Birds, Bugs Highlighted In Will County Forest Preserve Programs

Will County, IL — This month's programs at the Forest Preserve District of Will County are focused on birds, bugs and boats. Whoever's interested can sign up to learn how to kayak, go on an early morning bird hike and familiarize themselves with the wonders of dragonflies.

Continuing the tradition of Food Truck Friday, an assortment of food trucks will also be present July 23.

The lineup for July's program at the forest preserve includes the following events.

Early Morning Bird Hike: Beat the heat and find some birds by getting out early. Join the Forest Preserve on this guided bird hike in search of birds that are here for the summer and nesting in the preserve. Bring your binoculars and a favorite bird guide. New birders are welcome. Register online by Friday, July 16, or call 708-946-2216.

When: 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday, July 17, Monee Reservoir, Monee Township.

Cost: Free, ages 16 or older

Boating Safety & Inspections: Get a free safety inspection of your boat and receive a 2021 boat decal signifying you have successfully passed inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Also, Forest Preserve District staff and volunteers will be on hand at the boat launch parking lot to answer questions you may have about boating in the forest preserves as well as boating safety regulations.

When: 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, July 17, Whalon Lake, Naperville.

Cost: Free, all ages.

Kayak Kollege: This workshop, led by American Canoe Association certified instructors, introduces participants to the sport of kayaking on flat water. All equipment, including personal flotation devices, is provided. Be sure to wear clothes and shoes that can get wet, and consider bringing sunscreen, sunglasses and a water bottle. No previous experience is required. Register online or call 708-534-8499.

When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, July 17, Monee Reservoir, Monee Township.

Cost: $35 per person; Ages 10 or older.

Family Paddle & Ice Cream: Choose a kayak or canoe to paddle, let a certified instructor take you and yours on a tour, and then play some games. End the program with an ice cream treat of your choice! This is a recreational, non-instructional program. All equipment is provided. Wear clothing that can get wet, including water shoes or old gym shoes. Prior paddling experience is recommended. Register online or call 708.534.8499.

When: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 17, Monee Reservoir, Monee Township.

Cost: Ages 12 or younger, $10 per person. Ages 13 or older, $20 per person.

Daring Dragonflies: Dragonflies are truly amazing insects. They zip and zoom around our ponds, creeks, meadows and forests, and we often don’t pay them much attention. Learn some dragonfly basics and find out which species are common in our area and take a hike to view them. Register online or call 708-946-2216.

When: 10 a.m.-noon, Sunday, July 18, Plum Creek Nature Center, Crete Township.

Cost: Free, all ages.

Gaming in the Forest – Chess: Bring your friends out and experience nature like never before – while playing a good game of chess! Grab your favorite chess board and challenge another participant. Forest Preserve staff will have a fire and s’mores in case you need a break from the action before you head into another game. Register online or call 708-534-8499.

When: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 18, Hickory Creek Preserve – LaPorte Road Access, Mokena.

Wonders of Will County: Sand Prairies (Zoom Webinar): Bobcats, lizards, turkeys and more. There is so much in southern Will County to explore! This virtual presentation will share information about some of Will County’s most unique preserves — the sandy ones! Forest Preserve staff will talk about the geological history of our southern preserves and the amazing creatures that call these areas home. Registration on the Event Calendar for the Zoom link.

When: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, online.

Cost: Free, all ages.

Food Truck Friday: Get outdoors this summer and indulge in some local food truck fare. Enjoy the views and amenities of the forest preserves while you dine, or feel free to grab and go. Here's the truck lineup for this event: Rogue Curbside Kitchen, Serna's Grill and Rita's Italian Ice.

When: 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 23, Messenger Marsh, Homer Glen. All ages.

Moth Mania: Celebrate National Moth Week by exploring the night in search of moths. Learn the different groups of moths and then take a night hike, sharing UV flashlights to search for hidden insects glowing along the trail. Finally, check out the Forest Preserve’s “research center” to see if we attracted any winged visitors. Register online or call 708-946-2216.

When: 8-10 p.m. Friday, July 23, Hickory Creek Preserve – LaPorte Road Access, Hickory Hollow Shelter, Mokena.

Cost: Free, ages 8 or older.