free/cheap stuff to do with your kids/furbabies in the Chicago burbs

Events that involve pets, animals and plants, such as pet washes, adoption days, nature walks, microchipping, nature photography exhibits, nature tours, bird walks, calls for volunteers for nature-related work days, etc. Deadline is two weeks before event date.

June 13

Save-A-Pet fundraiser: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, June 13, Brunswick Zone, 1100 W. Lake St., Roselle. Fundraiser for abused and neglected animals includes live music, raffles, silent auction, prizes, more. $25 at the door includes pizza and soda (630) 351-2100.

Birds 'n Berries: 9 a.m. Saturday, June 13, Knupper Nursery, 1801 N. Rand Road, Palatine. Free seminar about the vast array of trees, shrubs and other plants that can be planted in your garden to provide a seasonal buffet for our feathered friends. (847) 359-1080.

June 14

Doggy wash: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday, June 14, Wizard of Pawz, 2306 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates. Dog baths $10-$18, other services available sponsored by Wizard of Paws to benefit Chicagoland Dog Rescue. Also includes baked goods, BBQ, raffles, vendors. For information, chicagolanddogrescue.org.

AKC All-breed dog show: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, June 14, Chain O'Lakes Kennel Club, Lake County Fairgrounds expo hall, Peterson and Midlothian roads, Grayslake. Talk to breeders, get information about different AKC and miscellaneous breeds. No admission, parking $10 per car, Visit. colkc.org.

Sunday morning bird walks: 8 a.m. Sunday, June 14, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, South Barrington. Mark Spreyer will lead a morning bird walk for ages 10 and over. Binoculars and field guides are a must. If you don't have any, don't worry, Stillman does. If it's raining, the activity will be canceled. Free. Call (847) 428-6957 to register.

Celebrate Dad's: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 14, Crabtree Nature Center, on Palatine Road, one mile west of Barrington Road in Barrington. What is the father's role in nature? Take a look at some of natures dads and make a fish print in honor of fathers. Free, call to register.(847) 381-6592.

June 15

Earth-Friendly Sculpture Contest: Begins Monday, June 15, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Show your creativity and turn junk into a work of art. Use recycled bits and pieces from home or come to the Ask Me Desk for a bag of rubbish and make something "out of this world." When you bring in your creation a photograph of your sculpture will be taken and you will receive a certificate of completion. The photos will be on display in Youth Services and winners will be notified in August. Deadline for entry is July 24. For information, call (847) 259-6050

June 16

Arlington Anglers: 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, Dick's Sports Store, on Martingale Road, Schaumburg. Professional Walleye Tour fisherman, Larry Conn shares his techniques. Come find out more about the club, its activities, and outings. Tom, (847) 639-7858 or Bob, (630) 688-0995. Visit arlingtonanglers.com.

Zoonotic Diseases: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, Hoffman Estates Animal Hospital, 1056 W. Golf Road, Hoffman Estates. Dr. Megan Williams discusses, "Zoonotic Diseases: Why You May be Sharing More Than Just Your Home with Your Pet." Free education seminar, open to the public. To register, (847) 310-8668.

June 17

Parker in the Park: 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 17, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Grades 1-6 can explore the role each person plays in protecting the environment and share new ideas for conserving energy. To register, (847) 459-4100 or www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Dog Train and Play class: Eight week sessions begin Wednesday, June 17 or Saturday, June 20, River Trails Park District, 550 Business Trail Drive, Mount Prospect. Basic commands, problem solving and manners are taught. Open to dogs ages 3 months and up. (847) 255-1200.

Fishing Camp: 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday June 17 and Thursday, June 18, Crabtree Nature Center, on Palatine Road, one mile west of Barrington Road, Barrington. Take a closer look at native fish through fun activities, demonstrations and fishing. Ages 8-12. Free, register at (847) 381-6592.

June 18

Once Upon a Bird: 10 a.m. Thursdays, June 18, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, South Barrington. Hear bird stories and visit a live bird or work on a simple craft. Come dressed to be outside. The program will be done in less than an hour. If it is raining, this activity will be canceled. For ages 4-9. $2/child, adults are free. (847) 428-6957 or stillmannc.org

Prairie Woods Audubon: 7 p.m. Thursday, June 18, Spring Valley Nature Center, Schaumburg. Lonnie Morris, chairman for the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club, presents, "Cool Cities." Free. prairiewoodsaudubon.org.

June 19

Yappy Hour: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, June 19, Meineke Park, 220 E. Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg. Activities for adults, kids and dogs including a DJ, dog agility course, craft area for kids, special dog events and wine samples for adults. $12-$18 for adults; $3-$5 for children 3-17. Dogs free, but owners must have a copy of shot records at the event. To register, (847) 985-2143.

Night Hike: 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 19; Crabtree Nature Center, on Palatine Road, one mile west of Barrington Road, Barrington. Join a naturalist in the evening to explore what natural wonders are abroad after the sun goes down. Free, register at (847) 381-6592.

June 20

Picnic at the Prairie: Noon-3 p.m. June 20, picnic shelter at Margreth Riemer Reservoir, Quentin and Palatine roads, Palatine. Prairie Woods Audubon Society is hosting their annual Picnic On The Prairie event to thank volunteers and the community for its support, dedication and hard work on the prairie and for the environment. Free hot dogs, chips, and lemonade; kids' prizes; free tours; tips on native plants.

Bike Path Kickoff: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, June 20 at Crabtree Nature Center, on Palatine Road, one mile west of Barrington Road, Barrington. Pedal by ponds and through woods as you try out the new 10-mile bike path. Whole Foods has a fueling station; REI has a Bike Safety Rodeo for kids a basic bike safety check for adults. (847) 381-6592.

Adventure in Nature series: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 20, Citizens for Conservation office, 459 W. Route 22, Barrington. Topic, Senses: Children will use their senses to explore Flint Creek Savanna. Dress comfortably to sit in the prairie grass. For children kindergarten and older; adults encouraged to come. $3-$5 per child. Free for adults. Register one week before class at (847) 382 7283.

June 21

Kayak Demo Days: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, June 21, Lake Arlington. Join REI staff on the water to test paddle a variety of canoes and kayaks from Old Town, Wilderness System, Mad River, Perception, Necky, and Ocean Kayak. Come see how design and materials affect performance and decide which boat best meets your needs. Be prepared to get your feet and seat wet.

Sunday morning bird walks: 8 a.m. Sunday, June 21, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, South Barrington. Mark Spreyer will lead a morning bird walk for all ages. Binoculars and field guides are a must. If you don't have any, don't worry, Stillman does. If it's raining, the activity will be canceled. Free. To register, (847) 428-6957 or stillmannc.org.

June 22

Green Tips 101: 7-8:15 p.m. Monday, June 22, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Board Members of Go Green Wilmette will share information about easy, high impact changes to reduce one's carbon footprint and help the environment. Learn which changes have the highest payback. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

June 24

Farmers market: Our Lady of the Brook Catholic Community will be the site of a weekly farmers market in Northbrook this summer. The market will kick off on Wednesday, June 24, and will be held every Wednesday through Oct. 14 from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. The market will feature dozens of vendors, selling the freshest produce, flowers, organic foods, artisan cheeses, baked goods and much more. There is plenty of free parking, and samples will be available. Our Lady of the Brook is located at 3700 Dundee in Northbrook, and can be contacted at (847) 272-5686 or at www.olbparish.org.

June 27

Adventure in Nature series: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 27, Citizens for Conservation office, 459 W. Route 22, Barrington. Sky: Children will watch the skies to see what weather is coming. We will see what shapes the clouds are taking. For children kindergarten and older; adults are encouraged to come. $3-$5 per child. No fees for adults. Register one week before class at (847) 382 7283.

June 28

Rolling Meadows Garden Club Garden Walk: noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 28. Tickets on sale at the Community Center, 3705 Pheasant Dr., Rolling Meadows or at rollingmeadowsgardenclub.com. $10 in advance; $15 day of the event. For information, call Carol, (847) 818-3200 ext. 230, or e-mail Rollingmeadowsgardenclub@gmail.com.

Park Ridge Garden Club Garden Walk: 2-6 p.m. Sunday, June 28, 408 S. Lincoln, Park Ridge. Featuring six gardens plus a raffle and light refreshments. $15. (847) 208-7269.

Wheeling Garden Walk: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, June 28. Seven homes in Wheeling will open their gardens to the public. $7. Tickets and maps available at the first garden, 126 Mayer Ave., Wheeling. Refreshments and door prizes at the last home. For information, call Jan, (847) 909-0335.

Rolling Meadows Garden Walk: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 28. The Rolling Meadows Garden Club will hold its annual Garden Walk. Tickets are available at the Community Center, 3705 Pheasant Drive, Rolling Meadows, or at rollingmeadowsgardenclub.com. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 the day of the event. For information, call Carol, at (847) 818-3200, ext. 230, or e-mail Rollingmeadowsgardenclub@gmail.com

Wheeling Garden Club Garden Walk: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, June 28. Seven homes in Wheeling will open their gardens to the public. Donation $7. Tickets and maps available at the first garden, 126 Mayer Ave., Wheeling. Refreshments and door prizes at the last house. Call Jan Schmid, (847) 909-0335.

July 5

Bird Banding: 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, July 5, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, South Barrington. Watch Mark Spreyer, a licensed bird bander, measure, weigh and record data about resident and migratory birds. Birds are not caught in a predictable manner, so come prepared to hike the trails. Free. (847) 428-6957 or stillmannc.org.

July 10

The Northwest Suburban Astronomers: 7:30 p.m. Friday July 10, Willow Recreation Center, 3600 Lexington Drive, Hoffman Estates. Programs cover various aspects of amateur astronomy, for program details and club information visit nsaclub.org.

July 16

Once Upon a Bird: 10 a.m. Thursdays, July 16, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, South Barrington. Hear bird stories and visit a live bird or work on a simple craft. Come dressed to be outside. The program will be done in less than an hour. If it is raining, this activity will be canceled. For ages 4-9. $2/child, adults are free. (847) 428-6957 or stillmannc.org

July 19

Arlington Heights Garden Club Garden Walk and Unique Boutique: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, July 19. View six residential gardens of varying styles. $10, benefits scholarships and conservation programs. Free admission to the Unique Boutique, which features distinctive garden ornaments, crafts and perennials at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W Fremont, Arlington Heights. Kathy, (847) 259-5273 or kshend@aol.com.

Prairie Ramble: 10 a.m. Sunday, July 19, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, South Barrington. Our volunteers, under the leadership of Daria Sapp, have been working hard to get prairie plants growing in Stillman's "south forty." This is your chance to join Daria on a tour of this colorful site. Free. To register, (847) 428-6957 or stillmannc.org

July 25

Adventure in Nature series: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 25, Citizens for Conservation office, 459 W. Route 22, Barrington. Topic, Trees: Children will study some of the trees found on the Savanna and look at the different parts of the trees and the variety of shapes. For children kindergarten and older; adults encouraged to attend. $3-$5 per child. Free for adults. Register one week before class at (847) 382 7283.

Aug. 2

Bird Banding: 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, Aug. 2, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, South Barrington. Watch Mark Spreyer, a licensed bird bander, measure, weigh and record data about resident and migratory birds. Birds are not caught in a predictable manner, so come prepared to hike the trails. Free. (847) 428-6957 or stillmannc.org.

Aug. 3

Chicagoland Shih Tzu Club: 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, Arlington Heights Public Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights.

Aug. 7

The Northwest Suburban Astronomers: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, Willow Recreation Center, 3600 Lexington Drive, Hoffman Estates. Programs cover various aspects of amateur astronomy, for program details and club information visit nsaclub.org.

Aug. 20

Once Upon a Bird: 10 a.m. Thursdays, Aug. 20, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, South Barrington. Hear bird stories and visit a live bird or work on a simple craft. Come dressed to be outside. The program will be done in less than an hour. If it is raining, the activity will be canceled. For ages 4-9. $2/child, adults free. To register, (847) 428-6957 or stillmannc.org

Aug. 23

Sunday morning bird walks: 8 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, South Barrington. Mark Spreyer will lead a morning bird walk for ages 10 and over. Binoculars and field guides are a must. If you don't have any, don't worry, Stillman does. If it's raining, the activity will be canceled. Free. To register, (847) 428-6957 or stillmannc.org.

Aug. 30

Bird Banding: 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, Aug. 30, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, South Barrington. Watch Mark Spreyer, a licensed bird bander, measure, weigh and record data about resident and migratory birds. Birds are not caught in a predictable manner, so come prepared to hike the trails. Free. To register, (847) 428-6957 or stillmannc.org.

Sept. 4

The Northwest Suburban Astronomers: 7:30 p.m. Friday Sept. 4, Willow Recreation Center, 3600 Lexington Drive, Hoffman Estates. Programs cover various aspects of amateur astronomy, for program details and club information visit nsaclub.org.

Sept. 18

Prairie Woods Audubon Society: 5:30 p.m. bird walk; 7 p.m. meeting/presentation Thursday, Sept. 18, Spring Valley Nature Center, Schaumburg. Pat Winkelman, president of the Vehe Farm Foundation will speak about the farm in Deer Park.

Sept. 21.

Prairie Woods Audubon Society field trip: 3-5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, Illinois Beach State Park, Zion. Meet at the North Unit parking lot or at 2 p.m. at the Bank of Palatine, Northwest Highway and Plum Grove Road, to carpool. Cyndi, (847) 776-8713.

Sept. 26

South Barrington Park District Pet Fair: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, Arboretum Mall, routes 72 and 59 in South Barrington. Various pet businesses, local pet shops, veterinarians, animal communicator, animal massage therapy, adoption agencies, contests, training demonstrations, photos, prizes, more. For event information or to participate as a vendor, call (847) 381-7515.

Oct. 2

The Northwest Suburban Astronomers: 7:30 p.m. Friday Oct. 2, Willow Recreation Center, 3600 Lexington Drive, Hoffman Estates. Programs cover various aspects of amateur astronomy, for program details and club information visit nsaclub.org.

Oct. 11

Prairie Woods Audubon Society: 3 p.m.-dusk, Sunday, Oct. 11, Stillman Nature Center, South Barrington. "The Big Sit." Bring a folding chair, munchies and beverage and sit and count the bird species. Meet at the dock/picnic area. Cyndi, (847) 776-8713.

Nov. 6

The Northwest Suburban Astronomers: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, Willow Recreation Center, 3600 Lexington Drive, Hoffman Estates. Programs cover various aspects of amateur astronomy, for program details and club information visit nsaclub.org.

Dec. 4

The Northwest Suburban Astronomers: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, Willow Recreation Center, 3600 Lexington Drive, Hoffman Estates. Programs cover various aspects of amateur astronomy, for program details and club information visit nsaclub.org.

Midwest Bass Busters: Bass fishing club is looking for new members at any experience level. No boat is necessary. Monthly meetings are held at The Where Else Lounge, Higgins Road and Lively Blvd., in Elk Grove Village. The club fishes one weekend a month from April-October. Call Len (847) 870-7070.

Garden Club of Inverness scholarships: Students who live in the area serviced by District 211 and Barrington High School and who plan to major in horticulture or environmentally related studies in college are invited to apply. Applications available at the guidance officers in District 211 and Barrington High School.

Plant a garden: Garden Plots are available free to residents interested in doing a little gardening. The plots are located in the rear of Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff, Arlington Heights. Space is limited. To determine availability, call (847) 392-6650 for information.

Nippersink Garden Club: A new garden club is forming to serve northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Members of the Nippersink Garden Club are coming together because of the love of gardening and the love of the Nippersink Creek area and waterways. Membership is open to all interested men, women and their children. Membership will be free and 2009 meetings are yet to be determined. Visit nippersinkgardenclub.org or contact Stacy at (262) 279-5992 for details.

Stillman Nature Center: Volunteers are being sought to help in a variety of areas including, landscape maintenance, birds of prey and more. (847) 428-6957 or stillnc@wildblue.net.

Be Citizens for Conservation volunteer: Citizens for Conservation restoration volunteers work from 9-11 a.m. every Thursday and Saturday. Jobs include: sowing legume seed, cutting brush, rescuing native plants and planting sedges. Meet at 459 West Highway 22 in Lake Barrington. Look for the white farmhouse with a silo across from Good Shepherd Hospital. Bring work gloves, dress for the weather, tools provided. For information, call (847) 382-7283.