Unwind with Out In Nature at Whistler Woods

735 West 134th Street,Riverdale IL 60827

16 July, 2022

Description

'Unwind with Out In Nature at Whistler Woods' offers many unique opportunities to gather, breathe and celebrate community by enjoying and connecting with the outdoors. Out In Nature and Friends of the Forest Preserves invite you to join us for early morning bird watching, volunteer stewardship collecting native seeds, yoga, or express yourself with a paint and sip. Feel free to participate in as many activities as you wish. You'll learn something new, have fun, and build memories. Whistler Woods Forest Preserve of Cook County is a 137-acres forest preserve hosting oak trees that are up to 300 years old. This is one of several Centennial Volunteers river-edge preserves, where volunteers help restore special forest preserve sites along the Chicago and Calumet Rivers by removing invasive vegetation, collecting and spreading native seeds, conducting brush pile burns, and more. Riparian forest, savannah and prairie unit restorations are in progress. We will kick off the morning at the picnic tables at the end of the parking lot. Each activity is immediately adjacent to a paved parking lot, bike trail or abandoned road. The trail is relatively flat with a couple minor slopes. There are no restrooms or running water onsite but there are porta-potties by the parking area. Park entrance is on Forest View Ave. (W 134 St.), east of Halsted Ave., Riverdale, IL. There are public transit options nearby, and parking is free. Need a ride or willing to offer one to another attendee? Join the Out In Nature WhatsApp group to coordinate a carpool! Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and dress appropriately for the weather and activity for your comfort and safety. Closed-toed shoes and jeans/pants are advised for the stewardship activity. Teens and kids are welcomed, but a parent or guardian must be present throughout the event. Please contact [email protected] with any questions and/or concerns. - - - AGENDA (Tentative) - - - A. 8:00 a.m. BIRD WATCH Meet in the clearing at the end of the parking lot (see map) Advance your birding skills and knowledge as you move a mile on the paved Mayor Tailor Trail cutting through the riparian forest alongside the Little Calumet River. Bring your own binoculars or borrow from a limited supply. All levels are welcome. B. 9:30 a.m. STEWARDSHIP / SEED COLLECTING Meet at the prairie unit. Take the bike trail at end of parking lot, walk 0.5 miles, when the trail turns to cross the bridge, turn left onto abandoned stretch of Wentworth Avenue, continue for about 0.2 miles.(see map) We will be collecting native seed as we explore the forest preserve and learn about the local ecology. C. 11:00 a.m. BREAK D. 11:30 a.m. YOGA Meet in the clearing at the end of the parking lot (see map) All levels welcome! Please bring a mat or rug that you don't mind using in a grassy area. Mats will be available for the duration of the class if needed. (confirm) E. 12:30 p.m. PAINT & SIP Meet: Clearing with picnic tables at the end of the parking lot (see map) Enjoy the summer weather, explore an artistic outlet, and sip delicious apple cider (non-alcoholic). This program is a great way to end your day with a therapeutic paint experience outdoors. The event will begin on time. Materials and apple cider will be provided. (confirm) F. 1:30 p.m. FORMAL EVENT ENDS Keep in touch and learn more Out in Nature: https://outinnaturechi.wordpress.com/link-in-bio/ Friends of the Forest Preserves: https://fotfp.org/Forest Preserves of Cook County Volunteers: https://fpdcc.com/volunteer/