Forest Preserve District of Will County

Have you ever wondered what's going on in our 18th-century Traders Cabin or wanted to peek inside the Native American longhouse above the pollinator garden? This is your chance to explore all the buildings at Isle a la Cache Museum and learn about the Potawatomi and French

Hummingbird migration is underway, and the birds are fueling up for their journey south. This is a perfect time to hang out in Plum Creek Nature Center's hummingbird courtyard. Bring your chair, enjoy some refreshments and delight as the birds flit back and forth right overhead. Drop

We are taking Wild Child on the road this season, visiting different preserves around Will County. Answer the call of your wild child by getting your toddler outside with this monthly nature-themed program. Join a naturalist for hands-on activities such as games, stories, crafts, hikes and more!

Enjoy an evening at Hammel Woods exploring the habitat of our local bat species. Watch the bats emerge from their sleeping quarters to go out on their nightly hunt. Using echolocation technology, listen for bats as we stretch our legs on a short hike. Discover some fascinating

Join a naturalist for the rare opportunity to experience Kankakee Sands at night. As your sharp vision fades away with the sun, your other senses will compensate. Become immersed in the songs of insects and sounds of grasses swishing in the breeze. Discover the fragrance of the

Rare and mysterious. Exceptionally unique. Wonders of the world. Are these distant lands or fairytales? No, these describe several preserves right here in Will County! On these naturalist-led hikes, discover the plants, animals and land formations that make up some of our most protected sites. Meet the

22nd Annual Woods Walk challenge! This ongoing program runs from Sunday, Sept. 1, through Saturday, Nov. 30. Get out on the trail and enjoy the changing of the seasons with the 22nd annual Woods Walk challenge! Experience 10 beautiful Will County trails during their fall splendor: Forsythe

Start the day off right with some self-care, beautiful nature and quiet reflection. This program includes a 35- to 45-minute all-levels yoga session and a 35- to 45-minute hike along our scenic trails. Fee: Free! Age: Ages 14 or older. (Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied

Pick up some dirty tricks to earn some treats! Help Hidden Lakes Trout Farm look its best by picking up litter in the preserve. Fishing line and other debris pose serious threats to our furry and feathered friends. Animals may become entangled in fishing line or swallow

Stop by the Tackle Box Bait Shop to pick up your guide to una busqueda del tesoro, aka a treasure hunt or scavenger hunt. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, some of the nature items on the scavenger hunt are listed in Spanish. Travel around the preserve

Squirrel needs your help! His best friend, Acorn, has gone missing! To solve this mystery, stop by the Plum Creek Nature Center front desk to get your first clue. Then unlock your inner detective and follow the rest of the clues as they lead you on a

Meet local beekeeper Mike Rusnak to discuss the art of beekeeping. Ask questions, chat and troubleshoot. Rusnak has more than 18 years of beekeeping experience. Pick up specific beekeeping tips or simply learn more about the world of bees. Fee: Free! Age: All ages. This program will

Calling all families with preschoolers! Join us for a hands-on program designed for your little one. This program is geared toward children ages 2 to 5 and is complete with tons of facts, singing, story time, table activities and crafts. Fee: Free! Age: Ages 2-5. (Children must

Calling all early birds to start the day on the water! Enjoy a tour of Lake Chaminwood as the sun rises and the wildlife begin to stir. Join interpretive naturalists to explore the nooks and crannies of Lake Chaminwood to see what we can find. Fee: $20

What better way to start the day than with a morning paddle! Join interpretive naturalists as we tour Lake Chaminwood to explore the preserve from the water. Fee: $20 per person. Age: Ages 13 and older. Registration required by Thursday, Sept. 5, by calling 815-727-8700 or online

Bats have long been the subject of lore and myth. Separate fact from fiction as evening twilight descends upon the woodland then embark on a guided night hike to discover the diversity of bat species in Will County. Bat sounds undetected by human hearing will be revealed

Are Native Americans U.S. citizens? How many Indigenous people live in this country? Do all American Indians live on reservations? What are the right words to describe the people who have always lived here? It is common for people to have questions about the lives and experiences

Start the day with a colorful display of red, yellow, blue and more. Monee Reservoir Visitor Center will open its doors early for bird viewing. A naturalist will offer bird information and identification as you enjoy a light continental breakfast provided for bird lovers. Sit on the

The migrating American white pelicans are coming in for a landing here at Four Rivers! Enjoy seeing a pelican close up at one of the 45-minute live-bird presentations, scheduled for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Meet naturalists at each of the pelican hotspots to observe these huge

Create your own monster fish this spooky season. Visit the Tackle Box bait shop to receive crayons and a fish in need of color and life. Then explore Hidden Lakes Trout Farm to find textures to add as well as challenges that may add a few more