Chicago Southland CVB - Virtual Events

Virtual Events

Although we can't be together right now, there are still plenty of ways we can spend time with each other. There are many virtual events taking place throughout the Chicago Southland that you and your family can enjoy from the safety of your home. Take a look all of the fun upcoming virtual events, and be sure to check back often!

	Meet the Artists: Jodi Beach and Jim McDowell Tuesday, August 4 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Jodi Beach is more than a singer and pianist. She is a storyteller, a theme weaver, a scrapbook of our lives presented in song. Her performances invite the audience on a sentimental journey of melodies and lyrics that will leave them smiling and bring a tear to their eyes. Since his start in the late 1960’s, playing coffeehouses and school dances on acoustic guitar and electric bass, you’ve never known where Jim McDowell will pop up. A classically trained bassist from the Chicago area, Jim has performed with symphonic and ensemble orchestras throughout the Midwest. For more information, please call: 708-974-5500 Event link: https://www.facebook.com/MVCCFPAC/videos/758759794898446/
	Run Your Sox Off Thursday, August 6 through Sunday, August 9 Cost: $40 To celebrate the return of White Sox baseball, we invite you to participate in the first ever Run Your Sox Off virtual race series presented by Guaranteed Rate. All net proceeds benefit White Sox Charities and the Guaranteed Rate Foundation. Put your socks and sneakers to the test with an at-home 5K, 10K, or 1-mile walk during race days August 6-9, 2020. Runners will complete their race of choice on their home field route! We encourage runners to create a course close to home that allows them to follow the social distancing guidelines outlined by the CDC. Race registration includes: • White Sox Home Run Chain Finisher's Medal • White Sox Change the Game Flag • White Sox Bandana – makes a great light-weight face covering! • Virtual Finisher's Certificate Participation is easy! Select your race of choice and register yourself and your family. Choose your route - you can run anywhere, anytime during race days August 6-9. Run or walk your race. Upload your race selfie using #RunYourSoxOff! Your virtual run swag will be delivered directly to you! All net proceeds will benefit Chicago White Sox Charities and the Guaranteed Rate Foundation. Chicago White Sox Charities (CWSC) is committed to making Chicago a better place to live, work and play beyond the diamond. CWSC focuses on promoting youth education and advancement, sharing the love of the game through youth baseball initiatives, assisting children and families in crisis and championing those battling cancer. The Guaranteed Rate Foundation provides customized financial support to those working to overcome extraordinary hardships. They offer hope to those in crisis - an opportunity to stop, take a breath and begin healing. Event link: https://www.mlb.com/whitesox/fans/run-your-sox-off
	Breakfast with the Hummingbirds Live! Tuesday, August 11 7:00 AM - 7:45 AM Hummingbird migration is near peak at this time of year. This is a great way to experience hummingbirds right from your own home. Join us on Facebook to view the birds as they stop at our feeders at Plum Creek Nature Center. Learn interesting facts about the birds and their journey south for the winter. Find out where the birds will be going, when we can expect to see the last of them this year, and when to look for the first arrivals next year. Also, get information on how you can create your own hummingbird feeding area, all while enjoying these little flying gems as they sip from our feeders and fuel up for their long journey. For more information, please call: 815-886-1467 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/event-calendar/august-2020/breakfast-with-the-hummingbirds-live
	Forest Fitness: Biking the Trails at Hickory Creek Junction Tuesday, August 11 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Join the Forest Preserve as we visit different preserves to discuss how to take your fitness and health to the next level. Staff and fitness professionals show you how you can recreate with existing preserve amenities on your own time and at your own pace. Topic for this installment – biking the trails. One of the most popular outdoor recreational activities is bicycling. Learn the best way to ensure your safety and physical progress. Tips and tricks will be shared to tackle hills and valleys in different preserves! For more information, please call: 815-886-1467 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/event-calendar/august-2020/forest-fitness-biking-hickory-creek
	Nature Play Day Wednesday, August 12 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Explore the wonderful world of cicadas virtually with your youngsters 3 to 5 years old. Discover where and how cicadas live and why they make so much noise! We’ll read a very lovely cicada book together and even build some noise makers of our very own inspired by our friend, the cicada! Afterwards, take your family out on a hike in search of our new noisy friend. For more information, please call: 815-886-1467 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/event-calendar/august-2020/nature-play-day-august-12
	Recreation Conversations: Trail Safety Thursday, August 13 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Are you looking to get out and recreate? Forest Preserve staff and a recreational professional guest talk outdoor recreation. Learn about how to do it, why to do it and the benefits of being involved with the great outdoors. Topic for the day is – trail safety. Being safe on the trails is always a hot topic, and rightfully so. The best safety tips and practices will be covered to help you enjoy the beautiful outdoors with peace of mind. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions on recreation or general Forest Preserve information. Come begin your journey with us! For more information, please call: 815-886-1467 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/event-calendar/august-2020/recreation-conversations-trail-safety
	Forest Fitness: Functional Fitness at Hammel Woods Tuesday, August 18 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Join the Forest Preserve as we visit different preserves to discuss how to take your fitness and health to the next level. Staff and fitness professionals show you how you can recreate with existing preserve amenities on your own time and at your own pace. Topic for this installment – functional fitness. Learn how turn the mundane into a physical fitness opportunity. Did you think putting groceries away was a chore? It is also a workout! Finding fitness in your everyday routine can transform your mindset and life. For more information, please call: 815-886-1467 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/event-calendar/august-2020/forest-fitness-functional-fitness-at-hammel-woods
	Hummingbird Banding Live! Wednesday, August 19 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM Ruby-throated hummingbirds are small and quick! These gems delight if you are lucky enough to spot one. Join us on Facebook as the Lincoln Land Association of Bird Banders and volunteers from Thorn Creek Audubon Society capture and band, weigh and measure ruby-throated hummingbirds. Learn why banding provides important data. Where do these birds go? How long do they live? Find out what you can do to support hummingbirds during their migrations. We'll also be taking questions you may have and will answer them in real time. For more information, please call: 815-886-1467 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/event-calendar/august-2020/hummingbird-banding-live
	Fermentation Series: Cultured Cabbage Saturday, August 22 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM From sauerkraut to kimchi, the world loves to ferment cabbage! Expand your knowledge of fermentation and learn how you can preserve the cabbage growing in your very own garden. Feel free to enjoy a fermented beverage while learning a world of different recipes. Gain the skills to make your own sauerkraut and how to avoid some of the beginner’s mistakes. For more information, please call: 815-886-1467 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/event-calendar/august-2020/fermentation-series-cultured-cabbage
	A Crash Course on Creating a Native Plant Garden Live! Tuesday, August 25 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Join interpretive naturalist Kate Caldwell as we take a virtual walk through the native plant garden landscaping designs at Plum Creek Nature Center to see which plants would work for you in your back yard. Whether you are working with a native garden right now or looking to create a native garden in your back yard, this program will help you get your plant list ready. Bloom times, full sun to shade, and other recommendations will be shared to help you plan. We'll also be taking questions you may have and will answer them in real time. For more information, please call: 815-886-1467 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/event-calendar/august-2020/native-gardening-crash-course-live
	No Gear, No Problem Live Camping Demonstation Tuesday, August 25 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Have you ever wanted to go camping by yourself or with your family, but weren’t quite sure how? Join the Forest Preserve staff for an introduction to the No Gear, No Problem program. Learn how you can rent all of the equipment you need to get started on your outdoor camping journey, as well as a tutorial about what to do once you get to a site. Come with questions and get ready to learn some fun tips and tricks so you can be prepared to camp this fall! For more information, please call: 815-886-1467 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/event-calendar/august-2020/no-gear-no-problem-camping-demonstration
	WonderKids Turtle Time Wednesday, August 26 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Calling all families with preschoolers! Join us for a virtual circle time with our awesome ambassador Blanding’s turtles. Meet our turtle friends Taco, H3 and Shirlee. This virtual program for children is complete with turtle facts, singing, a story time and a craft that you can easily do at home. Pick a fun spot at home to participate with some room to move around. For more information, please call: 815-886-1467 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/event-calendar/august-2020/wonder-kids-turtle-time
	Virtual Pages Book Club Wednesday, August 26 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Leafing Through Time Book Club is going online this summer as Virtual Pages using Zoom. Join us to discuss an important work of fiction or non-fiction that connects us to our natural and cultural history. Grab a beverage and snack of your choice and find a comfy chair so you can join the virtual conversation. The book for August is A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson. For more information, please call: 815-886-1467 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/event-calendar/august-2020/virtual-pages-book-club-august
	Recreation Conversations: Autumnal Recreation Thursday, August 27 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Are you looking to get out and recreate? Forest Preserve staff and a recreational professional guest talk outdoor recreation. Learn about how to do it, why to do it and the benefits of being involved with the great outdoors. Topic for the day is – autumnal recreation. As the weather begins to cool, so does our activity. But autumn offers many amazing ways to enjoy the outdoors. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions on recreation or general Forest Preserve information. Come begin your journey with us! For more information, please call: 815-886-1467 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/event-calendar/august-2020/recreation-conversations-autumnal-recreation
	Paddling Safety and River Hazards Wednesday, September 2 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Join certified canoe and kayak instructors for an informational virtual presentation that will discuss safe paddling in Will County and the potential hazards that can exist on the waterways. This interactive presentation will help participants have a better understanding of moving water and spot potential safety threats before they come across them during a paddling trip. For more information, please call: 815-722-9470 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/event-calendar/september-2020/paddling-safety-and-river-hazards
	Design and Discover: Clouds Saturday, September 12 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Join this interactive presentation and follow along as we learn about the fascinating natural world. Explore the most common clouds we see in the sky, and even learn how to make them. Upon registering, you will be given a list of items needed (there should be no need to purchase supplies). Gather your items, log on and get creative as we satisfy our curious minds. Younger children can participate with assistance. For more information, please call: 815-722-9470 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/event-calendar/september-2020/design-and-discover-clouds
	Caterpillars of September Wednesday, September 16 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM September is a great time of year to see cute caterpillars and beautiful butterflies! In this virtual program, we’ll take a closer look at caterpillars you are likely to see, share tips on finding caterpillars, and explore one September caterpillar’s magnificent journey. For more information, please call: 815-722-9470 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/event-calendar/september-2020/caterpillars-of-september
	Birding in the Preserves Thursday, September 17 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM Do you see birds in the preserves while hiking and wonder what kind of birds they are? Wonder no more! Find out what birds have been seen in the preserves recently and what to look for to find them. Learn birding basics and tips on how to see many of the different species of birds that visit our preserves. Find out how you can contribute to Citizen Science just by walking a preserve and recording what you find. Learn to bird and add more interest to your hikes! For more information, please call: 815-722-9470 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/event-calendar/september-2020/birding-in-the-preserves