Forest Preserve Hosts Campout, Hikes and Webinars

The Forest Preserve District of Will County’s March programs include a winter campout, an off-trail hike and webinars about birding and women in nature.

 

(Shorewood) Volunteer Workday: 8 a.m. to noon, March 1, Hammel Woods—Route 59 Access. Volunteers will cut, haul and possibly burn woody invasive species found in the preserve. An RSVP is required. Call Emily Kenny, volunteer services supervisor, at 815-722-7364 or email [email protected].

 

(Romeoville) Wonderkids—Snakes: 10 to 11:30 a.m., March 1, Isle a la Cache Museum. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, the Forest Preserve District will explore the snakes that call Will County home. The program includes snake facts, singing, story time, a hike and a craft. Free, ages 2 to 5. Register by Feb. 27 online or call 815-886-1467.

 

(Zoom Webinar) Women in the Woods: 6 to 7 p.m., March 3, online. Discover the positive impacts determined women have had on nature throughout history and how our daughters and granddaughter can become the most emboldened and wild generations yet. Free, all ages. Register online by March 3 for the Zoom link.

 

(Zoom Webinar) Birding in the Preserves: 7 to 8 p.m., March 3. Learn about birds and birding from home on this virtual hike featuring one of Will County’s forest preserves. Free, all ages. Register online by March 3 for the Zoom link.

 

(Custer Township) Lantern Night Hike: 7:30 to 8:45 p.m., March 3, Kankakee Sands Preserve. Explore the preserve with special after-hours access on a 2.5-mile, lantern-lit hike on the trails of this unique sand prairie and savanna. Lanterns will be provided. Free, all ages. Register by March 2 online or call 815-727-8700.

 

(Shorewood) Cold Weather Campout: 5 p.m. March 4 to 10 a.m. March 5, Hammel Woods—DuPage River Access. Join the Forest Preserve District of Will County on an overnight, late winter campout. Cook hot dogs and s’mores over an open campfire then go on a 3.5-mile guided night hike along the DuPage River. Camp overnight and wake up to hot coffee and doughnuts around the fire. Camping gear will not be provided. Ages 18 or older; $20 per person. Register online by March 2 or call 815-727-8700.

 

(Naperville) Volunteer Workday: 8 a.m. to noon, March 5, Whalon Lake. Volunteers will cut, haul and possibly burn woody invasive species found in the preserve. An RSVP is required. Call Emily Kenny, volunteer services supervisor, at 815-722-7364 or email [email protected].

 

(Channahon) March in the Woods Off-trail Adventure, Animal Homes: 1 to 2:30 p.m., March 5, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. Explore the woods off trail with a naturalist to look for signs of animals and their homes. The hike will be approximately two miles. Free, all ages. Register by March 4 online or call 815-722-9470.