Will County Forest Preserve Programs
Here are the Forest Preserve District of Will County programs for the week of May 11. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org.
Sensory Night Hike: 7:45-9 p.m. Thursday, May 14, Hammel Woods – Route 59 Access, Shorewood. Explore the forest after dark on a guided hike designed to test your senses under a nearly new moon. The hike will be up to 1.5 miles on paved and natural trails. Ages 7 or older; free. Register by Wednesday, May 13.
Where the Wildflowers Are – O’Hara Woods: 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, May 15, O’Hara Woods Preserve, Romeoville. Search for spring wildflowers and learn the stories, uses and lore behind these fleeting blooms on a guided hike. The hike is about 2 miles on natural surfaces with some hills. Ages 10 or older; free. Register by Wednesday, May 13.
Adult Fishing Derby: 7-11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 16, Hidden Lakes Trout Farm, Bolingbrook. Try your luck at catching fish and compete for prizes awarded for the biggest catch. Two-hour sessions will be offered at 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Participants will receive complimentary bait. Ages 16 or older; $5 per person. Registration required.
Lake Renwick Migratory Bird Viewing: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 16, Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve, Plainfield. View nesting herons, egrets and cormorants — and possibly bald eagles — from the viewing platform during controlled access hours. All ages; free.
Where the Wildflowers Are – Four Rivers: 8:30-10 a.m. Saturday, May 16, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon. Discover spring wildflowers on a guided hike while learning about their history and significance. The hike will be up to 1.5 miles on a paved trail. Ages 10 or older; free. Register by Thursday, May 14.
Living History Encounter – Powerful Plants: noon-3 p.m. Sunday, May 17, Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville. Step back to 1750 Illinois Country and learn how plants were used for medicine, food, clothing and more through hands-on activities. This is a drop-in program. All ages; free.
Touch Grass and De-Stress – Teen Drop-In: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, May 17, Plum Creek Nature Center, Crete Township. Teens can relax and recharge with activities like visiting the nature center’s resident animals, making scented lotion or simply enjoying time outdoors. Drop in anytime during the program. Ages 13-18; free.