Animals, plants and nature

Events that involve pets, animals and plants, such as pet washes, adoption days, nature walks, microchipping, nature photography exhibits, nature tours, bird walks, calls for volunteers for nature-related work days, etc. Send items to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com two weeks before event date.

Nov. 21

Astronomy Nights: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Nov. 21, Jan. 16 and Feb. 20, Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. The Lake County Astronomical Society meets the third Friday of each month except December. 7:30 p.m. business meeting is followed by an indoor presentation at 8:30 p.m. and viewing if skies are clear about 9:30 p.m. For information, call (815) 344-1294.

Nov. 22

After the Fall: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 22, Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. Adults and young people ages 12 and up can take a walk led by Naturalist Stacy Iwanicki to explore the clues help to reveal a tree's identity "after the fall." Reservations are requested. For information, call (815) 344-1294.

Bird Walks: 8 a.m. Saturdays Nov. 22, Feb. 7 and March 28 and Sundays Dec. 14, Jan. 11 and March 15, Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. Enjoy migrating birds in a variety of habitats. Dress for the weather; bring binoculars and field guides or use those provided. Walk length and time varies. Geared to adults, although attentive kids 7 and up are welcome. Meet in the Parking Lot. Reservations are requested. For information, call (815) 344-1294.

Adopt-A-Pet photos, bake sale, boutique: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, Wiggly Tails Doggie Daycare, 1915 Holste Rd, Northbrook. Bring your pets and kids to help a great cause! Holiday photos, $10; fresh baked goods people and dogs. Benefits homeless animals. (847) 870-8999 or adoptapet-il.org

Nov. 24

Grayslake Greenery Garden Club: 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, State Bank of the Lakes, 50 Commerce Drive, Grayslake. The Grayslake Greenery Garden Club will hold their monthly meeting, wth the topic "Beekeeping in Illinois." David Bergman, president of the Lake County Beekeepers, will address beekeeping basics, equipment, colonies, swarms and honey production.. All are welcome. For information, contact Nancy Rinker, at (847) 223-8485 or grayslakegreenerygardenclub.org.

Nov. 25

Animal Encounters: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, Lake Villa District Library, 1001 E. Grand Ave., Lake Villa. Dr. Robert James will present a variety of animals to see and touch. This program is best suited to school-age children and is not recommended for preschoolers. To register, call (847) 356-7711 to visit lvdl.org.

Nov. 30

Yule Log open house: 2-4 p.m. Nov. 30, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, Barrington. Susan Allman will show you how to make this festive seasonal decoration out of natural materials. Kids are welcome but no scout groups please. Advance registration required. Members, free; $2 nonmembers. Call (847) 428-6957.

Dec. 3

Woodlands Winter Wonderwalk: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart, 760 E. Westleigh Road, Lake Forest. Holiday gift boutique to benefit Woodlands' scholarships and programs. For information, call Susie Hoffmann, at (847) 234-4300, ext. 226, or visit woodlandsacademy.org.

Dec. 6

Adventures in Nature-holiday crafts: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday Dec. 6, Citizens for Conservation office, 459 W. Highway 22, Lake Barrington. Children can make a variety of present for family members. (847) 382-7283.

All Creatures Fundraiser: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, All Creatures Animal Hospital, 1210 Rte. 22, Lake Zurich: All Creatures Animal Hospital will sponsor a holiday fundraiser for Canine Cancer Campaign and Fremont Township Food pantry. Bring cats and dogs for a photo with Santa. Admission is a $5 donation at the door or a donation of cat or dog food. For information, call (847) 726-0050.

Winter Wetland Botany: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. This workshop will focus on trees, shrubs and the dried remains of the flowering plants that persist. The indoor morning session addresses wetland ecology and will include individual hands-on study. After lunch, the afternoon will be spent along Volo Bog's boardwalk for firsthand observations and sharing. Geared to adults and interested youth ages 12 and up. Reservations are requested. For information, call (815) 344-1294.

Dec. 7

Holiday Photo Shoot: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, K-9 Playtime, 403 Washington Blvd., Unit 1, Mundelein. Dog owners can bring their pets to a holiday photo shoot to benefit Midwest Border Collie Rescue. For information, visit mwbcr.org. For information about K-9 Playtime, visit (847) 970-7529 or k-9playtimeinc.com.

Jan. 1

New Year's Day walk: 10 a.m. Jan. 1, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, Barrington. Walk along Stillman's trails and view nature. Over age 10. (847) 428-6957.

Ongoing

Citizens for Conservation seed collection: Thursdays and Saturdays 9 -11 a.m.; and Sundays 3:30-5 p.m., 459 W. Highway 22, Lake Barrington. Volunteers of all ages are invited to help collect seeds from a wide variety of native plants. (847) 382-7283.