Forest Preserve Programs Highlight Critters, History and Beekeeping

ROMEOVILLE – “Taco Tuesdays,” 2-2:30 p.m. every Tuesday in July, Isle a la Cache Museum. Meet Taco, the museum’s ambassador Blanding’s turtle. A naturalist will have Taco out of the exhibit tank for closer viewing. Learn the story of her journey and the plight of the state-endangered Blanding’s turtles. Registration is not required for this free, all-ages program.

PLAINFIELD – “Lake Renwick Bird Viewing,” 8 a.m.-noon, Saturdays, July 6 through Aug. 10, Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve. View nesting herons, egrets and cormorants while preserve access is limited. Volunteers and staff will be at the viewing platform and visitor center to answer questions. Bring your own binoculars or spotting scope because supplies are limited. Park in the Renwick Road lot. Dogs and bicycles are not permitted in the nature preserve. Registration is not required for this free, all-ages program.

ROMEOVILLE – “Living History Demonstration,” noon-3 p.m. Sundays, July 7, Aug. 4 and Sept. 1, Isle a la Cache Museum. Meet cooks, seamstresses, voyageurs, soldiers or craftsmen from the 18th-century fur trade era. July’s program will feature information on birch bark canoes and August’s program will focus on hunting, trapping and food gathering in the 1700s. Registration is not required for this free, all-ages program.

CRETE TOWNSHIP – “Meet a Beekeeper,” 12:30-2:30 p.m. Sundays, July 7, Aug. 4 and Sept. 1, Plum Creek Nature Center. Meet local beekeeper Mike Rusnak to discuss the art of beekeeping and chat with other beekeeping enthusiasts. Pick up specific beekeeping tips or simply learn more about the world of beekeeping. The free program is for ages 18 and older. Registration is not required.

CRETE TOWNSHIP – “Nature Play Days,” 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, July 10, Aug. 14 and Sept. 11 at Plum Creek Nature Center. This nature-themed program includes hands-on activities that can include a hike, story, games, music, art and more. Dress for indoor and outdoor activities. The free program is for ages 3-5. Registration is not required.

CHANNAHON – “Little Explorers,” 90-minute sessions start at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesdays, July 10, Aug. 14 and Sept. 11 at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. A new nature theme is chosen each month with hands-on activities: July, animal critters in the water; August, magic of spiders; and September, crazy caterpillars. The free program is for ages 3-5, but younger children are welcome. Register two days in advance at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-722-9470.

For more information on Forest Preserve District of Will County programs and event, visit ReconnectWithNature.org and sign up for the weekly digital newsletter, The Citizen.