Crabtree Nature Center hosts ‘biggest event ever’

The Cook County Forest Preserve District is inviting families to “Explore the Forest” from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington Hills.

Check out the equipment used for habitat restoration activities, speak with a wildlife biologist, ecologist or police officer, meet the fish that live in the lakes, get a free bike tuneup and learn about all of the forest preserve’s recreation and volunteering opportunities.

This Chicago Wilderness Leave No Child Inside event will have kids casting fishing poles and playing in the Explore Nature area.

“It’s our largest event ever and will showcase different facets of the forest preserves, including the behind-the-scenes 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 Resource Management crew.

Get your bike ready for the trails with a free bike tuneup from L.L. Bean. Learn to cast a fishing line in Cabela’s casting area, and pick up a copy of the Forest Preserve District’s official fishing guide.

Visitors can learn more about the work that Forest Preserve District staff members do across Cook County. Watch Resource Management crews demonstrate how large restoration equipment works. See how wildlife biologists track and study wildlife, and meet live owls and hawks close-up.

Visitors also will be able to see and touch live fish and talk with fisheries biologists about the district’s fish stocking program.

Learn about new plans for camping and recreation, too. Families can plant seeds, make binoculars and pick up free information on how to share nature with children.

For more information, call (847) 381-6592 or visit fpdcc.com.