Animals, plants and 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. Send items to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com two weeks before event date.

Dec. 13

Live Nativity Walk: 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, Messiah Lutheran Church, 25225 W. Ivanhoe Road, Wauconda. Narrated story about the birth of Jesus Christ with live animals to enhance the story. For information, call (847) 526-7161.

Of Bogs and Books: 10-11:30 a.m., the second Saturday of each month, Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. Adults share morning coffee and snacks over a discussion of nature, science and environmental readings. On Dec. 13, discuss "Listening to Cougar" by Marc Bekoff. On Jan. 10, discuss "Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution - and How It Can Renew America" by Thomas L. Friedman and choose spring selections. On Feb. 14, discuss "Where the Wild Things Were: Life, Death, and Ecological Wreckage in a Land of Vanishing Predators" by William Stolzenburg. Reservations are requested but drop-ins are welcome. Call (815) 344-1294.

Dec. 14

Bird Walks: 8 a.m. Sundays, Dec. 14, Jan. 11 and March 15, and Saturdays, Feb. 7 and March 28, Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. Enjoy migrating birds in a variety of habitats. Dress for the weather; bring binoculars and field guides or use those provided. Walk length and time varies. Geared to adults, although attentive kids 7 and up are welcome. Meet in the Parking Lot. Reservations are requested. For information, call (815) 344-1294.

The Lake County Reptile Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, VFW Hall, 75 W. North Ave., Antioch. View or purchase reptiles including geckos, snakes and bearded dragons. Visitors can also purchase reptile food and other care supplies. Admission is $2-$5. Children ages 10 and under are free. Visit lakecountyreptileshow.com.

"Howl-iday" Shopping and Sing-Along: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, Anti-Cruelty Society, Education & Training Center, 169 W. Grand Ave., Chicago. Sing along to your favorite holiday carols while shopping with your dog for holiday pet-wear, toys and treats and more. The event is free but donations welcome. For information, visit anticruelty.org or call (312) 644-8338, ext. 307.

Dec. 15

St. Nick's Pet Pics: 6-9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, Northbrook Court, 2171 Northbrook Court, Northbrook, on the east side of the shopping center by Neiman Marcus. Dog and cat owners can bring their pets for pictures with Santa Claus. All pets must be leashed or caged. Pet owners must enter through the mall entrance located on the lower level near Stir Crazy restaurant. For information, call (847) 498-8161

Dec. 18

Lincolnshire Garden Club: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at the home of a member. Lincolnshire Garden Club holiday celebration with a buffet lunch. For information and location, call Jan Stefans, at (847) 945-6575.

Feasts for Beasts: Through Dec. 18, Libertyville High School, 708 W. Park Ave., Libertyville. The Libertyville High School LEAF, Latin Club, English Literature classes, and Music Department are collecting canned and dry dog and cat food to benefit Save-a-Pet, a no-kill shelter in Grayslake, and Underdog, an animal rescue organization in Antioch. Collection boxes are located in the Libertyville High School Main Office and throughout the building. For information, call Marti Gorun, at (847) 327-7800 ext. 8659.

Through Dec. 31

Pies to support Fortunate Pooches: Through Dec, 31. When patrons buy cream cheese pies at thepiesthelimit.com and mark the FPALR box, 10 percent of the proceeds will be donated to Fortunate Pooches and Lab Rescue, Inc., 145 E Sayton Road, Fox Lake, a no-kill animal shelter.

Jan. 1

New Year's Day walk: 10 a.m. Jan. 1, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, Barrington. Walk along Stillman's trails and view nature. Over age 10. (847) 428-6957.

Jan. 11

Bird Walks: 8 a.m. Sundays, Jan. 11 and March 15, and Saturdays, Feb. 7 and March 28, Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. Enjoy migrating birds in a variety of habitats. Dress for the weather; bring binoculars and field guides or use those provided. Walk length and time varies. Geared to adults, although attentive kids 7 and up are welcome. Meet in the Parking Lot. Reservations are requested. For information, call (815) 344-1294.

Jan. 12

Gardeners of Central Lake County: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 12, Evangelical Free Church on southeast corner of Garfield and Austin avenues, Libertyville. Establishing a Prairie Garden will be program given by Mark Scales. Call Susan at (847) 816-8007.

Jan. 16

Astronomy Nights: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 16 and Feb. 20, Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. The Lake County Astronomical Society meets the third Friday of each month except December. 7:30 p.m. business meeting is followed by an indoor presentation at 8:30 p.m. and viewing if skies are clear about 9:30 p.m. For information, call (815) 344-1294.

Feb. 7

Bird Walks: 8 a.m. Saturdays, Feb. 7 and March 28 and Sunday March 15, Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. Enjoy migrating birds in a variety of habitats. Dress for the weather; bring binoculars and field guides or use those provided. Walk length and time varies. Geared to adults, although attentive kids 7 and up are welcome. Meet in the Parking Lot. Reservations are requested. For information, call (815) 344-1294.

Feb. 20

Astronomy Nights: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. The Lake County Astronomical Society meets the third Friday of each month except December. 7:30 p.m. business meeting is followed by an indoor presentation at 8:30 p.m. and viewing if skies are clear about 9:30 p.m. For information, call (815) 344-1294.

March 15

Bird Walks: 8 a.m. Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 15, Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. Enjoy migrating birds in a variety of habitats. Dress for the weather; bring binoculars and field guides or use those provided. Walk length and time varies. Geared to adults, although attentive kids 7 and up are welcome. Meet in the Parking Lot. Reservations are requested. For information, call (815) 344-1294.

March 28

Bird Walks: 8 a.m. Saturday, March 28, Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. Enjoy migrating birds in a variety of habitats. Dress for the weather; bring binoculars and field guides or use those provided. Walk length and time varies. Geared to adults, although attentive kids 7 and up are welcome. Meet in the Parking Lot. Reservations are requested. For information, call (815) 344-1294.

Ongoing

Citizens for Conservation seed collection: Thursdays and Saturdays 9 -11 a.m.; and Sundays 3:30-5 p.m., 459 W. Highway 22, Lake Barrington. Volunteers of all ages are invited to help collect seeds from a wide variety of native plants. (847) 382-7283.