, 4/7; 10am
Mother Nature and Me - Dinosaurs, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Children ages 3-5 years old and their favorite adult will learn about dinosaurs through outdoor adventures and activities. Registration and facemasks required. Call 708- 839-6897.
Saturday, 4/10; 10am
Going with the Flow: Water Cycle Fun, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Earth's water is always in movement, and the water cycle describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. Discover this natural phenomenon through hands-on activities. Registration and facemasks required. Call 708-868-0606, or emailsandridge.naturecenter@cookcountyil.gov.
Saturday, 4/10; 1pm
Spring Hike, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Join a naturalist for a refreshing hike along Sagawau trails. Registration and facemasks required. Call (630) 257-2045.
Saturday, 4/10; 11am - 2pm
Animal Supplies Drive ‘n Drop, Miller Meadow-South (Off Leash Dog Area), Forest Park
In partnership with Animal Care League of Oak Park, join in helping animals in need by donating supplies. This is a drop-off event with minimal contact. Call 312-533-5751 for more information. Facemasks required.
Sunday, 4/11; 1:30pm
Meet our Birds, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Come take a closer look at Sand Ridge Nature Center’s birds. Learn more about our animal ambassadors on display and discover some of their unique adaptations. Registration and facemasks required. Call 708-868-0606, visit in person, (7 days a week 8am-4pm), or email sandridge.naturecenter@cookcountyil.gov.
Sunday, 4/11; 1pm (Facebook Live)
This Old Farmhouse: Spring Garden Preparation, Sagawau Facebook Live
Prepare your garden and landscaping for the growing season while creating habitat for songbirds, pollinators, and beneficial wildlife. We will look at examples from the farmhouse gardens to discuss how to approach last year's dead vegetation, the role of bare spots and logs, water sources, and other considerations.
Sunday, 4/11; 11am
Loteria at the Escuelita, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Come to the Little Red School House to take a self-led Loteria Hike! See if you can spot all the items on our version of the popular Mexican bingo game and take the game with you (beans included)!
Registration and facemasks required. Call 708- 839-6897. English and Spanish Versions available. One packet/family.
Sunday, 4/11; 1pm
Prime Real Estate, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
See why and how we provide cavity nesting birds with accommodations, then stay to see tree swallows compete. Registration and facemasks required. Call 847-381-6592.
Tuesday, 4/13; 6pm (Zoom)
Be a Better Birder: Getting Started
It is spring and many birds are migrating through our area. Join a naturalist to learn about how to get started birding. Learn about the history of birding, what equipment you might need, and birds to expect. Register at beabetterbirder1.eventbrite.com.
Tuesday, 4/13; 2pm (Facebook Live
Creative Reuse to Reduce: Earth Day, River Trail Nature Center Facebook Live
A tutorial demonstration of an at-home project to reduce waste and repurpose home goods. Teens and adults.
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