title
PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Department: Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar of Events and Activities 9/20/2021 - 10/5/2021
Please bring a facemask to Forest Preserves events and activities. Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website, www.fpdcc.com/events, for updates and changes.
Tuesday, 9/21; 5pm
Forest Therapy Walk, Catherine Chevalier Woods, Chicago
Forest therapy opens the gateway for creativity and a deepened relationship with self and the natural world. Treat yourself to an encounter with nature that will awaken your senses and renew your bonds with the Preserves. Led by certified Forest Therapy Guide. Ages 18 and up. Registration and facemasks required.
Wednesday, 9/22; 8:30pm
Autumn Equinox Hike and Folktale, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Join us for an evening hike to celebrate the equinox while listening to a folktale recited by a librarian from LaGrange Park Library. Registration and facemasks required. Call 708- 839-6897.
Wednesday, 9/22; 10am
Composites of the Prairie, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
The third full week of September is Prairie Week in the Prairie State. Celebrate this dynamic ecosystem at Sagawau from Sunday, September 19 through Saturday, September 25. Sunflowers, goldenrods, and asters, oh my! Composites are making their appearance in the prairie. Step into the lab to learn the complexities of these plants. Afterwards, join us for an identification hike. Ages 18 and up. Registration and facemasks required. Call 630-257-2045.
Wednesday, 9/22; 4pm - 5:30pm; 6pm - 7:30pm
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. Call 312-533-5751.
Friday, 9/24; 7pm
River Trail Nightlife: Night Hike, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Learn about nocturnal animals and more on a guided hike. Registration and facemasks required.
Friday, 9/24; 8:30am
History & Photography Walk, Chicago Portage National Historic Site, Forest View
Grab your camera and get ready to learn the history of this unique site! Expect a guided walk with stopping points along the way to discuss the history of the site and to snap some pictures. Cameras not required. All ages. Registration and facemasks required. For more information, call 312-533-5751.
Saturday, 9/25 Party for the Preserves: A Celebration of Public Lands Day
The Forest Preserves celebrates Public Lands Day with a variety of activities including SOLO (Select Organized Litter Obliterators) clean up. SOLO supplies are available for pick-up from 9-4pm at all six nature centers and at Camp Bullfrog Lake from 4-8pm. Additionally we have activities at other locations throughout the day with a free evening celebration at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Saturday, 9/25; 4pm - 8pm
Party for the Preserves Celebration, Camp Bullfrog Lake, Willow Springs
Come on out and celebrate the Forest Preserves on National Public Lands Day at our annual party at Camp Bullfrog Lake! Festivities include: Paddling, Live Music, Guided Hikes, Night Sky Programming, Touch a Truck, and much more! Facemasks required.
Saturday, 9/25; 10am
Party for the Preserves: Little Calumet River Paddle Wilderness Inquiry, Beaubien Woods Boat Launch, Chicago
Hop aboard a 10-person voyager canoe in partnership with Wilderness Inquiry to explore the Little Calumet River. Registration and facemasks required.
Saturday, 9/25; 9am
Party for the Preserves: Outdoor Yoga, Thatcher Woods Pavilion, River Forest
Join us for a free outdoor yoga classes surrounded by nature, for both experienced beginners and intermediate students. A variety of yoga postures, breathing exercises and meditation will be taught. The teacher will give guidance and options so all students can practice safely. Bring your mat and mask. Meet near Thatcher Woods Pavilion. Ages 12 and up. Facemasks required.
Saturday, 9/25; 10am - 2pm
Party for the Preserves: Meet Nature Cat! Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Celebrate National Public Lands Day with the Forest Preserves of Cook County and WTTW Kids!
Participate in a volunteer cleanup, explore newly designed exhibits, meet animal ambassadors, participate in artmaking, and create your own adventure in nature play areas! Nature Cat is made possible in part by the Van Eekeren family, founders of Land O’ Frost. This event is free. Registration and facemasks required. Call 708-868-0606.
Saturday, 9/25; 10am
Party for the Preserves: Prairie View, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
The third full week of September is Prairie Week in the Prairie State. Celebrate this dynamic ecosystem at Sagawau from Sunday, September 19 through Saturday, September 25. Prairies are a vast habitat spreading throughout many public lands of the United States. These grasslands can grow in wet and dry conditions. Come to Sagawau to visit two types of prairies to learn their stories. Moderate 2-mile hike, unstable footing. Ages 12 and up. Registration and facemasks required.
Saturday, 9/25; 1pm - 4pm
Party for the Preserves: Community Powwow, Bunker Hill, Niles
Join us to celebrate Native American culture while recognizing the themes of ‘Every Child Matters’ and National Public Lands Day. Enjoy traditional Powwow, native food, and listen to stories of culture from the area. Attendees are encouraged to wear orange. All ages. For group registration or information, call 773-509-2344. Facemasks required.
Saturday, 9/25; 1pm
Party for the Preserves: Crabtree History, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Experience a walk-through time together as we discuss the early days and forming of Crabtree Nature Center. Ages 12 and up. Registration and facemasks required.
Sunday, 9/26; 11am
Early Autumn Nature Walk, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Join us for a guided nature walk along our trails as summer transitions to fall. We will see blooming fall wildflowers, the first changes in tree leaf color, and perhaps some migrating wildlife! Registration and facemasks required.
Sunday, 9/26; 1pm
Sagawau Art: Landscapes, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Learn how to compose a beautiful landscape with a scene at Sagawau. You will learn drawing and painting techniques incorporating depth and distance into your composition. Ages 14 and up. Registration and facemasks required. Call 630-257-2045.
Sunday, 9/26; 1pm
Fall Wildflower Walk, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Why should spring wildflowers get all the love? Join us as we observe, enjoy, and learn about fall wildflowers on this fast-paced 3-mile walk. Ages 12 and up. Registration and facemasks required.
Sunday, 9/26; 1:30pm
Birds of Prey, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Meet one of our raptors and learn what makes these winged hunters so unique. All ages. Facemasks required.
Wednesday, 9/29; 10am
Walk & Talk: Women’s Walk at Thatcher Woods, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
In celebration of Women’s National Health and Fitness Day, join us for a walk where we cover efforts by local female conservation leaders, and the work and discoveries they have made at Thatcher Woods. Walk and Talk Hikes are for the 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. Registration and facemasks required. For more information, call 312-533-5751.
Thursday, 9/30; 6pm (Zoom)
Be a Better Birder: Intro to Bird ID
Join us as a representative from the Forest Preserves teaches you about birdwatching and how to spot the different species of birds that are native to Cook County. Call 708-305-2168 to register.
Thursday, 9/30; 10am
Fall Fungi Identification Hike, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Join a naturalist on a casual hike as we look for examples of the various groups of fungi found in the Preserves. A special emphasis will be on key field characteristics. Ages 18 and up. Registration and facemasks required.
Friday, 10/1; 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Nighttime Discovery Celebration, Swallow Cliff Woods, 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. Adler Planetarium will be out providing an opportunity for participants to view stars via telescope. Facemasks required.
Saturday, 10/2; 12pm - 4pm
Fall Paddle Festival, Tower Road Boat Launch, Northfield
Embrace the fall season with nature-based activities on and off the water. We will have individual, tandem, and group canoe trips, guided hikes, youth and adult archery, pumpkin painting, nature play, s’mores, and more! In partnership with BackYard Nature Center. Free. All ages. Registration and facemasks required. Call 224-456-8602.
Sunday, 10/3; 1pm
What is climate change? Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
In honor of Energy Efficiency Day October 6, through engaging displays and activities, we will answer the questions, ‘What is climate?’ ‘What is changing it?’ and ‘How does the scientific community know?’
Registration and facemasks required. Call 708-868-0606.
Sunday, 10/3; 9am - 12pm
Bird Banding, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Watch science unfold as we catch birds, band, and release them. This way of studying birds helps us to understand their movements and how to conserve them. Weather dependent. Registration and facemasks required. Call 630-257-2045.
end