Monarch Program Highlights Will County’s Milkweed Hot Spots

Learn about monarch butterflies, milkweed and pollinators each Sunday in August during the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s “Monarch Way Stations” program. The free, all-ages program will identify milkweed hot spots that provide valuable habitat and nectar sources for monarchs. Stop by from noon-2 p.m. to learn about butterflies, milkweed and pollinators and search for monarch eggs and caterpillars in action. Here are the dates and locations: Aug. 4, Hickory Creek Barrens Nature Preserve, New Lenox; Aug. 11, Hickory Creek Preserve – LaPorte Road Access, Mokena; Aug. 18, McKinley Woods – Kerry Sheridan Grove, Channahon; and Aug. 25, Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville.
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Forest Preserve programs feature bats, birds, boats and more

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

SHOREWOOD – “Bats! Bats! Bats!” 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, Hammel Woods – Route 59 Access. Bask in the brilliance of bats during this fun, family program. Bust bat myths, participate in bat related activities and watch for bats flying at dusk. Bring a blanket or chairs and bug repellent and wear long pants. Free; ages 5 and older.

SHOREWOOD – “A Walk in the Woods Bird Hike,” 8-10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 10, Hammel Woods – Route 59 Access, Hidden Shelter. Learn from an interpretive naturalist and other like-minded birders as you hike through oak-hickory forest near the DuPage River. Free; ages 18 or older. Register by Thursday, Aug. 8, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-722-9470.

CRETE TOWNSHIP – “Summer Nature Photography Hike,” 8:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, Plum Creek Nature Center. Enjoy a hike with a naturalist and take photos along the way. Free; ages 16 and older. Register by Thursday, Aug. 8, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 708-946-2216.

NAPERVILLE – “Boating Safety and Inspections,” 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, Whalon Lake. Free; all ages. Get a free boat safety inspection from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary that ensures you are compliant with state safety regulations. Pick up safe boating tips and information on boating in the forest preserves. Free; all ages.

CHANNAHON – “Evening Prairie Ramble for Adults,” 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. Take a walk in the prairie and learn about flowers in bloom. Be prepared for an on- and off-trail hike of 1-2 miles. Free; ages 18 or older. Register by Tuesday, Aug. 13, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-722-9470.

ROMEOVILLE – “Bird Buddies,” 10-11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16, Isle a la Cache Museum. Participants will build giant playtime bird nests, enjoy storytime, and take a short hike to look for birds. Free; ages 3-5. Register by Wednesday, Aug. 14, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-886-1467.

For more information on Forest Preserve District programs and events, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.