Picnic on the Ridge & Story Tim e Ages 2-6 with Adult Friday, September 8, Noon-1 p.m. Marengo Ridge, Marengo Fee: R Free/ NR $5 Code: 8735 Bring the kiddos out for an early fall picnic at Marengo Ridge. We will listen to a few stories and enjoy the autumn breeze while we snack on a sandwich and other treats. Pack your own lunch and a drink for the picnic. A great way to say goodbye to Summer and welcome Autumn. Exploring outdoors keeps kids active, happy and healthy. Need a little extra help motivating your kids to get out onto the trails? We've created a full color activity book for you to challenge kids to complete different scavenger hunts, wildlife observations, tree measurements, hiking challenges and more! Complete at least 10 pages of activities by September 30, 2023 and redeem a prize! Notify us at [email protected] when you have completed the activities. Outdoor Explorer books will be mailed. Prizes can be picked up at Prairieview Education Center. Purchase online only; $3.00 per book for residents and non-residents. Perfect for families with children ages 14 and under. Outdoor Explorations Lost Valley Nature Detectives Self-Guided Outdoor Explorations at Glacial Park Visit Lost Valley Visitor Center for self-guided activities to explore Glacial Park. Activities change monthly corresponding to a new theme. Exploration backpacks are also avail - able to check out, as well as binoculars and field guides to use during your adventures in the wild open spaces. September: Autumn Wonders September 1st is the meteorological start of autumn! Learn about this wonderful se ason full of falling leaves and crisp mornings through self-guided activities and a craft, then enjoy the seasonal changes on a self-guided hike as you look for wildlife preparing for the turn of the seasons. October: Oaks Happy Oak-tober! Did you know oaks are some of the most important trees that we have in our local woodlands? Learn about the mighty oak, tips to identify them and take a hike to observe different oaks of all sizes as they support their ecosys - tem. November: Wild Turkeys Before you prepare for Thanksgiving, learn about our local wild turkeys and what makes them so unique. Make your own turkey-themed craft to take home and set out on the trails to see if you can spot any signs of our local wild turkeys out and about! Become an Stories & Explore! Ages 2-6 with Adult Enjoy stories about the season while relaxing inside the shelter. We will read books about seasonal life for the first half and then do a little exploring around the conservation area. Bring a blanket or a pillow to relax on while you listen to the stories. Monday, August 14, 10-11 a.m. Fel-Pro RRR, Main Shelter, Cary Note: There is a 0.3 mile walk to the shelter. Fee: R Free / NR $5 Code: 8528 Friday, October 6, 10–11 a.m. Stickney Run, McHenry Fee: R Free / NR $5 Code: 8736 Who Lives in a Tree? Mon day, September 18, 10–11 a.m. Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake Fee: R $3.00 / NR $6.00 Code: 8730 Leaves and Logs Thursday, October 26, 10–11 a.m. Rush Creek, Harvard F ee: R $3.00 / NR $6.00 Code: 8697 White-tailed Deer Saturday, November 18, 10–11 a.m. Brookdale, Woodstock F ee: R $3.00 / NR $6.00 Code: 8709 Discovery Days Ages 2–6 with Adult Enjoy a morning of fun, educational activities focused on our special theme of the day. Games, lessons, and other hands-on experiences help participants explore our conservation areas. Fallen Log Nature Hunt Age s 5+ Saturday, November 4, 10-11:30 a.m. Coral Woods, Marengo Fee: R Free / NR $5 Code: 8727 Is a dead log really alive? Many animals call a dead tree home. How many can you find? Together we will listen to a story then explore what's on, under and around dead logs. You might be surprised what you'll find! 16