Welcome To The Take a Hike! Challenge
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Challenge Week 5: It’s OAKtober! Let’s Celebrate
October is officially OAKtober in Illinois! Oak trees have deep historical roots in the Chicagoland area and are vital to our state’s ecosystems. They purify our air and water, help lower ambient temperatures, and support over 2,300 species, including more than 800 types of caterpillars! (Watch this video to learn more about OAKtober.)
If you see a majestic oak while on one of your hikes this month, make sure to give it a hug, a high five, or even just a nod to show how much we appreciate all oaks do for us.
This week, Elevate Your Hike by engaging in some fun, oak-themed activities:
- Embark on a quest to discover different types of oaks in our region! Use the Know Your Oaks! Guide from the Conservation Foundation to help identify which oak is which.
- Check out this Field Museum Prairies and Savannas Guide from the Chicago Park District to help you identify species of flowers, grasses, birds and butterflies.
- Play ID that tree! Bring along binoculars and use this Common Trees of the Chicago Region Guide to help you identify the trees you see on your hike. Keep a checklist of the species you spot, and try using apps like iNaturalist, which use image recognition to identify plants and animals.
- Grab the kids and go on a Wildflower Walk or try this Hiking Scavenger Hunt. Mark down what you see and hear along your hike, such as birds, butterflies, leaves, acorns, etc. You can search for items as a team or make it a contest to see who can find the most.
Make sure to keep track of your hikes now through October 28th!
Discover A New Hiking Trail
Looking to try new trails this Challenge? Check out the map of hiking trails in the greater Chicagoland area!
Elevate Your Hike Special Events
To help you meet your goals, we have a variety of fun special events planned throughout the challenge. Registration for each event will open about two weeks ahead of time, so make sure to keep checking back to register for new events!
October 5th, 1:00 – 2:00 pm ID that Tree! with Forest Preserve District of DuPage County – Fullersburg Woods
Meet a plant expert for a leisurely walk to enjoy the blooms of summer. You’ll learn about native flowers, how to identify them and which varieties you can grow at home. Trees are a consistent feature in the backdrop of our lives, adding color, dimension, and vibrancy. Would you like to learn more about their unique characteristics and how to tell an oak from a walnut? Join us for a 1.5-mile hike to explore Fullersburg Woods and learn about the trees that surround us. Families, couples and individuals are welcome! Register here >>
October 7th, 8:30 – 10:00 am Forest Hike – Fullersburg Forest Preserve
Gear up and enjoy some healthy exercise on a quick-paced 3-to-5-mile guided hike through the wonders of the preserves with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Ages 18 and up. $5 Registration Fee. Register here >> (Click on View subactivities to select the date)
October 14th, 8:30 – 10:00 am Forest Hike – McDowell Grove Forest Preserve
Gear up and enjoy some healthy exercise on a quick-paced 3-to-5-mile guided hike through the wonders of the preserves with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Ages 18 and up. $5 Registration Fee. Register here >> (Click on View subactivities to select the date)
October 19th, 10:00 – 11:00 am Mammoth Discovery Hike – Blackwell Forest Preserve
Bring the family on this 1-mile hike to the location of the Blackwell Mammoth Discovery, including discussion of the natural history of Mammoths & Mastodons, how and where the Blackwell Mammoth was found. Hikers may continue the 3-mile loop or return to the parking lot after the program has completed. Register here >>
October 14th, 8:30 – 10:00 am Forest Hike – Maple Grove Forest Preserve
Gear up and enjoy some healthy exercise on a quick-paced 3-to-5-mile guided hike through the wonders of the preserves with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Ages 18 and up. $5 Registration Fee. Register here >> (Click on View subactivities to select the date)
More events to be announced soon!
This Program is Supported By:
This Program is Provided By:
