Lake Katherine Winter Events: Yoga, Burning, Tons More

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL — Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens is hosting tons of great events and activities in the coming months. From riding on a wagon around town singing Christmas carols to burning invasive buckthorn, they've got it all.

Here's some of what they're getting up to this winter. For a full calendar, click the link at the bottom of the article.

December:

Brrr it's Cold

• Thursday, December 13, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (same for Friday, Saturday begins at 10:30 a.m.)
• Learn through hands on activities how animals stay warm in the winter. A short walk outdoors, a funny song and art project are included.
• 1 hour experience for 3-6 year old children together with their favorite adult
• $6 per child, pre-registration is required

Holiday Hayride

• Friday, December 14th, 6.30pm - 8:00pm, 7.30pm - 9:00pm, $10 per person.
• Registration early is recommended, MIN/MAX 15/25
• Join us for one of two time slots as we ride on our hay wagon around the streets of Palos Heights singing Christmas carols. Upon return to the nature center we will enjoy food, fun and traditional crafts.

Winter Solstice Buckthorn Burn

• Friday, Dec. 21, 3 to 5 p.m.
• What better way to celebrate the return of the light by helping Lake Katherine burn buckthorn just as the sun sets at 4:22pm. Join us as we burn buckthorn from our invasive species removal throughout the year and make a toast to the shortest day of the year. Be prepared for the cold, and some physical labor. Cider and snacks will be provided. Sign up at the Nature Center or over the phone.

January

Stories at the Lake

• Thu, January 3, 2019, 4:00pm – 4:45pm
• Free event for kids! Stories at the Lake
• Lake Katherine volunteer educator Nicole Snyder will host story time, reading aloud from a nature-themed children's book. Plus fun activities. No need to book in advance - just turn up!

Scrapbooking Weekend

• Friday, January 11th, 6:00pm-midnight, cost $14
• Saturday, January 12th, 10:00am-midnight, cost $30Both days- $40
• Get creative, share tips, and make a special scrapbook during this fun craft weekend. Includes: Snacks and beverages all weekend, dinner on Saturday and lunch on Sunday. Bring your own sack lunch for Saturday. Preregistration required at the Nature Center.

Yoga Series: Chakra Balance and Essential Oil Yoga

• Saturday, January 19th, 10:00am-12:00pm, age 13 and older workshop
• $25 includes yoga, chakra, balancing tea and light snack
• In this workshop we will explore your unique Chakra system and individual energies to discover what Chakras are in balance and which ones may be blocked. As we approach the New Year we are sometimes out of balance mentally, physically and spiritually, but through healing and balancing practices via yoga and aromatherapy you will leave with knowledge to begin exploring and balancing your individual energetic system. A balanced Chakra system allows you to reach higher consciousness and achieve more peace and harmony in your everyday life physically, spiritually and emotionally. Class will take place at Lake Katherine Nature. Register
  here.

MLK Day of Service

• Monday, January 21st, 9:30am-12:00pm, FREE
• Join us as we remove invasive brush from Lake Katherine. This event will be held outside so please dress for the weather. Register here.

February

Winterfest

• Saturday, February 2, 2019, 12:00pm-4:00pm, $5 per person
• Lake Katherine's much-loved annual festival includes hayrides, animals, and children’s crafts, face-painting and snowshoeing. Children two and under are free.

Yoga Series: Full Moon Yoga for Lunar Balance

• Wednesday, February 20th, 6:30pm-8:00pm, age 21+, $20 per person
• Lunar yoga with soothing adult beverage. The aim of hatha yoga is to balance our lunar and solar energies, but our asana practice tends to reflect a bias for the solar focusing on sun salutations and heating practices in the quest for physical fitness. Let's pay homage to the lunar energy in nature and within by practicing Chandra namaskar, or moon salutation. This class will leave you feeling relaxed and balanced opening your lunar energy. Class will take place at Lake Katherine. Register here.

A Night of Nature, Art and Wine

• Wednesday, February 27th, 7:00pm-9:00pm, $30 per person
• Sip wine, view art and indulge in your creative side as you create a nature based project for you to bring home. Register at the Nature Center.

Click here for the full calendar.

Photo credit: Google Streetview of Lake Katherine screenshot