Visit our website at fpdcc.com TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT 4-5. Crabtree Nature Center (Barrington Hills) 6-7

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2 DISCOVER YOUR FOREST PRESERVES! Use this brochure to learn about the many ways you can have fun in nature. From programs at our six nature centers to special events and programs, there s no shortage of opportunities to get out there and enjoy your forest preserves. Coming in 2015, the Forest Preserves will open five new and revitalized campgrounds to families, groups and individuals. For news and updates, visit fpdcc.com/camping. WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT If last winter s polar vortex taught us anything, it s this: there s cold and then there s cold. After a winter like that one, I d like to think that our blood has thickened a little (or at least our coats), and that we re even better prepared to enjoy this upcoming season. Because while some people might assume that the Forest Preserves of Cook County shuts down in the cold months, that s far from true. Out in the preserves, there are countless adventures to be had, and we offer robust programming throughout the winter. Weather permitting, you can snowshoe, cross-country ski or go sledding. You can help restore an oak woodland with a volunteer group. Or you can try out one of our activity series such as Winter Wellness in the Woods or Winter Exploration Days. All winter long, our six nature centers are cozy hives of activity. Families can participate in fun and educational programs, take a hike, see live animals or go on a nature scavenger hunt. Whatever you do, make sure you keep the Forest Preserves on your schedule this winter. Those seeking a cure for cabin fever can t do much better than the wideopen spaces and inviting winter woods of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Sincerely, Toni Preckwinkle President, Forest Preserves of Cook County TABLE OF CONTENTS Crabtree Nature Center (Barrington Hills) Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center (Willow Springs) River Trail Nature Center (Northbrook) Sagawau Environmental Learning Center (Lemont) Sand Ridge Nature Center (South Holland) Trailside Museum of Natural History (River Forest) Special Events Afterschool Outdoor Adventures Third Thursday Series Winter Wellness in the Woods Photo Meet-ups Snow & Ice! Volunteer Resources for Teachers Visit our website at fpdcc.com Please note that some programs may require advance registration and/or a small fee where noted. 3

3 THROUGHOUT THE WINTER Snowshoes Available for use on our property when snow is 4 or deeper. Free. Equipment is limited and loaned on a first come, first served basis. Driver s license required. 9 am 2:30 pm ESI - Environmental Scene Investigation Follow tracks, examine scat (droppings), listen to animal sounds and see if you can solve these indoor mysteries! Saturday Thursday 9 am 3 pm Evening Owl Hike Listen to a talk about these nocturnal hunters, then join us as we look for these unique predators. Registration required. Fridays, Dec 19 & Jan 9 7 pm Beginning Snowshoeing Get a quick lesson on snowshoeing basics then head out on a short naturalistled trek. If adventurous, continue along on your own. Requires a minimum 4 snow base. Registration required. Space is limited. Saturdays, Jan 3 & 10, Feb 14 & 21 1 pm 4 Winter Ramble We ll take a hike around the trails to see what s going on during this season. Dress for the weather. Sundays, Jan 11 & Feb 8 1 pm Wee Wanderer Wednesdays Join us for a special program for little naturalists. This program is for kids ages 2 6 with a caregiver. If weather permits we ll spend some time outdoors, so dress for the weather. Wednesdays, Jan 14 & 28, Feb 11 & am Homeschool Scientist Designed for homeschool students, we ll unlock some of Mother Nature s secrets. Ages Registration required. $3 per child. Thursdays, Jan 22 (Winter Adaptations) & Feb 19 (Cranium Investigations) 1 pm DECEMBER Winter Wonders Scavenger Hike What will you see, hear or feel on this seasonal scavenger hike? Sunday, Dec 7 1 pm Eat Like a Bird Make a simple bird feeder and learn about our winter birds. Saturday, Dec 13 1 pm Painting on Glass Paint a winter scene of your choice on glass. Taught by artist Carol Foster. Adults and teens. Registration required. Sunday, Dec 14 1 pm Snow and S mores Join us in our nature play area for a campfire and winter fun. Dress for the outdoors. Sunday, Jan 4 1 pm Animal Tracks in the Snow Identify animals by what they ve left around the area. Then make an animal track of your own. Sunday, Jan 18 1 pm This Old Birdhouse Prepare for the upcoming nesting season by constructing a birdhouse. Plans and placement suggestions will be included. One birdhouse per family. Ages 10 & up. Registration required. $5 per birdhouse. Sunday, Feb 1 1 pm Prairie by a Winter Moon Join us on a winter evening as we snowshoe our two-mile Phantom Prairie Trail. Ages 13 & up. Registration required. Space is limited. Friday, Feb 6 8 pm Snow Wonder Snow is a wonder! Learn about this magical crystal and have some fun with snow-themed crafts. Registration required. Sunday, Dec 21 1 pm Sunday Matinee Sit back and relax with a naturethemed movie and popcorn. Sunday, Dec 28 noon 3 pm I Don t Know See how naturalists use scientific guides to identify what they don t know, and pick up a few tricks yourself. Saturday, Jan 24 1 pm Art in Nature: Big Skies Learn to paint big skies in oils. Taught by artist Sharron Boxenbaum. Ages 16 & up. Registration required. Sunday, Jan 25 1 pm The Plant that Killed Abe Lincoln s Mother Celebrate our 16th president and learn how a woodland flower changed the course of history. Sunday, Feb 15 1 pm Wolves, Bears and Cougars Amazingly, these long-lost predators are beginning to return to our area. Learn the history of these animals and what they re up to today. Sunday, Feb 22 1 pm Crabtree Nature Center 3 Stover Road, Barrington Hills Winter Hours (through Feb 28) Building: 9 am 3:30 pm, closed Fridays Grounds: 8 am 4 pm daily Christmas Day & New Year s Day 5

4 THROUGHOUT THE WINTER Mother Nature and Me Kids ages 3 5 and their favorite adult will learn about nature through a story, nature walk and craft. Registration required. Limit 15 kids. Wednesdays, Dec 3 (Woodpeckers) & 17 (Deer); Jan 7 (Snowflakes) & 21 (Owls); Feb 4 (Animal Tracks) & 18 (Chipmunks) 10:30 11:30 am Tots and Trails Kids ages 3 5 and their favorite adult are invited on a nature hike. Dress for the weather; we ll explore rain or shine, except in severe weather. Registration required. Limit 15 kids. Wednesdays, Dec 10; Jan 14; Feb 11 10:30 11:30 am S.E.N.I.O.R.S. Are you a senior who wants to stay active and remain a lifelong learner? Nature will inspire a different activity each month. Seniors only. Registration required. Limit 20. Thursdays, Dec 11; Jan 8; Feb am Restoration Work Days Help restore wildlife habitat, and nature will restore you. Individuals and families welcome. Not suitable for kids ages 9 & under. Kids ages must be accompanied by an adult. Saturdays, Dec 13; Jan 10; Feb am noon Animal Encounters Many animals call our nature center home. Meet one of these animals during a casual afternoon encounter. Sundays, Dec 14; Jan 11; Feb 8 1:30 pm Chicago Portage National Historic Site Join stewardship efforts to care for this historic site. Groups welcome. Meet at 4800 S. Harlem, Lyons. Saturdays, Dec 20; Jan 31; Feb 28 9 am noon 6 Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs Winter Hours (through Feb 28) Building: 9 am 3:30 pm, closed Fridays Grounds: 8 am 3:30 pm daily Christmas Day & New Year s Day DECEMBER Nature Holiday Craft Enjoy the subtle beauty of nature by making a homemade craft. Choose a star or stocking shape to decorate with nuts and pinecones. Adults only. Register by 11/30. Limit 20. $5. Saturday, Dec 6 10:30 11:30 am Gyotaku Create nature designs using this unique method of art. Materials provided. Ages 8 & up. Registration required. Limit 25. Saturday, Dec am Snowshoe Hike Learn how to use snowshoes as we explore the wonderful winter world outside! Ages 8 & up. Registration required. Limit 20. Saturday, Jan 3 10 am noon Yoga in Winter Beat the winter doldrums with this instructor-led, relaxing program. Bring your own mat. Ages 16 & up. Registration required. Limit 15. Sunday, Jan 11 10:30 am Signs They Leave Behind Learn how animal tracks and scat can be used to learn about animal behavior during cold months. Indoor/outdoor program. Registration required. Limit 25. Saturday, Feb 7 1:30 3 pm Sweetheart Night Hike Sweethearts are invited to hike a short trail, roast marshmallows, then warm up inside with chocolate delights and games. Ages 21 & up. Register by 2/11. Limit 40. $5 per person. Saturday, Feb 14 6:30 8:30 pm Snakes In Winter Meet a live snake, and learn how snakes survive the winter. All ages. Registration required. Limit 25. Saturday, Dec 20 1 pm Winter Adventure Camp Explore the forest in search of animal tracks and their stories. Then warm up with hot chocolate and try cool winter experiments. Ages Registration required. Limit 15 kids. $30. Monday Wednesday, Dec :30 am noon WINTER SOLSTICE BONFIRE Celebrate the shortest day of the year with a nature walk, bonfire and trimming of the wildlife tree. Family program; no organized groups, please. In-person registration required, starting 12/1. $3 per person. Sunday, Dec 21 6:30 8:30 pm Life Under the Ice Discover how fish, amphibians and reptiles survive underneath the frozen water. Indoor/outdoor program. Registration required. Limit 25. Saturday, Jan 17 1:30 3 pm Raptors in Winter Learn about Illinois raptors and how they survive in winter. Ages 12 & up. Registration required. Limit 30. Saturday, Jan 24 1:30 pm Knock, Knock: Who s There? Watch woodpeckers at the feeder and learn some cool facts about them! Registration required. Limit 25. Saturday, Jan am Constellation Mythology Ever wonder what constellations are in the winter sky? Their names and mythology will be revealed through an informative discussion. Ages 10 & up. Registration required. Limit 50. Saturday, Feb 21 1:30 pm Winter Tales Break out of the winter routine for fun storytelling and crafts. Registration required. Limit 30. Saturday, Feb 28 1:30 2:30 pm 7

5 THROUGHOUT THE WINTER What s on the Menu? Join us at feeding time to learn about our display animals and their unique habits. Saturdays & Sundays 3 pm Small Serendipity Come on out for a nature story and craft or other nature activity. For kids ages 3 6 with an adult. $1 per child. Wednesdays, Dec 3 & 17; Jan 7 & 21; Feb 4 & am Creature Feature Get up-close and personal with one of the animals at River Trail. Sundays, Dec 7 & Feb 22 1:30 pm Naturalist s Choice Stop by and learn about an exciting nature topic picked by one of our staff. Sundays & Mondays, Jan 18 & 19; Feb 15 & 16 1:30 pm NIGHTLIFE SERIES Join our naturalist on a winter night for a unique, nature-themed event. Registration required. $2 per person. 6:45 pm check-in, 7 pm start. 8 The Winter Solstice Join us for a presentation about how world cultures respond to the shortest day of the year. Then, take a mythical journey into the night woods. Register by 12/10. Friday, Dec 12 7 pm Owl Prowl We ll take a hike outside to try and call some local owls. Afterwards, warm up with snacks and hot cocoa while looking at owl artifacts. Ages 16 & up. Register by 1/7. Friday, Jan 9 7 pm Winter Night Hike Meet us for a winter night hike to learn about the nocturnal animals that live at River Trail. Afterwards, warm up inside with snacks and hot chocolate. Register by 2/18. Friday, Feb 20 7 pm DECEMBER Holiday Hangers Stop by the nature center, and we ll help you make a bird feeder to take home and decorate your yard! Sundays, Dec 14 & 21 1:30 pm A Winter s Hike Take a hike and explore the trails with one of our naturalists. Learn about our snowshoe program and even try them out. Weather permitting. Limited availability. Sunday, Jan 4 1:30 pm Wonderful Winter Wildlife Learn how local wildlife must sleep, move or adapt to survive Chicago winters. Sunday, Jan 11 1:30 pm Groundhog Day Celebration Only the shadow knows if winter is over. Enjoy facts and myths about groundhogs and their shadows. Sunday, Feb 1 1:30 pm In Search of the Snow Flea Hunt for these tiny creatures, and learn about other insects and their winter habits. Dress for the weather. Sunday, Feb 8 1:30 pm To Snooze or Not To Snooze? Why do some animals sleep through the winter while others brave the season? We ll explore this mystery while examining wildlife artifacts and behaviors. Sunday, Dec 28 1:30 pm Two Owls & a Naturalist Get up-close and personal with two of River Trail s resident owls. Sunday, Jan 25 1:30 pm Sap s Rising Walk in the sugar maple forest as winter comes to an end, and learn about the sweet history of maple syrup making. Saturday, Feb 28 1:30 pm River Trail Nature Center 3120 N Milwaukee, Northbrook Winter Hours (through Feb 28) Building: 9 am 3:30 pm, closed Fridays Trails: 8 am 3:30 pm Grounds: 8 am 4 pm daily Christmas Day & New Year s Day 9

6 DECEMBER Wax Clinics Learn how simple it is to care for your skis. We ll discuss ski maintenance, including useful tips and waxing demonstrations. Sunday, Dec 7 and Saturday, Dec 13 1 pm Cross-Country Ski Seminars Learn how cross-country ski equipment should fit. We ll cover skis, boots, poles and clothing including classic, ski skating and telemark equipment plus winter safety and what to expect from your first cross-country skiing experience. Saturday, Dec 6 and Sunday, Dec 14 1 pm THROUGHOUT THE WINTER Cross-Country Ski Trails Open Trails will be opened and groomed as snow conditions permit. Sagawau Nordic is open daily, 9 am 4 pm. All skiers must obtain a free trail pass. Rentals available until 2 pm. Equipment must be returned by 3:45 pm. Saturday, Dec 20 Monday, Mar 2 Call for exact opening date. Beginner Cross-Country Ski Lessons Learn to ski with a professional instructor. Ages 12 & up. First come, first served. Limit 12. Reservations not accepted. Please arrive by 9 am for registration and equipment fitting. Saturdays & Sundays, Jan 3 Mar 1 9:30 am Sagawau Environmental Learning Center W. 111th St. Lemont Winter Hours 9am 4pm daily Environmental Learning Center Ski Fest Celebrate cross-country skiing at Sagawau s winter wonderland. Experience our groomed trails at this slide-and-glide party for skiers of all levels. Saturday, Jan 24 9 am 3 pm Surf the White Winter Wave Join us for a Polynesian take on winter. After skiing the frozen wave, relax and enjoy surfing videos and live updates on surf conditions from Oahu s North Shore. Dress Hawaiian and win a prize. Saturday, Feb 21 9 am 3 pm 10 Christmas Day & New Year s Day All cross-country ski events are weather dependent. Please call for updated trail conditions. 11

7 THROUGHOUT THE WINTER Pioneer Living Have you ever wondered what life was like 200 years ago? Visit our cabins and find out what the pioneers experienced when Illinois was first settled. Sundays, Jan 4, Feb 8 1:30 pm Live Healthy, Discover Nature! Hike Join our monthly hiking club. One of our naturalists will lead a vigorous, two-mile hike on our trails. Saturdays, Dec 6, Jan 3, Feb 7 1:30 pm WEE WONDERS SERIES Each month, kids in preschool and kindergarten are invited to their very own nature program. Fur, Feathers and Scales Explore animals and their coverings. We ll have real fur, feathers and skins to see and touch. Saturday, Dec 6 10 am Winter Fun Let s learn all about winter! Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate while we read a story and make a craft. Saturday, Jan 3 10 am Groundhogs Also known as woodchucks, these true hibernators are getting ready to wake up after a deep winter s sleep. Join us to learn all about them. Saturday, Feb 7 10 am NATURE TALES SERIES For kids in grades 1 4. On Dasher, On Dancer Experience an afternoon of fun as we learn about Rudolph s cousin, the white-tailed deer. Explore how these large mammals have adapted to suburban life. Saturday, Dec 20 1:30 pm Birds at the Feeder One of the easiest ways to learn how to identify birds is by watching them at a feeder. We ll provide a variety of foods to attract various bird species and see if any surprise visitors stop by. Saturday, Jan 17 1:30 pm DECEMBER CHRISTMAS PAST Visit our pioneer cabins as we celebrate this joyous time of year in a simpler way, with homemade toys, chestnuts roasting and popcorn popping in the open fire. Everyone is invited to make a craft to take home. Sunday, Dec 7 11 am 3 pm Night Hike: Candle Lantern Hike Walk the trails with us by candlelight. Candle lanterns will be available for adults. We ll search the night sky, listen for owls and enjoy whatever nature has to offer. Register by 12/10. Weather permitting. Friday, Dec 12 7 pm Where Did the Cold-blooded Creatures Go? Learn about the strategies that reptiles and amphibians use to survive in winter. Get a close-up look at our resident animals. Saturday, Dec 13 1:30 pm What Happened to the Leaves? Learn about conifers (evergreens) and deciduous trees and why some trees keep their leaves during winter. Program will conclude with a hike. Please dress for the weather. Saturday, Jan 10 1:30 pm Holiday Program: Wild Dogs School s out! Come learn about the canine cousins that are found in the forest preserves. We ll have fox, coyote and even wolf skins and skulls for you to see and touch. Monday, Feb 16 1:30 pm Family Movie Fest Slow down and join us for a nature movie. We ll supply the popcorn. Saturday, Dec 27 1:30 pm Winter Nature Camp Join us for a three-day camp where we ll explore the wonders of nature in winter. Ages Register by 12/22. $7 per child. Monday Wednesday, Dec :30 am noon Winter Bonfire Join us as we enjoy an evening around a bonfire, telling stories, roasting marshmallows and sipping hot cocoa. Register by 1/14. Friday, Jan pm Calumet Region: Birthplace of Ecology Enjoy an interactive presentation on the life of Dr. Henry Chandler Cowles and his contributions to the science of ecology. Adults and children ages 12 & up. Register by 2/19. Saturday, Feb 21 1:30 pm Sand Ridge Nature Center S Paxton, South Holland Winter Hours (through Feb 28) Building: 9 am 4 pm, closed Fridays Grounds: 8 am 4 pm daily For the Love of Nature Valentine s Day is here. Express your affection for all things wild! Join us Christmas Day & New Year s Day to make Valentines out of natural materials. 12 Saturday, Feb 14 1:30 pm 13

8 DECEMBER Winter Tree Secrets Can you identify trees without their leaves? Learn how to look at bark, buds and other characteristics to help unravel the mysteries of trees in winter. Sunday, Dec 7 1 pm Creature Feature Learn about an animal that makes its home within our forest preserves. Drop-in program. Friday, Dec :30 pm THROUGHOUT THE WINTER Snowshoe Lending Snowshoes are available for loan to adults and families. On-site use only. Supplies limited. Call for details. Every day with more than 3 of snow Nature Story Time Nature-inspired stories with a craft and snack. Ages 3 6 with adult. $1 per child. Thursdays, Dec 4 & 18; Jan 8 & 22; Feb 5 & 19 10:30 am SNOWSHOE HIKES Register at least two days prior to each hike. Limited snowshoes available. Meet at Thatcher Woods. Winter Weekend Snowshoe Hike Enjoy a guided nature hike on snowshoes if there s snow (or on foot if not). All ages. Sunday, Dec 14; Saturday, Jan :30 pm Morning Fitness Snowshoe Hike Take a brisk hike with a naturalist leading the way if there s snow (or on foot if not). Adults only. Saturdays, Dec 20, Jan 17, Feb :30 am Weekday Snowshoe Hike Join us as we explore local trails on snowshoes if there s snow (or on foot if not.) All ages. Tuesdays, Dec 30, Jan 27, Feb :30 pm Bone Appétit Join us at feeding time to learn about Trailside s outdoor resident animals. Saturday, Dec 6; Sundays, Dec 21 & 28; Saturday, Jan 3; Sunday, Jan 11; Sunday, Feb 1; Saturday, Feb 21 1 pm WINTER WALKS Family program. Dress for the weather. A Winter s Walk Enjoy a guided nature walk followed by treats and cocoa by a campfire. Register by 12/24. $2 per person. Saturday, Dec 27 1 pm New Year s Resolution Walk Fulfill your resolution to be more active and come hike with us. Then warm up with hot cider. Register by 1/2. Sunday, Jan 4 1 pm Warm Hearts, Cold Noses Hike Join us for a winter nature walk through Thatcher Woods. Register by 2/13. Sunday, Feb 15 1 pm Late Winter Walk Get a naturalist s-eye-view as we explore our trails. Saturday, Feb 28 1 pm HOMESCHOOL CONNECTIONS Join other homeschoolers to learn about local nature. Register at least two days prior to each session. Space is limited. Must be accompanied by an adult. Snow Birding Learn how to identify our local winter birds at the birdfeeders and on the trails, and make a birdfeeder to take home. Ages Dress for the weather. Wednesday, Dec :30 pm Owls Learn about local owl species and their adaptations. We ll also dissect owl pellets. Ages Wednesday, Jan :30 pm Winter Birds at Your Feeder Learn about the birds that visit winter feeders. Then discuss the foods, feeders and landscape elements to attract them. Adults and teens. Register by 12/11. Saturday, Dec 13 1 pm Furs, Feathers & Scales Learn how animals outside covering helps them survive and thrive in the forest preserves. Ages 6 10 with adult. Saturday, Jan 10 1 pm Native Seeds to Native Plants Learn techniques to encourage seed germination, and discuss the benefits of incorporating native plants into your landscape. Participants will take home their future plants. Adults and teens. Register by 1/16. $2 per person. Sunday, Jan 18 1 pm Animals in Winter Have you ever wondered about snakes in winter, or tracks in the snow? Learn the strategies animals use to survive. Drop-in program. Monday, Jan :30 pm DARWIN CELEBRATION DAYS Celebrate Charles Darwin s birthday! Join us as we explore adaptation, fitness, selection and survival through activities and displays. Drop-in program for all ages. Saturday & Sunday, Feb 7 & 8 11 am 3 pm Nature Fun on President s Day Enjoy nature-related educational activities and crafts. Drop-in program. Monday, Feb :30 pm Winter Scavenger Hunt Enjoy an afternoon outdoors on a hunt for signs of animal activity and winter plant life. Warm up afterwards with snacks by a campfire. Register by 1/23. $2 per person. Sunday, Jan 25 1 pm A Closer Look You ll never know what surprises you ll find under the microscope. Join us as we look at plant, fungi and animal parts using hand lenses and microscopes. Drop-in program. Saturday, Jan :30 pm Owl Secrets Learn about local owls, hear owl calls and dissect owl pellets. Ages 8 & up with adult. Register by 2/20. Sunday, Feb 22 1 pm Trailside Museum of Natural History 738 Thatcher Ave, River Forest Winter Hours (through Feb 28) Building: 9 am 3:45 pm, closed Fridays Grounds: 8 am 4 pm daily Insect Wings Insects use their wings for more than just flying. Explore the many functions Christmas Day & New Year s Day of insect wings and learn proper use of 14 dissection microscopes. Ages Wednesday, Feb :30 pm 15

9 THIRD THURSDAYS This monthly series explores nature, art and more. Call for details. For special events at our nature centers, SPECIAL EVENTS please refer to nature center listings, pages Stars, Stories and S mores Caldwell Woods, 6350 W Devon Ave, Chicago Bring the whole family to enjoy an evening in the woods with a fire, storytelling, snacks and other nature activities. Thursday, Dec pm Winter Breakout Adventures Camp Sullivan, Oak Park Ave, Oak Forest Don t let the chilly winter bring you down embrace your time off from school and head outdoors! Youth and families, join us for winter adventure and fun with activities like shelter building, GPS hikes, animal pelt stations and winter-themed games. Come for the day or just an hour. Call for details. Mondays, Dec 22 & 29 noon 4 pm Happy Canoe Year Willow Road Dam, north of Forest Way and Willow Road, Winnetka Experienced paddlers, bring your canoe or kayak and ring in the New Year by paddling down the Chicago River from Willow Road Dam to Linne Woods in Morton Grove. Shuttle runs 8 am 2 pm from Linne Woods (Dempster St and Ferris Ave) to Willow Road Dam. Thursday, Jan am Winter Exploration Days Get outside and enjoy winter in your local preserves! This is a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy snowshoe nature hikes, cross-country skiing and sledding (weather permitting). We ll also have winter arts and crafts, a campfire and more. All ages. Saturday, Jan 10 noon 4 pm Thatcher Woods 8030 W Chicago Ave, River Forest Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Dan Ryan Woods, 87th & Western, Chicago Celebrate Dr. King s birthday with service and other activities. Learn about conservation, restoration and invasive species, and help us burn a brush pile. Monday, Jan 19 noon 3 pm AFTERSCHOOL OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Calling outdoor adventurers ages 7 12! Meet up for wilderness skill building, hiking, exploring, nature-based art making and more. Space is limited, so call to reserve your spot. Winter GPS Hunt Caldwell Woods Warming Shelter 6350 W Devon Ave, Chicago It can be difficult to find your way around a bare winter forest. Learn about the benefits of a field GPS unit and how to use one. Then, test your new skills on a coordinate-based scavenger hunt. Wednesday, Jan 28 4:30 6:30 pm 16 Saturday, Feb 14 noon 4 pm Dan Ryan Woods 87th and Western, Chicago Hiking Etiquette Dan Ryan Pavilion, Grove 5 87th and Western, Chicago Be a good trail user. Learn how to read a trail map, identify trailheads, then join us as we explore the trails of Dan Ryan Woods on a guided hike. Dress for the weather. Wednesday, Feb pm Solstice Sunrise Celebration Cummings Square, 536 N Harlem Ave, River Forest Help us welcome the sunrise with a fire and live music as we approach the shortest day of the year. Thursday, Dec am Building Blocks of Nature Thatcher Woods Pavilion, 8030 W Chicago Ave, River Forest We ll bring our nature play indoors with shelter building, storybooks and animal artifacts. Thursday, Jan am noon DIY Creative Reuse Bird Feeders Thatcher Woods Pavilion, 8030 W Chicago Ave, River Forest Make DIY bird feeders out of recycled materials. We ll make an assortment of feeders and learn about using different foods to attract a variety of birds. Thursday, Feb pm WINTER WELLNESS IN THE WOODS Reap the benefits of exercising outside in nature. Instructor-led workouts will include a variety of winter-related activities. Learn how to dress for exercise in cold conditions. Call for details and to reserve a spot. Saturday, Dec am Busse Woods North, Grove 2 Higgins Rd and Golf Rd (enter off east Higgins Rd), Elk Grove Village Tuesday, Jan pm Thatcher Woods 8030 W Chicago Ave, River Forest PHOTO MEET-UPS Tuesday, Feb am Dan Ryan Woods, Grove 5 87th and Western, Chicago The Forest Preserves of Cook County hosts a series of photo meet-ups for photographers of all skill levels. Each month, one of our naturalists will lead a brief tour of a natural area, highlighting interesting plants, scenic vistas and locations frequented by wildlife. Capture images and share tips with fellow photographers. All cameras are suitable, from SLR to point-and-shoot to smart phone. Saturday, Dec am Sand Ridge Nature Center Paxton Ave, South Holland Saturday, Jan am Crabtree Nature Center 3 Stover Rd, Barrington Hills Saturday, Feb am Sagawau Environmental Learning Center W. 111th St, Lemont RSVP to

10 SNOW & ICE From sledding to cross-country skiing to ice fishing and more, the Forest Preserves offer many options for enjoying the winter months in Cook County! SLEDDING We offer four sledding hills with lighting, open 10 am 9 pm: Dan Ryan Woods Chicago Caldwell Woods Chicago Deer Grove #5 Palatine Westchester Woods Westchester The sledding hill at Swallow Cliff in Palos Park is closed for the season. We also offer five sledding spots without lighting, open 10 am sunset: Indian Hill Woods Chicago Heights Pioneer Woods Willow Springs Indian Road Woods Chicago Schiller Woods Schiller Park Deer Grove #4 Palatine Sledding hills are open when there are at least 3 of snow on frozen ground. CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING Visitors can cross-country ski in all parts of the forest preserves, except for golf courses and nature centers, from sunrise to sunset. Sagawau Environmental Learning Center in Lemont offers a complete Nordic Ski Program, including groomed trails and lessons. See page 10 for details. All areas are open to snowshoeing. Some nature centers offer snowshoes to use free of charge. Check center listings. VOLUNTEER If you have time, skills and enthusiasm to give, consider volunteering with the Forest Preserves. With more than 69,000 acres, there are endless opportunities for individuals and groups to get involved. From removing invasive species to picking up litter to monitoring birds and other animals, volunteering is fun and meaningful. To find out more about volunteering at a site near you, visit fpdcc.com/volunteer. ICE FISHING Ice fishing is permitted at 22 designated waterbodies, from 8 am to sunset. Anglers fish at their own risk ice conditions are not monitored by the Forest Preserves. A minimum of 4 of solid ice over the entire lake is strongly recommended. Find a complete list of locations at fpdcc.com/recreation/winter. SNOWMOBILING Snowmobiling is allowed in five designated areas, 10 am 10 pm: Ned Brown Meadow Rolling Meadows Miller Meadow Maywood Morrill Meadow Palos Hills Turtlehead Lake Orland Park North Creek Meadow Lansing Snowmobile areas are opened with a 4 snow base on frozen turf. Snowmobiles must be registered with the State of Illinois and the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Proof of insurance is required. Permits can be obtained at General Headquarters in River Forest or online. Fee applies. ICE SKATING Visitors can ice skate from 8 am to sunset on six designated lakes: Barrington Road Pond Hoffman Estates Buffalo Woods Pond Lyons RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS Our naturalists work hand-in-hand with teachers. We can bring environmental education into the classroom, or bring school groups into the vast natural classroom of our preserves. Programs may feature almost any aspect of regional ecology in the region. We emphasize the role of people in ecosystems, and the health of the natural world. Six unique nature centers represent the geographic and habitat diversity of Cook County. All feature exhibits, and most display live native animals and include nature trails of varying lengths. Free field trips may be scheduled throughout the year. Or let us come to you! Free science and nature programs for individual classrooms feature hands-on activities, and may include animal and plant specimens and classroom handouts. Naturalists are available for science and career fairs and other requests, depending on availability. Contact any of our nature centers for details. Busse Lake North Pool Elk Grove Village Crawdad Slough Willow Springs IT S COOLER IN THE FOREST Deer Grove Lake Palatine Hidden Pond Hickory Hills Teachers and youth leaders: sign your kids up for Cooler in the Forest, a new Visitors skate at their own risk ice conditions are not monitored by the field trip opportunity for students and community youth groups. This engaging Forest Preserves. A minimum of 4 of solid ice over the entire lake is experience introduces youth to nature, where they can explore, learn and have strongly recommended. fun in outdoor classrooms. We teach through adventure recreation, outdoor For a complete list of winter activities, locations and rules, skills and hands-on learning. Our staff can tailor a program to meet your goals. 18 visit fpdcc.com/recreation/winter. Please call for details. 19

11 ABOUT THE FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY The Forest Preserves of Cook County is the oldest forest preserve system in the nation, maintaining more than 69,000 acres of open land for the education, pleasure and recreation of the public. We strive to protect and restore the county s diverse ecosystems, so all our unique native plants and animals can live and thrive. Each year, millions of people use these lands and facilities to enjoy or study nature, bicycle, hike, fish, cross-country ski, picnic, golf, canoe or simply relax in a large preserve that leaves urban life behind. Forest Preserves of Cook County General Headquarters, 536 N Harlem, River Forest, IL Toni Preckwinkle, President Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners Earlean Collins, 1st District Peter N. Silvestri, 9th District Robert B. Steele, 2nd District Bridget Gainer, 10th District Jerry Butler, 3rd District John P. Daley, 11th District Stanley Moore, 4th District John A. Fritchey, 12th District Deborah Sims, 5th District Larry Suffredin, 13th District Joan Patricia Murphy, 6th District Gregg Goslin, 14th District Jesus G. Garcia, 7th District Timothy O. Schneider, 15th District Edwin Reyes, 8th District Jeffery R. Tobolski, 16th District Elizabeth Liz Doody Gorman, 17th District fpdcc.com