Forest preserve of Cook County to give tips on photographing nature
Forest Preserve District of Cook County hosts a new series of Photo Meet-Ups for professional and amateur photographers alike
Submitted by Forest Preserve District of Cook County
The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is hosting a new series of photo meet-ups designed for photographers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts.
Whether you’re using an advanced SLR camera, a point and shoot or a smartphone, photographing nature scenes and subjects can be both rewarding and challenging.
The series will take place at 10 a.m., on the fourth Saturday of each month, at one of the district’s six nature centers, or a nearby location selected for its photography potential.
Each gathering will feature a forest preserve district naturalist leading a brief tour of the area, highlighting interesting and unusual plants, scenic vistas, and locations frequented by wildlife. During and after the tour, photographers can capture images and share tips and suggestions for getting the best shot.
Photographers are then encouraged to share their photos with the district’s Flickr group — http://www.flickr.com/groups/fpdcc/.
The first event of the year will take place on Jan. 26, at the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, located at 9800 S. 104th Ave., in Willow Springs. Photographers should meet at the Nature Center at 10 a.m.
A complete list of hosting nature centers for each month is below. The exact locations for each event will be determined by the naturalists to ensure optimal photography conditions. Check the website or call the Nature Centers to find out the meeting location each month.
Jan. 26: Little Red School House, 9800 S. Willow Spring Road, Willow Springs. (708) 839-6897.
Feb. 23: River Trail Nature Center, 3120 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. (847) 824-8360.
March 23: Crabtree Nature Center, Palatine Road, one mile west of Barrington Road. (847) 381-6592.
April 27: River Trail Nature Center, 3120 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. (847) 824-8360.
May 25: Trailside Museum, Chicago and Thatcher, River Forest. (708) 366-6530.
June 22: Crabtree Nature Center, Palatine Road, one mile west of Barrington Road. (847) 381-6592.
July 27: Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Ave., South Holland. (708) 868-0606.
Aug. 24: Little Red School House, 9800 S. Willow Spring Road, Willow Springs. (708) 839-6897.
Sept. 28: Sagawau Environmental Learning Center,
12545 W. 111th St., Lemont. (630) 257-2045.
Oct. 26: Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Ave., South Holland. (708) 868-0606.
Nov. 23: Trailside Museum, Chicago and Thatcher, River Forest. (708) 366-6530.
Dec. 28: Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 W. 111th St., Lemont. (630) 257-2045.
Established in 1914, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County is the oldest and largest forest preserve system in the nation, maintaining more than 68,000 acres of open land for the education, pleasure and recreation of the public. The district strives to protect and restore the county’s diverse ecosystems, so all our unique native plants and animals can live and thrive. Each year, more than 40 million people use these lands and facilities to enjoy or study nature, bicycle, hike, fish, cross-country ski, picnic, golf, canoe, or simply relax in a large preserve that leaves urban life behind. For information on the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, visit www.fpdcc.com.