By The Cook County Forest Preserve
Fall is the perfect time of year to get out and explore the Forest Preserves of Cook County. In addition to daily programs at the Forest Preserves’ six nature centers, the autumn season also includes a number of special events taking place in locations throughout the County. All events are family-friendly and most are free. Among the highlights:
Canyon Tours
FREE: Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 W. 111st Street, Lemont. September: Sundays, 1 p.m. October: Saturdays, 1 p.m. November: Sundays, 1 p.m.
The Sagawau Canyon is the only natural exposure of bedrock in Cook County. Formed more than 400 million years ago, the canyon is being carved ever deeper by a stream. Join naturalists for a hike down the canyon to learn how it was formed and what lives there. Be prepared to wade through a stream.
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60th Annual American Indian Pow Wow
Busse Woods Reservoir, Higgins Road, east of I-290, Elk Grove Village
September 13 – 15. Friday: free education day for school groups. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. with Grand Entry at 1 and 7 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. with Grand Entry at noon.
Experience Native American dance, drumming, food, art wares, films and fun. Plus, don’t miss traditional dance competitors from all over the country. In partnership with the American Indian Center of Chicago.
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Fishin’ Buddies Fall Fishing Derby
FREE: Wampum Lake, I-90/94 & Thornton-Lansing Road, Thornton-Lansing. Saturday, September 14, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
This annual family fishing derby is perfect for novices and reel masters alike
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Forest Jams
FREE: Cummings Square, 536 N. Harlem, River Forest. Thursday, September 19, 6 – 9 p.m.
Enjoy the sounds of Steckman Studio and its OutLoud After-School Performers. West African Djembe Ensemble Low End Theory and dance band Ru Ja Veev finish up the evening. Jam with the musicians, using instruments made out of natural and recycled materials.
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Family Campout
Bullfrog Lake, 9600 Wolf Road, Willow Springs. Saturday, September 21, 2 p.m. – Sunday, September 22, 10 .am
One hundred families will sleep under the stars, cook over a campfire and enjoy night hikes, canoeing, story-telling and more. Presented in partnership with the Chicago Park District. Food and tents provided.
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Archaeology Day
FREE: Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 S. Paxton, South Holland. Saturday, September 21, 10 a.m. – 3p.m.
Join us for a day of activities to promote a better understanding of historic Native American culture. Guided hikes, archaeology displays, activities, crafts and more.
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Hike and Seek
Bemis Woods South, Ogden Ave. & Wolf Rd., Western Springs. Saturday, September 28, noon – 3 p.m.
Explore nature trails with fun activities, learning stations and a scavenger hunt. Hosted by the National Wildlife Federation. Fee and registration required.
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Art in Nature
FREE: Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington Hills. Sunday, September 29, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Watch up to 50 artists painting along our scenic trails. Listen to live music, view artwork for sale and vote for your favorite artist. Try your hand at creating your own artwork – materials and instruction provided. Kids can sculpt, paint or draw.
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Annual Arts and Crafts Fair
FREE: Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 S. 104th Avenue, Willow Springs. Sunday, October 6, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
We’re celebrating our 48th Annual Arts and Craft Fair! Artists of all kinds, from painters to carvers to photographers, will sell their work inspired by local nature. Plus, music, food, hikes and more!
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Fall Festival
FREE: River Trail Nature Center, 3120 N. Milwaukee, Northbrook. Sunday, October 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Join us as we celebrate this colorful season with a special day of autumn fun. Beekeeping, honey, hay rides and much more!
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An Evening at Trailside Museum
FREE: Trailside Museum, 738 Thatcher Avenue, River Forest. Friday, November 8, 5 – 8 p.m.
Get up-close and personal with your neighborhood nature center. Sample a variety of programs and crafts, chat with naturalists and view our entire mammal furs and skulls collection. A rare behind-the-scenes program will show how we prepare food for our live animals. Light refreshments will be served.
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Leave No Child Inside: Family Fun Day!
FREE: Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 S. Paxton, South Holland. Saturday, November 9 ,10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Bring the kids, spend time outside and have fun with our naturalists. Activities include games, an obstacle course, a nature scavenger hunt and more.
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Films in the Forest
FREE: Cummings Square, 536 N. Harlem, River Forest. Thursday, November 21, 6 – 9 p.m.
The Forest Preserves outdoor film series moves inside. A feature or documentary film with environmental themes will be shown.
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41st Annual Settlers’ Day
FREE: Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 S. Paxton, South Holland. Sunday, November 24, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Celebrate our heritage by stepping back into America’s past. Don’t miss costumed living-history demonstrators, history hikes, crafts, an imaginary wagon train adventure and more! Admission is free, though donations of nonperishable food or money, to benefit a local food depository, will be gratefully accepted.
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FAMILY NIGHT OUT: STARS, STORIES AND S’MORES
FREE: Bring the whole family to enjoy an evening in the woods. We’ll have a fire, storytelling, snacks and other nature activities.
Saturday, September 28, 6 – 9 p.m.
Thatcher Woods Pavilion
8030 Chicago Ave., River Forest
Thursday, October 17, 6 – 9 p.m.
Cummings Square
536 N. Harlem Ave., River Forest
Friday, October 18, 6 – 9 p.m.
Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion, Grove 5
87th and Western, Chicago
Saturday, November 2, 5 – 9 p.m.
Eggers Grove Comfort Station
11201 S. Avenue B., Chicago
Celebrate the “Day of the Dead” tradition.
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ARCHERY
FREE.
Afterschool Archery
Relax and refocus after school. Staff provides instruction in this workshop for ages 10 and up. Parents welcome!
Wednesday, September 11, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Eggers Woods, Grove 3
11201 S. Ave. B, Chicago
Wednesday, September 25, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Thatcher Woods
8030 Chicago Ave., River Forest
Thursday, October 24, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Eggers Woods, Grove 3
11201 S. Ave. B, Chicago
Friday Night Workshop
Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion, Grove 5, 87th and Western, Chicago
Friday, October 18, 5 – 7 p.m.
Open to those with all levels of experience, beginner to expert. Learn from a certified instructor, share tips and enjoy the outdoors. Pack a dinner picnic and stay awhile.
Beginners Workshop
Thatcher Woods, 8030 Chicago Avenue, River Forest
Saturday, October 26, 1 – 4 p.m.
Never tried archery before? Learn about the history of archery, parts of the bow and proper technique from a forest preserve instructor. All ages welcome; age-appropriate bows and arrows available for kids under 10. Other games and activities will also be provided.
Teen Archery and Outdoor Exploration
Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion, Grove 5, 87th and Western, Chicago
Friday, November 1, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Teens are invited out to participate in a day of archery and fun. Other games and exploration activities will also be provided by Forest Preserve staff.
Family Archery & Outdoor Exploration Day
Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion, Grove 5, 87th and Western, Chicago
Saturday, November 16, 1 – 4 p.m.
Bring the family to enjoy nature and participate in our Family Archery Workshop, for kids and adults. Instruction provided. Other games and exploration activities will also be provided by staff.
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PADDLING
FREE.
Bullfrog Lake Paddle
Bullfrog Lake, 9600 Wolf Road, Willow Springs
Saturday, September 21, 9 – 1 p.m.
Join us for a morning of paddling around Bullfrog Lake. Paddling instruction provided. Bring your own canoe or use one of ours.
Fall Paddle Skokie Lagoons
Skokie Lagoons, Tower Road Boat Launch, Tower Road, east of I-94, Northfield
Saturday, October 5. 1:30 – 5 p.m.
Enjoy the fall season on the water and with other fall activities including pumpkin painting and a 10-passenger voyageur canoe.
Fall Paddle Powderhorn Lake
Powderhorn Lake, 13817-14451 S. Brainard, Burnham
Saturday, October 12, 1:30 – 5 p.m.
Enjoy the fall season on the water and with other fall activities including pumpkin painting and a 10-passenger voyageur canoe.
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Comments welcome.
Posted on September 9, 2013