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Family Fun Hike at Messenger Woods

Messenger Woods Nature Preserve 13800 W. Bruce Rd., Homer Glen, IL, United States

Kick off spring break with outdoor family fun! Hike with a naturalist through the trees at Messenger Woods. At designated stops along the way we'll pause to try our hand at fun early-spring activities. We might investigate the creek, play animal Simon says, discover the age of

Lost & Found: Season of the Sticks

Messenger Woods Nature Preserve 13800 W. Bruce Rd., Homer Glen, IL, United States

Trees hold mysteries even when not hiding behind their foliage. Celebrate the beginning of stick season, where trees have lost their leaves and appear to be huge sticks in the ground. Discover the beauty of individual species' barks, the distinct shapes they form without us even knowing

Caroling Campfire: Messenger Woods Nature Preserve

Messenger Woods Nature Preserve 13800 W. Bruce Rd., Homer Glen, IL, United States

Do you hear those bells jingling and ring ting tingling too? Come on, it's lovely weather for a cozy campfire with you! Bring the family for a night of spreading cheer by singing loudly for all to hear around this winter campfire. We will sing holiday songs,

National Take a Hike Day: The Magic of Messenger Woods

Messenger Woods Nature Preserve 13800 W. Bruce Rd., Homer Glen, IL, United States

Explore the magic of Messenger Woods as we celebrate National Take a Hike Day in one of our own forest preserves. We will explore the community of trees in Will County's oldest preserve and learn how the trees support each other. In fact, this community welcomes and

Rec Bike Club: Messenger Marsh

Messenger Woods Nature Preserve 13800 W. Bruce Rd., Homer Glen, IL, United States

Join our recreation coordinator on the trail for some bike rides this fall! Meet at Messenger Marsh in Homer Glen for a 5-mile ride at a comfortable group pace. Register and complete all six Rec Bike Club rides in this series and receive a commemorative shirt. Fee:

Fall Migratory Bird Hike

Messenger Woods Nature Preserve 13800 W. Bruce Rd., Homer Glen, IL, United States

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day in the fall! Join other birders, beginners and experts alike, for a hike into the woods to see some of Will County's favorite migratory birds. Birds migrating in the fall may not sing so loudly or be so brightly colored, but that

Night Hike: Bats

Messenger Woods Nature Preserve 13800 W. Bruce Rd., Homer Glen, IL, United States

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

Field Day Unplugged

Messenger Woods Nature Preserve 13800 W. Bruce Rd., Homer Glen, IL, United States

Grab some pals to build your team of four and join us for some friendly competition in celebration of Unplug Illinois Day! The statewide initiative encourages people to unplug from their electronic devices and plug into play, creativity, friendship, adventure and family. Come ready to show off