Cook County Forest Preserve Hosts Photo Meet-Ups

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is hosting a new series of photo meet-ups designed for photographers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts.

Whether you’re using an advanced SLR camera, a point and shoot or a smart phone, photographing nature scenes and subjects can be both rewarding and challenging.

The series will take place at 10 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month at one of the District’s six nature centers, or a nearby location selected for its photography potential.

Each gathering will feature a Forest Preserve District naturalist leading a brief tour of the area, highlighting interesting and unusual plants, scenic vistas, and locations frequented by wildlife. During and after the tour, photographers can capture images and share tips and suggestions for getting the best shot.

Photographers are then encouraged to share their photos with the District’s Flickr group - http://www.flickr.com/groups/fpdcc/.

The first event of the year will take place on Jan. 26, 2013 at the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, located at 9800 S. 104th Avenue in Willow Springs. Photographers should meet at the Nature Center at 10 a.m.

A complete list of hosting Nature Centers for each month is below. The exact locations for each event will be determined by the naturalists to ensure optimal photography conditions. Check the website or call the Nature Centers to find out the meeting location each month.

January 26

Little Red School House

9800 S. Willow Spring Rd., Willow Springs

708-839-6897

February 23

River Trail Nature Center

3120 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook

847-824-8360

March 23

Crabtree Nature Center

Palatine Rd. 1 mile west of Barrington Rd.

847-381-6592

April 27          

River Trail Nature Center

3120 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook

847-824-8360

May 25

Trailside Museum

Chicago and Thatcher, River Forest

708-366-6530

June 22

Crabtree Nature Center

Palatine Rd. 1 mile west of Barrington Rd.

847-381-6592

July 27

Sand Ridge Nature Center

15891 Paxton Ave., South Holland

708-868-0606

August 24

Little Red School House

9800 S. Willow Spring Rd., Willow Springs

708-839-6897

September 28

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center

12545 W. 111^th St., Lemont

630-257-2045

October 26

Sand Ridge Nature Center

15891 Paxton Ave., South Holland

708-868-0606

November 23

Trailside Museum

Chicago and Thatcher, River Forest

708-366-6530

December 28

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center

12545 W. 111^th St., Lemont

630-257-2045

Information from Cook County Forest Preserve District.