Forest Preserves of Cook County 2019 Spring Brochure

South Zone Spring Breakout Adventures Come out for archery, nature exploration artmaking and more. All ages. Registration required for groups of 10+. Wednesday, Apr 17•11 am–2 pm Beaubien Woods–Flatfoot Lake, I-94 & Doty, Chicago T hursday, Apr 18•11 am–2 pm Dan Ryan Woods Central–S Western Ave, south of W 83rd St, Chicago Earth Day Celebration and Preserves Clean Up Clean up the preserves with Friends of the Parks and fun nature activities and snacks. Groups with 10+, please register with Credell.walls @ cookcountyil.gov. Saturday, Apr 27•9–1 pm Beaubien Woods–I-94 & Doty, Chicago Explore what’s wild and wonderful. Beaubien Woods events and activities are supported in part by the Searle Funds at e Chicago Community Trust. Spring in woodlands like Sand Ridge Nature Center brings colorful wildflowers. Look for brightly colored Virginia bluebells, the three petals of white trillium, or the delicate white Dutchman’s breeches, looking like a pair of pants hanging upside down. These ephemerals only bloom for a few weeks, before tree leaves block the sunlight from the forest Spring in thePreserves: Ephemeral Wildflowers floor. Early May is often the peak, but a warm spring can cause an early bloom. Not only are these flowers beautiful, they’re an important part of the local ecosystem, providing an early food source for native pollinators and insects—which in turn help feed migratory birds on their travels. Photo: Virginia Bluebell 34