Get Out and Go

Get Out and Go
Remember winter when you were a kid? If you were like me, you were bundled up in snow pants, coat, hat, gloves, and a scarf at every opportunity and playing outside as much as you did the rest of the year. The cold meant nothing, but snow was meant for snowballs, forts, sledding, sculptures, making tracks and imprints...it was like the world had been coated in a substance just to explore and experiment with! It was better than Play-Dough, better than blocks; it was free, and it was everywhere!
I may not have thought about it in those terms when I was young, but I do now. Constructive play like building things from snow strengthens children’s motor skills, muscle coordination, and reasoning, as well as giving a sense of control over the environment and a sense of accomplishment. Exploring nature allows children to build a connection to their surroundings and offers plenty of sensory input and things to be curious about. Older kids and adults need time to play, too, and of course physical activity is great for the mind and body! The forest preserve has lots to offer for when you or the kids have cabin fever.
Hiking

Winter definitely has its own special feel. If you dress for it, you can be perfectly cozy and comfortable while having the chance to see our winter migratory birds as well as deer and other animals that tend to herd together more in the winter. A few days after a snowfall is the best time of year to look for animal tracks--you might be amazed at the number and diversity. Look for tunnels under the snow (made by voles, a small rodent related to a mouse), tracks from coyotes and foxes (they will look like dog prints), and fan-shaped imprints where birds have landed. Owls are starting to nest in the winter, so you may see more activity during the day than usual. We suggest heading west down the hill and through the “Rubbing Rock” woods. We know for sure it’s on the deer herd’s daily route and that a pair of owls nest there. The Rubbing Rock Meadow on the far side is insulated from most noise (especially when the Dragway isn’t in use) and there’s a large population of rabbits there. Continue north or south on the Outer Trail and loop through the Coneflower or South Prairie trails to return to the Jarrett Center.

Cross country skiing

The forest preserve has cross country skis to rent from children’s to adult sizes for five dollars per hour. We’ll fit you for the right size and point you in the direction that matches the challenge and distance you’re looking for, from completely flat to hilly. We have guided outings, too--check this issue of the Blaze for details. While skiing, staff and visitors have seen owls, deer, and foxes, as well as coyote tracks, fur, and shed antlers. Our top suggested route is south toward Whittaker Road and through the South Prairie. The dried grasses and flowers offer a nice contrast to the snow, and the wide open landscape here results in a spectacular view. The first loop to the east that runs along the golf course will take you a mile, start to finish from the South Shelter. Continue straight instead, and you have the option of turning west after you pass a grove of trees and looping back toward the South Shelter for a distance of 1 ¼ miles. Keep going south to the trail that runs along Whittaker Road and turn east or west to complete a loop that’s 1 ½ miles long.

Snowshoeing

If you haven’t tried this before, it’s a great challenge! When the snow is deep enough, strap on a pair of snowshoes and head out! We have a few pairs available for rental at the Jarrett Center. The best route? If you’re new to snowshoeing, we suggest a short to moderate route. Head north along the Four Hills Trail--there are several options for turnoffs that head back to the building...or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can go all the way to River Road for a spectacular view across the Rock River. That’s our River Woods, and where we see birds such as the red-headed woodpecker and wood ducks. Look for a gulley on the west side where deer are known to bed down, and if you head west all the way to the Outer Trail, you might find evidence of coyotes--we’ve seen them denning in this area before.

Birdwatching

We’ve put field guides and binoculars at the front desk of the Jarrett Center that you may check out for free and will enhance a birdwatching hike. Please stop by and borrow them! Birds congregate around food sources in the winter, and there are a few places where you’re likely to see them. Behind the Keller Education Center are several bird feeders we replenish while it’s cold out. They were placed so that our preschool students can watch from the windows, but you can see them just as well from the south shelter or even walking by. Common birds to see are nuthatches, black-capped chickadees, finches, juncos, and tufted titmice. From the birdfeeders, walk south along the wider trail that runs parallel to the golf course. This area is rich in shagbark hickory and aspen, both of which are important food sources for animals in the winter. Where the trees give way to prairie, head west; there is a short side trail that circles a huddle of hawthorn trees, and it’s full of birds in the winter. From there you may take the deer trail that’s visible year-round to the Indigo Trace trail and head back to the Jarrett Center, or continue west in a larger loop that will end at the bottom of the sled hill. The former takes you through the woods, where you might see downy or hairy woodpeckers; the latter takes you through the prairie and several spots where various sparrows and finches spend the day looking for food.

Geocaching

Think of geocaching as a worldwide scavenger hunt with over two and a half million game pieces to find. At their simplest, geocaches are camouflaged containers that hold a logbook; they can be as small as a pencil eraser or larger than a five gallon bucket. Some are hidden in remote locations while others are in busy urban areas. Use your smartphone or a GPS unit to track them down, then sign the logbook and post your find online. Containers are hidden, of course--geocachers don’t want them found accidentally. Some are obvious when you know what you’re looking for, and some are rated a higher difficulty that makes them a serious challenge! Larger containers often hold small treasures to trade, making it a great game for kids. If you want to try it out, the official intro geocaching app is free and will point you toward good geocaches for beginners, including a large one behind the Jarrett Center, and an even bigger one full of goodies at an old pirate hideout. There’s a total of fifteen geocaches at our main site, so no matter which direction you choose, you’ll have something to look for. Questions? Check out geocaching.com for FAQs.