Will County Forest Preserve Programs

Immerse yourself in the history of famous explorers Joliet and Marquette by signing up for Quest: A Joliet and Marquette Adventure for Families on Dec. 28 at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville. Bring family or friends or meet someone new as you put yourself in the explorers’ shoes. (Photo courtesy of Alamy)

Here are the Forest Preserve District of Will County programs for the week of Dec. 25. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org.

Four Rivers Story Trail: 8 a.m. to sunset, Dec. 26-Jan. 9, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon. Read the story “Best in Snow” along the trail and see for yourself the creatures that are active in winter. At each stop, there will be one to two pages to read. Free, all ages.

Holiday Owl Prowl for Adults: 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28, Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, Crete Township. Discover which owls can be found in Illinois, then enjoy a guided hike on the trail to listen for owls. Free, ages 18 or older. Register by Dec. 27.

Quest – A Joliet and Marquette Adventure for Families: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28, Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the history of famous explorers, fur trader Louis Joliet and Jesuit missionary Jacques Marquette. Groups or “canoes” will examine maps from the time, choose supplies, and see how their choices help or hinder them on their journey. Participants are encouraged to either sign up as a group or come solo; not all crews knew each other before traveling! This is a great opportunity to bond as a group or make new friends. Oh, and don’t travel on an empty stomach. Bison jerky and other themed snacks will be available. Two interpretive naturalists from Isle a la Cache will share direct quotes from Marquette’s journal, answer questions and guide you on your quest. Whether you like trivia, choose-your-own-adventure games, history, or challenges, this is a unique way to put yourself into the past. Free, ages 10 or older. Register by Dec. 27.

Tree Therapy for Teens: noon-1:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29, Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville. Take a break from holiday chaos and join an interpretive naturalist for a short wander through the woods followed by hot chocolate, tea and cider in Traders Cabin. Free, ages 13-18. Register by Dec. 27; a waiver must be completed for all minors.