Learn About Turtles, Astronomy, Seeds and History During Forest Preserve Programs

ROMEOVILLE – “Turtles Rock,” 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at Isle a la Cache Museum. Celebrate World Turtle Day by painting turtle-inspired kindness rocks and spending time with the live Blanding’s turtle models that call the museum home. Hide your rock after the program for someone else to find to brighten their day. The free program is open to all ages. Register by Tuesday, May 21, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-886-1467.

CRETE TOWNSHIP – “Meet a Backyard Astronomer,” 8 p.m.-midnight, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 24-26 at Goodenow Grove Campground. View astronomical objects and get your astronomy questions answered by a backyard astronomer who will also share tips and tricks on how to view the night sky with and without a telescope. The program is for ages 8 and older. Camping overnight is required and you must reserve a campsite ahead of time; call 708-946-2216.

ROMEOVILLE – “Super Seeds,” 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 25, at Isle a la Cache Museum. Learn all about seeds, where they come from, how they move and the powerhouses stored inside. Make a traveling seed and a seed “bomb” to take home and plant. The free program is for ages 5 and older. Register by Thursday, May 23, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-886-1467.

LOCKPORT – “Bike and Brake for History,” 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 1. Soak in the history of the Illinois & Michigan Canal as you bike the path along the waterway and visit a former hot spot of industry. The ride begins outside of the Gaylord Building and is about 8 miles round trip on crushed limestone trails. The free program is for ages 12 and older. Register by Thursday, May 30, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-886-1467.

CRETE TOWNSHIP – “Spot’s Clubhouse Scavenger Hunts,” 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, June 7-Friday, Aug. 9 at Plum Creek Nature Center. Explore the forest on a self-guided adventure with fun nature-themed scavenger hunt cards as your guide. A new card will be available each Friday. Return completed cards to the nature center and collect a prize from a treasure box. Registration is not required for this free, all-ages program.