What was life like for a French fur trader in the 1700s? How much knowledge did these early explorers need to survive their journey in search of furs? Students learn about the challenges, risks and rewards of being a French fur trader and demonstrate the skills necessary
The NCI Artworks will host an opening reception for the Ottawa Art League group in the historic Westclox building in Peru. The work of numerous topnotch local artists will be on exhibit and available for purchase at the NCI ARTworks Gallery beginning Friday, April 10, 2026, and
Its spring trout season at Hidden Lakes! To celebrate, we are opening the gates and concessions building for fishing at 6 a.m. Find your perfect spot along the two stocked lakes. Head to the Tackle Box Bait shop for a free hot chocolate, tea or coffee. Plus,
Join other photographers for a special opportunity to view and photograph the herons, egrets, cormorants and even eagles at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve. This is the beginning of nesting season, with hundreds of nesting birds in the preserve. Explore off-trail habitats and share insights into
This ongoing program runs from Saturday, April 11, through Sunday, April 26. Clean out the garage and make a difference by recycling your bicycle! The Forest Preserve District is collecting for Working Bikes(Opens in a new window), an organization that refurbishes and distributes bikes globally to individuals
Come to Bureau County Spring Fling for beautiful items and flea market deals!!
Enjoy an afternoon discovering the wondrous world of weather through hands-on activities and art. Craft your own clouds, construct a rain stick, measure the wind and more in this self-guided program!
The weather is warming, and the trails are calling! Come out to Prairie Bluff to get your bike ready for the season and learn about basic maintenance and repair from our partners at REI. Staff from the Orland Park Co-op bike shop and Forest Preserve District of
Grab your friends, dress as your favorite '70s sitcom icon, and wine walk your way through Downtown Wilmington. Wine tastings, free bites at stops. Raffles and sales. Big hair, bold prints, and bell-bottoms encouraged! Tickets On Sale at Blue Horse Wine & Martini Bar or The Wine
Prepare yourself for an evening of non-stop entertainment as you engage in thrilling contests, win incredible prizes, and dance the night away on the lively dance floor. The Booze and Bunnies Event boasts a cash bar, mouth-watering food options, and a variety of engaging activities to keep
Enjoy an afternoon discovering the wondrous world of weather through hands-on activities and art. Craft your own clouds, construct a rain stick, measure the wind and more in this self-guided program!
Join us in welcoming Little Starr Farm! Their mobile petting zoo will include small animals such as bunnies, chickens and a hedgehog! (Animal feed optional, $.50 per cup.)
Join Marjorie Myers, a local artist who has learned from Dana Jester, Steve Ross and Kevin Hill as she helps you step by step create a beautiful landscape oil painting. All materials provided. We will be painting on a 16x20 canvas. $65.00 per person.
This ongoing event will be held from Wednesday, April 15, to Sunday, July 19. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays. Contemporary oil painter Elizabeth Schnura will debut a collection of works highlighting the symbiotic relationships between plants and animals found in your backyard
Join us for a relaxing and hands-on Kokedama Workshop at RejuveNate—where plants meet creativity and mindfulness. In this guided class, you'll learn the beautiful Japanese art of kokedama (moss ball planting), where plants are wrapped in soil and moss instead of traditional pots. It's a unique and
Slow down, get creative, and connect with fellow plant lovers at our Garden Journaling & Seed Swap Night! This cozy, community-focused evening is all about capturing the beauty of your garden while sharing inspiration—and seeds—with others. Bring your favorite journal and a selection of seeds from your
David Duncan returns for the third year in a row to treat us to another deep dive into the many cars of the Pullman company. Last year’s program explored the early editions of Pullman’s steel cars, but like a fine wine, Pullman’s designs continued to evolve into
We will be welcoming author Denise Moran who will be giving a talk about her recently published book, Dr. Letitia Westgate: Medical Pioneer. This work explores the life of Dr. Westgate who was the first female physician to build and manage a hospital in the United States.
Explore the rich, velvety world of gouache in this guided landscape painting workshop! Perfect for beginners and experienced artists, this class will walk you step by stepthrough creating a beautiful landscape while still encouraging your own creative style and personal touches. You’ll learn techniques for layering, color
Are you tempted by the lure of mystery? Come with an open mind and leave with a new favorite ... animal, plant, who knows what. Dont worry, the naturalist knows what! This program will include games, stories and more. Admission is free. Registration required by Thursday, April
An exhibition featuring the art and accounts of local survivors of sexual assault for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Come learn more about what it means to be a survivor of sexual violence and how you can help the survivors in your life and community.
Folk-country Troubador, John Till plays the Star Union Spirits Tasting Room. John Till channels the storytelling of Jim Croce, the intimate songs of life, and delivers them with country blues. Beautiful vocals and incredible slide guitar technique. A foot-stomping good time. No cover charge.
When the rain falls, creativity shines. Join us for a Rainy Umbrella Acrylic Paint Night filled with moody skies, glowing colors, and artistic vibes. No experience is needed. Cost is $40 per person.
Discover the art of wire wrapping in this hands-on, small-group workshop! With a maximum of just six participants, this class offers a relaxed, intimate setting where you’ll receive plenty of guidance as you learn a semi-intricate wrapping technique. Guests will choose from a variety of stones/crystals and
Did you know the Forest Preserve District of Will County operates six dog parks within the county? Each park is equipped with fenced areas allowing dogs to roam off leash, separate enclosures for small and large dogs, shade structures, waste bags and drinking water. An annual permit