Forest Preserves of Cook County 2019 Winter Brochure

A RIVER TRAIL NORTH *Registration required at least 2 days in advance of the events marked with asterisk. 847-824-8360 21 Snowshoe Lending at River Trail Snowshoes available when snow is 4” or greater. Available on a first come, first served basis. Call for more information. DECEMBER Photo Scavenger Hunt Learn tips for nature photography using a smart phone during a scavenger hunt. Sunday, Dec 1 • 1:30 pm Sit Down with a Skunk Learn about skunks’ unique adaptations and meet River Trail’s resident striped skunk. Sunday, Dec 8 • 1:30 pm Winter Solstice Learn the history about Winter Solstice celebrations. Sunday, Dec 22 • 1:30 pm Cold Weather Crafts Enjoy making crafts to celebrate the winter season. Sunday, Dec 29 • 1:30 pm JANUARY Wonderful Winter Wildlife Learn how local wildlife must sleep, move or adapt in order to survive Chicago winters. Sunday, Jan 5 • 1:30 pm Winter Survival Skills Learn about edible plants and orienteering, and create cordage, winter shelters, potable water and primitive fires. Suitable for ages 7 & up. Saturday, Jan 18 • Noon-3 pm Animal Encounters Learn about a local animal and its amazing adaptations. Sunday & Monday, Jan 19 & 20 • 1:30 pm Two Owls & a Naturalist Learn about owls’ unique adaptations and get up close and personal with two of River Trail’s resident owls. Sunday, Jan 26 • 1:30 pm Conservation@Home: Native Landscape Design* U of I Extension staff and volunteers teach simple design principles for using native plants in home gardens. Register by 1/24. Friday, Jan 31 • 10 am–Noon FEBRUARY Sunrise Nature Photography* Outdoor workshop focusing on amazing winter scenes. Ages 14 & up. Location provided upon registration. Saturday, Feb 1 • 6–9 am Groundhog Day, Again… Learn the story behind this peculiar holiday. Sunday, Feb 2 • 1:30 pm In Search of the Snow Flea Hunt our trails for these tiny creatures and learn about other insects in winter. Sunday, Feb 16 • 1:30 pm Sap’s Rising Walk in the sugar maple forest to learn about the sweet process of maple syrup making. Saturdays & Sundays, Feb 22–Mar 14 1:30 pm