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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 7/27/2021 - 9/14/2021
Please bring a facemask to Forest Preserves events and activities. Facemask requirements listed below are for unvaccinated patrons. Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes.
Tuesday, 7/27 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.
Wednesday, 7/28; 6pm - 7:30pm
Woodworking with Invasives: Spoon Carving, Caldwell Woods, Chicago
Repurpose the common European buckthorn into a wooden spoon. All equipment provided. Intended for ages 10 and over. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration and facemasks required if unvaccinated.
Thursday, 7/29; 10am
Walk & Talk: Spears Woods, Spears Woods, Willow Springs
Led by Illinois Extension Master Naturalist David Stang, this informative hike will take participants on a deep dive in the natural world around them. 1.5 miles. Meet in the parking lot. Registration and facemasks required if unvaccinated. For more information, call 312-533-5751.
Thursday, 7/29; 11am (Virtual)
River Monsters, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Check in with us on-line as we learn about the monsters that inhabit the local waters. All ages.
Friday, 7/30; 8pm - 10pm
Nocturnal Creatures and a Night Hike - Owls, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Enjoy an up-close encounter with a nocturnal animal, and then hike our Black Oak Trail to listen, and search for wildlife. Registration and facemasks required if unvaccinated Call 708- 839-6897.
Saturday, 7/31; 10 am-3:30 pm
Sand Ridge Campus Ribbon Cutting and Open House, Sand Ridge Nature Campus, South Holland
Celebrate a new Sand Ridge Campus! Come out for tours of the re-imagined nature center, guided walks of new trail connections, animal encounters, to-go artmaking projects and more. The day starts at Sand Ridge Nature Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 am, and visitors are encouraged to see all the campus offers, including Camp Shabbona Woods, Green Lake Family Aquatic Center, as well as a fishing lake, a new Earth Art sculpture and a paved trail spur connecting to the Burnham Greenway Trail. Thanks to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for support for this nature-based education and recreation campus. Facemasks are required if unvaccinated.
Saturday, 7/31; 2pm - 5pm
Family Game Day, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Adults and families, you are invited to an afternoon full of your favorite backyard games and nature trivia. Take a walk with us on the trail in between games. Drop in event, no registration required. For more information, call 312-533-5751. Facemasks required if unvaccinated.
Sunday, 8/1; 1pm
Reptile Rendezvous, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Meet some of our reptile ambassadors and learn more about our scaly friends. Outdoor program. Registration and facemasks required if unvaccinated.
Sunday, 8/1; 1pm
The Buzz about Bugs: Pollinators, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Visit Sagawau’s Pollinator Wildlife Garden to learn how insects and plants depend on each other and see what insects we can find. Registration and facemasks required if unvaccinated. Call 630-257-2045.
Tuesday, 8/3; 6pm-7:30pm,
Camping 101, Camp Dan Beard, Northbrook
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! For more information visit, eventbrite.com/e/camping-101-workshop. Registration and facemasks required if unvaccinated.
Saturday, 8/7; 10am - 3pm
Double Dutch Festival and Canoe Flatfoot Lake, Beaubien Woods Boat Launch, Chicago
Have you heard stories of your parents, aunties and cousins reminiscing about how they played Double Dutch when they were young? Come join Faith in Place and the Forest Preserve to learn this lost art that brought generations together. Also, enjoy beginner canoe instruction from Friends of the Chicago River. Brought to you in partnership with Faith in Place, Friends of the Chicago River and the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Call or email to register at Jessica.Becker@cookcountyil.gov or 312-415-2970. Facemasks required if unvaccinated.
Saturday, 8/7; 8am - 10am
Morning Paddle at the Lagoons, Tower Road Boat Rental, Northfield
Start off the day paddling and learn about the flora and fauna residing in the Skokie Lagoons. Must have basic paddling skills. Participants must be able to paddle duration of event. Gear provided. To register, call 708-771-1573. Facemasks required if unvaccinated.
Saturday, 8/7; 10am
Nature for Little Ones: Butterflies in the air, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Little ones with their families are invited to a nature program made just for them! Butterflies are filling the air! We will learn about and search for these colorful harbingers of late summer. Registration and facemasks required if unvaccinated. Call 708-868-0606.
Sunday, 8/8; 1pm (Zoom)
Who are the Hummingbirds? Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Join us on Zoom for this introduction to the mysterious hummingbird. Learn about their biology and life history. Registration required. Call 630-257-2045.
Sunday, 8/8; 11am - 2pm
The Unburied Treasure Hunt, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Pick up a treasure map at the welcome tent then decode the clues along the trails to find the un-buried treasure.
Sunday, 8/8; 1pm
The Giants of Giant's Hollow, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
How well can you recognize animals from their skulls? Test yourself with this fun quiz for all-ages. Registration and facemasks required if unvaccinated.
Wednesday, 8/11; 10pm - 11pm
Falling Star Watch, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
We will be watching for falling stars tonight which is part of the Perseid Meteor Showers. This is the night which should provide a maximum number of sightings right after the moon sets. Bring a comfy chair to sit in. Registration and facemasks required if unvaccinated. Call 708-839-6897.
Wednesday, 8/11; 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Nighttime Discovery Celebration, Swallow Cliff-South, Palos Park
Join us for an evening of discovery as we celebrate the night sky! Hikes, activities, and crafts will be offered to help us better understand the wonders of the natural light from the moon and stars. Registration encouraged. Visit nighttimeswallowcliff.eventbrite.com. Facemasks required if unvaccinated.
Thursday, 8/12; 4:30pm - 7pm
Archery, Dan Ryan Woods, Chicago
Receive instruction from a certified staff and try your hand at archery. Ages 10 and up. Junior archery will be available for those under 10. Call or email to register at Jessica.Becker@cookcountyil.gov or 312-415-2970. Facemasks required if unvaccinated.
Friday, 8/13; 7:30pm
Bats! Trailside Museum, River Forest
Join us at Trailside learn about local bats and see and hear real bats with the help of special equipment. Ages 12 and up. Registration and facemasks required if unvaccinated. Call 708-366-6530.
Friday, 8/13; 3pm - 6pm
Nature Obstacle Course, Twenty Sixth Street Woods, La Grange Park
Families attempt an obstacle course created from natural materials. Other nature play, exploration and art activities will be available, too! This is a drop-in event. For more information, call 312-533-5751.
Saturday, 8/14; 6pm - 9:30pm
Summer Bonfire, Camp Shabbona Woods, South Holland
Join us at Camp Shabbona Woods as we celebrate summer with a giant bonfire, nature play, artmaking, lawn games, evening hikes, and more. No registration required.
Saturday, 8/14; 7:30pm
Forest Bathing by Moonlight, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Unlock the healing magic of the forest by slowing down and immersing your mind, body, and spirit to the beauty of the natural world at night. We will explore forest bathing techniques while opening our senses to the sights, smells, and sounds around us. Registration and facemasks required in unvaccinated.
Sunday, 8/15; 11am - 2pm
Music, Nature, and Arts Festival, Caldwell Woods, Chicago
Gather with Bach to Rock and the Forest Preserves of Cook County for an afternoon of crafts and music. Featuring student music performances, games, and activities for the entire family to enjoy while being immersed in nature. For group registration or information, call 877-227-8558. Facemasks required if unvaccinated.
Sunday, 8/15; 10am
High Summer Prairie Walk, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Join a Naturalist for a walk as we take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the prairie in high summer. This walk will take place in a Forest Preserve in Brookfield. Ages 18 and up. Registration and facemasks required. Meeting location provided upon registration. Call 708-366-6530.
Sunday, 8/15; 1:30pm
Flight of the Bumblebee, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Wear a costume! Come dressed as your favorite bee, bug, or butterfly as we fly and dance our way through the nature center gardens learning about pollination as we go. Registration required by 8/6. Ages 4 and up. Facemasks required if unvaccinated.
Sunday, 8/15; 1pm - 3pm
Family Pond Paddle, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Families enjoy an evening out paddling on Thatcher Glen Pond located at the Trailside Museum of Natural History. Instruction, sanitized equipment and kayaks provided. Meet in the parking lot. Registration and facemasks required if not vaccinated. Call 708-366-6530.
Sunday, 8/15; 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 if unvaccinated. Call 708-868-0606.
Wednesday, 8/18; 7:30pm
Inviting all Insects: Insects at your headlights; Tailgate Party, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
We invite you to join us for a tailgater. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, simple snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. We will provide each car with a bug box but encourage bringing your own to collect an insect that visits your headlight. Registration and facemasks required if unvaccinated.
Wednesday, 8/18; 4pm
Kayak the Des Plaines, Maywood Grove, Maywood
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. Space is limited. Registration and facemasks required if unvaccinated. Call 312-533-5751.
Friday, 8/20; 8pm
Going Batty over Bats Night Hike, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Join us for a unique opportunity to walk in the Forest Preserves at night while we use the latest technology to listen for the sounds of bats. Discover cool facts about these misunderstood creatures of the night. Registration and facemasks required if unvaccinated.
Saturday, 8/21; 9am - 12pm
Back-to-School Adventure Day, Rolling Knolls, Elgin
Say goodbye to summer with a day of adventure. Try your hand at fishing and archery while partaking in a nature obstacle course, hikes and more! Instruction and gear provided. All ages. Ages 17and older must have a valid fishing license. For group registration or information, email timothy.mondl@cookcountyil.gov.
Saturday, 8/21; 1:30pm
Wellness in the Woods: Introduction to Forest Bathing, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Discover this Japanese physiological and psychological exercise practice and learn how to adapt it to your own life. Registration and facemasks required. Call 708-868-0606.
Saturday, 8/21; 9am - 2pm
Hummingbird Fest, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Celebrate hummingbirds! Join us for hummingbird viewing and activities. Hummingbird banding will stream on Facebook Live 9am - 12pm. Facemasks required if unvaccinated.
Sunday, 8/22; 11am, 12:30pm or 2pm
GPS Scavenger hunt, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Learn about and participate in a technology inspired scavenger hunt. Call 847-824-8360 to reserve your spot. Facemasks required if unvaccinated.
Tuesday, 8/26; 6pm-7:30pm,
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. Do you have your own tent that you need practice with? Bring it and we will help! For more information visit, eventbrite.com/e/camping-101-workshop. Registration and facemasks required if unvaccinated.
Friday, 8/27; 7:30pm
Sunset Watercolors, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us for a peaceful evening as we gain inspiration from the sunset and paint outdoors. Paintbrushes, watercolors, and paper will be provided. Registration and facemasks required if unvaccinated. Call 708-868-0606.
Saturday, 8/28; 11am - 2pm
All About Beavers, Evans Field, River Forest
Families drop in for an afternoon of engaging activities to learn more about beavers that live in Cook County. We will have “Beaver Evidence” hikes, a beaver dam building activity, dress-up, related crafts, and more. Facemasks required if unvaccinated.
Saturday, 8/28; 6pm - 11pm
Busse Woods Night Ride, Busse Lake Boating Center, Elk Grove
Here is your chance to ride the Busse Woods trail at sunset, twilight or in the dark! Ticket purchase includes live music, bonfires, refreshments and more. For details and to register, call 708-771-1573. Facemasks required if unvaccinated.
Saturday, 8/28; 1pm
Raising Monarch Butterflies, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Come to Trailside to see how we raise Monarch Butterflies from tiny eggs to hungry caterpillars to migrating monarchs. You will also learn why this is important and how you can help butterflies. Facemasks required if unvaccinated. Call 708-366-6530.
Saturday, 8/28; 8am
Bird Walk, Eggers Grove, Chicago
Join a naturalist as we explore this preserve while looking for early migrants and resident birds. Facemasks required if unvaccinated. Call or email to register at Jessica.Becker@cookcountyil.gov or 312-415-2970.
Sunday, 8/29; 1pm
Cicadas! Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Lurking beneath the soil for years, these insects make themselves heard during the August heat. Learn about the complex life cycle of these secretive creatures, and how to distinguish the call of one species from another. Registration and facemasks required if unvaccinated.
Sunday, 8/29; 1pm
Painting Hummingbirds, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Sit in the hummingbird garden and observe these avian marvels. Learn techniques to capture their vibrant colors with watercolor. Ages 12 and up. Registration and facemasks required if unvaccinated. Call 630-257-2045 for more information.
Sunday, 8/29; 1:30pm
The Buzz on Bees, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Visit our beehives and meet the beekeepers to learn about bees, pollination, and honey.
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