Head to Volo Bog for WinterFest Jan. 14
The Friends of Volo Bog, with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, will present their annual WinterFest Sunday, Jan. 14, at Volo Bog State Natural Area in Ingleside. WinterFest hours are noon to 4 p.m.
Planned activities include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, weather permitting, and hiking. A snow sculpting contest will also be held if snow is packable, with four categories: youth, teen, adult and family.
Whether there is snow or not, tours of the bog will be available a 11 a.m. and 12:30, 1, 1:30, 2, 2:15, 2:30 and 3 p.m. Meet under the oak tree in front of the Volo Bog Visitor Center. Hot cocoa and cookies will be available.
Indoor events held at the visitor center will include winter nature crafts, a singer/songwriter tribute performance by musician Will Kruger, and the awards for Volo Bog's annual photo contest. Awards ceremonies will be held at the following schedule:
• 12:45 p.m. - Color Plant, Color Vertebrate
• 1:45 p.m. - Black-and-white, Color Invertebrate, Color Landscape
• 2:45 p.m. Beyond the Midwest, Nearby Nature
• 3:45 p.m. Best of show People's Choice, Best of Show Judges Award.
Winners do not need to be present (but are encouraged to be). Contest winners will be displayed Jan. 17 to March 15.
Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.
Volo Bog State Natural Area is at 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. For information, find the Friends of Volo Bog on Facebook, email dnr.volobog@illinois.gov or call (815) 344-1294.