Volo Bog rolling out 18th WinterFest

Volo Bog State Natural Area is throwing a big winter party Sunday afternoon - and all ages are invited to join in the fun.

Sponsored by Friends of the Volo Bog, the 18th annual WinterFest will offer guided hikes through the natural area, cross-country skiing and snow-sculpting contests if the cold weather continues as expected.

Part of the fun involves hiking through the snow and keeping an eye out for animal tracks in the bog. You can learn what the tracks look like in the visitors center before taking off to seek the whereabouts of the bog's minks, coyotes, deer, foxes, chipmunks and beavers.

Those who prefer to be inside can have fun as well at WinterFest. The indoor portion of the event will include live music, bog photo contest awards and winter-themed crafts.

Last year's WinterFest had ideal conditions, with occasional snow flurries and plenty of it on the ground. About 300 visitors passed through last year's event.

Temperatures are expected to be in the 20-degree range Sunday.

Marshes, prairie restoration areas and woodlands are part of Volo Bog.

<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>

<p class="News"><b>What:</b> Volo Bog's 18th annual WinterFest</p>

<p class="News"><b>When:</b> Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10</p>

<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> The bog is accessible off Brandenburg Road, a little more than a mile west of Route 12 just north of Route 120 in unincorporated Lake County near Volo.</p>

<p class="News"><b>Cost:</b> Free</p>

<p class="News"><b>More info:</b> h<a href="http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R2/VOLOBOG.HTM" target="new">ttp://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R2/VOLOBOG.HTM</a></p>