Beekeeping, Nature Photography Programs At The Forest Preserve

WILL COUNTY, IL — Have you ever watched someone swarmed by bees and thought, I'd like to try that? Well, you're in luck. The Forest Preserve District of Will County is offering "Bee a Beekeeper!: Introduction to Successful Beekeeping," a six-week course starting Feb. 19 at the Plum Creek Nature Center.

The workshop will be taught by veteran beekeeper Mike Rusnak. Officials say Rusnak will cover everything you need to become a beekeeper, including facts about honeybees, information on necessary equipment and stock, hive management and colony dynamics.

The course is open to anyone 18 or old and costs $50 per person. If you'd like to participate, register by Feb. 8 at reconnectwithnature.org or call 708-946-2216. For more information, including five reasons to sign up for the course, visit bit.ly/beekeepingfive.

The district is also offering bird and nature photography programs starting next month. They include:

• "Morning Bird Hike at Hickory Creek Preserve," 8-10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Hickory Creek Preserve – LaPorte Road Access. Learn, explore and search for birds on a 1.5- to 2-mile hike that will highlight the woodlands and fields of the preserve. Bring your binoculars and a favorite bird field guide. The free program is for ages 16 and older. Registration is not required.
• "Bird Talk and Viewing for Adults," 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. Learn about bird migration and the birds that visit the Des Plaines River in the winter. After an indoor presentation, venture outside to view birds. Bring your own binoculars, cameras and scopes. The free program is for ages 18 and older. Register by Thursday, Feb. 7, at reconnectwithnature.org or call 815-722-9470.
• "Winter Nature Photography with Paul Dacko" 8:30-10:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Plum Creek Nature Center. Get inspired with nature photographer Paul Dacko as he presents his experiences capturing beautiful images of birds, dragonflies and more. After the presentation, enjoy photographing the birds that utilize the nature center’s bird sanctuary. The free program is for ages 16 and older. Register by Friday, Feb. 15, at reconnectwithnature.org or call 708-946-2216.

Find more information here.

Photo by Chad Merda/Forest Preserve