Forest Preserves of Cook County offers winter events

Wintertime is off to a slow start in the Midwest, but when the cold and snow do arrive, the Forest Preserves of Cook County offers opportunities for activities including camping, sledding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

Cross-country skiing is allowed in all parts of the forest preserves, except for golf courses and nature centers, from sunrise to sunset. Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 W. 111th St. in Lemont, offers a complete Nordic Ski Program, including groomed trails, equipment rentals and beginner lessons.

Snowshoeing is another activity that will be offered at many locations, with lessons and hikes available. For a calendar of events, visit http://bit.ly/1SEEryr.

The forest preserves offers nine different sledding and coasting hills, including sledding with lighting at Deer Grove Picnic Grove #5 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and sledding without lighting at Schiller Woods and Deer Grove Picnic Grove #4 from 10 a.m. to sunset. Information is at fpdcc.com/recreation/sledding-coasting.

The preserves' six Nature Centers also have a number of events and activities planned. For a complete list of winter activities, locations and rules, visit fpdcc.com/recreation/winter. Here's a look at a few of the events:

• Winter Breakout Adventures, noon to 4 p.m., Monday, Dec. 21, and Tuesday, Dec. 22, Camp Reinberg, 1801 N. Quentin Road, Palatine. Embrace your time off from school and head outdoors. Activities for youth and families include crafts using wood, winter bird migration, tracking and shelter building. Warm up with a campfire and s'mores. Come for the day or an hour. For information, call (708) 386-4042, ext. 26.

• Winter Exploration Days, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, Caldwell Woods, 6350 W Devon Ave, Chicago, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, Rolling Knolls, 11N260 Rohrssen Road, Elgin. This is a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy snowshoe nature hikes, cross-country skiing and sledding (weather permitting). There will also be winter crafts, a campfire and other activities. All ages.

• Tracking Nature, 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 24, Caldwell Woods Warming Shelter 6350 W Devon Ave, Chicago. Investigate different habitats and look for native animal tracks, play games, take an investigative hike and create your "own" tracks using a printmaking process.

• Photo Meet Up, 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington Hills. Led by a naturalist that highlighting a natural area with scenic vistas, interesting plants and wildlife. For all photographer levels and camera types.

• Winter Camping Workshops, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 13, Camp Reinberg Dining Hall, 1801 N. Quentin Road, Palatine. Curious about winter camping? Want to try something different and develop new skills? Bring your family and friends out to learn the basics of winter camping. Activities include winter weather safety and layering, winter fire building, snow shelter building, winter nature activities and snowshoeing (conditions permitting). Free. No registration required.