Cook County's Forest Preserves is gearing up to celebrate nature on Earth Day (April 22) with a wide range of celebrations, educational programs and volunteer projects that positively impact the land.
An Earth Day Celebration and Preserves Cleanup event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kickapoo Woods in Riverdale. Anyone volunteering with a group of 10 or more people should register by writing to Credell.Walls@cookcountyil.gov. Activities and snacks will be available.
A family-friendly bird walk will be offered at 9 a.m. at Orland Grassland in Orland Park. Orlandgrassland.org will offer updates and full information about the event.
The Sand Ridge Nature Center in South Holland will provide a day of hiking, puppet shows and crafts beginning at 10 a.m.
An Earth Day wildflower hike begins at 1:30 p.m. at Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center in Willow Springs. A trail walk of a little more than a mile along White Oak Trail features an assortment of the colorful flowers.
And a day of nature play begins at 3 p.m. at the Crabtree Nature Center in Barrington Hills. Crafting, climbing and other hands-on activities will be held in the 3-acre natural play area.