Chicago City Wire

Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners met March 19. 

Here is the agenda as 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

                                                       19-0188

Sponsored by: TONI PRECKWINKLE (President), Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATION OF WAMPUM LAKE AS AN ILLINOIS NATURE

PRESERVE BY THE ILLINOIS NATURE PRESERVES COMMISSION

WHEREAS, on January 29, 2019, at the 231st meeting of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, Wampum Lake was approved for dedication as an Illinois Nature Preserve; and

WHEREAS, dedication of a site as a Nature Preserve provides the highest level of protection for land in Illinois, and is granted only to natural areas of exceptional ecological or cultural significance; and

WHEREAS, Wampum Lake Nature Preserve is an approximately 380 acre preserve located in the Village of Thornton in southeast Cook County; and

WHEREAS, the site consists of unusual natural communities such as sand seep, sand savanna, and open floodplain as well as contains important cultural resources further meriting its dedication and protection; and

WHEREAS, authority to submit this addition for registration was granted by the Board of Commissioners on October 16, 2018 pursuant to Section 9 of the Cook County Forest Preserve District Act (70 ILCS 810/9); and

WHEREAS, with the dedication of Wampum Lake Nature Preserve, the Forest Preserves of Cook County now owns and manages 24 dedicated Illinois Nature Preserves and 4 Land and Water Reserves totaling approximately 8,400 acres; and

WHEREAS, dedication of Wampum Lake as an Illinois Nature Preserve advances the goal set forward in the Next Century Conservation Plan to dedicate 20,000 acres as Illinois Nature Preserve protected land by 2025, and is consistent with the recommendations of the Natural and Cultural Resources Master Plan;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby acknowledge this momentous dedication and the Forest Preserves' steadfast commitment to protect and restore our region's significant natural resources.end

                                                           19-0193

Sponsored by: TONI PRECKWINKLE (President), Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATION OF AN ADDITION TO THORNTON-LANSING ROAD NATURE PRESERVE

WHEREAS, on January 29, 2019, at the 231st meeting of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, a 100-acre addition to Thornton-Lansing Road Nature Preserve was approved for designation as an Illinois Nature Preserve; and

WHEREAS, dedication of a site as a Nature Preserve provides the highest level of protection for land in Illinois, and is granted only to natural areas of exceptional ecological or cultural significance; and

WHEREAS, Thornton-Lansing Road Nature Preserve is located in the Village of Thornton in southeast Cook County; and

WHEREAS, this addition expands the footprint of the Thornton-Lansing Road Nature Preserve from 340 to 440 acres; and

WHEREAS, the site consists of a mosaic of high-quality natural communities such as sand forest, sand flatwoods, sand savanna, sand prairie, sedge meadow, and marsh, and contains many conservative species, including 4 species listed as threatened or endangered in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, authority to submit this addition for registration was granted by the Board of Commissioners on October 16, 2018 pursuant to Section 9 of the Cook County Forest Preserve District Act (70 ILCS 810/9); and

WHEREAS, the Forest Preserves of Cook County currently owns and manages 24 dedicated Illinois Nature Preserves and 4 Land and Water Reserves totaling approximately 8,400 acres; and

WHEREAS, dedication of this addition advances the goal set forward in the Next Century Conservation Plan to dedicate 20,000 acres as Illinois Nature Preserve protected land by 2025, and is consistent with the recommendations of the Natural and Cultural Resources Master Plan;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby acknowledge this momentous dedication and the Forest Preserves' steadfast commitment to protect and restore our region's significant natural resources.

                                                  19-0181

Sponsored by: TONI PRECKWINKLE (President), Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners

PROPOSED ORDINANCE

TO CREATE A FOREST PRESERVE NEAR SPRING LAKE PRESERVE

AN ORDINANCE CREATING A FOREST PRESERVE in part of Section 17, Township 42 North, Range 9, East of the Third Principal Meridian, all in Cook County, Illinois near Spring Lake Preserve in District 15.

WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Illinois (the “District”), pursuant to the statutes in such case made and provided, has from time to time acquired by purchase, condemnation, gift, grant, devise, or otherwise, lands necessary and desirable for District purposes containing one or more natural forests or parts thereof, or lands connecting such forests or parts thereof, or lands capable of being reforested for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna, and scenic beauties within the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Illinois, and to restore, restock, protect, and preserve the natural forests and said lands together with their flora and fauna, as nearly as may be, in their natural state and condition, for the purpose of the education, pleasure, and recreation of the public; and

WHEREAS, the said Board of Commissioners of the District also has acquired in like manner lands for the consolidation of such preserves into unit areas of a size and form convenient and desirable for public use and economical maintenance and improvement, and lands for the purpose of connecting such preserves with forested ways or links in order to increase their accessibility, use, and enjoyment, and lands for improvement by forestation, roads, and pathways, and lands for the purpose of constructing, maintaining, and operating recreational facilities; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of the District has in a like manner acquired lands along water courses or elsewhere which, in their judgment, were required to control drainage and water conditions and necessary for the preservation of forested areas acquired or to be acquired as preserves and lands for the purpose of extension of roads and forested ways around and by such preserves and for parking space for automobiles and other facilities not requiring forested areas but incidental to the use and protection thereof; and

BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners of the District as follows:

Section 1. That a unified Forest Preserve be and the same is hereby created within the District which shall contain and connect lands now owned and lands to be acquired in substantial accordance with the plat now on file in the office of the General Superintendent of the District, which by reference is hereby made part thereof, and for the purposes of said Forest Preserve and for the carrying out of the statutory purposes more particularly set out in the preamble of this ordinance, it is necessary and desirable for the District to own and it shall acquire property hereinafter described in Section 2 of this ordinance, for the purpose of creating a Forest Preserve and for District uses.

Section 2. That the lands referred to in Section 1 of this ordinance are more particularly described as follows:

163 SPRINGWOOD LANE, BARRINGTON HILLS, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

TRACT NO. 5 IN H. R. JACOBSEN AND COMPANY’S SPRING CREEK WOODS, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE EAST HALF OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER AND OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER, LYING NORTH OF THE STATE HIGHWAY KNOWN AS ROUTE 62 AND ALSO KNOWN AS ALGONQUIN ROAD, IN SECTION 17, TOWNSHIP 42 NORTH, RANGE 9 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

PIN: 01-17-200-007-0000

Section 3. This ordinance is hereby made and ordained to be severable as to each parcel of land or portion thereof or right of interest in any of the same hereby authorized to be acquired, and failure to acquire any of the said parcels of land described in Section 2 hereof or right of interest in any of the same shall not impair or invalidate the authority by this ordinance granted to hold, own, or acquire any other of said parcels or any right or interest therein, it being the intention of said Board of Commissioners of the District to carry out the general plan provided in this ordinance so far as legally and financially practicable, and to negotiate for purchases, condemn, or otherwise acquire from time to time the several parcels of land described in Section 2 hereof and all right or interest therein.

Section 4. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval. 

      Effective date: This ordinance shall be in effect immediately upon adoption.

                         OFFICE OF THE GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT

                                                     19-0182

Presented by: ARNOLD RANDALL, General Superintendent

PROPOSED SALE OR PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE

Department(s): Legal Department

Other Part(ies): Owners of Record

Request: It is respectfully requested that this proposed purchase be approved.

Description of Real Estate: 163 Springwood Lane, Barrington Hills, Cook County, Illinois

Section: N/A

Parcel(s): PIN: 01-17-200-007-0000

Legal Description:

TRACT NO. 5 IN H. R. JACOBSEN AND COMPANY’S SPRING CREEK WOODS, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE EAST HALF OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER AND OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER, LYING NORTH OF THE STATE HIGHWAY KNOWN AS ROUTE 62 AND ALSO KNOWN AS ALGONQUIN ROAD, IN SECTION 17, TOWNSHIP 42 NORTH, RANGE 9 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Fiscal Impact: $820,000.00 plus up to $10,000.00 in closing costs for a total of up to $830,000.00.

Accounts: Real Estate and Land Acquisition Fund 51006.560010

District(s): 15

Summary: The Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) has identified a parcel of land for acquisition that would add to the Forest Preserves’ current holdings near Spring Lake Preserve (the “Property”). The Property, commonly known as 163 Springwood Lane, Barrington Hills, Cook County, Illinois, consists of approximately 10.72 ± acres. The acquisition of the Property would bolster, and provide a buffer to, Spring Lake Preserve, one of the District’s finest natural area properties.

Through negotiations, the Owner of Record (the “Seller”), has agreed to sell the Property to the Forest Preserves for the sum of EIGHT-HUNDRED TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS AND 00/100 ($820,000.00) plus closing costs up to $10,000.00 (up to $830,000.00 in total). The purchase price is based upon two (2) M.A.I. appraisals obtained by the Forest Preserves and is subject to the Forest Preserves’ satisfactory completion of its due diligence.

Permission is now sought, upon satisfactory completion of all due diligence and negotiation of any and all required documentation as determined by the Forest Preserves legal department, to remit a check in the amount of the Purchase Price plus closing costs as full compensation for the acquisition of the Property. This land acquisition advances the goals of the Next Century Conservation Plan.

                                                          19-0148

Presented by: ARNOLD RANDALL, General Superintendent

PROPOSED MISCELLANEOUS ITEM OF BUSINESS

Department: Conservation and Experiential Programming

Good(s) or Service(s): Programming Partnerships

Fiscal Impact: $100,000.00

Accounts: Special Events 51001.520635, Community Trust Grant 51010.520835, Teen Programming

Grant 51010.521443

Summary: The Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) requests authorization for the General Superintendent or a designee to have discretionary spending up to $100,000.00 through the remainder of 2019 to support educational and recreational program services with a variety of program partners, including, but not limited to, artists, arts groups, youth development groups, program trainers, curriculum development facilitators, and cultural groups. These program partners would be selected via a RFP process and/or bid solicitation process. All programming partnership opportunities will be posted online prior to being awarded to any potential vendor or partner. Program partners could be selected for one (1) event or a series of events; but would not be engaged for periods of more than one (1) year. Individual contract payment amounts would not exceed $5,000.00.

The program partnerships would be proposed or vetted by the Forest Preserves’ Conservation and Experiential Programming team and selected based on community involvement; ability to provide the service; ability to bring a unique program concept to the Forest Preserves; ability and interest to connect with the Forest Preserves’ mission and vision; ability to support Forest Preserves’ grant programs; price; and ability to bring a new audience to the Forest Preserves.

This program strategy complements the goals of the Next Century Conservation Plan, to connect more people with nature and to make the Forest Preserves more welcoming and accessible. 

Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.

District(s): Districtwide

19-0194

Presented by: ARNOLD RANDALL, General Superintendent

PROPOSED MISCELLANEOUS ITEM OF BUSINESS

Department: Office of the General Superintendent

Good(s) or Service(s): Advertising and Promotional Services

Fiscal Impact: $150,000.00

Accounts: Advertising and Promotional Services 51001.520610

Summary: The Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) is requesting authorization for the General Superintendent or a designee to have discretionary spending up to $150,000.00 through the remainder of 2019, for advertising and promotional services, with a variety of media vendors to promote and showcase the amenities, programs, and natural areas of the Forest Preserves. The media vendors would be engaged for periods less than one (1) year.

Media purchases would align with the 2019 Communications goals of the Forest Preserves, which includes focused outreach to communities and populations in Cook County that have been historically underrepresented, in terms of use and connection to the Forest Preserves. The advertising and promotional spending packages would be suggested by the Forest Preserves’ Communications Division as part of an integrated marketing plan of electronic, print, broadcast and out-of-home (billboard) advertising and will be vetted based on the desired audience, frequency, reach and budget offered by local media. The marketing strategy also complements the short and long-term goals of the Next Century Conservation Plan, as well as other short and long-term goals of the Forest Preserves.

Concurrences:

The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.

District(s): Districtwide.end

                                                        19-0179

Presented by: ARNOLD RANDALL, General Superintendent

PROPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT EXTENSION

Department: Permits, Rentals and Concessions

Other Part(ies): River Forest Park District, River Forest, Illinois

Request: Exercise the first of two (2) one-year extension options, and authorize the second extension option to be exercised at the discretion of the General Superintendent.

Goods or Services: Maintenance and continued use of Cummings Square baseball field

Agreement Number: N/A

Agreement Period: 4/1/2016 - 3/31/2019 (Approved 3/22/2016), Proposed Extension Periods 4/1/2019 - 3/31/2020, and, subject to the discretion of the General Superintendent 4/1/2020 - 3/31/2021.

Fiscal Impact: None

Accounts: N/A

District(s): 9

Summary: This extension will allow the River Forest Park District (“RFPD”) to continue to use the Cummings Square baseball, softball and soccer field located on the corner of Lake and Bonnie Brae Streets in River Forest, Illinois. The RFPD will continue to perform field work and outfield drainage on an ongoing basis, including the addition of infield mix, proper edging of the infield edges, backstop and sideline fence repairs and grading work in the outfield at Cummings Square in exchange for non-exclusive use of the Cummings Square baseball field. RFPD’s use of the field will not interfere with any Forest Preserves programming at Cummings Square.

                                                         19-0180

Presented by: ARNOLD RANDALL, General Superintendent

PROPOSED AGREEMENT

Department(s): Conservation and Experiential Programming

Other Part(ies): Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield, Illinois

Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into a three (3) year agreement with the Chicago Zoological Society (the “Zoo”).

Good(s) or Service(s): Animal food, nature based educational material, and various supplies

Agreement period: 3/20/2019 - 3/19/2022

Fiscal Impact: FY 2019 $35,000.00, FY 2020 $35,000.00, FY 2021 $35,000.00

Accounts: Special Events 51001.520635, Supplies and Materials - NOC 51001.530252, Community Trust River Grant 51010.520835

Agreement Number(s): N/A

Summary/Notes: The Forest Preserves of Cook County Conservation & Experiential Program Department (CEP) is requesting permission to continue to tap into the purchasing power of the Chicago Zoological Society for animal food, educational materials, and supplies for utilization in the Forest Preserves Nature Centers’ to care for live animals. This agreement will allow the Forest Preserves CEP Department to easily order and pick up food for live animals, through the Zoo’s commissary, where food is stocked for animals. The Zoo purchases in much larger quantities, which enables the Forest Preserves to acquire at a lesser cost. Educational materials and various other supplies are also purchased, through utilization of the Zoo’s purchasing power, which are then utilized through Nature Start, a programming partnership between the Zoo and the Forest Preserves CEP department.

                                                             19-0185

Presented by: ARNOLD RANDALL, General Superintendent

PROPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT

Department: Planning and Development

Other Part(ies): The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority

Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (the “Tollway”).

Goods or Services: Proposed permanent and temporary easements, tree removal, and partial closure of the John Husar I & M Canal Trail.

Agreement Number(s): N/A

Agreement Period: Construction period and temporary easement from 5/1/2019 - 12/31/2023. The permanent easement continues indefinitely.

Fiscal Impact: $979,616.00 (Revenue Generating). This amount represents the following: (1) Permanent and Temporary easements - $736,226.00 (appraised value); (2) tree mitigation (estimate for 56 trees)- $143,390.00, and (3) additional contribution for trailhead amenities and trail patching $100,000.00. In-kind contribution by Tollway via trail and parking lot rehabilitation has an estimated value of $950,000.00.

Accounts: N/A

District(s): 17

Summary: The Tollway is scheduled to reconstruct the existing I-294 bridge over the Des Plaines River, Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal, I & M Canal, BNSF Rail Yard, CN Railroad, and several local roadways (the Mile Long Bridge). The proposed new structure will impact two (2) Forest Preserves leased properties and one (1) property owned by the Forest Preserves and will require granting of 15.246 acres of permanent easement and 0.499 acre of temporary easement.

Impacts to land owned or leased by the Forest Preserves will include closure of approximately 1.5 miles of the John Husar I & M Canal Trail east of Willow Springs Road for approximately five (5) years and removal of approximately fifty-six (56) trees in the area where the new bridge will be constructed. A culvert will also be constructed into the I & M Canal.

The Forest Preserves will be compensated for the easements based on the Forest Preserves’ appraised value, which is $736,226.00. The Forest Preserves will also be compensated for tree removals in the permanent easement area, with an estimated value of $143,390.00. In addition, the Tollway will make a payment of $100,000.00 to the Forest Preserves for certain trailhead amenities, including restroom renovations, new interpretive signs and patching of non-impacted portions of the I&M Trail.

The Tollway will also provide the following in-kind contributions: (1) vegetation management of the impacted portion of the John Husar I & M Trail while the trail is closed to public use; (2) fabrication and installation of temporary informational signs on the trail and on-street directional signage between the I & M Canal, Centennial Trail, and Cal Sag Trail; and (3) at the conclusion of the project, rehabilitation of the impacted portion of the John Husar I & M Canal Trail, and, to ensure ADA compliance, rehabilitation of the non-impacted portion of the John Husar I & M Canal Trail east of Willow Springs Road, the trailhead parking lot and the access paths and sidewalks to the washrooms.

Final agreement is subject to legal review and approval.

                                                    19-0187

Presented by: ARNOLD RANDALL, General Superintendent

PROPOSED CONTRACT

Department(s): Resource Management

Vendor: Straughn Farm Inc., Peotone, Illinois

Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute

Good(s) or Service(s): Hay Farming

Contract Value: $760.00

Contract period: 3/19/2019 - 12/31/2022

Estimated Fiscal Impact: Generation of up to $760.00

Accounts: Revenue Generating

Contract Number(s): 19RM 101

Concurrences:

The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.

District(s): 6

Summary: Historically, hay farming has taken place on land owned by the Forest Preserves. This practice allows the Forest Preserves to generate revenue, while simultaneously preventing invasive plant species from taking over fallow land. It is the Forest Preserves’ intention to restore fallow land wherever possible and these farming practices are a good method to retain manageable conditions until a restoration project can take place, on the site. The contract term for hay cutting is a period of one (1) year, with three (3) one-year renewal options, which gives the Forest Preserves the option to discontinue farming practices in order to restore these lands to a natural condition.

Straughn Farm Inc. was the sole bidder and responsible bidder for the two (2) locations listed below for a total potential revenue generation over the next four (4) years of $760.00.

Site                              Acres            Revenue

King’s Grove Woods       35              $175.00

Plum Creek                   117              $585.00

Total                              152              $760.00

                                                    19-0198

Presented by: ARNOLD RANDALL, General Superintendent

PROPOSED GRANT APPLICATION AUTHORIZATION REQUEST

Department: Planning and Development

Grantee: The Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”)

Grantor: Illinois Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trails Program (“RTP”)

Request: Authorization to apply for grant and provide matching funds

Purpose: Tinley Creek Trail Reconstruction in Oak Forest, Illinois

Grant Amount: $200,000.00

Grant Period: Two (2) years from execution of grant agreement

Fiscal Impact: $110,000.00 (local match)

Accounts: Trail Accounts 51009.560063, 51026.560063, 51051.560063, 51055.560063, 51056.560063, 51057.560063, 51058.560063 and Grant Account 51010.560063

Concurrences:

The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.

District(s): 6

Summary: The Forest Preserves is seeking a Recreational Trails Program (“RTP”) grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (“IDNR”) for repaving of 1.6 miles of the Tinley Creek Trail. The application requires that the Forest Preserves confirm its commitment to complete the project, provide the match and enter into an agreement with IDNR if the grant is awarded. The $200,000.00 grant would provide funding for 65% of the total estimated $310,000.00 project cost for the highest priority surface repairs on 1.6 miles of the larger 9.4 miles trail. This portion of the trail was constructed twenty-four (24) years ago and is nearing the end of its useful life. The Tinley Creek Trail is heavily used. The proposed surface repairs would ensure that the trail remains safe and usable; and would avoid the potential threat of more costly repairs in the future.

                                                             19-0190

Presented by: ARNOLD RANDALL, General Superintendent

REPORT

Department: Finance and Administration

Request: Receive and File

Report Title: Procurement and Disbursements Report

Report Period: 1/1/2019 - 1/31/2019

Summary: Submitting the Procurement and Disbursements Report for the period of January 2019. The report is to be received and filed in compliance with Section 1-8-2 (BB) of the District’s Code of Ordinances.

                                                            19-0197

Presented by: ARNOLD RANDALL, General Superintendent

REPORT

Department: Office of the General Superintendent

Request: Receive and File

Report Title: Resident Watchman Annual Report

Report Period: 1/1/2018 - 12/31/2018

Summary: This is a required report per the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Code of Ordinances. The report provides names, job titles, and salaries of employees who occupied property within the Resident Watchman Program for fiscal year 2018, and includes other program related information.

                                                            19-0106

Presented by: ARNOLD RANDALL, General Superintendent

PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Department: Conservation and Experiential Programming

Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar 3/19/2019 - 4/23/2019

Sunday, 3/24; 1pm

Fly a Kite Workshop, Trailside Museum, River Forest

Learn about the spring wind and weather, then we will harness the wind’s energy by making and flying kites! Ages 6 - 12 with adult. $5 materials fee per child.

Monday, 3/25; 10am - 12pm

Spring Breakout Adventure, Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs

Looking for outdoor activities while away from school? Drop on over to the Little Red Schoolhouse and

see what exciting activities are planned. No registration required.

Tuesday, 3/26; 10am - 1pm

Spring Breakout Adventures, Rolling Knolls, Elgin

In conjunction with Activate Elgin’s March Into Health, thaw from the winter and recreate at this 56-acre nature preserve. Activities include a biodiversity hike, archery, pond fishing, and nature obstacle course.

Thursday, 3/28; 1pm - 3pm

Spring Break Nature Drop-In Days, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook

We provide the fun, you bring the kids to explore something new each day.

Friday, 3/29; 7pm

Woodcock “Sky Dance” at Wolf Road Prairie, Westchester

Watch the amazing aerial display of the male woodcock bird as he calls, swirls and tumbles in the sky at dusk. For adults, and families with children 8+. For registration and directions call: (708) 366-6530.

Saturday, 3/30; 1pm

Signs of Spring Hike, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont

Enjoy a relaxed hike through the woods, while listening to birds and looking for early blooming wildflowers.

Saturday, 3/30; 1:30pm

Nature Kitchen, Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs

Children ages 3-5 years with adult will create mud pies, pond soup and other “natural smorgasbords of delight” using natural objects.

Sunday, 3/31; 1pm

Animal Tricksters, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington

With April Fools’ Day right around the corner, see how animals play tricks through camouflage, mimicry, feigning death, deceptive bait and more.

Saturday, 4/6; 10am - 6pm

Zoos Go Blue for Autism, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield

In partnership with Autism Speaks, we are happy to welcome the autism community for a complimentary day at Brookfield Zoo in recognition of National Autism Awareness Month. Join us for a fun-filled day of low sensory events around the zoo!

Sunday, 4/7; 12pm - 2pm

Archery 101, Maywood Grove, Maywood

Attend this session to learn the basics of archery. Ages 10 and up. Equipment provided.

Sunday, 4/7; 2pm

Raptor Feeding Program, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland

Come take a closer look at our captive birds of prey. We will talk about our display animals and their unique adaptations.

Saturday, 2/9 through Sunday, 3/24; 10am - 4pm

The Orchid Show, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe

The tropics are closer than you think. The Orchid Show captures the spirit of islands, beaches, and rainforests in places like the South Pacific and the Amazon. You will get a feel for the radiance of blooms under sunlit palm trees and in forest canopies teeming with color and life. Picture more than 10,000 orchids in bloom, paired with sweeps of bromeliads and birds of paradise-lush, vibrant, intoxicating. Tickets are required and can be purchased from the Chicago Botanic Garden’s website.

Friday, 4/12; 10am - 12pm

Conservation @ Home Series: Building Better Soils, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook

Ever wonder what makes ‘good’ soil? Or how to create healthy soils in your landscape? Join University of Illinois Extension staff and volunteers to explore soil science in time for this growing season.

Saturday, 4/13; 8am - 11:30am

Spring Fishing Derby, Papoose Lake, Palos Park

In partnership with the Village of Palos Park, join us for spring fishing and fun. Prizes awarded for the largest fish caught in different age groups. Registration begins at 8am. Fishing from 8:30am - 11am. Catch and release event; fishing license not needed.

Saturday, 4/13; 1:30pm - 3pm

Fire 101, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland

Learn how a forest can benefit from fire and fire safety camping basics.

Saturday, 4/13; 2pm

Improv in the Woods, Trailside Museum, River Forest

Let our feet be the metronomes for this musical improv hike as we start with a lesson then find inspiration in nature. All hikable instruments are welcome.

Saturday and Sunday, 4/13 and 4/14; All day

Unearth Science festival, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe

Unearth the world of science like you have never seen it before. With a weekend full of activities, the Unearth Science festival celebrates science and nature in ways that will encourage you to see, touch, hear and explore. New: On Friday, 4/12, there is an evening for adults, with drinks and light fare for purchase. The festival includes free programs and hands-on activities; some special events and workshops have fees.

Sunday, 4/14; 10am - 6pm

Party for the Planet, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield

Every day is Earth Day at Brookfield Zoo, but on this very special day we will be showcasing some of the steps you can commit to that will truly make a difference for animals across the globe. With special Zoo Chats and green activities and crafts, Party for the Planet will be filled with educational, engaging, and fun activities for the entire family!

Sunday, 4/14; 1pm

Art in Nature: Mixed Media Nature Sketching, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington

Make a new mark on your sketchbook by utilizing more than just a pencil in this mixed media sketching class, taught by artist Karen Sako.

Sunday, 4/14; 1pm - 3pm

Hike and Bike! Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest

Join us for fun filled afternoon exploring our trails on foot and on bike. This relaxing adventure will provide a great excuse to get outside. Some bikes available. Registration and adult supervision required; space is limited. Please go to Experience Camping website to register.

Wednesday, 4/17; 6:30am - 8am

Sunrise Coffee and Canoe Cruise, Tower Road Boat Launch, Northfield

Start your day with a delicious cup of coffee and canoeing! While on the water, experience the sunrise, local wildlife, and learn about coffee sustainability practices from The Coffee & Tea Exchange. Coffee provided by The Coffee & Tea Exchange. Rain date: Wednesday, Apr 24.

Wednesday, 4/17; 11am - 2pm

Spring Breakout Adventures, Beaubien Woods - Flatfoot Lake, Chicago

Come out for a full day of activities suitable for all ages including archery, nature exploration, and artmaking. Registration required for groups of 10 or more.

Saturday, 4/20; 10am - 3pm

Earth Day, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland

Join us for a day set aside as a reminder to be good stewards of our planet every day. Activities include art-making, puppet shows, hikes and Earth Day Jeopardy!

Saturday, 4/20; 1pm

Sagawau Science: Spring Wildflower Walk, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont Take a closer look at these short-lived wildflowers while walking through the woods.

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