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.

Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claws: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, through Dec. 19, The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers, Arlington Heights. Get holiday pictures taken with the whole family, including pets. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit thebuddyfoundation.org.

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.

Dec. 4

The Northwest Suburban Astronomers: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, Willow Recreation Center, 3600 Lexington Drive, Hoffman Estates. Annual swap meet, bring your astronomical items to sell or trade. For program details and club information visit nsaclub.org.

Dec. 5

Environmental Scene Investigation: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 6, Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Follow tracks, examine droppings, listen to animal sounds and see if you can solve these indoor mysteries. Free. (847) 381-6592.

Winter Container Garden workshop: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, Knupper Nursery, 1801 N. Rand Road, Palatine. Create an outdoor winter container garden. All materials provided, bring gloves and pruners. $45. Register at (847) 359-1080.

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.

Four Paws Animal Foundation pet photos: 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, Hanover Park Animal Care Center, 1920 Ontarioville Road, Hanover Park. Pet photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, bake sale, holiday gift bazaar. $10 donation for photos. Benefits the organization's rescue/adoption efforts. For appointments, call (630) 289-0478. Walk-ins also welcome.

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

Natural history of holiday plants: 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, Crabtree Nature Center, Forest Preserve District of Cook County, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Take an in depth look into what these holiday plants are and where they come from. Free. (847) 381-6592.

Dec, 7

Winter Container Garden workshop: 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7, Knupper Nursery, 1801 N. Rand Road, Palatine. Create an outdoor winter container garden. All materials provided, bring gloves and pruners. $45. Register at (847) 359-1080.

Dec. 8

Friendly Dogs Story: 10-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, Palatine Library, 700 N. North Court. Author Ilene Fine presents her picture books about her dogs, Brandy and Val, who are trained therapy dogs. To register, (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.

Dec. 9