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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 5/11/2021 - 6/22/2021
Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website, www.fpdcc.com/events, for updates and changes.
Tuesday, 5/11
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, for example. 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.
Tuesday, 5/11 through Monday, 9/6
Dinos Everywhere! Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Over 40 animatronic dinosaurs that are BIGGER and BADDER than ever before have arrived at Brookfield Zoo. Dinos Everywhere features acres of earth shakers, including the largest Argentinosaurus that was estimated to measure more than 100 feet in length and weigh up to 110 tons. Zoogoers will be able to search for this amazing life-like animatronics located throughout the park.
Wednesdays, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26; 9:30am
Yoga, Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion, Chicago
Focus, breathe, stretch: Enjoy basic yoga stretches and breathing suitable for all levels at Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion. Please bring your own yoga mat and water. This program is brought to you in partnership with GiGi Tonye’Arts and Fitness. Call or email to register at Jessica.Becker@cookcountyil.gov or 312-415-2970. Facemasks required.
Thursday, 5/13; 2pm (Facebook Live)
Creative Reduce to Reuse, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Join us for this tutorial demonstration of an at-home project to reduce waste and repurpose home goods. For ages 13yrs and up.
Friday, 5/14; 8pm - 10:15pm
Noche de las Ranas, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Hola mi gente! Come to the Little Red Schoolhouse for a Spanish bilingual night hike. We will walk along our Robel (oak) trails to hear seasonal frog calls and other creatures of the night. Spanish native speakers are encouraged to sign up! The data will be used as part of the Calling Frog Survey for the Chicago Wilderness Region. Ages 18 and up. Registration and facemasks required.
Friday, 5/14; 6:30pm (Via Zoom)
Spring Watercolors
Explore nature through artmaking! In this virtual class, an instructor will lead you step-by-step through a watercolor painting. Materials needed: watercolor paints, paint brushes, and watercolor paper. For more information contact: kathleen.moriarty@cookcountyil.gov or call 708-771-1573.
Saturday, 5/15 (Virtual and In-Person Hybrid)
Day Hiking Leadership Training, (Location TBD)
Calling all teachers, group leaders and youth educators! Our Day Hiking Leadership Training program gets youth and groups of all ages outside by empowering teachers and group leaders with the skills and resources they need to lead safe and fun outdoor experiences. We will focus on a variety of topics. Training will include two mandatory portions: An online portion available starting Saturday, May 1 consisting of classroom work; and an in-person portion on Saturday, May 15. In-person portion will include a group day hike, gear inventory and lending processes. Online portion must be completed prior to the in-person portion. Participants must be at least 18 years or older, be affiliated with institution and be present on hiking trips. All participants are required to wear masks and practice physical distancing. If interested, email katherine.grundin@cookcountyil.gov with your name and organization. Facemasks required for in-person programming.
Saturday, 5/15; 11am
Nature Block Party, Eggers Grove, Chicago
Let us have a party! Register for activities that inspire play and exploration of the Forest Preserves. Register at natureblockparty2021.eventbrite.com. Facemasks required.
Saturday, 5/15; 10am - 12pm (Zoom)
Butterflies in the Preserves, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Explore the lives of butterflies with Sagawau and the Orland Park Public Library. In Cook County, the Forest Preserves protect wetlands, woodlands, and prairies. Learn how to identify butterflies that use these diverse habitats. Participate in this summer’s butterfly count with North American Butterfly Association and your data will help scientists understand butterfly populations. Registration on Eventbrite required. Visit eventbrite.com/o/sagawau-environmental-learning-center-fpcc-3199659422.
Saturday, 5/15; 1:30pm
Spring Fungi Hike, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Join a naturalist for a short talk on basic fungal biology and the diversity of fungal species in our area, followed by a short hike to view fungus along our trails. Registration and facemasks required.
Saturday, 5/15; 10:30am
Crabtree Composing for Little Ones, Crabtree Nature Center Facebook Page
Let the abundant nature all around be the inspiration to compose your very own painting. Children ages 2-6 with caregiver. Registration and facemasks required.
Sunday, 5/16, 1pm
Spring Bird Stroll, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Hollan
Spring is a great time to do some birding! Join us for a bird walk with binoculars as we look and listen for our feathered friends. Registration and facemasks required. Call 708-868-0606.
Sunday, 5/16; 12pm-3pm
Remake Learning Day, LaBagh Woods, Chicago
Join the Forest Preserves in a day of outdoor learning! Remake Learning Days Chi is Chicagoland region’s first-ever festival of innovative experiences and opportunities for youth and families to develop their sense of creativity, perseverance, and curiosity. Participants can create a nature journal, complete scavenger hunts and more. For more information contact: kathleen.moriarty@cookcountyil.gov or call 708-771-1573. Registration and facemasks required.
Tuesday, 5/18; 10am
Walk and Talk: Centennial Trail, Columbia Woods, Willow Springs
In partnership with University Illinois Extension, this informative hike will take participants on a journey exploring natural and cultural elements that make this part of the Des Plaines River Valley so special. This 4-mile stretch of the Centennial Trail is paved. Due to the small size of the Centennial trailhead parking lot, we will take a short shuttle to the trailhead. Meet at Columbia Woods for the shuttle which is also where the trail ends. Registration and facemasks required. For more information call 312-533-5751.
Tuesday, 5/18; 3pm
Children’s Craft: Gyotaku - Fish Printing and Windsocks, Trailside Museum, River Forest
In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, children ages 8 - 12 are invited to try their hand at the ancient and creative Japanese art of Gyotaku. We will be printing with rubber fish using paint on paper. We will then fashion the fish prints into simple windsocks to take home. Registration and facemasks required.
Thursday, 5/20; 6pm (Via Zoom)
Be a Better Birder: Intro to Bird ID
Join us to learn about birdwatching and how to spot the different species of birds that are native to Cook County. Call or email to register at Jessica.Becker@cookcountyil.gov or 312-415-2970.
Friday, 5/21; 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Nighttime Discovery Celebration, Pulaski Woods, Willow Springs
In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, learn more about the phases of the moon and the Lunar New Year which is observed by people of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tibetan and Mongolian heritage. Join us for an evening of education, hikes, activities, and crafts centered on honoring Asian-Pacific traditions as it relates to the wonders of the moon. For more information call 312-533-5751.
Registration and facemasks required.
Saturday, 5/22; 11am
Raptor Meet & Greet, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
If you have ever walked past our outdoor enclosures and wondered about our birds of prey, this is the program for you! We will introduce you to each of our birds and give you a chance to greet our tiniest raptor up close. Registration and facemasks required.
Sunday, 5/23; 8:30am
Bird Walk, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day on a bird walk; join a hike with a field naturalist! Learn to identify birds by field marks, behavior, sound, and habitat. Bring your own binoculars. Registration required. Call 630-257-2045.
Sunday, 5/23; 10:30am
Spring Stroll, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
A walk to highlight the signs of spring. All ages. Registration and facemasks required.
Sunday, 5/23; 1pm
Birds and Blooms, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Take a walk to enjoy the spring blossoms and see what migrants we can spot. Bring your binoculars or let us know you need to borrow a pair of ours. Registration and facemasks required.
Sunday, 5/23; 10am
Family Forest Bathing, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Spend time as a family by slowing down and enjoying the sights, smells and sounds of nature while connecting with one another in this sensory experience. Registration and facemasks required. Call 708-839-6897.
Wednesday, 5/26; 4am - 5:30am
Lunar Eclipse, Little Red Schoolhouse Facebook Page
Join us as we watch the lunar eclipse unfold in the wee hours of the morning. Although this will not be a true total lunar eclipse due to the moon sinking below the horizon, it will be a sight to see. Bring a chair and a blanket for this celestial occurrence. Registration and facemasks required.
Wednesday, 5/26; 10am - 12pm
Nature is Accessible Drop in Event, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Visitors of all abilities are invited to celebrate nature through accessible activities. Registration and facemasks required.
Wednesday, 5/26; 7pm - 8pm
Branching Out with Native Shrubs and Trees
Branch out in a new direction by replacing invasive shrubs with native plants. Learn the advantages of planting native trees and shrubs and how they will benefit your yard. We will discuss identification and selection for a variety of conditions. Presented by the Forest Preserves of Cook County in partnership with University of Illinois Extension, The Morton Arboretum and Chicago Region Tree Initiative. Registration on Eventbrite required.
Visit eventbrite.com/e/branching-out-with-native-shrubs-and-trees-tickets-149204325153.
Wednesday, 5/26; 7pm
Moon Walk, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Let the flower full moon be our guide as we hike the 1-mile White Oak Trail in search of big brown bats. All ages. Please bring binoculars, limited pairs to lend. Registration and facemasks required.
Wednesday, 5/26; 5:30pm
Kayak the Des Plaines, Maywood Grove, Des Plaines
Join us as we paddle nearly 6 miles of the Des Plaines River from Maywood Grove to Plank Road Meadow. Instruction, sanitized equipment, and kayaks provided. For more information call 312-533-5751. Registration and facemasks required.
Friday, 5/28; 6pm
Spring Evening Wildflower Walk, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us for an evening hike as we appreciate the many beautiful wildflowers that bloom during this time of year. Registration and facemasks required.
Saturday, 5/29; 7pm
Sunset Frog Hop, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us afterhours for a sunset walk where we will listen for frogs and learn about the amphibians that call Sand Ridge their home. Ages 12 and up. Registration and facemasks required.
Saturday, 5/29; 10am
Dog Days Dog Walk, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Join us for a casual guided nature walk with your calm, leashed dog on the trails. Registration and facemasks required.
Sunday, 5/30; 1pm
Who Lives Under this Log? Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Come learn about the invertebrates, plants and fungi who make their homes in dead and rotting wood. We will take a hike down our giant’s hollow trail and observe the creatures we find along the way.
Registration and facemasks required.
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