Hike for birds and bugs, draw flowers and eat wild edibles at Forest Preserve District programs

ROMEOVILLE – “Bird Hike,” 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, Isle a la Cache Museum. September is one of the best months of the year to see migrating songbirds. Join this guided bird hike as a naturalist helps you check the treetops, skies and river for our feathered friends. Beginners are welcome. Bring binoculars if you have them. Free; ages 16 or older. Register by Thursday, Sept. 5, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-886-1467. 

CRETE TOWNSHIP – “Draw to ID Fall Flowers,” 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sept. 7, Plum Creek Nature Center. Identify your favorite flower by sketching and using a field guide. You don’t have to be an artist to participate. Bring your favorite wildflower guide, a hand lens and a camp chair or a mat for sitting on the ground. Free; ages 16 or older. Register by Wednesday, Sept. 4, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 708-946-2216.

CRETE TOWNSHIP – “Hello Belva: Incredible Insects!” 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, Plum Creek Nature Center. Walk through the “What’s Bugging Belva?” exhibit, and then explore the hidden world of insects with a naturalist outside. Discover butterflies grasshoppers, crickets, beetles and more. Free; all ages.

ROMEOVILLE – “Wild Edibles,” 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, Isle a la Cache Museum. Discover the bounty the land has to offer on a walk along Isle a la Cache’s trails. Try tasty flower petals, crushed crawlies and more! Free; ages 6 or older. Register by Tuesday, Sept. 10, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-886-1467.

CHANNAHON – “Spider Hike,” 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. Learn about many local spider species, their benefit to the environment and some of their amazing adaptations, and then take a 1-mile hike to search for these marvelous creatures. Free; ages 5 or older. Register by Tuesday, Sept. 10, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-722-9470.