Forest Preserve District Offers Kids’ Fishing Derby and Nature Programs

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

MONEE TOWNSHIP – “Kids’ Fishing Derby,” Saturday, July 27, Monee Reservoir. The annual fishing derby is for kids ages 5-15 and it costs $5 per person. Prizes will be awarded. Check-in/registration 7-8 a.m.; fishing 8-11 a.m.; awards 11 a.m.-noon. Register at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 708-534-8499. Walk-up registration will be accepted.

CUSTER TOWNSHIP – “Prairie Ramble at Kankakee Sands,” 8-9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 27, Kankakee Sands Preserve. Enjoy a morning stroll through the beautiful savanna. Discover some of the plants, birds and bugs that make “the sands” their home. Register by Wednesday, July 24, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-722-9470.

ROMEOVILLE – “Into the Wild: Webelos Badge,” 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 27, Isle a la Cache Museum. Explore, hike and watch wildlife. This program fulfills the requirements for the Webelos Boy Scouts “Into the Wild” badge. For ages 10-11; group rates $25 non-profits/$50 for-profits. Register by Thursday, July 25, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-886-1467.

BRAIDWOOD – “Reptiles of the Dunes,” 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve. Explore the home of the six-lined racerunner, learn about cool reptiles and understand why they have chosen this nature preserve as their home. The free program is for ages 5 or older. Register by Tuesday, July 30, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-722-9470.

CHANNAHON — “Follow a Bee!” 9:30-11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. Discover pollinators that help our prairie by participating in activities and tracking busy bees. The free program is for families with children ages 6 or older. Register by Monday, July 29, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-722-9470.

MOKENA – “LEGO Gone Wild,” 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, Hickory Creek Preserve – LaPorte Road Access (Hickory Hollow Shelter). After exploring the preserve, participants will recreate a nature habitat using LEGO bricks. The free program is for ages 6 or older. Register by Tuesday, July 23, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 708-946-2216.

MONEE TOWNSHIP – “Midnight Madness,” 7 p.m.-midnight Friday, Aug. 2, Monee Reservoir. Enjoy a nighttime fishing opportunity. Bring a flashlight and bug repellent. Registration is not required for this free, all-ages program.

MONEE TOWNSHIP – “Morning Bird Hike,” 7:30-9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, Monee Reservoir. Join a naturalist to search for birds. Registration is not required for this free program for ages 18 or older.

MONEE TOWNSHIP – “Reservoir Frogs,” 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Aug. 3, Monee Reservoir. See frogs close up and learn how to find and watch them without having them hop away. The free program is for all ages. Register by Thursday, Aug. 1, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 708-534-8499.

ROMEOVILLE – “Butterfly Garden for Adults,” 6-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, Isle a la Cache Museum. Discover the basics of attracting monarchs, swallowtails and more to your yard. Bring an adult beverage to enjoy. The free program is for ages 21 or older. Register by Thursday, Aug. 1, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-886-1467.

For more information on Forest Preserve programs and events, check out the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org.