For the first time, visitors to the Chicago Botanic Garden can enjoy ice skating and snowshoeing activities during Wonderland Express. Starting Nov. 27, 2009, through Jan. 31, 2010, the Esplanade will be transformed into an ice rink and visitors will be able to sight-see through McDonalds Woods on snowshoes (both weather permitting).
Ice skating hours are from 10am to 7pm from Nov. 27 through Jan. 3, 2010, and from 10am to 4pm on weekends from Jan. 9 through 31 and on Monday, Jan. 18, 2010. Snowshoeing hours are from 10am to sunset from Nov. 27, 2009, through March 31, 2010. Visitors must bring their own skates and snowshoes.
The ice rink will be set up on the larger lawn of the Esplanade and will have short walls surrounding the perimeter. Skaters can practice their double-axels, arabesques, and Lutz jumps among the Garden’s wintry backdrop (weather permitting), which includes a 40-foot tree lit with multicolored LED lights.
The tree is surrounded by large lit spheres that appear to be ornaments fallen from the tree. Additionally, the trunks of the elm trees that line the Esplanade will be wrapped with white lights. Visitors are encouraged to visit www.chicagobotanic.org/skate for information on rink availability.
Also this winter, the Garden will open McDonald Woods to snowshoeing enthusiasts (weather permitting). Upon entering the Garden, visitors will be supplied with a snowshoeing route map of the Woods and directed to parking lots 3 and 4, as they are the closest to the McDonald Woods trail.
McDonald Woods is a 100-acre naturally occurring oak woodland community that is home to 400 native plant species and 100 bird species. There are two connecting trails within McDonald Woods that offer a unique opportunity for snowshoers to see and experience the beauty of an oak woodland in winter.
Be sure and look out for winter-dwelling birds including Downey Woodpeckers, White-breasted Nuthatches, and Cedar Waxwings. There is no cost to explore McDonald Woods on snowshoes.
Both ice skating and snowshoeing activities are weather permitting. Ice skating on the Esplanade costs $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-12. Members save $1 per ticket. Wonderland Express/Ice Skating combination tickets are also available for purchase.
Cost is $13 for adults and $10 for children ages 3-12. Members save $2 per ticket. Parking is $20 per car; free for Garden members. For more information visit chicagobotanic.org/calendar/winter or call 847-835-5440.
Editors, please note: The Chicago Botanic Garden’s newsroom is online at chicagobotanic.org/pr. For digital images, contact Julie McCaffrey at 847-835-8213 or at jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org.
The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the green treasures of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, is a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 24 distinct display gardens surrounded by lakes, as well as a prairie and woodlands. With events, programs and activities for all ages, the Garden is open every day of the year, except Dec. 25.
Admission is free; select event fees apply. Parking is $20 per car; free for Garden members. The Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, Ill.
Visit chicagobotanic.org, or call 847-835-5440 for seasonal hours, images of the Garden and commuter transportation information.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Melissa Schuler, 847-835-6829
mschuler@chicagobotanic.org
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