Forest Preserve Offers MLK Day of Service Activities
Here are the Forest Preserve District of Will County programs for the week of Jan. 20. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org.
Birds and Beans: 8:30-9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville. Bird-watch with hot, freshly brewed, bird-friendly coffee from the comfort of the museum library. Chat about the birds that show up at the feeders and enjoy the company of other birders over morning muffins. Free, ages 16 or older. Register by Jan. 21.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service – Volunteer Morning: 9 a.m.-noon, Sunday, Jan. 19, Rock Run Preserve – Black Road Access, Joliet. Get some fresh air and exercise while helping to make a difference in your community by attending one or more of the Forest Preserve’s volunteer mornings. Activities will include brush control. Space is limited, and registration is required. To get started, complete a waiver online. For information, contact Emily Kenny at 815-722-7364 or [email protected]. Please wear clothes appropriate for the weather, getting dirty and being near a fire. Ages 10 or older.
Martin Luther Kind Jr. Day of Service – Trail Cleanup at Rock Run Preserve: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, Rock Run Preserve – Black Road Access, Joliet. This MLK Day of Service trail cleanup is being held in conjunction with a Habitat Management Morning at Rock Run Preserve. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required by completing an online waiver. Buckets, grabbers, bags and gloves will be provided. Participants will walk approximately 2 miles each way on paved trails and the adjacent natural areas bordering the trail. All ages. For more information, email [email protected].
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service – Trail Cleanup at Joliet Junction Trail: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20, Joliet Junction Trail, Rockdale. This MLK Day of Service cleanup will be held along the trail near Moen Avenue in Rockdale. Parking is available at 2111 Moen Ave., in front of PT Ferro Asphalt. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required by completing an online waiver. Buckets, grabbers, bags and gloves will be provided. Participants will walk approximately 2 miles each way on paved trails and the adjacent natural areas bordering the trail. All ages. For more information, email [email protected].
Smokey Bear and Willy Woodchuck Meet and Greet: noon-2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, Plum Crete Nature Center, Crete Township. Fast forest friends Smokey Bear and Willy Woodchuck will be on hand to celebrate Smokey’s big day – the opening of “Smokey Bear: The Rudy Wendelin Collection.” There will be photo opportunities with both mascots as well as giveaways, and visitors can also visit the Smokey Bear Self-Express Studio. Even the best of friends enjoy a good competition! Join Team Willy or Team Smokey to learn how to prevent wildfires. Free, ages 3-12.