Geology of the Sag Valley
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Come along for a tour of the Sag Valley to observe and interpret its geologic formations. Participants will drive their […]
Events in Southwest Cook County
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Southwest Cook County
The Smokey Bear Effect
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Come learn about America’s history of wildfire management and how a little bear influenced the whole nation.
Nature Lens
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Use your camera to observe nature on a guided photography walk. All levels and camera types. Ages 13 & up.
Walk & Talk
Red Gate Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Fire Basics
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Learn the basics of starting a fire and explore the different types of campfires. S'mores and hot cocoa provided. All […]
Little Red’s Snowshoe Roulette
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Snowshoe hikes offered during any days that we have over 4” of snow! Free snowshoe rental with an ID on […]
Teens Behind the Scenes
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join a naturalist and learn how we care for our animals at the nature center. Ages 13-19.
Stairs, Stories & S’mores
Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Families, drop in and challenge yourself by climbing to the top of Swallow Cliff stairs. Then, try the story trail, […]
Clear the Trails
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Help brush back the ski trails. Ages 10 & up. Weather dependent.
Snowbirds
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Enjoy a leisurely nature hike with stops at feeding stations to observe birds’ amazing winter behaviors.
Winter Solstice Night of Lights Walk
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480A self-guided candlelit walk through our woods will delight visitors as we celebrate the shortest day of the year.
Walk & Talk
Black Partridge Woods • Cook County, IL 60439 (near Lemont)For curious minds who want to know more about the Forest Preserves, these hikes will be led at a slower […]
Teen Exploration Day: Snowshoeing and Fire Building
Camp Bullfrog Lake • Willow Springs, IL 60480Enjoy the Preserves on snowshoes then learn different methods for fire building outdoors and make s’mores! Snowshoes provided; 4” of […]
Fitness Hike
Country Lane Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster-paced with little to no […]
Aromatherapy
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Various scents can relax and soothe us. Learn about natural aromas and their healing effects. Ages 21 & up.
Winter Break Camp
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Children will enjoy three fun filled days with outdoor activities, art making and s’mores at the fire. Ages 9-12.
$35
Beginner Cross-Country Ski Lessons
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Learn to ski with a certified Professional Ski Instructor of America. Ages 12 & up. Weather dependent.
$20
Feeder Watch
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439What birds are visiting the feeding station? Enjoy watching the feeders on a paved surface. Binoculars available for loan. Weather […]
Snowshoe Walk
Camp Sullivan • Oak Forest, IL 60452Enjoy the Preserves of snowshoes. Snowshoes provided; 4” of snow required. If no snow is present, we will enjoy a […]
Birding & Board Games
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Watch and learn about winter birds at our feeders while playing nature-themed board games. Ages 14 & up.
Birdy, it’s Cold Outside
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Learn about some of the surprising adaptations and behaviors birds use to survive winters deep freeze with an indoor presentation. […]
Winter Insects
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Believe it or not, some insects are active through the winter. Search for these cold-hardy survivors. Ages 14 & up. […]
Creative Sustainability Workshop
Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Give items a second life by turning them into an ornament, decoration or birdfeeder. Learn to extend the life of […]
Freeze Frames
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Use your camera to observe nature on a guided photography walk. All levels and camera types. Ages 13 & up.
Skier 101
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Come with all your cross-country ski questions! Find your answers by attending this crash course before hitting the snow. Weather […]
Winter Tree ID
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Join a naturalist as we discover several ways to identify trees in winter. Ages 18 & up. Weather dependent.
Fitness Hike
Country Lane Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster-paced with little to no […]
Feeding Frenzy
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Learn what, why and how staff feed the great diversity of birds, fishes, reptiles and amphibians at the nature center.
Groundhog Weekend
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Will Sagawau Sam see his shadow on the ski trails this year? Ski by our outdoor exhibit to learn about […]
Black History Month Exhibit
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Learn about African-American skiers and the challenges faced in winter sports.