Chicago-area families are invited to celebrate National Public Lands Day at the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s annual Party for the Preserves. Taking place on Saturday, Sept. 28 and spread across the Forest Preserves’ 70,000 acres of diverse landscapes, families will connect with nature, engage in cultural activities and enjoy outdoor fun.
”We’re excited to showcase the beauty of the Forest Preserves and inspire our community to embrace the outdoors. National Public Lands Day is a perfect time to reconnect with nature and each other,” says Arthur Mathews, Forest Preserves operations manager for the Conservation and Experiential Programming Department.
“One of the best things about Party for the Preserves is that you don’t need to register in advance — just show up and enjoy!” says Mathews.
Exciting events at Party for the Preserves
Party for the Preserves on Sept. 28 spans five zones of the forest preserves, with activities in each one designed to highlight local ecosystems, cultural history and outdoor recreation. If you’re wondering where to celebrate, Mathews suggests that families keep it simple and begin with the activity that’s closest to home.
“Start in your own zone and get a taste of what your local preserve offers. From there, you can explore spots more throughout the year.”
Here’s a look at the eight Party for the Preserves events – free and open to all – happening on Sept. 28:
Salsa Dance Party
- Thatcher Woods
- When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Where: Chicago Avenue, west of Thatcher Avenue
- River Forest
Enjoy a Salsa Dance Party with live music, delicious food and plenty of fun for the whole family. This lively event is perfect for those who want to experience the cultural richness of the community while getting some fresh air.
Community PowWow
- When: 12-4 p.m.
- Where: Caldwell Woods, W. Devon and N. Nagle avenues, Chicago
Experience traditional storytelling, learn about Native American history and shop for handmade crafts from local Native American artisans. This year’s theme is “Every Child Matters.”
“The Community PowWow is a beautiful way to connect with the deep cultural roots of the land we’re standing on,” says Mathews. “These lands belong to the people of Cook County. They are a vital part of our community’s health and happiness, and we want everyone to enjoy them.”
One important component of Party at the Preserves is that it celebrates National Public Lands Day while honoring the land’s Native American heritage.
The following Native American tribes are recognized in the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s Land Acknowledgement:
- Council of Three Fires
- Anishinaabeg (Ojibwa)
- Odawak (Ottawa)
- Bodéwadmik (Potawatomi)
- Myaamiaki (Miami)
- Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk)
- Kiash Matchitiwuk (Menominee)
- Asâkîwaki (Sauk)
- Meshkwahkîha (Meskwaki)
Go Green
- When: 4-9 p.m.
- Where: Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
- 9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
Discover ways to live sustainably by learning about native plants and exploring things like how to turn your garden at home into a pollinator haven.
“Kids will especially love the nature play area at Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center,” says Mathews. “It was created from logs and limbs, allowing for imaginative and open-ended play.”
Party for the Preserves – Camp Bullfrog Lake
- When: 4-9 p.m.
- Where: 9600 Wolf Road, Willow Springs
Enjoy a full day of entertainment and outdoor exploration including live music, nature games, food and a guided evening nature hike.
“The unique and beautiful space at Camp Bullfrog Lake offers a fantastic chance to kayak and explore the area’s trails,” says Mathews.
Bike Ride Adventure
- When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Where: Beaubien Woods
Doty Avenue South, southeast of E. 130th Street and S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago
Enjoy fall colors with the family on two wheels as a local bike group leads guided rides through Beaubien Woods.
River Trail Nature Center
- When: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Where: 3120 Milwaukee Avenue, Northbrook
Enjoy both indoor and outdoor animal exhibits. On Sept. 28, you and the kids can experience special Party at the Preserves activities:
- Fall Flower Walks: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
- Activities & Crafts: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
“One of the best things about River Trail is that it gives kids a chance to learn about local wildlife, including birds of prey like red-tailed hawks and other fascinating species,” says Mathews.
Sand Ridge Nature Center
- Where: 15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
Learn how to be better stewards of the land with drop-in activities all day. You can even earn service-learning hours.
Litter Clean-Up at Crabtree Nature Center
- When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 21-28
- Where: 3 Stover Road, Barrington
For those who want to help keep the preserves clean, Crabtree Nature Center offers an opportunity to give back through a nature clean-up event in honor of National CleanUp Day.
“Part of our mission is stewardship,” says Mathews.
Natural beauty all year long
While events like Party for the Preserves are a fun way to enjoy the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Mathews hopes families will make the preserves a year-round destination.
“Fall is especially magical, with the changing leaves, cooler weather and the chance to spot wildlife,” he says.
With hundreds of activities across the preserves, Mathews suggests families start by visiting their nearest nature center: “The nature centers are the hubs of the preserves. You’ll find information, maps and lots of guidance on what to explore next.”
From events like Party for the Preserves, to a casual visit to a local trail or nature center, Mathews emphasizes that the preserves are for exploration, enjoyment and community.
“Our ecosystems are living and evolving, so you can walk the same trail every season and see something completely different,” says Mathews.
For more information on Party for the Preserves, click here. To learn more about the Forest Preserves of Cook County visit their website: fpdcc.com.
