Eat a bug, Prepare for a Zombie Apocalypse or Hike with Your Pup at Upcoming Forest Preserve Programs

CRETE TOWNSHIP – “Eat a Bug,” noon-12:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 5-Dec. 1, Plum Creek Nature Center. Bugs are not just for animals to eat. Eighty percent of countries worldwide include bugs in human diets. Drop in between noon-12:30 p.m. to become an entomophagist, or a person who eats bugs, by trying seasoned cricket or mealworm. Taste a buggy treat and get rewarded with a badge of honor. Also, check out the nature center’s bug-themed exhibits, including the featured exhibit, “What’s Bugging Belva” on display through Nov. 30. Free; all ages.

CRETE TOWNSHIP – “Morning Bird Hike,” 8-10 a.m. Saturdays, Oct. 19 and Dec. 14, Plum Creek Nature Center. Find out which birds are coming through the preserves by attending this naturalist-led hike of up to 2 miles. Bring binoculars; a limited supply will be available for loan. Free; ages 16 or older.

ROMEOVILLE – “Busy Beavers Craft Club,” 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 10, Nov. 16 and Dec. 21, Isle a la Cache Museum. Each program offers a different craft activity in the museum for you to make and take home. Drop by whenever you like between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monthly themes are: October, bats; November, turkeys; December, snowy owls. Free; all ages.

ROMEOVILLE – “Ready, Aim, Fire!” 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, Isle a la Cache Museum. Work on your archery skills as well as how to safely use basic archery equipment. Practice using compound bows to shoot blunt arrows at a target. Free; ages 12-17. Register by Thursday, Oct. 17, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-886-1467.

SHOREWOOD – “Hikin’ With Your Hound,” 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, Hammel Woods Preserve – Route 59 Access. Enjoy an autumn walk with an interpretive naturalist and your pup. Meet new friends and other dog owners as participants explore the changing colors and landscape. Hikes are 1-2 miles over uneven, natural terrain. All dogs must be on a leash no longer than 10 feet. Meet at the Shorewood Shelter. Register by Thursday, Oct. 17, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-722-9470.

ROMEOVILLE – “Zombie Apocalypse Archery,” 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, Isle a la Cache Museum. Put your archery skills to work protecting the forest preserve from a zombie apocalypse. Learn the basics of archery. Then practice shooting at targets at the archery range. Free; ages 18 or older. Register by Thursday, Oct. 17, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-886-1467.