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PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Department: Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar: 11/15/2022- 12/13/2022
Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes.
Friday, 11/11/22 through Sunday, 1/8/23; 4:30 - 8:30 pm
Lightscape, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Our acclaimed holiday event returns, with a new path and new light-filled installations created just for the Chicago Botanic Garden. Explore the whimsy of nature in winter through music, light, fire, and color. Tickets can be purchased at the Chicago Botanic Garden website for specific dates.
Thursday, 11/17; 1pm
National Take a Hike Day, Country Lane Woods, Willow Springs
Celebrate National Take a Hike Day by hitting the trail with a naturalist on a 5-mile hike Registration required. Call 312-533-5751.
Saturday, 11/19
Reindeer Run, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Grab your glow sticks and running shoes and join us for the annual Reindeer Run! With a 2-mile course entirely within Brookfield Zoo, you and your family can "fun run" under the lights and be the first to see the lights of Holiday Magic!
Saturday, 11/19; 10am - 2pm
Sand Ridge Heritage Day, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Explore the rich heritage and cultural history of the Calumet Region and people’s interaction with the land through living history, interactive displays, demonstrations, and guided walks.
Sunday, 11/20; 1:30pm
Nocturnal Hunters - Owls, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Learn about the different attributes that make owls unique and fascinating. All ages.
Sunday, 11/20; 1pm
Inhabitants: Indigenous Perspectives on Restoring our World, Sagawau Nature Center, Lemont
Watch a screening on how five Native American tribes use their traditional land management practices to restore deserts, coastlines, forests, and prairies. Registration required.
Sunday, 11/20; 10am
Thanksgiving Forest Bath, Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs
Open the senses to sights, smells, and sounds of nature before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season begins.
Friday, 11/25; 1:30pm
Annual Turkey Trot Hike, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Walk off that extra helping of turkey and stuffing on this annual post-holiday hike. Family program. Registration required.
Friday, 11/25; 6pm - 8pm
Thankful for the Dark, Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs
Learn about the importance of dark skies, then enjoy a leisurely night walk.
Friday, 11/25; 1pm - 2pm
Walk off that Turkey, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Rustle through the fallen leaves on a guided 1-mile fitness walk.
Friday through Sunday, 11/25 - 11/27
Holiday Magic, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Now in its 41st year, get ready to visit Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival. With over two million twinkling LED lights, it is a magical time for the entire family. Advanced tickets may be required.
Sunday, 11/27; 10am - 1pm
Tree Cookie Painting, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Paint and enjoy the last scenes of fall before winter begins.
Sunday, 11/27; 1pm
Thankful for Mother Nature Walk, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Take a leisurely guided walk to focus on the wonders of our local ecosystems.
Sunday, 11/27; 11am
Conservation @ Home: Feed the Birds, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Learn about the best bird foods, feeders, and landscape elements to benefit our resident winter birds. You will even make a simple bird feeder to take home! Registration required.
Wednesday, 11/30
Holiday Magic, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Now in its 41st year, get ready to visit Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival. With over two million twinkling LED lights, it is a magical time for the entire family. Advanced tickets may be required.
Wednesday, 11/30; 1pm - 3pm
Archery 101, Brookfield Woods, Brookfield
Attend this session to learn the basics of archery. Ages 10 and up. Equipment provided.
Wednesday, 11/30; 10am
Native Folklore, Rolling Knolls, Elgin
In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, walk with us as we discuss native animals’ folklore. Registration required.
Wednesday through Sunday 12/1 - 12/4, 12/7 - 12/11, 12/14 - 12/18
Holiday Magic, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Now in its 41st year, get ready to visit Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival. With over two million twinkling LED lights, it is a magical time for the entire family. Advanced tickets may be required.
Saturday, 12/3; 4pm - 8pm
Winter Bonfire, Camp Dan Beard, Northbrook
Celebrate the start of the winter season with a giant bonfire under the night sky. Enjoy storytelling, outdoor games, and star gazing (weather permitting). Food will be available for purchase onsite. Timed entry tickets are required to attend. All event attendees will park at Potawatomi Woods and will take a shuttle to and from the event.
Saturday, 12/3; 1pm
Cross-Country Ski Seminar, Sagawau Nature Center, Lemont
Learn the basics of cross-country ski equipment and how to prepare for your first cross-country skiing experience.
Saturdays, 12/3; 10am - 12pm
Volunteer Winter Workdays, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Put on some gloves and join us to remove invasive species. Registration required. Tools and eye protection provided. Children 8 and up welcome with adult.
Saturday, 12/3; 7:30pm
Silent Night Walk, Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs
Get inspired at the bonfire and enjoy hot chocolate before heading out in the quiet winter on a silent walk. Bring your own mug.
Sunday, 12/4; 11am - 3pm
Christmas Past, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Visit our pioneer cabins as we celebrate winter holiday traditions. Play with handmade toys, make a craft, and see what is cooking on the open fire.
Sunday, 12/4; 11am - 2pm
Bird Feeding Drop In, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Learn the basics about winter bird feeding and pick up a do-it-yourself pinecone bird feeder craft.
Thursday, 12/8; 6pm - 8pm
Winter Workshop-Holiday Gift Making, Matthew Bieszczat Volunteer Resource Center, Chicago
Need a last-minute holiday gift? Join us to make ornaments, window hangers, wooden houses, and dolls. Registration required. All tools and supplies provided. Ages 10 and up.
Friday, 12/9; 1pm
DIY Holiday Bird Feeder Wreath, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Make a festive birdseed wreath to help our feathered friends this winter! Free. Registration required. Materials provided. Ages 13 and up.
Saturday, 12/10; 10am - 1pm
Stairs, Stories & S’mores, Swallow Cliff Woods Pavilion, Palos Park
Join us for stair climbing, story trail, sledding, snowshoeing, s’more making and more. Sledding and snowshoeing available (weather permitting). Drop-in.
Sunday, 12/11; 1pm
Our Canine Neighbors, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Join us for an outdoor program on some of our local canine species with whom we share the land.
Sunday, 12/11; 1pm
Animal Homes Hike, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Take a guided hike to discover where our local animals will spend the winter. Family program. Registration required.
Sunday, 12/11; 1pm
Cross-Country Ski Seminar, Sagawau Nature Center, Lemont
Learn the basics of cross-country ski equipment and how to prepare for your first cross-country skiing experience.
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