Throughout Chicagoland, residents are preparing for winter. Parents are making sure children have gloves and hats, municipalities are ensuring the salt trucks are ready and homeowners are pulling out their shovels.

Though snow may mean shoveling and salting to some, it also means sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the Forest Preserves of Cook County! Our 2016-2017 Winter Schedule is full of numerous ways to enjoy the season. And if you’d prefer to avoid the dropping temperatures, our six Nature Centers offer numerous ways to get out of the house all season long.

While winter preparation is taking place for people, did you know that our local wildlife is also busy preparing for the colder months ahead? Different types of wildlife prepare and react in their own way. Some mammals go into hibernation, herps do something called brumation, and many types of wildlife change their diet to prepare for the winter. Be sure to check out this month’s article to learn how various Cook County wildlife deal with winter.

Also in this month’s Forest Way, readers will learn why wintertime is great for large-scale restoration projects, such as the upcoming Zander Woods project, as well as learn about the Forest Preserve Foundation’s new messaging and logo, and what to expect when purchasing a permit in 2017.

Don’t forget the Forest Preserves’ Sagawau Environmental Learning Center transforms into Sagawau Nordic beginning December 17, 2016 (weather permitting), offering groomed and tracked cross-country ski trails for both novice and advanced skiers. The program is complete with rentals, lessons and more. Call the Nature Center at 630-257-2045 for more information.

We hope to see you in the Preserves!

Toni Preckwinkle, President
Forest Preserves of Cook County