Explore Nature and History with Forest Preserve District Programs

The Forest Preserve District of Will County offers a wide variety of programs year-round. Here are some of the upcoming offerings:

NAPERVILLE – “Riverside Farmstead by Lantern,” 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, Riverview Farmstead Preserve. Tour the farmstead by lantern, just as Clow family members would have seen it on dark November nights in the 1800s. A naturalist will share stories of life back when the area was settled. Free; ages 12 or older. Register by Tuesday, Nov. 19, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-886-1467.

CHANNAHON – “Morning Movies,” 9-11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. Come enjoy the company of others, +warm coffee and the fascinating film “Green Fire – Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for our Time.” This film explores Leopold’s work shaping the modern conservation movement. The film will be followed by a discussion. Free; all ages.

JOLIET – “Walk the Run Bird Hike,” 8-10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, Rock Run Preserve – Black Road Access. Learn from an interpretive naturalist and other like-minded birders as you take a 1-2 mile bird hike through Rock Run Preserve and along the Rock Run waterway. Meet at the Black Road Access Shelter. Free; ages 18 or older. Register by Thursday, Nov. 21, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-722-9470.

CHANNAHON – “Philanthropy and Fleece,” 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Nov. 23, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. Help turn a pile of fleece scraps into warm blankets for those in need. Everyone may have a different job: sorting, cutting, pinning, sewing or tying. No experience needed, though some finger dexterity may be required. Free; ages 16 or older. Register by Thursday, Nov. 21, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-722-9470.

JOLIET – “Family Fall Hike,” 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, Rock Run Preserve – Black Road Access. Join a naturalist-led 1-2 mile hike along the trail pausing at various stopping points for different activities. Meet at the Black Road Access Shelter. Free; all ages. Register by Thursday, Nov. 21, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-722-9470.

ROMEOVILLE – “Senses Badge: Brownie Scout Badge,” 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at Isle a la Cache Museum. Participants will put their senses to the test through a series of fun activities. This program fulfills the requirements for the Girl Scouts Brownies Senses Badge. For ages 7-8; groups only. Group rates apply: $25 non-profits/$50 for-profits. Register by Thursday, Nov. 21; 815-886-1467.

CHANNAHON – “Hike for Your Health,” 9-10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 25, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. Adults and seniors are invited to join an interpreter for a late fall 1-mile hike. Spend 40 minutes outside, and then come inside to warm up with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Free; ages 18 or older. Register by Friday, Nov. 22, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-722-9470.

ROMEOVILLE – “Hoot Hike,” 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, Isle a la Cache Museum. Learn about owls, including what to look and listen for, and then go on a 0.5-mile hike in search of these elusive predators. Free; all ages. Register by Tuesday, Dec. 3, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-886-1467.