26 minute read
NATURAL CHICAGO | 45 CALENDARS
WINTER HIKES
Provide Exercise and Nature Exposure
by Sheryl DeVore
Lisa Maier finds solace in hiking outdoors in winter. “An early morning hike in the cold is a great way to slow down, decompress and reflect without distractions,” says the McHenry resident, who volunteers for wildlife projects in the Chicago region. “There is a special kind of magic that happens in the winter and not during any other season.” Finding that magic is one of many reasons, including sustaining physical and mental health, to hike in winter.
Forest preserves and natural lands in the region are less crowded in winter compared with other seasons. “The forest preserves tend to have fewer visitors in the winter,” says Sarah Rosenberg, a ranger at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. “That means there are calm, quiet spaces to walk and sit.”
“Hiking in winter is great,” agrees Brian Arnoldt, program coordinator for the Forest Preserves of Cook County. “It gets us out of the house and it provides us with exercise. “Your body is working that much more to keep you warm.”
Some studies suggest that hiking outdoors in winter burns more calories than it does compared with doing similar exercise in warmer weather. Studies also say that metabolism spikes to deal with the cold. One study showed people that hiked in temperatures ranging from 15 to 23 degrees burned 34 percent more calories than those that hiked in temperatures in the mid-50s.
“People really need to make a point in the Chicago and Midwest to get outside, especially while it’s sunny in the winter,” Arnoldt says. “It can have a dramatic impact on your physical and mental health. In winter, especially, taking a hike outdoors positively affects your well-being, especially people with seasonal affective disorder [a type of depression that some people experience during the winter months].”
Winter hiking also provides an opportunity to enjoy nature in a new way. Sarah Rosenberg, a ranger with the For“In spring, summer and fall, the trees est Preserve District of Du Page County, have foliage, but in winter, the leaves enjoys winter hiking at Churchill Woods are gone, and that opens you up to new experiences,” Arnoldt says. “All the leaves on the trees and branches full of foliage muffle sound. In winter, when the trees are bare, you can hear things much farther into the woods (for example, an animal scurrying or woodpeckers tapping on trees). Some of our nature centers offer an evening owl walk in early winter, so you can hear the nighttime calls of owls and also coyotes off in the distance.”
Maier particularly enjoys listening for nature in winter. “Last year, I was leading a small group on a night hike in McHenry County in mid-January looking for owls,”
she recalls. “We got a real treat as we stepped into a pine stand and heard this strange call that sounded like someone running their finger along the teeth of a small, plastic comb.” They determined it was a northern saw-whet owl, a species that visits the region in winter. “The owl was close, so the whole group got to hear it well. I had read about and listened to recordings of the ‘plastic comb’ call before, but had never actually heard it from a wild bird. It was so cool to get to hear that bizarre sound. It’s one I’ll never forget,” says Maier.
She notes, “While the overall quantity of birds is low in winter, this is the time for northern-dwelling birds to visit us. Every year is different, with some species irrupting south in huge numbers one year and absent the next. It is prime time to look and listen for owls and other raptors. Birds are also concentrated in areas of open water or food sources, and there is no foliage to make spotting birds difficult.”
There are a lot more animal tracks to see while hiking outdoors in winter, according to Arnoldt and Rosenberg. “The Cook County Forest Preserve has led winter hikes seeking animal tracks at Deer Grove West,” Arnoldt says. “We identify the tracks and talk about what kind of animal it can be and what they eat in winter. To see some great deer tracks and rabbit tracks is great, especially for the little ones who may have never seen that before.”
Rosenberg adds, “After the leaves fall, you have unobstructed
Right: Sunrise at Cricket Creek in winter in DuPage County
BE PREPARED FOR WINTER HIKES
Dressing properly and planning ahead can make a winter hike safer and more enjoyable. “Always check the weather before heading out, and look for maps of the trail system, either online or by taking a picture of a map in the parking lot, especially if the area is new to you,” suggests Sarah Rosenberg, a ranger for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. “Wear breathable, wicking layers to keep you comfortable and bring extras just in case. Wear shoes that will allow you to layer socks underneath. A polyester layer close to the skin helps wick away moisture. Wear sturdy boots, not your canvas or leather tennis shoes.” Rosenberg also suggests wearing cleats on shoes when walking icy trails. Bring water. “You need to drink, even when you’re not thirsty, in winter,” Rosenberg says.
A frequent winter hiker from McHenry County, Lisa Maier, offers, “Weather in our region can be erratic so you want to be prepared for anything. That goes for trail conditions as well, which can be hazardous in sections. Also, keep a basic winter emergency kit in your car (blanket, flashlight, water bottle) and keep your phone charged and on your person.”
Left: West Ridge Nature Preserve in winter.
views of birds and mammals still active in winter, as well as their nests.” Squirrels, for example, build large leaves of nest in trees for roosting during cold winters. She enjoys watching snow on a winter hike. “I like seeing snow on the tree branches, the red flash of a cardinal flying past, even the chunk of snow that falls and lands on the back of my neck.”
Maier says the scenery in winter is a good reason to hike outdoors. “The landscape covered in a fresh blanket of snow or frost is stunning, with different types creating different effects. Snow, being highly reflective, can create dramatic washes of colors, splashes of light and intense shadows,” she relates.
Rosenberg thinks hikers might also enjoy snowshoeing in winter. The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County offers pop-up snowshoeing programs when conditions allow. “Last year, I led a snowshoe scavenger hunt at Churchill Woods in perfect conditions,” she says. “It was a sunny day with temps in the 40s and at least six inches of snow. All 20 participants were new to snowshoeing. It’s an easy activity to learn, and it was nice to see everyone’s confidence rise as we hiked around.”
Both Maier and Rosenberg said one reason to hike outdoors in winter is because there won’t be mosquitoes. Insects overwinter in protected places such as the crevices of tree bark as either adults, eggs or larvae. Woodpeckers can stick their long tongues in bark crevices to snatch them for a meal.
Sheryl DeVore has written six books on science, health and nature, as well as nature, health and environment stories for national and regional publications. Read more at SherylDeVore.Wordpress.com.
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SELECTED WINTER HIKES IN THE CHICAGO REGION
For a good winter hike, Brian Arnoldt recommends the nine-mile Tinley Creek Loop, in southern Cook County. “It takes you to some frozen lakes that the district is managing,” says the program coordinator for the Forest Preserves of Cook County. “The way that sun touches ice and comes down at a different time. It can be lovely and inspiring. Be prepared for the long hike or consider doing just a part of it,” he suggests.
McHenry County resident Lisa Maier enjoys hiking lakefront parks from Indiana to Wisconsin during the cold season. “They take on a different personality in winter, but be prepared for the wind,” she says. “Wooded areas like Daniel Wright and Van Patten Woods Forest Preserves, in Lake County, or Crabtree Nature Center and Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, in Cook County, are beautiful in winter. I also enjoy areas along rivers like LaBagh Woods (Cook), Ryerson Conservation Area (Lake), Buffalo Park Forest Preserve (Kane) and McHenry Dam (McHenry). My personal favorite place to hike in winter is a tie between Glacial Park Conservation Area and Boone Creek Conservation Area, both in McHenry County.”
The Forest Preserve District of Du Page County grooms several trail systems for cross-country skiing, including the trails at Meacham Grove, Fullersburg Woods, Greene Valley, Waterfall Glen, Blackwell, Danada and Herrick Lake forest preserves. Hikers there are asked to avoid walking on the set trails to keep them well-groomed, according to Sarah Rosenberg, a ranger for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Hikers can find ungroomed trails at Cricket Creek, Maple Grove, Oldfield Oaks, McDowell Grove, West DuPage Woods and Springbrook Prairie forest preserves, in DuPage County.
The Lake County Forest Preserves offers two lit trails during the winter for night hiking. A 1.3-mile trail at Old School Forest Preserve, in Libertyville, and a 1.65mile trail, which includes a one-mile loop, at Lakewood Winter Sports Area, near Wauconda, are open to hikers, cross-country skiers and those with snowshoes until 9 p.m. through mid-March.
CHICAGO’S
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Call First: Events or services may be cancelled, postponed or are now offered online.
Call and check websites for up-to-date information.
Lin Boufelli Angel Communication & Astrology
– Call for date & appt. $35/30-min Angel Communication; $60/60-min Astrology. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. Appt required: 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.
SAVE THE DATE
ONLINE: Women’s Wellness Series: In Our Own Hands Begins – Saturdays, Jan-Apr. With world-renowned herbalist Rosemary Gladstar and a dynamic star lineup. Produced by Midwest Women’s Herbal. Workshops covering a wide variety of topics spread over the winter months every other Sat. Be supported and inspired to work with herbs, archetypes, magic and healing in their own lives and communities. MidwestWomensHerbal.com.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1
New Year’s Day Last Day of Kwanzaa New Year’s Day Hike: Deer Grove West – 11am-2pm. We’ll hike the yellow trail loop from shelter 5. Park in Grove 5 and take orange trail to purple, then yellow. 6-mile and 4-mile options. Free. Deer Grove West, N Quentin Rd, Palatine. Details & to register: Meetu.ps/e/LjB8c/TpHK/i.
MONDAY, JANUARY 2
ONLINE: Birding in the Land of the Thunder Dragon – 7-8:30pm. Presenter Donna Kenski recently returned from a 2-week birding tour of Bhutan and will share highlights, including some mammals (humans included) and cultural sites. Via Zoom. Register: LakeCountyAudubon.org.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 3
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4
Wellness Mushrooms – 11-11:15am. Prized in ancient wellness traditions, the benefits of mushrooms are being rediscovered. More than 600 studies have been conducted worldwide and numerous human clinical trials have been published about their health benefits. Let’s chat about these prized wonders. Can’t join us live? Don’t worry. Find the Livestream on Fruitful Yield’s Facebook event page. Facebook.com/ thefruitfulyield.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 6
Full Moon - Wolf Moon
SATURDAY, JANUARY 7
Eastern Russian Orthodox Christmas New Year, New Nature Journal – 1-2pm. Nature journaling is a great way to get motivated to spend a little time outdoors every day. Keeping a journal throughout the year will help you track seasonal changes as well as document those “I can’t believe I just saw that!” moments. Free. Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Rd, Bolingbrook. Register by Jan 6: 815-722-4121 or ReconnectWithNature.org.
Rivers of Color: Redheads and Goldeneyes
– 1-2:30pm. Join a naturalist and other passionate birders on the chilly trails and uncover the special adaptations that allow these waterfowl to make Four Rivers their winter home. All welcome. Free. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W Walnut Ln, Channahon. Register by Jan 6: 815-722-9470. ReconnectWithNature.org. Bonne Année: A New Year Celebration – 2-3:30pm. Ring in the New Year French-Canadian fur-trader style with stories and games of Illinois Country. Enjoy a warm drink around a toasty fire and make a vintage French craft to take home as a keepsake. Free. Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Rd, Romeoville. Register by Jan 5: 815-886-1467 or ReconnectWithNature.org.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 8
Crystals for the New Year – Are you ready to learn what crystals will benefit you in this upcoming year? Learn how to use these crystals to attract what you want to bring into your life: abundance, spirituality, love, Divine Light, focus and more. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com. Hike DuPage: Fullersburg Preserve – 11am1pm. This is a popular preserve and features many trails and routes. The one we will explore hugs Salt creek most of the way. Meet at the Graue Mill Parking lot by the information sign. 3-4.5 miles. Optional lunch at York Tavern. Free. Graue Mill, 3899-3711 Spring Rd, Oak Brook. Tinyurl.com/mrn373c9. 2023: What’s Ahead for You? – 2-5pm. In today’s world of change, transformation, ascension, you may be asking yourself and others what changes will 2023 bring. You can become aware of the possibilities and probabilities with our 3 practitioners. Choices: Lin Boffeli, Astrology; Philip Clark, Numerology; or Andre Peraza, I-Ching Oracle Cards. $40. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com.
MONDAY, JANUARY 9
Darien Garden Club Planning for Spring with
Tips for the New Gardener – 6:30-8:30pm. Learn all you need to start your garden off right, and get your questions answered. If you are starting a brand-new garden or renovating an established one, learn tips and skills that have been passed down for many years from gardener to gardener. In-person or via Zoom. Free. St John Lutheran Church, 7214 S Cass Ave, Darien. Eventbrite.com/e/479889621777.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 10
Beginning Zen Shiatsu – Tuesdays, Jan 10-Mar 14. 10am-1pm. Also held Tues & Wed, Jan 10Feb 8, 1:30-4:30pm. Learn how to give a basic 1-hr shiatsu treatment that you can share with friends and family. Course is a stand-alone offering and is also the first 30 hrs of our complete shiatsu certification programs. $500 plus textbook. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org. Mission SLIMpossible – 5:30-6:15pm. Weight loss can be a revolving door for many of us. From the foods we eat to detoxing our bodies, we can all make some lifestyle changes. Jessica will offer a discussion on individualizing your weight loss journey with detoxing and nutrition tips. Fruitful Yield, 2378 Essington Rd, Joliet. Register: FruitfulYield.com. Go Green Highland Park Monthly Meeting – 7-8pm. Have a Green New Year! Join GGHP for our monthly meeting and share your ideas. Find out how you can get involved in event planning or help with other group activities. Register: GoGreenHP.org.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11
Fruitful Yield and Irwin Naturals Pair Up for a
Facebook Livestream – 11-11:25am. Join us live for an exciting and informative discussion on health and wellness with Irwin Natural’s National Brand educator. Don’t worry about not making it to the livestream. Just catch it on our Fruitful Yield Facebook Events page. Facebook.com/ thefruitfulyield. Beginning Zen Shiatsu – Wednesdays, Jan 11Mar 15. 7-10pm. Learn how to give a basic 1-hr shiatsu treatment that you can share with friends and family. Course is a stand-alone offering and is also the first 30 hrs of our complete shiatsu certification programs. $500 plus textbook. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 12
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 13
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Morning Bird Hike – 8-10am. Kick off the new year with a hike to get your 2023 bird list started. Join other birders as we learn, explore and search for winter residents in the preserve. Free. Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 S Dutton Rd, Beecher. Register by Jan 13: 708-946-2216 or ReconncetWithNature.org. Eagle Watch – 11am-3pm. Join us as we celebrate these exceptional birds of prey with guided hikes, live bird presentations, Talon Talks, family activities and more. Free. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W Walnut Ln, Channahon. ReconnectWithNature.org. Little Witches Moon Gardening Club – 1-3:30pm. Club members learn how to start seeds and a planting log. We’ll create seed trays together and plan gardens together within different monthly sessions. $50. Cultivating Guts, 1011 W Wildwood Dr, Prospect Heights. 773-234-6636. CultivatingGuts.com. ONLINE: Chicago IANDS – 2pm. Support/ study/resource forum for near-death, out-ofbody and spiritual experiences, losses. Guest Speaker: Jack Bonczyk, NDEr, was paralyzed from the neck down and learned how to release the paralysis until he could walk again. Amazing story. Become a free subscriber to Chicago IANDS by filling in the form online. $20 tax-deductible donation requested (see website). For more info: 847-251-5758 or ChicagoIANDS.org. Clear & Joyful Meditation: Silent Retreat – 2-5pm. This month, we’ll focus on methods to become more focused, confident, and joyful in meditation, so that it naturally becomes the best part of our day. Suitable for both beginners and seasoned practitioners, each session will include practical instruction and guided meditation. $30. Kadampa Meditation Center Chicago, Wicker Park, 2010 W Pierce Ave, Chicago. 708-763-0132. MeditateInChicago.org. Gong Sound Bath – 6:30-8pm. With Andre. Have family in town and looking for something to do? Want to just get away from the holidays and bliss out? Come and join Andre for an exceptional experience. $35. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 15
World Religion Day
The Path to Enlightenment Retreat: Refuge
& Liberation – 10am-4:30pm. This guided meditation retreat offers an ideal opportunity to gain experience of the Stages of the Path meditations, or “Lamrim,” which is a special arrangement of all Buddha’s teachings that is easy to understand and put into practice. $35/ advance, $40/at door. Kadampa Meditation Center Chicago, Oak Park, 13 Harrison St, Oak Park. 708-763-0132. MeditateInChicago.org.
Let’s Hike Waterfall Glen During the Off
Season – 11am-2pm. From where we park, the first visit to the waterfall is only about 1/2 mile. We will then continue on the main trail to a scenic area, Sawmill Creek Bluff Overlook. 5.4 miles or 9 miles, optional lunch. Meet at the information sign. Free. Waterfall Glen Bluff Rd Entrance, Willowbrook. Directions & to register: Tinyurl.com/2s4yzmws. Menopause Introductory Workshop – 1-2pm. With Marla Privitera. Learn about ways you can build a healthy lifestyle that brings out your best in body, mind and soul during this period of life. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.
MONDAY, JANUARY 16
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17
Digestive Solutions for Gut Health – 5:306:30pm. Many people experience discomfort after meals: gas, bloating, and food intolerances, but are left baffled as to what the cause could be. Could it be environmental? What we ate? Stress? Digestive imbalance? We’ll explore digestive enzymes, probiotics and more. Fruitful Yield, 155 N Randall Rd, Batavia. FruitfulYield.com.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18
Fruitful Yield joins Probulin Probiotics Live on
Facebook – 11-11:25am. Where does one start with their probiotic journey? We hear about prebiotics and may wonder what that means. What’s a prebiotic? What can this potentially do for my health? Is it all about gut health, or are there other benefits as well? Fruitful Yield’s Sandhya Matthews joins Probulin’s Educator and Founder to discuss the benefits of pro and prebiotics. Facebook.com/thefruitfulyield.
Celebrate The Chinese New Year of The
Hare – 7-9pm. The Hare is the fourth animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle. Join Yvonne Lui Wolf to experience some of the rites, activities, symbols, and foods associated with this festive occasion. $30, $25/10 days advance. Infinity Foundation, 1280 Old Skokie Rd, Highland Park. 847-831-8828. InfinityFoundation.org.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 20
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 21
New Moon - Disgonah - Moon of Great Long Night River of Colors: White as Snow – 11am12pm. Enjoy a winter hike as we chat about this glistening white wonder, then head indoors to watch snow crystals form in real time. Free. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W Walnut Ln, Channahon. Register by Jan 20: 815-722-9470. ReconnectWithNature.org. Tarot Reading – 11am-5pm. By appt. With Andre. $35/30-min session. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com. Make a Snowflake – Jan 21-22. 12-4pm. Celebrate the snow and create a wintry decoration for your home with this self-guided craft. Free. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W Walnut Ln, Channahon. ReconnectWithNature.org. Track and Scat Hike – 1-2:30pm. Lace up your winter boots and let’s figure out what animals have been hanging around Isle a la Cache. Free. Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Rd, Romeoville. Register by Jan 19: 815-886-1467 or ReconnectWithNature.org. Gemz & Boardz Pop-Up Shop – 1-6pm. Join us and shop crystals, skateboards and products by local vendors. Will have a food vendor and free coffee. 3101 W Montrose Ave, Chicago. 872-218-0307.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22
Lunar New Year (Year of the Rabbit) Dog Admission Day at the Arboretum – 7am-sunset. Hit the trails, at The Morton Arboretum, with your canine friend. $5/dog. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. Reservations required: MortonArb.org.
Hike Lake County Van Patten Woods & Ster-
ling Lake – 11am-2pm. If you like hiking next to water then you might really like this hike. At least 75% of the hike will have views of either the Des Plaines River, a creek or Sterling Lake. 4 or 6 miles, optional lunch Free. Van Patten Forest, 15838 IL-173, Wadsworth. Details & to register: Tinyurl.com/3j4ct8ct.
Finding Vocational Direction: The 10th House
and More – 1-4pm. Astrological indicators can help to determine what vocational directions best suit us. Workshop uses practical stepby-step techniques to bring our attention to the signs and qualities that rule the vocational houses while considering the entire horoscopic picture of the native in order to help an individual find a happy and fulfilling career/vocation. $55, $45 by Jan 15. Zoom & Live at Life Force Arts Center, 1609 W Belmont Ave, Chicago. 773-327-7224. LifeForceArts.org.
New Year Empowerment: Creating A Vision
For 2023 – 2-5pm. Create a fresh view, a clean slate to enter 2023. In this workshop, led by Cheryl Koronkowski, we’ll review 2022, completing unfinished business, and making space for the New Year. We’ll connect to our heart’s desire, providing an opening to create with intention. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com.
MONDAY, JANUARY 23
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 24
Mission SLIMpossible – 5:30-6:15pm. Weight loss can be a revolving door for many of us. From the foods we eat to detoxing our bodies, we can all make some lifestyle changes. Jessica will offer a discussion on individualizing your weight loss journey with detoxing and nutrition tips. Fruitful Yield, 229 W Roosevelt Rd, Lombard. Register: FruitfulYield.com.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 26
Mission SLIMpossible Facebook Livestream
– 11-11:20am. Weight loss can be a revolving door for many of us. From the foods we eat to detoxing our bodies, we can all make some lifestyle changes. Jessica will offer a discussion on individualizing your weight loss journey with detoxing and nutrition tips. Facebook.com/ thefruitfulyield.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28
Unlocking The Secrets to Mediumship – 9:30am-4pm. In this day-long workshop with psychic medium Thomas John participants can further their existing psychic and medium abilities for readings for other people. They can deepen and expand their intuition using advanced intuitive techniques. 5 CEUs available. In-person or Zoom. $120, $100/10 days advance. Infinity Foundation, 1280 Old Skokie Rd, Highland Park. 847-831-8828. InfinityFoundation.org. Meditative Mandalas – 10-11am. Join Crystal Simpelo, who is truly an artist at heart and the author of The Colorful Expressions of Your Soul: A Mandala Coloring Book and Meditative Creative Journal. Free. Sugar Creek Administration Center, 17540 W Laraway Rd, Joliet. Register by Jan 26: 815-727-8700 or ReconnectWithNature.org. Astral Energy Healing – 4-7pm. With Richard Popp and Cheryl. While you are lying on a massage table, they will enter into a semisleep trance and scan your body, aura and chakras. Stuck and charged energies will be identified and cleared. There will be time for questions and comments. $50/30-min session. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com.
MONDAY, JANUARY 30
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 31
Digestive Solutions for Gut Health – 5:306:30pm. Many people experience discomfort after meals: gas, bloating, and food intolerances, but are left baffled as to what the cause could be. Could it be environmental? What we ate? Stress? Digestive imbalance? We’ll explore digestive enzymes, probiotics and more. Fruitful Yield, 168 E Golf Rd, Schaumburg. FruitfulYield.com.
FRIDAY, MAY 26
photo credit tgwint.com
SAVE THE DATE
12th Annual Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference Weekend: Germinating Regenerative Wisdom– May 26-28. Keynote speakers are Robin Rose Bennett, Linda Black Elk, Rev. Judith Laxer, with opening and closing ceremonies led by Venice Williams. The conference offers more than 60 workshops and plant walks focused on transforming our relationship to herbs, plants, trees, mushrooms and the Earth. Camp Helen Brachman, Almond, WI. MidwestWomensHerbal.com.
Local Food Pantries Need Your Support!
Many families are struggling to balance budgets with good nutrition. Your donations of money, healthy food, personal care and cleaning items help area food pantries to serve everyone in our communities.
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Check Online: Check the NA Online Calendar and Directory for many updates and new online events and workshops.
ONGOING EVENTS
To ensure we keep our community calendar current, ongoing events must be resubmitted each month. DEADLINE: All listings must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Calendar events must be submitted online at NAChicago.com/Calendar.
DAILY ALL MONTH
Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden
– Thru Jan 8, special events on select dates. Features music, light, fire and color in an outdoor illuminated trail to make spirits bright with new, light-filled installations. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe. ChicagoBotanic.org/lightscape.
Who’s Prepared for Winter Scavenger Hunt
– Jan 4-29. 10am-4pm, Wed-Sat; 12-4pm, Sun. Start inside the nature center to receive your scavenger hunt checklist. You will have to look inside and out to find every one. Bring back your observations to be awarded a prize. Free. Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Rd, Bolingbrook. ReconnectWithNature.org.
SUNDAY
Time to Dance: Ballet – 10:30am. Also 1:30pm, Tues & 5:30pm, Thurs. Although not beginner classes, dancers of all levels of experience welcome. In-person & Zoom. CBG Institute for Dance and Health, 505 Laurel Ave, Highland Park. To register: CBG-Institute.org. Intro to Aikido – 11am-12:30pm. An open invitation to anyone interested in trying out the Japanese martial art of aikido. Learn some of our basic techniques and exercises and give you an opportunity to learn a little about our community. Walk-ins welcome. Free. Chicago Aikikai, 1444 W Chicago Ave, Chicago. 312-880-7357. ChicagoAikikai.org. Free Aura Reading – 12:30-1:30pm. Also Sat. Learn more about your chakra energy system and manifest your dreams. Body & Brain, 860 S Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville. RSVP: 847-362-2724. BodyNBrain.com/Libertyville.
MONDAY
See NAChicago.com for latest events.
TUESDAY
Cultivating Guts Podcast: New Episode Re-
lease – 9am. Tiffany Hinton’s podcast where we discuss gardening, homesteading, gut health and following our intuition. She ties modern suburban homesteading to our ancestral roots. Hinton blends herbalism, functional medicine and green witch practices to create a life of joy and beauty. Listen on Spotify, YouTube and iTunes. Free. open.spotify.com/ show/0NAS66nfqGnsi9Fy46yzYH. Time to Dance: Ballet – 1:30pm. Also 10:30am, Sun & 5:30pm, Thurs. Although not beginner classes, dancers of all levels of experience welcome. In-person & Zoom. CBG Institute for Dance and Health, 505 Laurel Ave, Highland Park. To register: CBG-Institute.org. ONLINE: Guided Meditation for Inner Balance & Quieting the Mind – 6:50-8:10pm. 3rd Tue. With Ellen Radha Katz. Donation. Via Zoom. Register: Meetup.com/Inner-Balance-Meditation. Shiatsu Student Clinic – 7 & 8pm. Receive a 45-min session from an advanced Zen Shiatsu student. Sessions are performed in a group setting with instructor observation. $35/45-min or $90/3 treatments. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 825A Chicago Ave, Evanston. Availability limited; for appts: 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org. Community Meditation – 7:30-8:30pm. For the planet and humanity. Walk-ins welcome. Love donation. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.
WEDNESDAY
Meridian Stretching – 10-11am. Develop strength, flexibility, breathing and energy. You may notice that our yoga classes offer a variety of exercises and poses, helping to keep your practice fun and dynamic while consistently covering the basics. In-person & online. Body & Brain, 860 S Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville. 847-362-2724. Libertyville@BodyNBrain.com. BodyNBrain.com/Libertyville. Shiatsu Student Clinic – 2-4pm. Receive a 45-min session from an advanced Zen Shiatsu student. Sessions are performed in a group setting with instructor observation. $35/45-min or $90/3 treatments. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 825A Chicago Ave, Evanston. Availability limited; for appts: 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org. Akashic Records & Angel Card Readings – 7-9pm. By appt. Have questions about your spiritual life? Ask for guidance from your angels and guides with an Akashic Record Angel Card Reading. What questions are on your mind now? $35/30 mins, $60/1 hr. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.
THURSDAY
Time to Dance: Fitness – 9:30am. Emphasizes low-impact, high-intensity, cardio dance and fitness routines accompanied by music. Alternate dance with resistance routines to build and maintain muscle and bone density. In-person & Zoom. CBG Institute for Dance and Health, 505 Laurel Ave, Highland Park. To register: CBG-Institute.org. Numerology – Times differ from 12-3pm or 3-6pm. Call for appt; walk-ins taken when available. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com. Time to Dance: Modern – 1:30pm. Although not beginner classes, dancers of all levels of experience welcome. In-person & Zoom. CBG Institute for Dance and Health, 505 Laurel Ave, Highland Park. To register: CBG-Institute.org. Time to Dance: Ballet – 5:30pm. Also 10:30am, Sun & 1:30pm, Tues. Although not beginner classes, dancers of all levels of experience welcome. In-person & Zoom. CBG Institute for Dance and Health, 505 Laurel Ave, Highland Park. To register: CBG-Institute.org. Community Healing Circle – 6pm. All welcome. Opens with a heart resonance meditation followed by reading each intention aloud while others practice focused silence. Closes with a restorative exercise to release, regenerate and renew. Free. Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. 224-735-2355. PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com.
FRIDAY
St. Charles Indoor Farmers Market – 9am12pm. Baker Memorial Church, 307 Cedar Ave, St. Charles. BakerMemorialChurch.org.
SATURDAY
Green City Fall Market: Avondale – 8am-1pm. Jan 7, 21 Feb 4. 3031 Rockwell St, Chicago. GreenCityMarket.org. Deerfield Indoor Winter Farmers Market – Thru Apr. 9am-12:30pm. 1st, 3rd, 5th Sat. St Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 815 Wilmot Rd, Deerfield. Tinyurl.com/56wdee4n.
