Lake Co. pets and nature

Events that involve pets and other animals, plants and nature, 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.

Dec. 12

Santa Paws: 10:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 12, Palatine Hills Club House, 512 W. Northwest Highway, Palatine. Bring your furry friend out for a picture with Santa. First-come, first-served basis. $5 per dog. Must register. For information, call Lisa, (847) 991-0333.

Holiday Dogs on Parade: 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, downtown Antioch, Main Street, Skidmore Avenue, Lake Street, Antioch. Dogs can dress in costumes or holiday finery. Line-up begins outside on the sidewalk of Orchard Plaza under the overhang. Competing Dogs will be Judged, then trot off on a "Doggy Parade" around downtown Antioch. Treats and special fun will be held along the route. Call the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, (847) 395-2233..

Live Nativity Walk: 3 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, Messiah Lutheran Church, 25225 W. Ivanhoe Road, Wauconda. A narrated Nativity walk with live animals. A free will offering is requested. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available following the walk. For details, call (847) 526-7161.

Jazz Nativity for the Whole Family: 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, Saint Luke Church, 1500 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. Fundraiser for the Anti-Cruelty Society and Lakeview Pantry, pets are invited to attend. Activities include a holiday bazaar and pet meet and greet from 3-4 p.m. and 5-6 p.m.; pet blessing at 3:30 p.m.; and Jazz Nativity from 4-5 p.m. Parking and admission are free. For information, (773) 472-3383 or stlukechicago.org.

Dec. 13

Let it Snow: 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, Crabtree Nature Center, Forest Preserve District of Cook County, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Take a close looks at the beauty of snowflakes and then construct a snowflake catcher to take home. Make your own frosty treats. Free. Register at (847) 381-6592.

Dec. 14

Long Grove-Kildeer Garden Club: The second Monday of the month, 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 details, call Ivy, (847) 800-5000.

Dec. 19

All Creatures Animal Hospital holiday fundraiser: Noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, 1210 Route 22, Lake Zurich. Have your pet's picture taken with Santa. Bring cat/dog food for the Fremont Township Food Pantry or $5 for the Canine Cancer Campaign.

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

Ongoing

Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claws: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 28 to 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.

Christmas Tree Sale: 4-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 27 through Dec. 23, 472-482 W. Liberty Plaza on Route 176, Wauconda. Boy Scout Troop 90 will hold a Christmas tree sale.

Pooch Pantry: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Lake County Animal Control, 29278 N. Highway 83, Mundelein. Accepting donations of dry and canned dog and cat food, treats and domestic bird food; gift cards for PetSmart, Petco, and Pet Supplies Plus; cat litter; resealable plastic bags; and pet welfare goods such as bowls and toys. The Pooch Pantry will be open for families in need from 1-4 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. For information, call (847) 566-1960.

Puppy Playtime: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Doggy Day Camp, Inc., 21212 W. Commercial Drive, Mundelein. Puppies 10 weeks to 6 months of age with proof of vaccinations can play with other puppies for free in a safe, off-leash environment. Puppies must be in good health and free from any contagious diseases within the past 30 days. Advance registration is required. For information, call (847) 970-6777 or visit DoggyDayCampInc.com.

Native Seed Gardeners seed drives: 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Thursdays and Saturdays and 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.