Forest Preserve District of Will County

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.

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

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

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