Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center - Grand Opening Saturday July 10, 2010
The Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County’s Little Red Schoolhouse took place on July 10, 2010.  The dedication was held at the nature center where over 2,000 visitors joined Forest Preserve Officials and Staff.  Little Red Schoolhouse Director Julie Vandervort welcomed Cook County Board President Todd H. Stroger  and Commissioners Gorman (R-17), Peraica (R-16) and Schneider (R-15) to say a few words and assist with the ribbon cutting.  As a tribute to the location’s Native American history, two members of the Chippewa Nation were on hand to perform a smudging ceremony during which a Native American flute is played and sage is burned to clear away negative energy.  The Little Red Schoolhouse has been in operation for over 50 years.