Calendar of Events

Country Fair - Fairs were an important social and economic event for 1890s farmers. Experience a re-created country fair with fun for all including a flea circus, phrenology readings, sack races and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago. Call (630) 876-5900.

Getting Ready for the Fair - Learn how a farm family prepared for the fair, an important social and economic event of the time. Tours begin on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago. Call (630) 876-5900.

Horse-Drawn Hayrides - Enjoy a 30-minute horse-drawn hayride through prairies and woodlands while learning about fascinating features of this preserve. First come, first served. Noon to 3:45 p.m. at Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton. $5 per adult, $2 per child age 5 - 12, children under 5 free. Groups larger than 15 must make reservations. Call (630) 668-6012.

Country Fair - Fairs were an important social and economic event for 1890s farmers. Experience a re-created country fair with fun for all including a flea circus, phrenology readings, sack races and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago. Call (630) 876-5900.

Fishing for Carp - Learn how to pursue one of the most overlooked yet entertaining fish to catch. 8 to 10 a.m. at Churchill Woods Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn. Ages 8 and up. An adult must accompany children under 16. Reservations begin Aug. 17. Call (630) 933-7248.

Getting Ready for the Fair - Learn how a farm family prepared for the fair, an important social and economic event of the time. Tours begin on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago. Call (630) 876-5900.

Horse-Drawn Hayrides - Enjoy a 30-minute horse-drawn hayride through prairies and woodlands while learning about fascinating features of this preserve. First come, first served. Noon to 3:45 p.m. at Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton. $5 per adult, $2 per child age 5 - 12, children under 5 free. Groups larger than 15 must make reservations. Call (630) 668-6012.

Diva Days: Archery - Join the series of programs for women led by women. This session, explore archery. 6 to 8 p.m. at the archery range at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Females only. Ages 8 and up with an adult. Reservations begin Aug. 22. Call (630) 933-7248.

Horse-Drawn Hayrides - Enjoy a 30-minute horse-drawn hayride through prairies and woodlands while learning about fascinating features of this preserve. First come, first served. 5 to 7:15 p.m. at Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton. $5 per adult, $2 per child age 5 - 12, children under 5 free. Groups larger than 15 must make reservations. Call (630) 668-6012.

Day of Volunteerism: Willowbrook Forest Preserve Workday - Join families around DuPage County at one of three special nature workdays to honor the memory of 9/11. 9 a.m. to noon at Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn. An adult must accompany children under age 14. Groups of five or more must make reservations one week prior to the event. Call (630) 933-7681 for waiver requirements.

From Lake to Plate - Find out about fishing hot spots while you learn to clean and cook fish using a variety of ranger-favorite recipes. Then, enjoy a Friday-night fish fry in a cabin setting. 5 to 7 p.m. at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton. $10 per person ages 16 and up, $5 per person under 16. Reservations begin Aug. 27. Call (630) 933-7248.

FullersBird Fridays - Take these weekly naturalist-led hikes to see how the diversity of birds inhabiting a forest preserve changes from summer to fall. 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook. Adults only. For reservations, call (630) 850-8110.

Blacksmithing Demonstrations - Watch the blacksmith repair equipment and demonstrate the tools and techniques of the trade. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago. Call (630) 876-5900.

Day of Volunteerism: Helping Hands Workday - Join families around DuPage County at one of three special nature workdays to honor the memory of 9/11. 2 to 5 p.m. at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton. An adult must accompany children under age 14. Groups of five or more must make reservations one week prior to the event. Call (630) 933-7681 for waiver requirements.

Day of Volunteerism: Native-Plant-Nursery Workday - Join families around DuPage County at one of three special nature workdays to honor the memory of 9/11. 8 to 11 a.m. at the Grounds and Resources Complex at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville. An adult must accompany children under age 14. Groups of five or more must make reservations one week prior to the event. Call (630) 933-7681 for waiver requirements.

Horse-Drawn Hayrides - Enjoy a 30-minute horse-drawn hayride through prairies and woodlands while learning about fascinating features of this preserve. First come, first served. Noon to 3:45 p.m. at Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton. $5 per adult, $2 per child age 5 - 12, children under 5 free. Groups larger than 15 must make reservations. Call (630) 668-6012.

Introduction to Archery - Gain an insightful introduction to this classic sport, including overviews of equipment, history and shooting techniques. Equipment provided. 10 a.m. to noon at the archery range at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Ages 5 and up with an adult. Reservations begin Aug. 24. Call (630) 933-7248 for waiver requirements.

Ride the Trails - Take a ranger-led bike ride along the North Central Regional Trail, encountering three forest preserves along the way. 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Spring Creek Reservoir Forest Preserve in Bloomingdale. Adults only. Reservations begin Aug. 24. Call (630) 933-7248.

Cycles in Nature - Ride forest preserve trails with a ranger and a naturalist, and learn about preserve history, site operations and native flora and fauna. 6 to 8 p.m. at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton. No unaccompanied children. Reservations begin Aug. 27. Call (630) 933-7248.

Horse-Drawn Hayrides - Enjoy a 30-minute horse-drawn hayride through prairies and woodlands while learning about fascinating features of this preserve. First come, first served. Noon to 3:45 p.m. at Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton. $5 per adult, $2 per child age 5 - 12, children under 5 free. Groups larger than 15 must make reservations. Call (630) 668-6012.

Music at Mayslake - Enjoy a music-filled evening like Mr. Peabody might have presented to his guests. This evening, take in Phil Passen's hammered dulcimer. 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook. Adults only. $12 per person. (A $5-per-person docent-led tour of Mayslake Hall will be precede each concert at 6:30 p.m.) For reservations, call (630) 850-2363, ext. 5.

Nature Hike for Home-Schoolers - Learn about nature and wildlife during off-trail explorations through a natural area. 1 to 3 p.m. at West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve in West Chicago. Ages 5 and up with an adult. Reservations begin Aug. 28. Call (630) 942-6200.

Horse-Drawn Hayrides - Enjoy a 30-minute horse-drawn hayride through prairies and woodlands while learning about fascinating features of this preserve. First come, first served. 5 to 7:15 p.m. at Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton. $5 per adult, $2 per child age 5 - 12, children under 5 free. Groups larger than 15 must make reservations. Call (630) 668-6012.

Birdwatching Basics - Learn to identify birds of the backyard and forest, and then take a hike with a naturalist to put your skills to the test. 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook. Ages 7 - 10 with an adult. Reservations begin Aug. 30. Call (630) 850-8110.

Nature Hike for Home-Schoolers - Learn about nature and wildlife during off-trail explorations through a natural area. 1 to 3 p.m. at West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve in West Chicago. Ages 5 and up with an adult. Reservations begin Aug. 28. Call (630) 942-6200.

FullersBird Fridays - Take these weekly naturalist-led hikes to see how the diversity of birds inhabiting a forest preserve changes from summer to fall. 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook. Adults only. For reservations, call (630) 850-8110.

Blacksmithing Demonstrations - Watch the blacksmith repair equipment and demonstrate the tools and techniques of the trade. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago. Call (630) 876-5900.

Energize: What's Your Potential? - Find out what life is like on the bottom of the food chain, and discover how it feels to be top predator. 10:30 a.m. to noon at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook. Ages 8 - 12. Reservations begin Sept. 1. Call (630) 850-8110.

Horse-Drawn Hayrides - Enjoy a 30-minute horse-drawn hayride through prairies and woodlands while learning about fascinating features of this preserve. First come, first served. Noon to 3:45 p.m. at Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton. $5 per adult, $2 per child age 5 - 12, children under 5 free. Groups larger than 15 must make reservations. Call (630) 668-6012.

Nature Workday - Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or planting seed. 9 a.m. to noon at the Elsen's Hill area at West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve in West Chicago. An adult must accompany children under 14. Groups of five or more must make reservations two weeks prior to the event. Call (630) 933-7681 for waiver requirements.

Orchard Workdays - Help care for the orchard, and learn about the year-round tasks required to maintain fruit trees. Bring work gloves. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago. Call (630) 876-5900.

Salt Creek Cleanup - Celebrate Illinois' "It's Our River Day" by removing debris from Salt Creek and the surrounding preserve. 9 a.m. to noon at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook. An adult must accompany children under 14. Groups of 5 or more must make reservations by Sept. 1. Call (630) 933-7681 for waiver requirements.

What's in Your Dinner Pail? - Help prepare the dinner pail that children carried to school in the 1890s. 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago. Call (630) 876-5900.

Horse-Drawn Hayrides - Enjoy a 30-minute horse-drawn hayride through prairies and woodlands while learning about fascinating features of this preserve. First come, first served. Noon to 3:45 p.m. at Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton. $5 per adult, $2 per child age 5 - 12, children under 5 free. Groups larger than 15 must make reservations. Call (630) 668-6012.

Restoration Workday - Enjoy the outdoors while helping to restore the unique characteristics of one of DuPage County's most diverse prairies. 9 a.m. to noon at West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve in West Chicago. Groups of 10 or more must make reservations. Call (630) 961-2041.

Mayslake Restoration Lectures - Hear the exciting findings and recommendations of the interior and exterior condition surveys of Mayslake Hall over two sessions. This session will focus on the hall's exterior, and a session on Sept. 25 will discuss the interior. 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook. Adults only. $3 per person. (A $5-per-person docent-led tour of Mayslake Hall will precede each lecture at 6:30 p.m.) For reservations, call (630) 850-2363, ext. 5.

Native-Plant-Nursery Workday - Help the District's Habitat Improvement Program by lending a hand at the nursery. Weed and water plant beds, and collect and clean seeds. 8 to 11 a.m. at the Grounds and Resources Complex at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Ages 12 and up. An adult must accompany children ages 12 to 15. Groups of five or more must make reservations two weeks prior to the event. Call (630) 933-7681 for waiver requirements.

Diva Days: Archery - Join the series of programs for women led by women. This session, explore archery. 6 to 8 p.m. at the racetrack at Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton. Females only. Ages 8 and up with an adult. Reservations begin Sept. 5. Call (630) 933-7248.

Horse-Drawn Hayrides - Enjoy a 30-minute horse-drawn hayride through prairies and woodlands while learning about fascinating features of this preserve. First come, first served. 5 to 7:15 p.m. at Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton. $5 per adult, $2 per child age 5 - 12, children under 5 free. Groups larger than 15 must make reservations. Call (630) 668-6012.

Bass-Fishing Clinic - Learn how to use some of the most effective bass lures on the market, and try them out on one of the Forest Preserve District's best bass fishing lakes. Rangers will teach casting, knot tying, handling and fishing etiquette. 5 to 8 p.m. at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton. An adult must accompany children under 16. Reservations begin Sept. 10. Call (630) 933-7248.

FullersBird Fridays - Take these weekly naturalist-led hikes to see how the diversity of birds inhabiting a forest preserve changes from summer to fall. 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook. Adults only. For reservations, call (630) 850-8110.

Dogs Are Ruff'n It - Dogs, bring your people for some four-legged fun. There will be canine-related groups and organizations from the area, games, an agility course and much more. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the off-leash dog area at Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville. All dogs are welcome, but a valid District permit is required for each dog to enter the gated off-leash area. Call (630) 942-6200.

Horse-Drawn Hayrides - Enjoy a 30-minute horse-drawn hayride through prairies and woodlands while learning about fascinating features of this preserve. First come, first served. Noon to 3:45 p.m. at Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton. $5 per adult, $2 per child age 5 - 12, children under 5 free. Groups larger than 15 must make reservations. Call (630) 668-6012.

Kayak DuPage - Join a ranger, and learn basic kayaking techniques, watercraft safety and forest preserve facts. Kayaks and personal flotation devices provided. 10 a.m. to noon at West Branch Forest Preserve in Bartlett. Ages 8 and up with an adult. $35 per person. Reservations begin Aug. 22. Call (630) 574-7700.

The House in Mourning - Learn about the customs of funerals and mourning in the 1890s, and tour the farmhouse draped in black. Tours begin on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago. Call (630) 876-5900.

Nature Workday - Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or planting seed. 9 a.m. to noon at the Glacial Ridge area at Churchill Woods Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn and at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville. An adult must accompany children under 14. Groups of five or more must make reservations two weeks prior to the event. Call (630) 933-7681 for waiver requirements.

When Darkness Falls - Hike through the dark woods with a ranger, and discover what it's like to use your senses like a night predator. 7 to 9 p.m. at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien. Ages 6 - 16 with an adult. Reservations begin Sept. 11. Call (630) 933-7248.

Backpack DuPage - Take a backpacking adventure through a scenic preserve. Hear from experts, and learn about backpacking gear and safety tips. Equipment provided by REI. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton. Ages 8 and up with an adult. $10 per person. Reservations begin Sept. 10. Call (630) 574-7700.

Horse-Drawn Hayrides - Enjoy a 30-minute horse-drawn hayride through prairies and woodlands while learning about fascinating features of this preserve. First come, first served. Noon to 3:45 p.m. at Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton. $5 per adult, $2 per child age 5 - 12, children under 5 free. Groups larger than 15 must make reservations. Call (630) 668-6012.

The House in Mourning - Learn about the customs of funerals and mourning in the 1890s, and tour the farmhouse draped in black. Tours begin on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago. Call (630) 876-5900.

Mayslake Restoration Lectures - Hear the exciting findings and recommendations of the interior and exterior condition surveys of Mayslake Hall over two sessions. This session will focus on the hall's interior, and a session on Sept. 18 will discuss the exterior. 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook. Adults only. $3 per person. (A $5-per-person docent-led tour of Mayslake Hall will precede each lecture at 6:30 p.m.) For reservations, call (630) 850-2363, ext. 5.

Volunteer Orientation - Discover how to enrich your life as a volunteer with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Ask questions, get information, and see which programs fit your interests and schedule. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the headquarters building at Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton. Reservations begin Sept. 11. Call (630) 933-7681.

Horse-Drawn Hayrides - Enjoy a 30-minute horse-drawn hayride through prairies and woodlands while learning about fascinating features of this preserve. First come, first served. 5 to 7:15 p.m. at Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton. $5 per adult, $2 per child age 5 - 12, children under 5 free. Groups larger than 15 must make reservations. Call (630) 668-6012.

Native-Plant-Nursery Workday - Help the District's Habitat Improvement Program by lending a hand at the nursery. Weed and water plant beds, and collect and clean seeds. 8 to 11 a.m. at the Grounds and Resources Complex at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Ages 12 and up. An adult must accompany children ages 12 to 15. Groups of five or more must make reservations two weeks prior to the event. Call (630) 933-7681 for waiver requirements.

FullersBird Fridays - Take these weekly naturalist-led hikes to see how the diversity of birds inhabiting a forest preserve changes from summer to fall. 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook. Adults only. For reservations, call (630) 850-8110.

Corn Harvest - Help to pick, shock, shuck, shell and store the corn that will help to feed the cows and sheep over the winter. 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago. Call (630) 876-5900.

Flowing-Water Fishing - Learn techniques for fishing in rivers and streams during this intermediate-level clinic. 8 to 10 a.m. at Graue Mill at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook. Ages 12 and up. An adult must accompany children under 16. Reservations begin Sept. 17. Call (630) 933-7248.

Horse-Drawn Hayrides - Enjoy a 30-minute horse-drawn hayride through prairies and woodlands while learning about fascinating features of this preserve. First come, first served. Noon to 3:45 p.m. at Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton. $5 per adult, $2 per child age 5 - 12, children under 5 free. Groups larger than 15 must make reservations. Call (630) 668-6012.

Leafy T's - Use fabric paint and real leaves to create your own "tree-shirt" with a dark shirt that you bring from home. 2 to 3:15 p.m. at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook. Ages 7 and up. Reservations begin Sept. 15. Call (630) 850-8110.

Nature Workday - Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or collecting or planting seed. 9 a.m. to noon at Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve in Wood Dale. An adult must accompany children under 14. Groups of five or more must make reservations two weeks prior to the event. Call (630) 933-7681 for waiver requirements.

Restoration Workday - Enjoy the outdoors while helping to restore the unique characteristics of one of DuPage County's most diverse prairies. 9 a.m. to noon at West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve in West Chicago. Groups of 10 or more must make reservations. Call (630) 961-2041.

Winfield Mounds Hike - Join a naturalist-led hike to the only known prehistoric American Indian mounds in DuPage County. 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve in Winfield. Ages 8 and up with an adult. Reservations begin Sept. 18. Call (630) 942-6200.

Corn Harvest - Help to pick, shock, shuck, shell and store the corn that will help to feed the cows and sheep over the winter. 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago. Call (630) 876-5900.

Horse-Drawn Hayrides - Enjoy a 30-minute horse-drawn hayride through prairies and woodlands while learning about fascinating features of this preserve. First come, first served. Noon to 3:45 p.m. at Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton. $5 per adult, $2 per child age 5 - 12, children under 5 free. Groups larger than 15 must make reservations. Call (630) 668-6012.

Nature Workday - Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or collecting or planting seed. 9 a.m. to noon at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville. An adult must accompany children under 14. Groups of five or more must make reservations two weeks prior to the event. Call (630) 933-7681 for waiver requirements.

Primitive Fire Making - Discover the role and value of fire, and learn primitive methods of lighting fires. 1 to 2 p.m. at Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn. Ages 8 and up with an adult. Reservations begin Sept. 9. Call (630) 942-6200.