Forest Preserve District Offers Hiking, Campfire and Photography Programs

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

CHANNAHON – “Fall Family Campfire,” 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. Hear tall tales and sing songs by firelight. Participants will be guided through the darkness while listening to mysterious nocturnal sounds. Free; all ages. Register by Tuesday, Oct. 22, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-722-9470.

ROMEOVILLE – “Fur, Feathers and Ferns: Bear Badge,” 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, Isle a la Cache Museum. Participants will go on a hike, learn about endangered species and search for animals and plants. This program fulfills the requirements for the Bear Scouts Fur, Feathers and Ferns Badge. Ages 8-9; groups only. Group rates: $25 non-profits/$50 for-profits. Register by Thursday, Oct. 24; call 815-886-1467.

CRETE TOWNSHIP – “Fall Nature Photography Hike,” 4-6 p.m., Plum Creek Nature Center. Enjoy a 1-mile hike with a naturalist and take photos along the way. This program is recommended for any camera – smartphones through digital SLRs – and will focus on technique and composition, not on camera operation. Free; ages 16 or older. Register by Thursday, Oct. 24, at ReconnectWithNature.org.

PLAINFIELD – “Migratory Bird Hike,” 8-10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve. Free; ages 7 or older. Take a 1.5-mile hike in search of amazing waterfowl, soaring eagles and beautiful songbirds. Bring binoculars; a limited supply of binoculars will be available for loan. Meet at the visitor center at the Renwick Road entrance. Free; ages 16 or older. Register by Thursday, Oct. 24, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-886-1467.

Don’t forget to order your 2020 Dog Park Calendar featuring dogs from the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s six dog parks located in Crete Township, Homer Glen, Joliet, Naperville, Shorewood and Wilmington. Proceeds will benefit the Will County Humane Society. Visit www.willcountydogs.org.