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!

	2020 Harvest Hustle Virtual 5k Thursday, October 1 through Saturday, October 31 Immerse yourself in the autumn season and take part in the “2020 Harvest Hustle Virtual 5k.” Choose from 11 of the Forest Preserve’s top trail picks to run your own 5-kilometer race. Download a running app to your smart phone that will track your run, run the 3.1 miles, take a screenshot of your route, and then submit it online. Pick from the following trails for your virtual 5k: DuPage River Trail, Hickory Creek Bikeway, I&M Canal Trail, Lake Renwick Bikeway, Messenger Woods Nature Preserve Trail, Old Plank Road Trail, Plum Creek Greenway Trail, Prairie Bluff Trail, Rock Run Greenway Trail, Spring Creek Greenway Trail or Wauponsee Glacial Trail. Trails vary in topography and terrain type ranging from paved to limestone to natural surface. Specific surface types for each trail can be found on our website. The first 150 registrants will receive a Harvest Hustle long sleeve shirt to commemorate their participation! Get social with the event and submit photos from your run with your race route! For more information, please call: 815-727-8700 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/event-calendar/october-2020/harvest-hustle-virtual-5k
	Chicago Southland International Film Festival Monday, October 19 through Sunday October 25 Cost: Varies The Chicago Southland International Film Festival is a film festival located in University Park, IL and hosted by Governors State University. With core values of inclusiveness, diversity and promoting quality of life, we at GSU value an atmosphere that fosters a capacity to enjoy life through the fine arts and humanities. Set amidst the beautiful, art-abundant campus, this event serves as a stimulating opportunity to share and promote the vibrant arts and cultures community that exists at Governors State University. The Chicago Southland International Film Festival is excited to enter its third year. CSIFF 2020 will continue the Feature Film Showcase (non-competition) consisting of feature film screenings along with our international short film competition. Our Feature Film Showcase is a community-wide film screening and discussion event in celebration of independent filmmakers. This program includes three feature films hand-selected by members of the CSIFF Committee, and has previously featured Sundance Grand Jury Award winning films and Academy Award nominated films. The event provides filmmakers with a public performance and the opportunity to participate in post screening Q&A sessions with a diverse audience. For more information, please call: 708-534-5000 Event link: https://csiff.eventive.org/welcome
	Animal Nutrition Program Thursday, October 22 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM How does the Brookfield Zoo feed over 300 species every day? What is a pangolin’s favorite treat? You’re invited to take a virtual look at our Animal Nutrition Program! Learn more with Dr. Jennifer Watts, Director of Nutrition. Dr. Watts received her undergraduate education in Animal Science at Cornell University and her PhD in Animal Nutrition from Clemson University. She has worked at the Brookfield Zoo for over 13 years and works every day to meet the nutrition needs of each and every animal. RSVP by Thursday, October 22 at noon by emailing CZSAssociates@CZS.org to receive an invitation, link and more details! For more information, please visit: https://www.czs.org/associates
	Whooooo, What, Where? How to Find Owls! Thursday, October 22 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Tune in as panel of interpretive naturalists takes you through the wonderful world of owls! Learn which owls visit Will County and which owls call this place their permanent home. Listen to their calls and identify their characteristics. Next, buckle up for their wild adaptations, making them the top predators of the night. Lastly, learn their life cycle so you know when is the best time of year to go owling. For more information, please call: 708-946-2216 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/News-Events/Event-Calendar/October-2020/How-To-Find-Owls
	IPO Reimagined Saturday, October 24 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), named 2020 Professional Orchestra of the Year by Illinois Council of Orchestras, has announced its virtual opening night concert, IPO Reimagined, featuring 30 IPO string players performing George Walker’s Lyric for Strings followed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Serenade. The 45-minute program takes place Saturday, October 24 at 7:00 PM and is free to the public via livestream on IPO’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, as well as on Palos Channel 4. Due to the pandemic’s continued toll on performing arts, IPO has postponed its in-person fall concerts originally announced as part of its 43rd season, however, the orchestra based in the Chicago Southland region will continue to produce engaging music offerings that further elevate its mission. For more information, please call: 708-481-7774 Event link: https://ipomusic.org/ipo-reimagined/
	A Fireside Chat with Women Leading the Way Wednesday, October 28 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Join Women Leading the Way along with four other dynamic Women to discuss what's been working for you and what's not been working for you during this pandemic! Event link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-fireside-chat-with-women-leading-the-way-tickets-125115542957
	Vermont Cemetery Tour Live Thursday, October 29 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM Do you love local history, old cemeteries and beautiful prairies? Then join us on Facebook with Interpretive Naturalist Jen Guest inside the gates of Vermont Cemetery. This historic cemetery is settled inside an original prairie remnant that has never been touched with a plow. This small parcel of land is so unique it has been designated a State of Illinois Nature Preserve. Who is buried there? What is growing among the gravestones? How did the land get saved from development? Learn all this and more as part of the livestream presentation. We will take your questions and answer some of them in real time. For more information, please call: 815-727-8700 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/News-Events/Event-Calendar/October-2020/Vermont-Cemetery-Live
	Virtual Living History Encounter: 18th Century Hunting, Trapping and Foods Sunday, November 1 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM Encounter local history from the comfort of your own home. Do some virtual time travel via Zoom and explore interesting topics from earlier times. This month we will talk about 18th century hunting, trapping and foods. Explore what tools were used to hunt and trap, and what foods were popular in the 1700s. For more information, please call: 815-886-1467 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/News-Events/Event-Calendar/November-2020/Virtual-Living-History-Encounter-November-2020
	Black and Blue Monday, November 2 through Sunday, November 15 Cost: Varies Black and Blue tells the story of the conflicted allegiance of two Black Chicago police officers in the immediate aftermath of the Laquan McDonald video release. MATURE CONTENT AND LANGUAGE. RECOMMENDED FOR 18+ For more information, please call: 708-235-2222 Event link: https://bit.ly/2GMeEK8
	Through the Eyes of a Friend: The World of Anne Frank Monday, November 2 through Sunday, November 15 Cost: Varies Witness the pain, loss, and hope of young people during the Holocaust. This performance encourages the audience to discover their personal awareness of stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination. The program will be followed by Q&A session (November 3, 13 and 15) with the artist. Download the study guide here. For more information, please call: 708-235-2222 Event link: https://bit.ly/3lka6d2
	Breakfast with the Birds Live! Wednesday, November 4 7:00 AM - 7:45 AM Are you a bird lover? Then it's going to be your lucky day and, best of all, you won't even have to leave the comfort of your home to take in the wonderful sights and sounds. On Wednesday, November 4, we'll be up bright and early to broadcast a live stream from some of our very active bird feeders in the preserves. We'll also be live in the background, sharing information about what you're seeing as well as ways you can turn your yard into a winter bird haven. Grab a cup of coffee, log onto Facebook and enjoy a few minutes up close with the birds. The live stream will be pinned to the top of our Facebook page once it goes live. For more information, please call: 815-727-8700 Event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/593716097955867/
	Choosing Your Kayak Wednesday, November 4 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Are you thinking about purchasing a kayak? In the wonderful world of watersports, there are many options. Join us for an informational online virtual presentation that will cover size, shape, uses, wants, needs and materials that will help you choose a kayak that suits your specific needs. For more information, please call: 815-722-9470 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/News-Events/Event-Calendar/November-2020/Choosing-a-Kayak
	Be a Zero! A Zero Waster Series: How to be Zero Waste for Thanksgiving Thursday, November 5 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM Be gone smelly garbage can! Seventy-two billion pounds of food gets wasted every year in America. Thanksgiving food is in that number somewhere! Don’t want to be a part of that 72 billion? Don’t want even a hint of smelly garbage anywhere near your house? Be a zero! Start small or big and see some composting ideas that will keep your food waste at or near zero this Thanksgiving. Kate Caldwell, a composter and interpretive naturalist can show you several ideas to compost food scraps and be a smart food shopper. For more information, please call: 708-946-2216 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/News-Events/Event-Calendar/November-2020/Be-A-Zero-Zero-Waste-Thanksgiving
	Sandhill Cranes on Migration Thursday, November 12 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM Sandhill crane migration is soon to be in full swing. These large birds fly over our area each spring and fall during migration and you can hear their trumpeting calls as they pass overhead. Where are all of those cranes going? Find out the answer to that as well as where you can view them in large numbers each fall. This program will highlight the cranes’ fall migration, how and where to spot them and their history in our area. For more information, please call: 708-946-2216 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/News-Events/Event-Calendar/November-2020/Sandhill-Cranes-on-Migration
	Fossils in Our Forests Saturday, November 14 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Celebrate Dino-vember by exploring the incredible fossils that can be found in Illinois. Discover why we won’t be finding a Tyrannosaurus Rex any time soon, but there’s still a world of life we can discover in our local fossil record. You’ll even get to meet the Tully monster, Illinois’ favorite fossilized friend! For more information, please call: 815-722-9470 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/News-Events/Event-Calendar/November-2020/Fossils-in-Our-Forests
	Movember: A History of Facial Hair Saturday, November 14 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM It’s Movember, so start growing out your mustaches, gentlemen! (And anyone else so inclined.) Started in Australia to bring awareness to charities and men’s health, this movement has spread across the globe. In honor on Movember, we will share the fascinating, weird history of men’s facial hair – from mutton chops and beard taxes to handlebar mustaches and beard assassination plots. Sit back and relax from home while enjoying this lunchtime Zoom program. For more information, please call: 708-946-2216 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/News-Events/Event-Calendar/November-2020/Movember-A-History-of-Facial-Hair
	Movember: A History of Facial Hair Saturday, November 14 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Join this interactive presentation and follow along as we learn about the fascinating natural world. 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. The topic for November’s presentation will be all about beavers and their habitat. For more information, please call: 815-722-9470 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/News-Events/Event-Calendar/November-2020/Design-And-Discover-Beavers
	Beyond Conversation: Black, Blue, Beyond Saturday, November 14 7:00 PM Cost: Varies Our second conversation, Black, Blue and Beyond, will be presented in conjunction with Black and Blue radio play by MPAACT. This conversation will further explore the relationship and tensions between the Black Lives Matter movement and law enforcement, as well as what it means to be in law enforcement and Black. Our dynamic panel will represent different as well as intersecting perspectives: Black and Blue director Andrea J. Dymond; and other panelists. Moderated by GSU criminal justice faculty Professor Almethia Franklin. For more information, please call: 708-235-2222 Event link: https://bit.ly/3npfduk
	Thanksgiving Truths Thursday, November 19 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM Thanksgiving is all pilgrims, turkeys and shoe buckles, right? Wrong! Dividing fact from myth is trickier than separating mashed potatoes and gravy. The story that many of us acted out in grade school was more myth than reality. The truth is a lot more convoluted, interesting and dark. Join us on Zoom to set the record straight. For more information, please call: 815-886-1467 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/News-Events/Event-Calendar/November-2020/Thanksgiving-Truths
	Failure: A Love Story Friday, November 20 through Sunday, November 22 Cost: Varies By the end of 1928, all three Fail sisters will be dead—expiring in reverse order, youngest to oldest, from blunt object to the head, disappearance and finally consumption. Tuneful songs and a whimsical chorus follow the story of Nelly, Jenny June and Gerty as they live out their lives above the family clock repair shop near the Chicago River, before their time unexpectedly runs out. A magical, musical fable where, in the end, the power of love is far greater than any individual's successes or failures. For more information, please call: 708-235-2222 Event link: https://bit.ly/30DvzFQ
	Failure: A Love Story Monday, November 30 through Sunday, December 13 Cost: Varies The word FERAL has been tagged on buildings across the city. FX (Francis Xavier), is behind this politically motivated campaign. He is young, Black, and full to bursting with ideas about himself and the world around him. On a warm night in late July, FX and the local police share a moment of violence. The city and country respond…but what about FX, his family, friends, and the complex ideas that he hoped to communicate? Amidst the national conversation, “Black Lives Matter,” FERAL looks at youth, idealism, and desperation. It all starts with a word spray-painted on a wall. MATURE CONTENT AND LANGUAGE. RECOMMENDED FOR 18+ For more information, please call: 708-235-2222 Event link: https://bit.ly/3iycMC5
	Be a Zero! A Zero Waste Series: How to be Zero Waste for the Holidays Thursday, December 3 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM Nobody wants to think about waste for the holidays. But, it is true that Americans generate more waste during the holidays than any other time of year. According to Stanford University, this amounts to an extra 1 million tons of refuse per week! Don’t want to be a part of all that waste? Be a zero! Listen to some creative ideas for gift giving, wrapping paper and decorations. Kate Caldwell, an aspiring “zero-waster” and interpretive naturalist, will share great ideas for giving gifts to your family and friends and the planet all at the same time! For more information, please call: 708-946-2216 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/News-Events/Event-Calendar/December-2020/Be-A-Zero-Zero-Waste-Holidays
	Take Five Fest Friday, December 4 7:00 PM Cost: Varies The goal of the Take Five Fest is to provide artists—of every discipline or artistic goal—with a platform for sharing work and connecting with audiences. The Take Five Fest will present original, short, digital performances that showcase authentic voices and diverse stories that connect, activate and inspire our community. Disciplines will include: comedy, dramatic monologue, short scenes, dance, music and more! For more information, please call: 708-235-2222 Event link: https://bit.ly/2SuBjNJ
	Creative Crafts and Chat: Book-Page Wreath Saturday, December 5 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Upcycling is a great way to creatively reuse some of the waste we produce. In this series, you will follow along with an interpretive naturalist and make your own upcycled craft. Upon registering for this program, you will receive a list of materials and supplies needed to complete the project. As we go through step-by-step instructions, you will also learn a bit about the topic or craft we are creating, which might include facts, stories, photos, videos and more. Younger children can participate with assistance. Since December’s craft will be book-page wreaths, we will chat about the waste we produce, whether books are obsolete and ways to use this technique to create refined items you will want around year after year. For more information, please call: 815-722-9470 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/News-Events/Event-Calendar/December-2020/Creative-Craft-and-Chat-Book-Page-Wreath
	Virtual Living History Encounter: 18th Century Cold Weather Necessities Sunday, December 6 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM Encounter local history from the comfort of your own home. Do some virtual time travel via Zoom and explore interesting topics from earlier times. This month we will talk about 18th-century cold weather necessities, including wool blankets and the gear needed for winter transportation. For more information, please call: 815-886-1467 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/News-Events/Event-Calendar/December-2020/Virtual-Living-History-Encounter-December-2020
	Birding in the Preserves Saturday, December 12 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 which birds have been seen in the preserves recently and what to look for to find them. Learn birding basics and tips 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: 708-946-2216 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/News-Events/Event-Calendar/December-2020/Birding-in-the-Preserves
	Joliet Iron Works Virtual Tour Saturday, December 12 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM Do you love local history? Here is your chance to learn about the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site during this Zoom webinar. Learn how Joliet got the nickname “City of Steel and Stone.” An interpretive naturalist will share the stories of the men and machines that worked at this site, along with many other fascinating facts. See photos of the stone foundations found at the Joliet Iron Works Site, many of which are more than 100 years old, and compare those images to photos of when the site was in operation. We also have an archive of photographs to share that includes workers, the iron plant in operation and steel products being made. Many of these have never been seen before during previous on-site tours. Have a question? Ask it in the chat box and we will do our best to provide an answer. For more information, please call: 815-886-1467 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/News-Events/Event-Calendar/December-2020/Joliet-Iron-Works-Virtual-Tour
	Beyond Conversation: Shaping Our Narrative Saturday, December 12 7:00 PM Cost: Varies The third segment of Beyond Conversation will be presented in conjunction with Feral radio play by MPAACT. This panel will unpack and analyze the role the media plays in shaping and framing the narratives and experiences of grieving Black families. For more information, please call: 708-235-2222 Event link: https://bit.ly/3lnI9Bj
	Isle a la Cache: Island Mystery History Virtual Tour Wednesday, December 16 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM Join us live on Zoom for a detailed look into the history of Isle a la Cache. This famous island is located in the middle of the Des Plaines River in Romeoville. Its ties to the 18th-century fur trade are well known. However, it has a modern history that is full of surprises. This island was once home to hotels, cabins, houses, a church, hunt clubs, a restaurant and more! Learn the secrets of the island on a guided, virtual tour full of stories and photos. We will be taking your questions and will answer some of them in real time. We hope you will join us for this one-of-a-kind tour. For more information, please call: 815-886-1467 Event link: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/News-Events/Event-Calendar/December-2020/Island-Mystery-History-Virtual-Tour