information provided by the Forest Preserves of Cook County
SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. (May 2019) – Sand Ridge Nature Center is part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, and staff there offer a variety of educational programs for people interested in learning more about the environment. Most of the following May events take place at Sand Ridge Nature Center, though a couple are hosted by other nearby locations:
Friday, May 10 • 7-8:30 pm
Spring Evening Awakening
Sand Ridge Nature Center – 15891 Paxton, South Holland
Use your sense of hearing to identify frogs during a night hike. Registration required, call 708-868-0606.
Saturday, May 11 • 6 am-Noon
Big Sit
Sand Ridge Nature Center – 15891 Paxton, South Holland
Join Forest Preserves staff to sit and watch as many bird species as possible when viewed from a fixed location within a 17-foot circle.
Saturday, May 11 • 10 am-3 pm
Please Touch! Beautiful Birds
Sand Ridge Nature Center – 15891 Paxton, South Holland
Did you know birds have hollow bones and rarely get wet? Learn about native birds and see feathers and wings you can touch.
Saturday, May 12 • 1-2 pm
Nature Explorers
Sand Ridge Nature Center – 15891 Paxton, South Holland
Join us for a fun day exploring the trails and discovering nature play.
Tuesday, May 14 • 8 am
Tuesday Mornings are for the Birds!
Sand Ridge Nature Center – 15891 Paxton, South Holland
Bring your binoculars and join us as we seek out spring arrivals. Binoculars available.
Friday, May 17 • 7:30-9 pm
‘Scopes in the City
Sand Ridge Nature Center – 15891 Paxton, South Holland
Join Adler Planetarium astronomy staff for a fun night under the stars! We’ll start with a presentation, then learn how a telescope works and view our beautiful moon.
Saturday, May 18 • 7:30 am
Bird Walk
Burnham Prairie – 139th St & S Manistee Ave, Burnham
Join Chicago Ornithological Society to look for migrating shorebirds and waders. Wear sturdy footwear or waterproof boots. Beginning birders welcome; extra binoculars available. Email [email protected] for more info.
Saturday, May 18 • 10 am
Frog Frenzy
Sand Ridge Nature Center – 15891 Paxton, South Holland
Come prepared to wade in the pond and dip one of our nets. Will you find a tadpole, adult bullfrog or a surprise? Registration required, call 708-868-0606.
Saturday, May 18 • 1:30 pm
Wellness in the Woods: Stretching in Spring
Sand Ridge Nature Center – 15891 Paxton, South Holland
Check our Facebook page at tinyurl.com/woodswellness for monthly opportunities. Improve your mental and physical wellbeing. Be active, playful and restful in your Preserves.
Sunday, May 19 • 7:30 am
Bird Walk
Jurgensen Woods – 183rd St, east of Cottage Grove Ave, Lansing
Join Chicago Ornithological Society to scour the woodlands and river bottom for migrating warblers, thrushes and raptors. Contact [email protected].
Sunday, May 19 • 10 am-3pm
Pioneer Living
Sand Ridge Nature Center – 15891 Paxton, South Holland
Discover the past as you explore the interior of recreated pioneer log cabins.
Wednesday, May 22 • 4-7 pm
Archery 101
Sauk Trail Woods Central – Forest Preserve Dr, south of W 26th St, South Chicago Heights
Learn the basics of archery. Ages 10 & up. Equipment provided.
Saturday, May 25 • Noon-2 pm
Sand Ridge by the Pool
Green Lake Aquatic Center – 1100 River Oaks Dr, Calumet City
Nature center staff will share animal artifacts and tools for nature exploration.
