Will County Forest Preserve Offers Firefly, Bird, Turtle Programs

WILL COUNTY, IL — Summer might be the best time to become immersed in nature, and the Forest Preserve District of Will County is offering multiple programs for people to learn about fireflies, turtles and birds. After some time spent learning, food trucks will be around some days to grab a quick bite to eat.

Programs offered this summer include:

Turtle Tuesday: Varying times on Tuesdays — June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20 and July 27 — at Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road in Romeoville. Program times can be found here. The event is free and for all ages.

During the event, visitors can meet one of the forest preserve district’s ambassador Blanding’s turtles — Taco, H3 or Shirlee. A naturalist will bring out a turtle from the exhibit tank for closer viewing. This is a drop-in program, so registration is not required.

Firefly Hike for Adults: 8-10 a.m. Thursday, July 1 at Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 S. Dutton Road in Beecher. Free, ages 18 or older.

A short introduction on firefly ecology will be followed by a slow and quiet 1.5-mile walk through firefly habitat. Register online by Wednesday, June 30, or call 708-946-2216.

Firefly Hike for Families: 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, July 6 at Hickory Creek Preserve – LaPorte Road Access, 10561 La Porte Road in Mokena. The event is free and for all ages.

Hike to see fireflies in Hickory Creek Preserve and discover the science behind these staples of summer by crafting some magical glow of your own. Register online by Tuesday, July 6, or call 708-534-8499.

Food Truck Friday: 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, July 2 at Hammel Woods – Crumby Recreation Area, 554 Brook Forest Ave. in Shorewood. The event is free and for all ages.

Dine in at the preserve and enjoy the ambiance and activities or grab a meal to go. Scheduled food trucks are MiaBella's Wood Fire Pizza and TCBY. This is a rotating program at four different preserves from June-August. A full schedule can be found here.

Summer Sightings Bird Hike: 8-10 a.m. Saturday, July 3 at Sugar Creek Administration Center, 17540 W. Laraway Road in Joliet. The event is free and for ages 12 and older.

Enjoy the sights of prairie birds along the Wauponsee Glacial Trail and discover the birds you won’t find in your backyard. Meet in the parking lot of the Sugar Creek Administration Center for the 2-mile hike. Register online by Thursday, July 1, or call 815-722-9470.

Birding the Preserves (Zoom Webinar): 7-8 p.m. Thursday, July 8, online. The event is free and for all ages.

To register for the events, those interested can visit ReconnectWithNature.org.