Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners met June 6.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
Public Testimony:
Authorization as a public speaker shall only be granted to those individuals who have submitted in writing, their name, address, subject matter, and organization (if any) to the Secretary 24 hours in advance of the meeting. Duly authorized public speakers shall be called upon to deliver testimony at a time specified in the meeting agenda. Authorized public speakers who are not present during the specified time for public testimony will forfeit their allotted time to speak at the meeting. Public testimony must be germane to a specific item(s) on the meeting agenda, and the testimony must not exceed three minutes; the Secretary will keep track of the time and advise when the time for public testimony has expired. Persons authorized to provide public testimony shall not use vulgar, abusive, or otherwise inappropriate language when addressing the Board; failure to act appropriately; failure to speak to an item that is germane to the meeting, or failure to adhere to the time requirements may result in expulsion from the meeting and/or disqualify the person from providing future testimony.
President:
17-0178
Sponsored by: Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board of Commissioners
Proposed Resolution
Resolution to Officially Recognize and Adopt Names of Forest Preserve Lands and Amenities
Whereas, the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Preserves”) recognizes the need to protect the natural and cultural history reflected in the names of the groves, trails, nature preserves, natural areas, facilities, and other public places (the “Venues”) owned or controlled by the Preserves. The Preserves seeks to ensure that these names are accurately represented so the residents of Cook County can easily find the Venues and the amenities they offer; and
Whereas, in 2015, an internal Naming Committee was charged with discerning the correct and official names of all Venues and reviewing requests for the purpose of determining which naming requests to recommend to the Board of Commissioners of the Preserves (the “Board”) for approval; and
Whereas, the internal Naming Committee undertook an exhaustive review of the Venues to determine which names had been formally adopted by the Board, were in common use, or had been abandoned; and
Whereas, the internal Naming Committee compiled a comprehensive list of the various names associated with the Venues; and
Whereas, based upon the findings of the internal Naming Committee, it is recommended that the Board reaffirm those names previously adopted by the Board for approximately 145 Venues as reflected in Category 1 of the list of Venues provided as backup documentation to the Board in support of this resolution (the “Venue List”); and
Whereas, it is also recommended that the Board officially adopt those names not previously adopted, but that enjoy broad recognition among the general public, the Preserves, and other agencies that are separately identified in Category 2 of the Venue List; and
Whereas, it is further recommended that the Board officially retire those names, which also are identified in Category 3 of the Venue List, that, notwithstanding whether such names were ever adopted by the Board, have been abandoned, are no longer in use, or have been replaced with other names, in order to avoid future confusion.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that President Toni Preckwinkle, the Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners, and General Superintendent Arnold Randall do hereby recognize that the presented list of names of Venues identified as such on the Venue List, represents the official names of the corresponding Venues and adopts the recommendations stated above.
Office of the General Superintendent:
17-0162
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Proposed License Renewal Request
Request: Requesting authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Preserves”), as Licensor to renew a License to the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, Grantee, to use approximately four hundred (400) square feet of workspace in the property commonly known as Salt Creek Resource Management, 500 Ogden Avenue, Western Springs, Illinois.
Term: Originally 4/2/2012 - 12/31/2017, proposing a five (5) year renewal expiring 12/31/2022
License Fee: $0.00
License Application Fee: $0.00
YELAR Fee: Waived
Total one-time upfront fee of N/A for the term of the License (Sec. 5-2A-4 and 5-2B-4)
Tree Mitigation Fee: n/a
The area of the License is: Approximately four hundred (400) square feet of workspace in the property commonly known as Salt Creek Resource Management, 500 Ogden Avenue, Western Springs, Illinois. The Illinois Nature Preserves Commission has occupied the space since April 2012.
Concurrence(s):
The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
District(s): 17
17-0212
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Proposed Contract
Department(s): Resource Management
Vendor: Various members of a pre-qualified pool detailed in the summary
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County to enter into and execute
Good(s) or Service(s): Woody debris disposal
Contract Value: Revenue generating
Contract period: Date of execution - 6/6/2022
Estimated Fiscal Impact: Revenue generating; all respondents are either providing funds, or have agreed to perform at no cost to the Preserves
Accounts: n/a
Contract Number(s): 17-31-108
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
District(s): Districtwide
Summary: RFP #17-31-108 consists of the disposal of woody debris generated by Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Preserves”) maintenance and restoration operations. The Preserves issued a Request for Proposals in order to assemble a list of qualified vendors to dispose of and/or repurpose a variety of woody debris located on Forest Preserve property.
A review panel consisting of various Forest Preserve District of Cook County staff was assembled, and three (3) of the five (5) respondents’ proposals were found to be acceptable in terms of cost efficiency and/or productive use of materials. The Preserves would therefore like to prequalify three (3) vendors to perform the following services, at this time:
1) Homer Industries, LLC, Lockport, Illinois: Homer Industries LLC will remove logs, and woodchips at locations with more than 800 cubic yards of material. These services will be provided at no cost to the Preserves.
2) CH Benson IV Inc., Arlington Heights, Illinois: CH Benson IV Inc. will mill logs into dimensional lumber for use in cabinetry and other small-scale woodworking projects. Logs will be removed at no cost to the Preserves.
3) Semper Fi Land Inc., Roselle, Illinois: Semper Fi Land Inc. proposes to purchase and process woodchips at locations with large stockpiles of approximately 2,000 cubic yards or more. Semper Fi will pay the Preserves $0.75 per cubic yard of processed material.
A professional services agreement will subsequently be executed with each pre-qualified firm, which will be valid for a period of five (5) years.
17-0224
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Proposed Contract
Department(s): Finance and Administration
Vendor: System Solutions Inc., Northbrook, Illinois
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County to enter into and execute
Good(s) or Service(s): Computer hardware maintenance
Contract Value: $100,000.00
Contract period: 7/1/2017 - 6/30/2019, with two (2) one-year renewal options
Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2017 $25,000.00, FY 2018 $50,000.00, FY 2019 $25,000.00
Accounts: Computer Supplies and Services 51001.531690
Contract Number(s): 1653-15530 (CC)
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
The Vendor has met the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Ordinance Provisions.
District(s): Districtwide
Summary: The Forest Preserve District of Cook County requests to utilize and piggyback off the Cook County contract awarded by the Cook County Board on 4/12/2017 to System Solutions Inc. for computer hardware maintenance. System Solutions Inc. was the lowest, responsive and responsible bidder.end
17-0169
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Proposed Contract Amendment
Department(s): Resource Management
Vendor: Trees “R” Us, Wauconda, Illinois
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Preserves”) to extend contract
Good(s) or Service(s): Tree removal at Somme Nature Preserve
Original Contract Period: 9/13/2016 - 10/31/2017
Proposed Contract Period Extension: 11/1/2017 - 4/30/2018
Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $21,285.00
Original Approval: 9/13/2016, $21,285.00
Previous Increase(s): n/a
This Increase Requested: n/a
Estimated Fiscal Impact: n/a
Accounts: Habitat Enhancement 51009.521452, Potential Grant Match and Work Fund 51009.521440, Grant Accounts: 51010.29982, 51010.22522
Contract Number(s): 16-31-115
Concurrences:
The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
District(s): 14
Summary: Contract #16-31-115 consists of approximately 7.6 acres of tree removal in accordance with the Preserves’ specifications at Somme Nature Preserve in Northbrook, Illinois. The project is being funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Preserves is requesting a six (6) month contract extension to perform the work, which was postponed due to inadequate weather and ground conditions.
17-0210
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Request Approval to Exercise Contract Renewal Option
Department(s): Resource Management
Vendor: Tallgrass Restoration, LLC, Schaumburg, Illinois
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Preserves”) to exercise contract renewal option.
Good(s) or Service(s): Tree and brush removal at Dam 1 Woods, Portwine Woods, and Willow-Sanders for a project that is designed to increase wildlife habitat on formerly reforested property.
Original Contract Period and Optional Renewal: 1/3/2015 - 1/13/2018, with the potential for a twenty-four (24) month extension
Contract Renewal Option Period Date: 1/14/2018 - 1/13/2020
Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $497,877.00
Original Approval: 11/18/2014, $497,877.00
Previous Increase(s): n/a
This Increase Requested: n/a
Estimated Fiscal Impact: n/a
Accounts: Mitigation account 51010.29565
Contract Number(s): 14-31-108
Concurrences:
The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
The Vendor has met the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Ordinance Provisions.
District(s): 14
Summary: Contract #14-31-108 consists of approximately two-hundred and fifty nine (259) acres of tree and brush removal at Dam 1 Woods, Portwine Woods, and Willow-Sanders in Northbrook, Illinois. Funding is provided through a mitigation account from the Illinois Tollway specifically for this project, which was designed in combination with the US Fish & Wildlife Service. The Preserves is requesting to exercise the option to extend the contract for an additional twenty-four (24) months to bring the project to completion. The project began in the winter of 2014, and approximately sixty (60) acres of removals remain.
17-0161
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Request Approval to Exercise Contract Renewal Option
Department(s): Resource Management
Vendor: Homer Tree Service, Lockport, Illinois
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Preserves”) to exercise contract renewal option
Good(s) or Service(s): Brush removal at Turnbull Woods
Original Contract Period and Optional Renewal: 9/13/2016 - 9/1/2017, with the potential for a
twelve (12) month extension
Contract Renewal Option Period Date(s): 9/2/2017 - 9/1/2018
Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $46,694.00
Original Approval: 9/13/2016, $46,694.00
Previous Increase(s): n/a
This Increase Requested: n/a
Estimated Fiscal Impact: n/a
Accounts: Potential Grant Match and Work Fund 51009.521440, Habitat Restoration 51009.521444, Habitat Enhancement 51009.521452, Grant Accounts: 51010.29982 and 51010.22522
Contract Number(s): 16-31-117
Concurrences:
The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
The Vendor has met the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Ordinance Provisions.
District(s): 13
Summary: Contract #16-31-117 consists of approximately thirty one (31) acres of brush removal at Turnbull Woods in Glencoe, Illinois which is being partially funded through a grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The Preserves would like to exercise its option for a twelve (12) month contract extension to complete the work, which was postponed due to inadequate weather and ground conditions.
17-0211
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Proposed Miscellaneous Item of Business
Department: Resource Management
Summary: In accordance with section 1-8-2(O)(6) of the Forest Preserve District Code of Ordinances, the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Preserves”) are requesting permission to loan a concrete horse trough to the Elk Grove Historical Society (“EGHS”), located at 399 Biesterfield Road in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. The artifact will be utilized by the EGHS for educational programs on the history of the village.
The term of the loan would be an initial five (5) years, with potential for annual extensions upon written agreement of both parties via the completion of an artifact loan form.
District(s): 15
17-0185
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Proposed Intergovernmental Agreement Amendment
Department: Finance and Administration
Other Part(ies): Cook County Government, Chicago, Illinois
Request: Authorization to amend the intergovernmental agreement between the County of Cook (the “County”) and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Preserves”) for the reimbursement or payment for certain services rendered by various County departments and the Preserves.
Goods or Services: The County and the Preserves wish to amend the Agreement to increase the amount of reimbursement or payment due from the Preserves to the County.
Agreement Number: n/a
Agreement Period: 1/1/2017, retroactively, to 12/31/2017
Fiscal Impact: $2,014,408.00 in expenditures and $200,500.00 in revenue
Accounts: Various districtwide corporate accounts
District(s): Districtwide
Summary: The County and the Preserves entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement on 8/21/2012 authorizing the parties to perform various services for the other, in accordance with the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act. The parties agreed to provide various services and to provide reimbursement or payment for said services. The Intergovernmental Agreement was further amended on 4/25/2013, 6/18/2014, 9/8/2015 and 11/15/2016, to allow for additional cooperation. The Fifth Amended and Restated Intergovernmental Agreement consolidates the prior agreement into one Intergovernmental Agreement, so the parties can refer to one agreement. This amended IGA also allows the Preserves to offset amounts due the County for costs associated with the renovation of the Dan Ryan Woods facility.
17-0229
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Proposed Intergovernmental Agreement Amendment
Department: Planning and Development
Other Part(ies): Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Cook County, Illinois
Request: Authorization to extend time
Goods or Services: The Cook County Sheriff’s Office has a program to train inmates and participants from the Vocational Rehabilitation Impact Center (a/k/a “Boot Camp”) to provide deconstruction and building material salvage services. Upon completion of the program, each participant will receive an OSHA 10 and completion certificate. The Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Preserves”) desires to continue to use such services to remove unneeded buildings from recently acquired properties and on sites intended for redevelopment by the Preserves, on an as needed basis.
Agreement Number: n/a
Agreement Period: Original contract period, 4/11/2014 - 3/10/2015. 1st amendment period, 3/11/2015 - 6/30/2016. 2nd amendment period, 7/1/2016 - 6/30/2017. Current extension period, 7/1/2017 - 6/30/2018.
Fiscal Impact: n/a
Accounts: (Buildings, 51009.560106, 51025.560106, 51026.560106, 51054.560106, 51055.560106, 51056.560106, 51057.560106 and Land Acquisition and Professional Services, 06-6801)
District(s): Districtwide
Summary: On 4/8/2014, the Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners approved the original contract, which was approved by the Cook County Board of Commissioners on 5/21/2014. The agreement was amended and extended on 9/8/2015, with no change to the original contract amount of $84,839.00. The agreement was again amended and extended on 6/7/2016, with an increase of $100,000. This contract amendment is to extend time only.
17-0168
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent; Shelly A. Banks, C.P.A, County Auditor
Report
Department: Office of the County Auditor
Request: Refer to Audit Committee
Report Title: Grants Management Audit of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County
Report Period: April 2017
Summary: The purpose of the audit was to evaluate the policies, procedures and internal controls used by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County in the grant management process and to ensure that grant funds are managed appropriately, in an effective and efficient manner.
17-0167
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent; Shelly A. Banks, C.P.A, County Auditor
Report
Department: Office of the County Auditor
Request: Refer to Audit Committee
Report Title: Aquatic Centers Pool Revenue Audit of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County
Report Period: April 2017
Summary: The purpose of the audit was to evaluate the effectiveness of the internal controls that are in place ensuring proper collection, recording and safeguarding of pool revenue.
17-0069
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Report
Department: Finance and Administration
Request: Receive and File
Report Title: Procurements and Disbursements Report
Report Period: 4/1/2017 - 4/30/2017
Summary: Submitting the Procurements and Disbursements Report for the period of April 2017. This report is to be received and filed in compliance with Section 1-8-2(BB) of the District’s Code of Ordinances.
17-0232
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Report
Department: Finance and Administration
Request: Receive and File
Report Title: First Quarter Contract Compliance Report
Report Period: 1/1/2017 - 3/31/2017
Summary: Provide details of report
17-0233
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Proposed Calendar Of Events
Department: Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar - 6/6/2017 - 7/20/2017
Tuesday, 6/13; 10 am - 2 pm
Live Healthy Discover Nature, Daley Plaza, Chicago
Celebrate all things in the Forest Preserve and kick off our summer programming. We are at Daley Plaza until 2 pm with information, giveaways, live animals and fun activities. The Forest Preserves will host the noon time performances as well.
Daily through Monday, 9/4; 10 am - 5 pm (times may vary due to weather conditions)
Butterflies & Blooms; Regenstein Learning Campus; Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
This wonderful exhibition, where visitors can immerse themselves in a habitat filled with hundreds of live butterflies, has become a Garden favorite. Now at its permanent home on the Regenstein Learning Campus, in a 2,800-square-foot white mesh enclosure, the exhibit is filled with species native to Illinois, South America, Asia, North America and Africa. Fee applies.
Daily through Sunday, 9/17; 10 am - 5 pm
Dinos and Dragons, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Brookfield Zoo’s summer Dinos & Dragons exhibit will feature 17 animatronic creatures, including the Stegosaurus, Apatosaurus, Tyrannosaurus rex, and Chinese dragon. Zoogoers can also get up-close views of live reptiles, including a 6-foot-long Komodo dragon. The exhibit will feature hands-on activities, as well as a dinosaur dissection lab, dino dig boxes, and an excavation site.
Wednesday, 6/7; 10 am - 2 pm
Nature is Accessible!, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Visitors of all abilities are invited to celebrate nature through accessible activities.
Saturday, 6/10; 11 am - 3 pm
Beaubien Woods Celebration, Chicago
Enjoy this annual family event held in partnership with Fishin’ Buddies and the Calumet Stewardship Initiative. Fish, explore, canoe and more. Canoe slots are limited; groups welcome. Register online at fishin-buddies.net/beaubiencelebration.
Sundays, 6/11 & 7/9; 10:30 - 11:45 am
Yoga in the Woods, Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs
A 1-mile hike and yoga set to the sounds of nature will leave you in a relaxed and peaceful state. A yoga instructor will guide you through proper posture focusing on simple breathing, strength, and flexibility. Please wear comfortable clothing and hiking shoes, and bring your own yoga mat or beach towel. Registration required. Ages 16 & up. Limit 25.
Sunday, 6/11; Noon - 3 pm
Trailside Museum’s 85th Anniversary, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Celebrate 85 years of nature education and programming at Trailside Museum. Enjoy an ice cream social, join in a bluegrass music jam, participate in family-friendly historical activities, meet some of our animals and much more.
Sunday, 6/11; 1 pm
Oil Painting Demonstration, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Join artist Mort Luby for a demonstration of his painting technique and skill.
Wednesday, 6/14 & Tuesday, 7/18; 5:30 - 7 pm
Camping 101, Camp Bullfrog Lake, Willow Springs
Camping 101 is a hands-on workshop series designed to teach basic camping skills. Learn tent set-up, campfire building, dressing for camping, camping etiquette and more. No registration is required. Perfect for families and novice campers. The programming is from 5 to 7 pm.
Thursday, 6/15 - Sunday, 10/15
Brazil in the Garden, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Come experience the vibrant sights and sounds of Brazil as the Garden celebrates the biodiversity and culture of the country with plants and special offerings inspired by Brazil. There will be Brazilian music on selected evenings, special exhibits in the Joutras gallery and Lenhardt library, classes, family drop-in programs, food in the Café, and Roberto Burle Marx-inspired plantings throughout the Garden. Check the Garden’s website for specific dates and activities. Free, but registration is required for classes.
Thursday, 6/15; Pre-movie activities start at 6:30 pm. Movie begins at dusk.
Films in the Forest: “The Angry Birds Movie,”
Thatcher Woods, 8030 Chicago Avenue, River Forest
Find out why the birds are so angry. When an island populated by happy, flightless birds is visited by mysterious green pigs, it’s up to three unlikely outcasts to figure out the pig’s true motives for coming and save the birds. For more information, call 312-415-2970 or email experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov.
Friday, 6/16; check in: 5 - 7 pm through Sunday, 6/17
Family Campout, Camp Shabbona, Calumet City
These special overnight events for families are a great intro to camping. Basic skills training, a cookout and outdoor activities are included. As part of the fun, families can take part in the Juneteenth Celebration at nearby Sand Ridge Nature Center. The cost is $75 for family groups up to 6. Camperships are available for families with financial need. For more information and an application, call 708-386-4042.
Saturday, 6/17; 10 am - 3 pm
Annual “Juneteenth” Celebration, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us as we celebrate freedom, family and country with our historical Underground Railroad program and history displays, including interactive interpretive hikes, traditional music, a wild edibles display, period recipe samples, a craft and more.
Sunday, 6/18 and Saturdays, 7/1 & 7/15; 10 am
Canyon Tours, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Sagawau Canyon hike highlights the geology of Northeastern Illinois. Hike is over rough terrain, wading through a stream is necessary. Registration in person or by phone, starts the Monday prior to the program date. No groups. Space is limited.
Sunday, 6/18; 12 pm - 2 pm
Father’s Day BBQ, The Pavilion Park, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Treat Dad to a fun noontime Father’s Day barbeque at Brookfield Zoo featuring an interactive DJ. Enjoy a complete, all-you-can-eat summertime buffet. Reservations are required.
Sunday, 6/18; 1 pm
Father’s Day Walk, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Dads and their families can enjoy a guided walk by our pond and through the woods, while learning about wildlife fathers. Register by 6/17.
Tuesday, 6/20; Pre-activities start at 5:30 pm. Concert runs from 6:30 - 8 pm.
Forest Jams, Green Lake Aquatic Center, Calumet City
Head out to our summer concert series and participate in group jam sessions, learn about making instruments from natural and recycled materials and enjoy concerts by local musicians. For more information, call 312-415-2970 or email experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov .
Wednesdays, 6/21, 6/28, Thursday, 7/13 and Wednesday, 7/19; 9 am - Noon
Bird Banding, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Join Sagawau’s banders to observe this important method of studying birds. Children must have adult supervision. Weather permitting.
Friday, 6/23; 6:30 pm
Twilight Canoe Trip, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Explore a local lake in a canoe at twilight. Adults only.
Sunday, 6/25; 1:30 pm
River Round Up, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Bring a change of shoes because we’ll be jumping in the river to examine what lives below the surface of the water.
Thursday, 6/29; 7 - 10 pm
River Trail at Night, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Adults are invited to enjoy the nature center at their leisure. Enjoy a casual picnic dinner, hike our trails, sit by the campfire, roast marshmallows or enjoy the exhibits inside. Adults only. $10 per person.
Wednesday, 7/5; 7:30 pm
Fireside Tales, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Enjoy a summer sunset with stories and snacks around a campfire. $3 per person.
Thursday, 7/6; 11 am - 2 pm
Nature Discovery Day, Swallow Cliff Stairs, Palos Hills
The kids are out of school. Drop in for a fun afternoon of nature discovery and check out what’s new at Swallow Cliff Stairs. We’ll have stair races, obstacle courses, nature hikes, nature based art making, kite flying and more. Drop-in event, call 312-533-5751 for more information.
Saturday, 7/8; 10 am
Photo Meet-up, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
This monthly series is led by a naturalist and will highlight a natural area with scenic vistas, interesting plants and wildlife. For all photographer levels and camera types.
Saturday, 7/8; 8 - 11 pm
Nighty Sky Program: Constellation Mythology, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Peak at the universe through telescopes; guided by the Chicago Astronomical Society.
Saturday, 7/8; 10 am - 4 pm
Kid’s Fest, Wampum Lake, I-90 & Thornton-Lansing Rd, Thorton-Lansing
Enjoy fishing, hiking, canoeing, archery and other fun activities at this free outdoor extravaganza for kids of all ages. Presented in partnership with Fishin’ Buddies and the Youth Conservation Conference. Register online at fishin-buddies.net/kidsfest.
Tuesday, 7/11; 10 am - Noon
Butterfly Lab, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Drop in on Sagawau’s Butterfly Lab to learn about the local lepidopterans. See who emerged and learn ways to support conservation efforts.
Thursday, 7/11; Pre-movie activities start at 6:30 pm. Movie begins at dusk.
Films in the Forest: “The Incredibles,” Rolling Knolls, Elgin
Rain Site: Rolling Knolls Pavilion, Elgin
Follow the adventures of a family of undercover superheroes as they try to save the world in this fun, warm-hearted Pixar film. For more information, call 312-415-2970 or email experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov.
Wednesday, 7/12; 3:30 - 6 pm
Archery 101, Bremen Grove, Grove 1, Tinley Park
Never tried archery before? Attend this session to learn all things archery: history, bow parts and proper technique.
Thursday, 7/13; 6 - 8:30 pm
Concert on the Cliff, Swallow Cliff Visitors Center, Palos Hills
In partnership with the Village of Palos Park, enjoy the summer sounds of Pirates Over 40. Bring your chairs, blankets and picnic baskets for a relaxing evening. Call 708-671-3760 or visit palospark.org for details.
Thursday, 7/13; Pre-movie activities start at 6:30 pm. Movie begins at dusk.
Films in the Forest: “The Jungle Book,”
Eggers Grove, 111201 S Avenue B, Chicago
After a threat from the tiger Shere Khan forces him to flee the jungle, a man-cub named Mowgli embarks on a journey of self-discovery with the help of panther, Bagheera and free spirited bear, Baloo. For more information, call 312-415-2970 or email experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov.
Friday, 7/14; 8 pm
Animals of the Night Hike, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us as we review the habitats of nocturnal animals such as skunks, opossums, raccoons and bats. Then we’ll head outside to see what critters are out and about. Register by 7/12.
Saturday, 7/15 and Sunday 7/16; 9:30 am to 1:30 pm
Share the Trails
Look for our staff and volunteers along the trails with info and giveaways throughout the Forest Preserves. June 3rd in National Trails Day! Be sure to check out our Share the Trail website at fpdcc.com/stt we will bout three more weekends in July, August and October.
Saturday and Sunday, July 15 & 16; 10 am - 4 pm
Summer Market, Esplanade; Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
The height of the summer season is the perfect time for grilling and outdoor dining. Get inspired by the fresh offerings at this free market. Vendors will offer seasonal fruit, vegetables, cut flowers, and herbs, along with handmade soap and pottery. Fee applies.
Saturday, 7/15; Noon - 4 pm
Outdoor Block Party, Camp Shabbona Woods, Calumet City
Join us in this urban preserve for a block party celebration. Enjoy games, hikes and more. Co-hosted by the Youth Outdoor Ambassadors and Alumni. For more information call 312-415-2970.
Saturday, 7/15; 1 pm
Parent/Child Woodland Ramble, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Enjoy a shady walk in the woods with your kids as we take an interactive look at trees, wildflowers and creatures great and small. Family program.
Sunday, 7/16; 1 pm
Poetry Workshop, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
We will explore nature poems about the seasons, plants, water and wildlife as symbols of renewal, strength or loss. Be inspired by Crabtree’s flora and fauna to create your own poetry. Led by poet Tamara Table.
Thursday, 7/20; 11 am - 2 pm
Insect Fest, Cummings Square, River Forest
Come celebrate and learn about insects. Explore how pollinators help us. Build a bug playground. Follow the migratory patterns of monarch butterflies and learn how to create habitat for them locally. For more information, call 708-386-4042. All ages.
District(s): Districtwide
https://fpdcc.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx?From=RSS&Mode=All
Alerts Sign-up