Forest Preserves of Cook County 2026 Fall Brochure

SEPTEMBER Twilight Creations-Open Art Space Artists of all types are invited to nd inspiration in our building or surrounding forests and gardens. Thursday, Sept 3 • 6–8 pm Ambassador Animal Species Spotlight Meet one of our reptiles or amphibians and learn about their wild counterparts. Drop-in. Saturday, Sept 5 • 2 pm Trailside Fall Jam Make a simple musical instrument or bring your own and join the jam! All are welcome to join or listen. Sunday, Sept 13 • 1–3 pm Harvest Moon Evening Walk* Ages 18 & up. Thursday, Sept 24 • 6:30 pm OCTOBER Halloween Hoot and Howl Spooky family fun featuring live music, pumpkin painting and more. Presented with the River Forest Park District and River Forest Public Library. Friday, Oct 2 • 5–7 pm Keystone Park, 7920 Central Ave, River Forest Animal Enrichment Studio Learn about animal behavior while crafting enrichment items ambassador animals! Ages 10 & up. Saturday, Oct 3 • 1:30–3 pm Weaving with Weeds: Cattail Mat* Learn about the history of basketry weaving techniques and create a small project with a common invasive plant. Ages 18 & up. Saturday, Oct 11 • 1:30 pm Nature Book Club: “Backyard Bird Chronicles”* Join a lively book discussion about “Backyard Bird Chronicles” by Amy Tan. Register at forestpark.librarycalendar.com/ events/month Thursday, Oct 15 • 7 pm Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd, Forest Park Seed Collecting at Wolf Road Prairie* Join us for a prairie seed collecting workday and learn about history of remnant prairie. Ages 8 & up. Ages 15 & under w/ adult. Saturdays, Oct 17 • 1 pm Wolf Road Prairie Nature Preserve, 31st St, west of Wolf Rd, Westchester Costumed Scavenger Hunt Walk* Wear your costume while walking through our autumn woods while searching for hidden (nut-free) treats. Sunday, Oct 25 • 1:30 pm Night at the Museum* Step into the shadows for eerie animal encounters, exploration of the 1876 mansion, live musical performances, and the strange wonders lurking in the night woods. Ages 13 & up. Thursday, Oct 29 • 7–9 pm *Registration required. For more information or registration, call 708.366.6530 Continued on page 33. TRAILSIDE CENTRAL 31