Step forward to help conserve parks during “MARCH FOR PARKS” Earth Day 200 celebration Saturday at SPRING BROOK NATURE CENTER in Itasca. The march is one of many similar ones to be held throughout the nation Saturday; the effort was organized 10 years ago by the National Parks and Conservation Association to celebrate Earth Day. Saturday’s events include a short hike around Spring Brook’s grounds, an approximately four-mile hike through adjacent Songbird Slough Forest Preserve plus a picnic in front of the Visitor Center. Folk musician Mark Dvorak of Brookfield will provide the entertainment, and there will be sidewalk chalk drawing and other activities for kids. Funds from the walk benefit the center’s prairie restoration program. Donations and pledge sheets should be turned in before starting the walk. “March for Parks” picnic 12:30 to 2 p.m. Saturday; march starts at 2:15 p.m. Spring Brook Nature Center, 130 Forest Ave., Itasca. Parking available at Irving Park Road and Catalpa Avenue. For a pledge sheet call 630-773-5572.
Have a tree-mendous time during the special Arbor Day celebration at Brookfield Zoo. The zoo will have a tree-planting ceremony. Afterwards, treat yourself to a self-guided tour of the zoo’s 151 tree species. Be sure to visit the many exhibits where trees help simulate various habitats and give animals a place to climb, rest, play, perch and live. Zoo admission $7 adults; $3.50 children ages 3 to 11 and seniors. Children 2 and under free. Parking $4. “Arbor Day Celebration,” 11 a.m. ceremony April 28. Brookfield Zoo, 1st Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield. 708-485-0263, ext. 358.
Get up with the birds during the Weekday Bird Walk Wednesday at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve. Watch and listen as the woods come alive with colorful migrating birds as you follow the spring migration through a variety of habitats. Binoculars recommended. Registration needed for this free event. 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve, 3609 Spring Rd., Oak Brook. 630-850-8110.
An egg-citing demonstration in the art of egg decorating will be presented by Morton Arboretum Sunday. The arboretum will offer a display of Ukrainian Easter eggs, and Vera Samycia will lead the demonstration appropriate for all ages. Admission $7 car. 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. Morton Arboretum, Administration and Research Center, on Illinois Highway 53, Lisle. 630-719-2400.
Turn your eyes to the skies. Learn the myths and stories of the constellations during the “Animals in the Sky” program Thursday at Lake View Nature Center. Weather permitting, you’ll take a short night hike to look at the stars of the stories. For all ages, but children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. $4 resident; $8 non-resident. $7 resident family; $11 non-resident family. Registration needed. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday. Lake View Nature Center, 17W063 Hodges Rd., Oakbrook Terrace. 630-941-8747.
Treat yourself to a night on ice as Rocket Ice Arena presents “Skating With the Stars” Friday and Saturday. The show will feature skater Caryn Kadavy, who has won several professional competitions with her sophisticated and graceful style. Matinee tickets $15; evening tickets $20. “Skating With the Stars,” 7 p.m. Friday; 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday. Rocket Ice Arena, 180 Canterbury Ln., Bolingbrook. 630-679-1700.
