Will County Forest Preserve Programs
Here are the Forest Preserve District of Will County programs for the week of Monday, July 27. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org.
Full Moon – After Hours at the Reservoir: 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, Monee Reservoir, Monee Township. Listen for the calls, squeaks and songs of nocturnal wildlife during this after-hours program beneath the moonlight. This program is part of the Forest Preserve District’s full moon series. All ages; free. Register by July 26.
Wicks and Wonder Walk for Seniors: 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, July 31, Plum Creek Nature Center, Crete Township. Seniors can gather by a campfire to make hand-dipped beeswax candles, then take an easygoing sensory hike to discover the subtle scents of summer. The hike will be no more than 1 mile on natural surfaces over uneven terrain. Ages 55 or older; $5 per person. Register by July 29.
“Reel” Late Fishing: 7-10 p.m. Friday, July 31, Monee Reservoir. Cast a line after sunset during this late-night fishing program featuring fishing, s’mores and shoreline fun. The concessions building will be open, but boat and equipment rentals will not be available. Bring a flashlight and bug repellent. All ages; free.
Bat Night for Families: 7:30-8:45 p.m. Friday, July 31, Hammel Woods – Route 59 Access, Shorewood. Explore local bat habitat, play bat-themed games, learn about these flying mammals and watch as bats emerge for their nightly hunt. The program includes a short night hike. All ages; free. Register by July 30.
Lake Renwick Migratory Bird Viewing: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Aug. 1, Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve, Plainfield. See nesting herons, egrets and cormorants during special viewing hours, with Forest Preserve District staff and volunteers on hand to answer questions. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope. Dogs and bicycles are not permitted. All ages; free.
Back-to-school Scavenger Hunt: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, Aug. 1-30, Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville. Stop by the front desk to pick up a scavenger hunt, then head outside to learn about nature through science, social studies, math and more. Return your completed sheet to earn a prize. All ages; free.
“The Arts of the Preserves: A Showcase of Will County Forest Preserve Employee Artists”: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, Aug. 1-30, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon. Explore a first-of-its-kind exhibit featuring sculpture, poetry, watercolors, fabrics and more created by Forest Preserve District employees. All ages; free.
Hummingbirds in Motion: Zarinelli Art: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, Aug. 1-Oct. 31, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Bolingbrook. View artwork by local fine artist and actor Jeff C. Zarinelli, whose traditional painting techniques capture the energy and beauty of hummingbirds in motion. All ages; free.
Rooftop Hummingbird Hangout: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, Aug. 1-Sept. 30, Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Visit the nature center’s green roof to watch hummingbirds zip by from a new vantage point, then try self-guided activities that explore the special skills of these tiny birds. All ages; free.
Art and Artistry – The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and Black Ash Basketry: 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, Isle a la Cache Museum. Dr. John N. Low, a citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, will share the history, beauty and power of black ash baskets created by members of his community. Guests also will explore the temporary exhibit “Our Storytellers: Pokagon Potawatomi Black Ash Baskets,” on display through Aug. 30. Ages 10 or older; free. Register by July 30.