• McKinley to McKinley Paddle & Hike

    McKinley Woods - Kerry Sheridan Grove 25055 Walnut Lane, Channahon, IL, United States

    Take a vacation day for this full day of fun. Put your kayak skills to the test and embark on a two-hour paddle down the Des Plaines River to enjoy the spectacular views of the woods and glimpses of wildlife. Break for a picnic lunch at McKinley

  • Summer Finale at Four Rivers: Science Days

    Four Rivers Environmental Education Center 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, United States

    https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/event-calendar/summer-finale-at-four-rivers-science-day/Celebrate the last days of summer break at Four Rivers! On Day 1, discover how scientists engage with the natural world around them. Participate in science experiments and head out onto the trails to take measurements with real tools. Each day of the Summer Finale will be

  • Summer Finale at Four Rivers: Art Day

    Four Rivers Environmental Education Center 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, United States

    Celebrate the last days of summer break at Four Rivers! On Day 2, explore principles of art with inspiration from the natural world at the Four Rivers campus. Discover your inner artist and let your creative juices flow with fun opportunities both indoors and on the trail.

  • A Deeper Look: “Dancing for Our Tribe”

    Four Rivers Environmental Education Center 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, United States

    Four Rivers is collaborating with the Three Rivers Public Library District for an in-depth look at the temporary exhibit “Dancing for Our Tribe.” Join photographer Sharon Hoogstraten as she presents her series of Potawatomi portraits in regalia with stories of the interwoven traditional and contemporary culture of

  • Summer Finale at Four Rivers: Explorer Day

    Four Rivers Environmental Education Center 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, United States

    Celebrate the last days of summer break at Four Rivers! On Day 3, discover how explorers engage with the natural world around them. Use maps and clues to solve puzzles, explore new places in the preserve and face (family-friendly) challenges just like real explorers. Each day of

  • Bat Night for Adults

    Hammel Woods Black Rd. east of Rte 59, Shorewood, IL, United States

    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 and discover some fascinating facts about these flying mammals. Registration required by

  • Dragonfly Hike

    Four Rivers Environmental Education Center 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, United States

    Let’s go on an exploration to spot some colorful dragonflies! These aerial acrobats aren’t as delicate as they may seem; they are indeed voracious hunters. Learn about their fascinating adaptations and their strange life cycle while we search for them above and below the water’s surface. Registration

  • Collages & Conversation

    Isle a la Cache Museum 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, United States

    Hang out with a naturalist as we chat about all things nature while getting crafty! Create a collage and interpret nature your way while staying cool from that summer heat. All materials provided. This is a drop-in program. All ages  

  • Fishing for Trash

    Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm 475 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, United States

    This ongoing event will be from Tuesday, Aug. 19, to Sunday, Aug. 24. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Help Hidden Lakes Trout Farm look its best by picking up litter in the preserve.

  • Joliet Iron Works Tour

    Joliet Iron Works Park 31 Columbia St., Joliet, IL, United States

    Which city carried the nickname City of Stone and Steel? Joliet's once-thriving industrial plant rivaled Pittsburgh's steel power. Explore its stone foundations that are more than 100 years old. A naturalist will share the fascinating stories of the men and machines that worked at the Joliet Iron

  • Museum Campus Day

    Isle a la Cache Museum 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, United States

    Have you ever wondered what's going on in our 18th-century Traders Cabin or wanted to peek inside the replica 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

  • Woods Walk

    Sugar Creek Administration Center 17540 W. Laraway Rd., Joliet, United States

    Get out on the trail and enjoy the changing of the seasons with the 23rd annual Woods Walk challenge! This ongoing program runs from Monday, Sept. 1, through Sunday, Nov. 30. Experience 10 beautiful Will County trails during their fall splendor. Trails range from 0.5 miles to

  • WonderKids Fossils

    Isle a la Cache Museum 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, United States

    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. Registration required by Tuesday, Sept. 2: 815-722-9301.

  • Creek Creatures

    Hammel Woods Black Rd. east of Rte 59, Shorewood, IL, United States

    Experience Hammel Woods in a new and exciting way. Join a naturalist in a hands-on exploration of the creek. While visiting the habitats in and around the water, were sure to spot some interesting creatures. Using a hand lens and nets, investigate both the small and large

  • Snakes: Our Misunderstand Friends

    Hidden Oaks Nature Center 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, United States

    Snakes are one of the most beautiful, yet misunderstood and important animals in nature. Join a naturalist to learn snake basics, dispel some misconceptions, discover snake species that call Will County home and find out why snakes are our friends. Participants will have the opportunity to meet

  • Adult Reading Retreat

    Hidden Oaks Nature Center 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, United States

    Have you seen those BookTok read-a-thon challenges but thought who has the time?! Well, calling all busy grownup bookworms your next chapter begins here! We know life can easily get in the way of your reading goals, so mark this four-hour program on your calendar to give

  • Quote Quest

    Hidden Oaks Nature Center 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, United States

    This ongoing program will be offered from Sunday, Sept. 7, to Sunday, Sept. 28. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays. In every walk with nature one _________ than he seeks. John Muir. Calling nature explorers of all ages! We have quest than needs

  • Living History Exhibit: A Voyageur’s Life

    Isle a la Cache Museum 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, United States

    Do you think you have what it takes to be a voyageur? Can you properly pack a canoe? Trade goods? Navigate the wilderness? During this Living History Encounter, you will meet voyageurs and settlers who journeyed to this land and made it home. Learn about their journeys

  • Fall Drum Circle

    Four Rivers Environmental Education Center 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, United States

     Join us in welcoming fall with a fun participatory drum circle. James Evans, a representative from Three Rivers Drum Circle, will guide you on your journey as you learn about the instruments and basic techniques for playing them as well as how to create authentic rhythms. No

  • Sights of September Paddle

    McKinley Woods - Kerry Sheridan Grove 25055 Walnut Lane, Channahon, IL, United States

    Come on an adventure as we enjoy the sights of September on the confluence of the Des Plaines and DuPage Rivers. You'll be guided by certified kayak instructors on this relaxing paddle, and we will hopefully catch a glimpse of some migrating birds! Ages 12 or older.

  • Kayak Kollege

    Lake Chaminwood Preserve 24251 W. Shepley Rd., Minooka, IL, United States

    Ages 12 or older. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. This workshop, led by American Canoe Association certified instructors, introduces participants to the sport of kayaking on flat water.  Specific instruction and safety topics are covered on shore. Paddle strokes are demonstrated,

  • Lake Chaminwood Sunset Paddle

    Lake Chaminwood Preserve 24251 W. Shepley Rd., Minooka, IL, United States

     Enjoy a sunset paddle with certified instructors at Lake Chaminwood Preserve. Along the way, interpretive naturalists will highlight some of the wonderful things nature has to offer. Registration required by Thursday, Sept. 11: 815-722-4121. $20 per person.  Ages 18 and older.  

  • Recycle Your Bicycle

    Sugar Creek Administration Center 17540 W. Laraway Rd., Joliet, United States

    Clean out the garage and make a difference by recycling your bicycle! This ongoing program runs from Saturday, Sept. 13, through Sunday, Sept. 28.  The Forest Preserve District is collecting for Working Bikes(Opens in a new window), an organization that refurbishes and distributes bikes globally to individuals

  • Yoga and a Hike

    Four Rivers Environmental Education Center 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, United States

    Ages 14 or older. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. 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

  • Seated Yoga & Seasonal Sights

    Four Rivers Environmental Education Center 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, United States

    Ages 14 or older. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy a lovely morning by taking time for yourself and discovering the wonders of the natural world. This program includes a 30- to 35-minute all-levels seated yoga session and 25- to 30-minute natural