DAY HIKES

Crabtree Nature Center

Barrington

Feb 18, 19, 20, 22, 2025

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Feb 18, 19, 20, 22, 2025

2-hours

$25.00

Difficulty rating

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Miles

Approx 3 miles

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Terrain

We are on a dirt trail which is relatively flat for the entire hike.

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One of the hidden gems of Palatine, this expansive preserve spans over 1,100 acres and serves as a vital migratory stop for numerous bird species. The diverse landscapes, which include enchanting woodlands, serene lakes, and prairies provide a rich habitat for a variety of wildlife. During our visit, we will take the time to explore the area and look for signs of various animals, as we seek to identify their tracks in the snow-covered terrain.

We will also stop to admire the new renovated Nature Center and wildlife sanctury with local owls and hawks.

Washroom

Inside the visitor center

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What to Bring

  • Water

  • Hiking sticks

  • Boot grips: YakTrax or even better Kahtoola Microspikes

  • Emergency Medical Information form filled out, kept in your bag

  • Layers to keep warm

  • Waterproof ankle high hiking boots or snow shoes

  • Optional: warming packets for hands or feet.

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Optional lunch

Bring your lunch to enjoy in the visitor center, where we are parked.

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Times

We meet by 9:45 am to use outhouse and begin hiking at 10:00am

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Let’s Fully Savor the Outdoor Serenity

We ask you kindly to silence your phones and keep conversations positive.

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Weather

We have fun in all kinds of weather, so we rarely postpone.  If the temperature is below 0 degrees, or windchilll is below -20 degrees we will cancel. If it’s snowing too much to drive we will also cancel. Look for an email before 8am on the day of the hike for cancellations.

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You Will Learn

About the barred owl

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Driving Directions

Address: Crabtree Nature Center

3 Stover Road, Barrington, IL

Stover road is is about 1 mile west of Palatine road. Follow Stover road till it ends at the parking lot near the sidewalk.

We will meet in the Parking lot at 9:45am

Cook County Forest Preserve

Discussion Starter Question

An owl finds food due to its quiet and stealthy approach, not speed. It hunts under the cover of night, has excellent vision, and flies silently.

Where have you found that being quiet or stealthy has been to your advantage?

Guides

Karen, aka "Carin" Tue & Saturdays

Kari, aka “Lucky Duck” Wed & Thur.

Cancellations

If you desire to cancel your day hike, you can reschedule for a different hike within the same season:

  1. Please email hello@trailboundtrip.com, and state your name, and desired new hike day.

  2. You will receive confirmation for this new day hike if there is room on the trip.

Refunds

Refunds are given when Trailbound Trips cancels a hike. Trailbound Trips will cancel and refund a hike for two reasons:

  1. There needs to be a minimum of three people.  You will be notified 24 hours in advance if this is the case.

  2. The weather is dangerous or not bearable. You will be notified before 8 a.m. on the day of the hike via email.