Northwest suburban pets & 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. Deadline is two weeks before event date.
Oct. 21
Tri-Village Garden Club: Meets Wednesday, Oct. 21, Hanover Park Branch Library, 4300 Audrey Lane. Annual dues $15. (630) 830-0118 or (630) 289-4253. trivillagegardenclub.org.
Richmond Garden Club: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, Richmond-Burton High School, Richmond. Holiday floral design show featuring holiday-inspired centerpieces. $9, includes raffle ticket. Sandra, (815) 678-7929.
The Unhuggables: 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. See bats, snakes and spiders in a hands-on family program. To register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
Oct. 23
Alpaca Owners and Breeders: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23 and Sunday, Oct. 24, Lake Country Fairgrounds, 1060 Peterson Road, Libertyville. Eighth annual Alpaca Extravaganza. Free. For information, call (847) 279-8850 Monday-Friday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Oct. 24
Native Seed Gardeners seed drives: 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Thursdays and Saturdays; 3:30-5 p.m. Sundays, Citizens for Conservation headquarters, 459 W. Highway 22, Lake Barrington. Volunteers collect seeds from natural populations in the Barrington area. Visit NativeSeedGardeners.org.
Arlington Heights Farmers Market: 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, Eastman Street between Arlington Heights Road and Evergreen, downtown Arlington Heights. Fresh produce, seasonal fruit, plants, cut flowers, breads, Pastries, cheeses, preserves, kettle corn, cheese cakes, dry pastas, sauces, focaccias and cookies, mushrooms, fruit butter, more. Call Claudia, (847) 421-1860.
Park Ridge Farmers Market: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, downtown Park Ridge. Fresh vegetables, fruit, flowers, cheeses, baked goods, pickles, salsa, honey, soaps, dog treats, more. Barb, (847) 318-5217.
Twilight Wildlife Hike: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, Barrington. Take an evening hike or sharpen your senses to the sights, sounds and smells of the outdoors. Campfire and s'mores included. For ages 6 and older. Free. Reservations to (847) 428-6957
Doggy Trick-or-Treat: 10-10:45 a.m. for dogs under 30 pounds; 11:15 a.m.-noon for dogs over 30 pounds Saturday, Oct. 24, Pirates Cove Theme Park, 901 Leicester Road, Elk Grove Village. Dogs in costume can trick or treat, get photos, costume parade, ride the train. All dogs must be leashed. $15 per dog; $10 for resident dogs. (847) 437-9494.
Citizens for Conservation: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, 459 W. Highway 22, Barrington. Make a Difference Day activities include, native plants seed collection. (847) 382-7283.
Pet massage class: Noon-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, South Barrington Park District, 3 Tennis Club Lane, South Barrington. Licensed massage therapist Liz Weatherton teaches the basics of massage for your dog. Dogs must be 1 year or older; people must be 16 and over. $30-$40. (847) 381-7515 or sbpb.net.
Oct. 25
Mount Prospect Lions Club Farmer's Market: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday Oct. 25, west Metra station parking lot, Route 83 and Northwest Highway, in downtown Mount Prospect. Fresh farm produce, food, nutrition products, crafts, health services, family activities, cooking demonstration series, more. For information, (847) 682-0880 or MtProspectLions.com.
Festive Fall Decorations:: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, Barrington. Sue Kowall and Sue Allman help you design a centerpiece or door decoration featuring bittersweet, grapevine wreaths and a other colorful products from Mother Nature. Free for members; $8 for nonmembers. (847) 428-6957
Owls, Bats and Spiders: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, on Palatine Road, one mile west of Barrington Road, Barrington. Dissect an owl pellet, listen to bat call and meet a spider up close. Free, registration required. (847) 381-6592.
Howl O'Wiener's Ball 2009: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, Paw Law, 1053 E. Lake St., Hanover Park. Suburban Chicagoland Dachshund Lovers hold its annual ball for dachshunds, dachshund mixes and their families and friends. $4 per dog or $4 per family without a dog. Registration required. (847) 949-8455 or patptl@sbcglobal.net.
Oct. 28
Zoo animals: 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road. Bob LaBarre, amateur photographer, gives a slide show on zoo animals. Register at (630) 213-0100.
Oct. 31
Putting Your Garden to Bed: 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, Knupper Nursery and Landscape, 1801 N. Rand Road, Palatine. Tips on preparing you garden for winter. Learn which perennials to cut back and which to leave for winter interest. Advice on pruning, mulching and preparing and protecting perennials and roses for winter. (847) 359-1080.
Nov. 1
Chili Cook Off: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, Animal House Shelter, 13005 Ernesti Road, Huntley. Vote for the best chili. $10 for full tasting. Proceeds benefit Animal House Shelter, a no-kill, nonprofit shelter. Open to the public. (847) 961-5541 or animalhouseshelter.com.
Nov. 2
Lake County Ravines: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, Libertyville Village Hall. Lake Country Audubon Society hosts Ken Klick, a senior restoration ecologist, who will provide an overview of the distinctive geologic forces that create Lake County ravines, the plants and animals that flourish there, how urbanization affects ravines and how the Lake County Forest Preserves are restoring the habitats. Chris, (847) 362-5134.
Nov. 3
Four Seasons Garden Club: 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Highway. Barbara Clayton presents how to help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint and thus conserve the earth's resources. Alena, (847) 438-3981or alenagust@comcast.net.
Nov. 5
South Barrington Garden Club: Thursday, Nov. 5. Annual meeting and dramatization. Carolyn Stein Stillman provides costumed dramatization of "My Book of Flowers" by Grace Kelly. For information, call Anita, (847) 277-7151.
Nov. 6
The Northwest Suburban Astronomers: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, Willow Recreation Center, 3600 Lexington Drive, Hoffman Estates. Programs cover various aspects of amateur astronomy, for program details and club information visit nsaclub.org.
Nov. 8
Photos with Santa: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, Church of the Incarnation, 261 W. Army Trail Road, Bloomingdale. Family and pet photos with Santa to benefit the Almost Home Foundation. (847) 977-9774 or almosthomefoundation.org.
Our House of Hope K-9 Rescue shopping party: 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, 1816 St. Andrews Drive, Vernon Hills. Wine tasting, raffles, food and shopping to benefit Our House of Hope's medical fund.
Nov. 9
Long Grove-Kildeer Garden Club meets: Monday, Nov. 9, Reed Turner Nature Center, 3851 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Club offers gardening programs, events, projects and filed trip to all levels of gardeners. For information, call Ivy, (847) 800-5000.
Nov. 10
Pet health seminar: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, Hoffman Estates Animal Hospital, 1056 W. Golf Road, Hoffman Estates. "From Shabby to Chic!" Free seminar by Dr. Megan Williams covers basic pet care from nail trims and cleaning ears to giving medications. For owners only, no pets. Refreshments served. Register at (847) 310-8668.
Nov. 11
Wheeling Garden Club: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, Pavilion Senior Center, 199 N. First St., Wheeling. Chris (847) 537-8642.
Nov. 16
Arlington Heights Garden Club: 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Joyce Grattoni presents, "Floral Design-Fresh Permanent Botanials and Dried." Guests welcome. Call Gloria, (847) 398-2079 or gardencentral.oeg/illinois/arlingtonheights.
Nov. 17
Arlington Anglers Fishing Club: 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, Dick's Sports Store, Martingale Road, Schaumburg. Wild game dinner. Guest speaker Tony Pignatello from Lil Piggy Baits and Rooster Haven Hunt Club speaks about fall fishing and the upcoming hunting season. Bob, (630) 688-0995 or arlingtonanglers.com.
Nov. 18
Tri-Village Garden Club: Meets Wednesday, Nov. 18, Hanover Park Branch Library, 4300 Audrey Lane. Annual dues $15. (630) 830-0118 or (630) 289-4253. trivillagegardenclub.org.
Nov. 19
Garden Club of Inverness: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, All Saints Lutheran Church, 630 S. Quentin Road, Palatine. Janet Gallagher, floral designer and Kishwaukee College faculty member, demonstrates how to use flowers from retail sources to produce designs for home entertaining. All gardeners welcome. For information, call Beth, (847) 934-7929.
Nov. 25
Agility classes: Begins 7 p.m. Nov. 25, Agility Junkies, 22N073 Pepper Road, Lake Barrington. Class for beginners. (847) 381-2222 or agilityjunkies.com.
Dec. 1
Festive Florals: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, South Barrington Park District, 3 Tennis Club Lane. Joyce Grattoni teaches participants how to make a holiday arrangement with fresh greens, flowers, berries and bows. Light refreshments and cash bar. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 1. $32-$35. (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.
Dec. 4
The Northwest Suburban Astronomers: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, Willow Recreation Center, 3600 Lexington Drive, Hoffman Estates. Programs cover various aspects of amateur astronomy, for program details and club information visit nsaclub.org.
Dec. 3
Garden Club of Inverness holiday luncheon: 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, Medinah Country Club, Medina. Holiday luncheon and fundraiser. Joyce Grattoni, floral designer, creates holiday floral pieces to be used at home or to give as gifts. $50. For reservations/information, contact Diane at dgarcea@comcast.net.
Dec. 5
Little Paws, Big Hearts holiday dinner: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, The Meadows Club, 2951 W. Golf Road, Rolling Meadows. Dinner dance and silent auction to benefit Almost Home Foundation's rescued dogs and cats. $45. Chuck at almosthomefoundation.org. To donate an item for the silent auction or door prize contact Deanne at deannemarkos@sbcglobal.net.
Holiday open house: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 Algonquin Road, Des Plaines. Musical entertainment, crafts, live reindeer, hayrides, holiday floral displays and Santa. Bring your camera. Free. (847) 298-3500.
Dec. 6
Yule Log Open House: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, Barrington. Make a festive seasonal decoration our of natural materials. Kids are welcome, but no scout groups. Free for members; $5 per log for nonmembers. For reservations, (847) 428-6957
Dec. 10
South Barrington Garden Club Holiday luncheon: 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, Seville Banquet Center, 700 S. Barrington Road, Streamwood. Lunch program, floral demonstration, silent auction, raffles. $35. Call Anita, (847) 277-7151.
Jan. 1
New Year's Day walk: 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 1, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, Barrington. Walk along Stillman's trails. Ages 10 and over. Free. (847) 428-6957
Midwest Bass Busters: Bass fishing club is looking for new members at any experience level. No boat is necessary. Monthly meetings are held at The Where Else Lounge, Higgins Road and Lively Blvd., in Elk Grove Village. The club fishes one weekend a month from April-October. Call Len (847) 870-7070.
Garden Club of Inverness scholarships: Students who live in the area serviced by District 211 and Barrington High School and who plan to major in horticulture or environmentally related studies in college are invited to apply. Applications available at the guidance officers in District 211 and Barrington High School.
Plant a garden: Garden Plots are available free to residents interested in doing a little gardening. The plots are located in the rear of Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff, Arlington Heights. Space is limited. To determine availability, call (847) 392-6650 for information.
Nippersink Garden Club: A new garden club is forming to serve northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Members of the Nippersink Garden Club are coming together because of the love of gardening and the love of the Nippersink Creek area and waterways. Membership is open to all interested men, women and their children. Membership will be free and 2009 meetings are yet to be determined. Visit nippersinkgardenclub.org or contact Stacy at (262) 279-5992 for details.
Stillman Nature Center: Volunteers are being sought to help in a variety of areas including, landscape maintenance, birds of prey and more. (847) 428-6957 or stillnc@wildblue.net.
Be Citizens for Conservation volunteer: Citizens for Conservation restoration volunteers work from 9-11 a.m. every Thursday and Saturday. Jobs include: sowing legume seed, cutting brush, rescuing native plants and planting sedges. Meet at 459 West Highway 22 in Lake Barrington. Look for the white farmhouse with a silo across from Good Shepherd Hospital. Bring work gloves, dress for the weather, tools provided. For information, call (847) 382-7283.