Come out to enjoy nature's fireworks — those blinking, twinkling fireflies! As the sun sets, learn what makes fireflies so special. Surprise — it's more than just their glow! Create some glow of your own before heading out for a hike to get up close to the
Enjoy a morning paddle with certified instructors at the confluence of the DuPage and Des Plaines rivers. Along the way, interpretive naturalists will highlight some of the wonderful things nature has to offer. Fee: $20 per person. Age: Ages 18 or older. Registration required by Tuesday, July
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!
Although the lazy days of summer are almost over and it will soon be back to you know where, there is still so much to do outside! Need a little inspiration on how to continue to make the most of the outdoors as your routine changes? We
Have you always wanted to go backpacking but were intimidated by the process? Join a naturalist in this three-part series to learn the basics of backpacking. How to select a sleeping bag? What food to pack? How to choose a location? In this first of the series,
Celebrate National Moth Week with a glowing night hike. Moths make up 90% of the butterfly family, yet most of us can only identify one or two of them. Join a naturalist to discover what makes moths special and why we should celebrate this group of insects.
Have you ever watched wildlife and been amazed at their adaptations? Join a naturalist and test your abilities against a variety of animal adaptations as we compete in our Animal Olympics. Can you run as fast as a coyote or hold your breath as long as a
There is a big, beautiful world of bugs, and we are going to learn all about it! Junior naturalists will learn the difference between insects, bugs, arachnids and arthropods and their roles as local pollinators, decomposers, flyers and crawlers. Participants will make a craft, play a game,
Enjoy a guided reflective experience as you glide on the waters of Lake Chaminwood. Connect to nature through all your senses in an immersive and regenerative way. This isn't just a journey on the water but a time to reflect, recharge and let your stress melt away.
I spy with my little eye a new way to paddle this summer! As the sun sets, enjoy a sensory experience on the waters of Lake Chaminwood. Take part in a series of challenges to discover what you can find along the nooks and crannies of the
Join a naturalist to learn about these often misunderstood fascinating creatures of the night. Learn about our local bat species and find out how they are essential to a healthy ecosystem. As the bats silently leave their daytime roost, we'll use bat-detecting equipment to reveal exactly who
Meet local beekeeper Mike Rusnak to discuss the art of beekeeping. Ask questions, chat and troubleshoot your own hive. 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.
Celebrate National Night Out at Monee Reservoir with the Forest Preserve District of Will County police officers and other eastern Will County police agencies. See emergency vehicles up close, participate in fun activities and enjoy some delicious snacks. The event enhances relationships between residents and law enforcement
Don't hate! Appreciate the fact that snakes are amazing! Did you know that snakes smell with their tongues? Or that they can eat animals 75% to 100% larger than their own heads? Come out to Isle a la Cache and get a new appreciation for our slithery
Come on out for a night to socialize outdoors and enjoy the beautiful Prairie Bluff Preserve and some bingo! Compete for prizes and share some laughs in good company. Feel free to bring dinner or snacks and add some beverages (beer and wine only, please, for alcoholic
As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, the natural world comes alive with a chorus of sounds. But do you know what, or who, is making the symphony? Learn some of the most common calls around this time of year and how to ID them.
Celebrate the last days of summer break at Four Rivers! Is summer camp over? Has school not started yet? Head over to Four Rivers for a new activity every day from Tuesday, Aug. 6, through Friday, Aug. 9. Activities will include scavenger hunts, science experiments and more!
Enjoy an evening at Hammel Woods exploring the habitat of our local bat species. Play bat-themed games and discover fascinating facts about these flying mammals. Watch the bats emerge from their sleeping quarters to go out on their nightly hunt and enjoy a short night hike. Fee:
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
Have you ever seen a shooting star? You can up your odds by checking out the night sky during the Perseids meteor shower. This is considered one of the brighter meteor showers of the year. This year, peak activity will be from Aug. 11 to 13. Pack
Looking for a way to connect with fellow Goosechasers? Join us for this meetup to get to know other Take It Outside challenge participants and maybe even complete some missions together. Stop by the shelter to let us know what you're enjoying about the challenge and meet
Calling all teens looking for some inspiration on where to hike and what to do outside this summer! Join our recreation coordinator for a hike and time to hang with teens from around the county for games and laughs. The program will also highlight recreational activities and
Come on out for a night to socialize outdoors and enjoy the beautiful Hickory Creek Preserve and some bingo! Compete for prizes and share some laughs in good company. Feel free to bring dinner or snacks and add some beverages (beer and wine only, please, for alcoholic
Our annual Hummingbird Fest has been reworked this year to allow more visitors to see the fan-favorite banding of the hummingbirds and puts the spotlight on our fast, feathered friends and other pollinators. The Lincoln Land Association of Bird Banders will have certified banders on site for
Roll out of bed and greet the day on the water at Monee Reservoir. Wake up with a recreational paddle touring the lake and watching for its inhabitants. Then treat yourself to doughnuts and coffee before tackling the rest of your day. Fee: $20 per person; $10