Joliet, IL – A full slate of outdoor programs is set to begin across Will County starting the week of Sunday, June 1, offering residents a mix of nature exploration, wildlife viewing, and trail safety education.
According to the Forest Preserve District of Will County, events will take place across multiple locations including Bolingbrook, Crete Township, Plainfield, and New Lenox, with many programs free and open to all ages.
A highlight of the week is the “Bug Blitz” at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook, running Wednesdays through Sundays from June 3 through June 28. The event invites participants to search for pollinators like bees and butterflies as part of a citizen science project.
At Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township, visitors can explore the “Winged Ambassadors” art exhibit beginning June 3, alongside a guided bird hike on Thursday, June 4, focused on local species like cardinals. Registration is required for the hike.
Meanwhile, Lake Renwick Heron Rookery in Plainfield will host controlled-access bird viewing every Saturday through August 9, offering a chance to see nesting herons, egrets, and possibly bald eagles.
On Saturday, June 6, a Trail Safety Hydration Station event will take place along the Old Plank Road Trail in New Lenox, where visitors can receive safety tips and free electrolyte samples as temperatures rise.
Additional programming includes a guided “Wonder Walk” at Goodenow Grove, encouraging mindfulness and nature observation.
Residents are encouraged to register in advance for select programs and check the district’s event calendar for full details.
