Get out and ‘Explore the Forest’ in Barrington

Picnics are just the start of what you can do in the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.

Come Explore the Forest from noon-4 p.m. Sunday, June 9, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, in Barrington. Try out new recreation activities, see what staff is up to and get kids outside at this free event.

“It’s our largest event ever and will showcase different facets of the Forest Preserve, including the behind-the-scene things that most folks don’t see,” said Crabtree’s director Jeff Rapp.

Pick up a bow and try archery. Climb a tree using rope and tackle with the district’s Resource Management crew. Get your bike ready with free tuneups from L.L. Bean. Learn to cast a fishing line at Cabela’s casting area and pick up a copy of the forest preserve’s new fishing guide.

Explore what forest preserve staff does as you watch Resource Management crews demonstrate how large equipment works. See how wildlife biologists trap, tag and track wildlife. Fisheries biologists will have live fish and talk about the fish stocking program. Meet live owls and hawks up close, and see new plans for camping and recreation.

This is a Chicago Wilderness’s Leave No Child Inside event that features the first nature play area in the district. Families can plant seeds to take home, make binoculars and pick up free information on sharing nature with children.

Crabtree Nature Center is on Palatine Road, one mile west of Barrington Road. Call (847) 381-6592 or visit www.fpdcc.com for information.

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