Your One-Stop-Shop For Families to Find Outdoor Nature Activities and Resources

Healthier Barrington (of which LNCI is a member) helped develop 211, an information service provided by PATH, funded by United Way, and partnered with Good Shepherd Hospital. It will serve the 60010 zip code and the Barrington 220 School District and is geared to alleviate the saturation of 911 calls that are non-emergency related. 211, a 24/7 service, will receive the call, PATH will screen the call for the correct entity to service. The next scheduled “soft launch” is set for 3/1/13. For additional information visit: http://www.barrington211.com/AboutTheProject.aspx.

LNCI of the Greater Barrington and Lake Zurich Area received a generous grant from the

Barrington Area Community Foundation to continue our efforts to reacquaint children with nature.

Thank you to the 1,500 children and caregivers who came and enjoyed our outdoor event.

Chicago Wilderness is seeking a part-time paid Associate available for approximately four hours

a week to help the Greater Barrington & Lake Zurich Area Leave No Child Inside initiative to engage partners, reach out to new allies, and help to promote and coordinate events,

towards the goal of sustaining the local movement to reconnect children with nature.

Applicants must be familiar with the greater Barrington and Lake Zurich area. To request application materials or to inquire about the position, please contact Emilian Geczi, Chicago Wilderness

Youth & Community Engagement Coordinator, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Campfire 'N Canoe
Thursday, June 20, 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Monee Reservoir, Monee, IL
Bring the whole clan out for a nighttime adventure with the Forest Preserve District of Will County! Learn canoeing basics, and about nocturnal animals. Then we will head out on the water! Once the sun sets we'll put another log on the fire and toast some s'mores! All equipment, including life jackets, is provided, and no prior canoe experience is necessary. This program is for ages 10 or older; children 17 or younger must be accompanied by a registered adult. For more information about this program and fees, visit www.ReconnectwithNature.org. Registration is required; call 708-534-8499.

Sleep Under the Skyscrapers: Outdoor Campout
Friday, June 21 at the Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL
The night begins with pitching tents and having dinner. Then visit some of the zoo animals, enjoy a campfire and s’mores, and learn the basics about spending time in the wilderness. Spend time relaxing at your campsite before you -- and the rest of the zoo -- turn in for the night. Wake up to the calls of gibbons and flamingos and grab some breakfast before taking a leisurely morning hike to Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo. For availability and program fees, visit the registration page.

Children's Garden Campout
Friday, June 21, 6:30 PM to Saturday, June 22, 9:30 AM at the Morton Arboretum
Pitch a tent and enjoy hands-on activities, night hikes, and bedtime stories with your family. In the morning, have a light breakfast and explore the garden before it opens. For families with children ages 2 & up. Tents are not provided, please bring your own. Register here.

Summer Solstice Hike
Friday, June 21, 8:00 to 9:00 AM at Red Oaks Nature Center, Batavia, IL
What better way to begin the season than a morning hike on the first day of summer? Participants will take a stroll to check out early signs of summertime and enjoy a light breakfast. All participants must be registered and children accompanied by an adult. Please register here.

Get Outside And Grow: Families Together in Nature
Saturday, June 22, 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM at Glacial Park’s Lost Valley Visitor Center
Would you like to encourage your child’s curiosity for nature? Or maybe you want to encourage them to put down the TV or game remote and get outside more? Research shows that people who spend time in nature enjoy many emotional and physical benefits. Join us for a day of activities that will help the whole family to get outside and grow together. In the morning, children and parents will be split – parents will learn how to feel more comfortable playing outside with their kids and kids will learn how to overcome some of their fears of the outdoor world. After a picnic lunch and a visit from a local author, everyone comes together to experience fun outdoor activities in the conservation area. Each family will take home an activity backpack and the knowledge to continue outdoor explorations for months and years to come. A continental breakfast will be provided; please bring your own sack lunches. The program is free. To register, visit the McHenry County Conservation District website.

Saturday Morning Families on the Farm
Saturday, June 22, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at McDonald Farm, Naperville, IL
Come and enjoy McDonald Farm with your family. Tour the farm, learn about its history and harvest, clean and eat fresh veggies. Participate in guided and self-guided nature and fun family activities. Cooperative program hosted by the Green Earth Institute and The Conservation Foundation. Visit www.greenearthinstitute.org for additional information and to register.

Elmhurst Park District Leave No Child Inside Event
Saturday, June 22, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Eldridge Park Environmental Education Center
Elmhurst Park District would love to help you explore and enjoy our natural world! Come out to meet our educators, learn about our awesome programming, go on scavenger hunts, and perfect your boomerang throw!

Great American Backyard Campout™
Saturday, June 22, 12:00 PM to Sunday, June 23, 12:00 PM
Environmental Learning Center, Mokena, IL
Kick off the summer by participating in the annual "Great American Backyard Campout™" event sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation. People from all over America will be camping out to enjoy some outdoor fun and friendship on June 22, and the Environmental Learning Center is the official Forest Preserve District of Will County site. Participants will have the opportunity to canoe on the pond, hike the trails of Hickory Creek Preserve, participate in a variety of group activities, and enjoy the company of other camping families in a beautiful setting. For more information about this program and fees, visit www.ReconnectwithNature.org. Registration is required; call 708-479-2255.

Get Out and Go! Family Treasure Hunt
Sunday, June 23, 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Registration takes place at Park Center, 2400 Chestnut Avenue, Glenview, IL
Have you ever really looked at what’s around you? Discover some hidden secrets as you take part in Glenview's family treasure hunt. Enjoy the natural beauty of Gallery Park and Air Station Prairie as you walk/skate/ride your bike on the hunt for treasure. Search for clues along the banks of Lake Glenview, discover new facts about Gallery Park, and learn why the Tyner Center is so green! Earn points for every clue you solve, and find out what is waiting for those who complete all tasks at the end of the treasure hunt! For more information, visit www.airstationprairie.org

Chipmunk Woods Grand Opening
Sunday, June 23, 2:30 PM (open until 8:00 PM) at Volo Bog State Natural Area
Chipmunk Woods invites kids to explore! A fun free-play nature area and outdoor classroom behind Volo Bog State Natural Area's Visitor Center, Chipmunk Woods is an oak woodlot that is on its way back! Bordered loosely by a split rail fence, the area features whimsical discoveries hidden here and there among native plants planted each spring by area students through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Earth Day in the Parks program.

Bring your family to the grand opening to turn over logs and turn them back, build a fairy village or a fort out of nature's supplies, balance on a log, create their own games, test their strength, discover their own limitations and abilities, ask questions, make observations and share discoveries. For more information about the Grand Opening or to learn how you can help CW grow, please contact Natural Resources Coordinator Stacy Iwanicki at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 815-344-1294.

Take Me Fishing
Saturday, June 29, 9:00 to 11:00 AM at Walnut Hill Shelter, Homer Lake Forest Preserve
Did you know that fishing promotes healthy minds and bodies? Bring your family and friends out to the forest preserves for some free fishing fun! There will be kids' awards, activities, and more! Basic fishing instruction will be available to beginners. The Illinois fishing license requirement has been waived for this event; all fishing is catch-and-release. Cane poles and bait are available to use, but you are welcome to bring your own. Adult supervision of children is required. Free. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Seining with CFC: June 29, 1:00 - 5:00 PM

To celebrate June as Leave No Child Inside month, join us in this ever-popular class with CFC’s interns along with seining expert and long-time CFC volunteer Tom Vanderpoel. We will meet at CFC, drive to a local site, and use seining nets to see what is in the water. Will there be frogs, fish, mussels, larvae? Be prepared to get wet and muddy. Please dress according to the weather— layers are best. Water shoes/boots or closed-toe shoes are required and must be worn at all times. Bring your own drinking water and use mosquito spray at home.

Location: Meet at CFC headquarters: 459 West Highway 22 Barrington, IL 60010

We're on the south side of Highway 22 between Route 59 and Kelsey Road,

across from Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital

This class is open to children ages 6 and older. Caregivers are required to attend.

No bathrooms are available once we leave CFC.

Class size is limited to twenty children, so please register early! COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORMS ARE DUE by June 25. Please contact us immediately if you are unable to attend so another child may participate in the class. Registration forms can be found at http://www.citizensforconservation.org/youth-education or call CFC at 847-382-SAVE (7283) for details.

Sunday July 7 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

VBSNA's Youth Art Guild is open to children ages 11 - 17 who wish to explore nature through art. As members of a nature art guild, young artists explore and create nature-themed works, and meet with guest artists of varying interests. While the style and media varies (ex. botanical/scientific illustration, anime, whimsical sculpture, impressionistic painting, etc...) the central theme always celebrates Nature. The program is non-competitive, individualistic, interactive & supportive. Group size is small - limited to 17 guilders. Each session includes outdoor sketching & journaling, as well as indoor work. Sponsored by Friends of Volo Bog - Monthly fee covers most supplies. Sponsor Reprographics Imaging and Art Supplies of Crystal Lake provides guild members with discounts on art materials - visit them at www.Reprographics.org/ For more information contact Stacy Iwanicki at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 815-344-1294.

Citizens for Conservation Youth Education is offering Leave No Child Inside and STEM oriented camp for summer 2013. “Beyond the Lab: Field Explorations for Curious Children” is for children entering first and second grades and is scheduled for July 15 -19 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Using Citizens for Conservation’s own “Junior Naturalist” activity books a maximum of twenty children will explore the natural world through hands-on science. Topics include plants, bugs, mammals, amphibians, birds and more! Children will keep a daily journal which allows each child to share discoveries with their family and continue personal exploration after camp ends.

Camp is held rain or shine. We ask that the children dress for the weather, and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Please NO SANDALS. Apply bug spray and/or sunscreen at home. Children are expected to bring their own beverage and a snack to camp.

Camp fee is $100 for members and $150 for non-members. Register forms are found at http://www.citizensforconservation.org/youth-education/. For additional information email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 847-382-SAVE (7283). Registration opens March 18, 2013 and is first-come first-serve.

Astronomy Nights at Volo Bog State Natural Area

Third Fridays 8:30 p.m. - open

June 21; July 19

The Comet of the Century: Preparing for Comet ISON

After the indoor program, if the weather permits, members of the club will set up telescopes in the parking lot for some viewing of the night sky.

Astronomy Under The City Lights (AUTCL) or LakeCountyAstronomical Society Hits the Road

Utilizing powerful telescopes, amateur astronomers from Lake County Astronomical Society will share views of the Moon and planets from outside local libraries. This event is free and suitable for all ages. There will be special surprises for the young 'future astronomers' who attend. No advanced registration is required. These events are dependent on dry weather and clear skies. Visit www.lcas-astronomy.org for the next location near you! Questions? Contact the LCAS at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Lake County Astronomical Society meets at Volo Bog SNA on the third Friday of each month except December. A business meeting is held at 7:30 p.m. followed by an indoor presentation at 8:30 p.m. and if skies are clear - viewing about 9:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to peer through members' scopes. The public is always welcome - no registration required. Visit www.LCAS-Astronomy.orgfor program details.

Nature Explore Workshop

Location: Hoover Woods Yorkville IL

Using Your Outdoor Classroom 9-12 AM

Documenting Children’s Learning with Nature 1-4 PM

Date: August 10, 2013 Time: 9am- 4pm

Contact Information: 630-553-4025 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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