Forest Preserves of Cook County 2024 Winter Brochure

SOUTHWEST SAGAWAU *Registration required for events with asterisk. 630.257.2045 Wax Clinic*(–) Learn how simple it is to care for your skis. We’ll discuss ski maintenance for waxable and waxless skis. Sunday, Dec 8; Saturday, Dec 14 • 1 pm Restoration Workday* (–) Join a naturalist as we help restore our ecosystems by removing invasive species. Register at fpdcc.com/volunteer. Tools and safety gear provided. Ages 12 & up. Saturdays & Sundays, Dec 28 & 29, Jan 25 & 26, Feb 22 & 23 • 9:30–11:30 am Clear the Trail* (–) Snow and trail preparation are needed for great skiing. You can’t make snow, but you can help brush back trails to get them ski ready! Ages 16 & up. Sunday, Dec 1 & Saturday, Dec 21, 9:30–11:30 am Sunrise Hike* (–) Join a naturalist to experience the stillness and peace of a winter sunrise in the forest preserves. Ages 18 & up. Saturday, Jan 18 • 6:45 am Saturday, Feb 15 • 6:15 am Feeder Watch* (–) What birds are visiting the feeding station? On a paved surface, enjoy watching the feeders. Binoculars available. Sundays, Dec 22, Jan 5; Friday, Dec 27 • 10 am JANUARY “Green Fire: Aldo Leopold & A Land Ethic For Our Time” film viewing* (–) “Green Fire” explores the life, legacy, and land ethic of conservationist Aldo Leopold and the many ways his philosophy lives today. Saturday, Jan 4 • 1 pm Winter Insects* (–) Believe it or not, some insects are active through the winter. Search for these cold-hardy survivors. Ages 14 & up. Saturday, Jan 11 • 1 pm Winter Tree ID* (–) Join a naturalist as we discover several ways to identify trees in winter. Ages 18 & up. Sunday, Jan 19 • 1 pm FEBRUARY Black History Month Exhibit Learn about African Americans who ski, and challenges faced in the winter sports. Saturday, Feb 1–Friday, Feb 28 Polar Vortex* (–) What causes the extreme, cold temperatures during the winter? Stay warm inside while learning about this cold weather event. Saturday, Feb 1 • 1 pm Groundhog Week + Will Sagawau Sam see his shadow on the ski trails this year? Ski by our outdoor exhibit to learn about groundhogs and other winter hibernators. Saturday, Feb 1–Friday, Feb 7 Winter 'Brr'ding* (–) Enjoy an indoor presentation to learn about our winter and irruptive bird species. Ages 16 & up. Sunday, Feb 9 • 1 pm Birkie Week + Ski with wood skis or wool knickers to win a prize. Test your knowledge of the Birkebeiner Ski Race, answer a daily trivia question. Sunday, Feb 16–Saturday, Feb 22 fpdcc.com 35