Forest Preserve Virtual Programs Worth Checking Out

Press release from Lake Forest County Forest Preserves:

December 9, 2020

An array of virtual nature and history programs are being offered this winter through the Lake County Forest Preserves. There are seven programs scheduled for the remainder of December. "Birding, women in the military, and origami are just a few of the topics we have planned to engage people in nature and history," said Director of Education Nan Buckardt. "While the pandemic has forced the temporary cancellation of all in-person education programs, our professional educators have developed many virtual programs, activities and digital resources for at-home learning."

Most programs require a ticket available on the LCFPD website. After registering, a Zoom link is emailed to participants no later than one hour prior to the start of the program. Registration closes at 12 am on the day of the program. If participants don't receive a link, they should check their spam folder or email AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org with questions.

Browse all virtual education offerings and register online. Follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @LCFPD for more educational resources, webinars and videos.

"We have received tremendous positive feedback about the virtual programs we offer," said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. "The vast assortment of topics offers something to pique everyone's interest."

Seven upcoming virtual programs:
1. "Winter Forest Origami" takes place 7–8 pm, Monday, December 14. Participants can grab a cup of tea and unwind while exploring the art of origami. Educators will teach winter ecology while demonstrating, step-by-step, how to create a forest using only paper and scissors. A ticket is required to participate; $2 for residents and $4 for nonresidents.

2. Why do some birds migrate south during the winter while others stay in Lake County for the season? The "Birds in Winter" program will explore migration bird identification, adaptations and how to make your yard bird friendly year-round. The program, designed for adults and families with children ages 10 and older, takes place 7–8 pm, Wednesday, December 16. A ticket is required to participate; $3 for residents and $5 for nonresidents.

3. The National Museum of the American Sailor will explore the significant contributions of women to the Naval Station Great Lakes from its opening in 1911 through the present. "Great Lakes, Great Women" program takes place from 6:30–7:30 pm, Thursday, December 17. The presentation, designed for adults, highlights more than 20 women who broke legal and civic barriers in the fight for inclusion, equality and recognition with the U.S. Navy. A ticket is required to attend the free event, which is sponsored by USG.

4. Learn about the lives of local Native peoples during the 18th and early 19th centuries while working toward this badge with other scouts during the "Indian Lore Scout Badge" program. Tickets are required for the program that takes place 12–12:45 pm, Saturday, December 19.

5. Learn about the science and symbolism of the day with the least amount of daylight at the “Winter Solstice” virtual program taking place 6:30–7:30 pm, Monday, December 21. Tickets are required. Registrants will be emailed a list of resources so they can participate in multisensory activities during the program, which includes a sing-along.

6. Did you know in winter some frogs freeze, or that you can't really get warts from a toad? Students ages 18 and under can explore these amazing amphibians during the winter break program, "Frog & Toad." Geared toward elementary through high school students, the session takes place 10–10:45 am, Tuesday, December 22. Tickets are required.

7. "Ice Age Mysteries" takes place 10–11 am, Tuesday, December 22 and 2–3 pm, Tuesday, December 29. Participants will engage with a Dunn Museum educator and take a closer look at Ice Age mammal casts, learn the difference between mammoths and mastodons, and participate in virtual activities. Designed for children 8–12. Tickets, $5, are required.

This press release was produced by Lake County Forest Preserves. The views expressed here are the author's own.