In This Issue

Events
Snowy Scavenger Hunt
Wednesday, Feb 8 * 2:30 - 6 pm
Rolling Knolls Pavilion, 11N260 Rohrssen Rd, Elgin
Let's go on a scavenger hunt! Make some interesting winter observations as you hike through the woods. Record your findings as you go. Dress for the weather.

Get out to your local forest preserve and explore the natural beauty of winter! Each special event offers activities to prepare you for a delightful wintertime experience. Learn how to navigate using new-found orienteering skills, create snowshoes and backpacks from natural materials and track animals that make the Forest Preserves their home during winter. Snowshoeing and sledding will be available, should weather conditions permit. Please join us for one or all events! For further details, call 708-386-4042. 
 
Birch Leggings and The Birkie
Saturday, Feb 18 * 9 am - 3 pm
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 W 111th St, Lemont
How did an infant prince from the 12th century inspire the world's most famous Nordic ski race? Learn the history of the Birkebeiner Ski Race and how it became "the greatest show on the snow." Ski with wood skis and wool knickers or dress like a Viking and win a prize! Event will take place if ski trails are open.

Snowshoe Trekking Plus
Saturday, Feb 18 * 12 - 3 pm
Camp Bullfrog Lake, 9600 Wolf Rd, Willow Springs
There's no better way to experience the Forest Preserves in winter than by snowshoe. Come out to Camp Bullfrog Lake (snow conditions permitting) and try our snowshoes for free. Open to the public, no registration required. There must be at least 4" of hard snow on the ground in order to snowshoe. If there isn't enough snow, we'll still be out with hikes, games, fire and other outdoor fun. Call 312-636-9785 for snow conditions.
 
Black History Month: Underground Railroad Hike
Sunday, Feb 26 * 11 am - 3 pm
Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton, South Holland
Join us to learn about Black History Month with an educational display and interactive history hike. An imaginary journey follows an Underground Railroad route used in Illinois in the mid-1800s.

 
Conservation@Home Events
 
Conservation@Home: Building a Bird Garden
Saturday, Feb 11 * 1 - 3 pm
River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook
University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists will share their experience of designing, planting and caring for two gardens built for the birds.

Conservation@Home: Rain Gardens
Saturday, Feb 18 * 1 - 2:30 pm
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs
Cook South Suburban Master Gardeners will introduce concepts, plants and construction techniques of a successful rain garden.

Conservation@Home: Building a Bird Garden
Saturday, Feb 18 * 1 - 3:30 pm
Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 S Paxton Ave, South Holland
University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists will share their experience of designing, planting and caring for two gardens built for the birds!


For details and a full event listing including all regular events at our six Nature Centers, visit our Events page.

Honor someone special through "I Love My Preserve"
The Forest Preserve Foundation offers people the opportunity to honor a special person or occasion with a tribute gift to their favorite forest preserve or nature center. Click here to learn more about I Love My Preserve and other Forest Preserve Foundation giving opportunities.

EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS WITH LOVED ONES


 
 
by Forest Preserves President Toni Preckwinkle

There are many great things happening throughout the Forest Preserves of Cook County this February. With Valentine's Day on the horizon, consider spending time with loved ones out in nature. With both adults-themed and family-friendly programming at many of our Nature Centers, as well as myriad educational programs and volunteer opportunities, there are numerous ways to enjoy the company of family and friends in honor of this special day.
 
In this issue of The Forest Way, readers will learn about University of Illinois Extension's Master Naturalist program. Master Naturalists are highly skilled volunteers who have been trained in a specialized program from University of Illinois Extension, as well as through their volunteer work. Their education and training equips them to better share information about the natural world around us.
 
Also in this issue of The Forest Way is an article about Harms Flatwoods, the Forest Preserves' newest Illinois Nature Preserve. This 107-acre site is one of the few remaining high-quality flatwoods in the state of Illinois, and has undergone years of restoration work by both dedicated volunteers and contractors.
 
Finally, readers will learn about Dan Ryan Woods and the Major Taylor Trail. Dan Ryan Woods is one of the Forest Preserves most popular sites, and one of the few located within Chicago city limits. Visitors can enjoy numerous amenities including picnic groves, a pavilion, seasonal bike rentals, and a paved loop trail. The Major Taylor Trail also begins at Dan Ryan Woods, and travels 7.6 miles south and east to Whistler Woods in Riverdale.
 
We hope to see you in the Preserves!
 
Toni Preckwinkle, President
HARMS FLATWOODS NAMED ILLINOIS NATURE PRESERVE

Located in northeastern Cook County, Harms Flatwoods offers visitors a somewhat rare glimpse of this limited habitat type. Even rarer than the ecosystem is the exceptional quality of Harms Flatwoods, which has recently garnered this plot designation as an Illinois Nature Preserve.

TWO NEW PAVILIONS AVAILABLE FOR RENTALS: ROLLING KNOLLS & SWALLOW CLIFF
Did you know that both Rolling Knolls and Swallow Cliff offer pavilion rentals? The Rolling Knolls pavilion recently underwent numerous enhancements, and now features meeting and event space for up to 80 attendees, as well as a smaller room for groups of up to 20. Both rooms have access to an outdoor patio and a deck. Swallow Cliff's pavilion can host up to 40 guests, and features a wood-burning fireplace, kitchen prep area, as well as a refrigerator and freezer. Click here to learn more about all of the Forest Preserves' indoor event space.

FOREST PRESERVE FOUNDATION AWARDS FIVE GRANTS TO SUPPORT FPCC INITIATIVES

During the Forest Preserve Foundation's fall grants cycle, five grants totaling nearly $130,000 in support of Forest Preserves of Cook County initiatives were approved.
 
BECOME A COOK COUNTY MASTER NATURALIST

Do you love learning about the natural areas, plants and animals of Cook County? Are you interested in educating family, friends and the general public about the many ecological wonders of Cook County? Do you enjoy performing nature-related volunteer work? If you've answered "yes" to these questions, consider becoming a Cook County Master Naturalist!
 
According to Brigit Holt, University of Illinois Extension's Master Naturalist program coordinator, Master Naturalists are people who want to give their time to improving nature and educating others about the natural world around us.

Learn more about Cook County Master Naturalists...
FOREST PRESERVES' CALENDAR PHOTO OF THE MONTH: FEBRUARY

The February calendar photo of the month, taken by Cheri Hollis, features a male wood duck at McGinty Slough. McGinty Slough is a 38-acre body of water located in Lemont, and offers 8,300 feet of shoreline. Anglers can drop a line in hopes of catching largemouth bass or bluegills, and general visitors can enjoy a peaceful spot to spot a variety of waterfowl, song birds and possibly an osprey. 

EXPLORE DAN RYAN WOODS & THE MAJOR TAYLOR TRAIL

Dan Ryan Woods, one of the Forest Preserves of Cook County's most popular sites, is home to numerous amenities and attractions. This 257-acre preserve has long offered visitors a scenic location to gather with family and friends while being surround by nature. The site offers year-round recreational opportunities including playfields, a 1.5-mile paved loop trail, 16 picnic groves, a 120-guest pavilion, and a system of historic aqueducts at Dan Ryan Woods South.