Calumet Outdoors
Archived Events
August 2020 – Take a Hike with Princess
Join in for a virtual hike of Marian R. Byrnes Natural Area with Princess, the Sustainable Food and Land Use Coordinator for Faith in Place. On this virtual hike Princess will lead you through her neighborhood’s natural playground, consisting of wet prairie, prairie, savannah, and marsh ecosystems.
Until we can meet safely again, we encourage you to use Princess’ video as a virtual guide and source of inspiration to enjoy the hike yourself in person. While on the trail remember to practice safe social distancing.
This is a free event, no registration necessary.
When: Whenever works for you
Where: 2200 E. 103rd St. Chicago, IL 60633
If you choose to enjoy this hike in person, it is encouraged to dress for the weather including appropriate shoes for walking and staying dry.
July 2020 – Walk and Talk Hike at Beaubien Woods
Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. These hikes will be led at a slower pace with frequent stopping and interpretation.
All participants are required to wear masks
and practice physical distancing.
Also, if you are more interested in a virtual experience right now, please enjoy Calumet Film’s short video on the Little Calumet River at Kickapoo Woods, which is located adjacent to where the in-person hike is taking place at Beaubien Woods.
Join the conversation about the Calumet Outdoors on FaceBook by joining the Calumet Outdoors Facebook Group.
This is a free event, register here.
When: Saturday July, 18th at 10:00am
Where: Beaubien Woods, W. Doty Ave S, southeast of E 130th St & S Ellis Ave
Chicago, IL 60827
With any outdoor activity, it is encouraged to dress for the weather including appropriate shoes for walking and staying dry.
June 2020 – Backyard Birding
In celebration of this month’s Black Birders Week, which “aims to boost recognition and representation of Black people enjoying and studying the natural world”, our June event will be watching Jennifer Johnson’s Backyard Birding video followed by you trying your hand at backyard birding. Within the video, Jennifer will walk you through what supplies you will need, how to spot birds, and how to create a birding checklist.
Until we can meet safely again in person, we encourage you to use Jennifer’s video to learn the basics of birding, and then test your new skills in one of the many birding hotspots in the Calumet. While on the trail remember to practice safe social distancing.
Some other helpful birding resources include eBird, common birds of Indiana guide, common birds of Illinois guide, the Chicago Region Birding Trail, and the Merlin Bird ID app.
This is a free event, no registration necessary.
When: Whenever works for you
Where: Your backyard or any public natural space in the Calumet region
With any outdoor activity, it is encouraged to dress for the weather including appropriate shoes for walking and staying dry.
May 2020 – Heron Rookery Trail Hike
Join in for a virtual hike of the Heron Rookery Trail with Ranger Kim of the Indiana Dunes National Park! On this virtual hike Ranger Kim will lead you through the amazing wildflower bloom along the Little Calumet River and help you identify plants along the way.
Interested in hiking the trail in reality? Check out the National Park Service’s Heron Rookery Exploration Page, Hiking Safety Page, and the National Recreation and Park Association’s guide to social distancing in public parks.
This is a free event, no registration necessary.
When: Before the end of May if you would like to see trillium in bloom.
Where: Virtual Hike Link or West Lot: 1301 North 450 East, Chesterton, IN
With any outdoor activity, it is encouraged to dress for the weather including appropriate shoes for walking and staying dry.