Celebrate OAKtober all month with events in the Forest Preserves of Cook County
Events focus on educating the public and raising awareness about the importance of oak trees.
Did you know an oak tree can grow as tall as 148 feet or more, and that they provide myriad ecological benefits for both humans and nature? In honor of these grandiose trees, join the Forest Preserves of Cook County to celebrate OAKtober!
Throughout October, OAKtober events will take place at different Forest Preserves’ locations. Participants will learn about oaks’ many ecological values and why their leaves turn red and other colors during the fall season.
“Oaks are a major tree species in the Forest Preserves of Cook County, and they serve as homes to many of our native wildlife,” says Maritza Rocha, nature center director for Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center. “Now is the time we’re seeing acorns around the trails which becomes food for wildlife and shelter for small insects.”
October was declared OAKtober to raise awareness of the importance of oaks in the community. Oaks are a keystone species in Illinois, with the white oak being the Illinois State Tree. October marks both the peak of fall and Oak Awareness Month in Illinois.
Join us for these upcoming events!
Nature for Little Ones: Feel’n Squirrely
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Ave, South Holland
Little ones with their families are invited to a nature program made just for them! To celebrate “Oaktober” we will learn about squirrels and acorns.
Saturday, Oct. 2 • 10am
Celebrate Oaktober – Even the Mighty Oak Starts as a Little Acorn
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 West 111th St, Lemont
Oaks start from acorns and so does Oaktober! Did you know you can tell different oak species by their acorns? Is there a relationship between acorns and Lyme disease? We’ll cover everything from the parts of an acorn and how they grow, to their role in nature and everything in between. Ages 14+.
Saturday, Oct. 2 • 1 pm
Oaktober Oak Tree Nature Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History
738 Thatcher Ave, River Forest
Join us for a naturalist-guided walk on our trails near the Museum as we explore the interesting world of oak trees, and discuss the ecosystems, animals and insects that depend on oak trees. For adults, call 708-366-6530 to register.
Sunday, Oct. 3 • 10 am
Oaktoberfest Afternoon Activities
Trailside Museum of Natural History
738 Thatcher Ave, River Forest
Join the IL Extension Master Naturalists for simple outdoor fun, including kid’s make-and-take crafts, games, and fall gardening guidance and free native plant seeds. For adults and families, no registration required. Every Thursday afternoon in October.
Thursdays, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28 • 3 pm – 4:30 pm
Celebrate Oaktober – What’s the Value of My Oak?
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 West 111th St, Lemont
Your local oak trees are priceless, but there are ways to measure their ecological and economical value. We will tour Sagawau’s oaks and measure their timber, property value, and how much they help address climate change. Ages 14+.
Sunday, Oct. 10 • 1 pm
Fall Color Walk – Oaktober
Palos Park Woods – North
Kean Ave, south of Calumet Sag Rd/Rte 83 Cook County
Travel with us through two magnificent preserves – Palos Park Woods & McClaughrey Springs Woods – as we look for the beautiful changing colors of the fall season. This area is among the largest contiguous tract of Forest Preserves in Cook County and the highest priority for restoration! We will have color scavenger hunts for the little ones, as well. Perfect for families. 3.4 miles.
Saturday, Oct. 16 • 10am
Oaks in October
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Rd. Willow Springs
Learn why Oak Trees are considered an indicator species during a guided hike on White Oak Trail. Ages 10+. Hiking pace is average to slow.
Saturday, Oct. 23 • 10am
Celebrate Oaktober – Find the Mightiest Oak
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 West 111th St. Lemont
Which Sagawau oak is the tallest? The widest? The oldest? Help us measure oaks and see how they compare to Illinois’ big tree champions. Ages 14+.
Sunday, Oct. 24 • 1 pm
All participants are required to wear masks and practice physical distancing. The number of participants may be capped for activities to allow for physical distancing. Many activities require registration: Visit https://fpdcc.com/events/ to learn more about specific events and programs and for registration information.
About the Forest Preserves of Cook County
Don’t you sometimes just want to escape? Explore the natural beauty of Cook County for an hour, a day or even a night. When you’re surrounded by 70,000 acres of wild and wonderful, there’s no better place to feel free.
Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.
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