information provided by Forest Preserves of Cook County
SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. (January 2018) – Sand Ridge Nature Center offers a variety of monthly series that are educational and healthy. The list below highlights just the January events from each series:
Wee Wonders Series
Children in preschool and kindergarten are invited to their very own nature program, exploring a different subject each month. January’s topic is Winter Fun!
- Saturday, January 6, 10:00am
Live Healthy, Discover Nature! Hike
The monthly hiking club is led by one of Sand Ridge Nature Center’s naturalists. Members are led on a vigorous hike on the Sand Ridge trails. The January hike is scheduled for:
- Saturday, January 6, 1:30pm
Pioneer Living
Families interested in learning what life was like 200 years ago can visit the cabins at Sand Ridge Nature Center and find out what the pioneers experienced.
- Sunday, January 7, 1:30pm
The Canids of Cook County
Sand Ridge hosts an indoor presentation to discover the natural history of urban coyotes and foxes in Cook County. Real furs will be available to see and touch. After the presentation, participants will go on a hike to look for canid tracks and scat.
- Saturday, January 13, 1:30 pm
Winter Bonfire
Enjoy an evening around a Sand Ridge bonfire, roasting marshmallows and sipping hot cocoa. Register by January 17.
- Friday, January 19, 6:00–8:00pm
Pinecone Birdfeeders
The University of Illinois Master Gardeners will lead participants in a make-and-take activity that feeds local birds during the cold winter months
- Saturday, January 20, 10:00am
In Search of Green
Break out of the winter blues by hunting for pine needles, moss, and other green plant life lurking in the snow.
- Saturday, January 20, 1:30pm
Snowshoe Adventure
A snowshoe walk around the trails will e an opportunity to see what nature has in store during the winter. Participants are welcome to bring their own snowshoes, though Sand Ridge Nature Center has a limited number of snowshoes available for loan. If there is not enough snow, the hike will take place without snowshoes.
Sand Ridge Nature Center is located at 15891 Paxton in South Holland. From November through February the grounds are open daily from 8:00am to 4:00pm, and the building is open Monday–Thursday from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Call 708-868-0606 for more information.