Will County, IL – A close-up look at one of nature’s most mysterious birds is set to headline a week packed with programs from the Forest Preserve District of Will County. The lineup, running October 20–26, includes everything from owl exploration to Halloween-themed hikes, museum tours, and outdoor adventures.
The biggest draw of the week is Barn Owl Oddities, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 3:30–6 p.m. at Tempest Farm in Washington Township. The event invites participants to step inside a historic barn while learning about the unique adaptations of barn owls — birds known for their haunting calls, silent flight, and importance to Midwestern ecosystems.
According to the Forest Preserve District, the program will also include hands-on science. Guests will have the chance to dissect owl pellets to see firsthand what these nocturnal hunters eat. Attendees can create a keepsake necklace or micro-gallery from their discoveries, making the event both educational and interactive. Light snacks will be served, and guests are invited to bring their own beer or wine. The program is for adults ages 21 and older, and registration ($5 per person) is required by Monday, Oct. 20.
While the owl program provides a unique spotlight, families looking for Halloween fun won’t want to miss Trick or Treat in the Woods at the Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville. Set for Friday, Oct. 24, from 7:30–8:30 p.m., the event replaces traditional “trunk-or-treat” with a glowing night hike along a forest trail. Participants can come in costume, collect treats, and warm up by a campfire with s’mores. Registration is $5 per person and closes Tuesday, Oct. 21.
History lovers can take part in Museum Campus Day on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., also at Isle a la Cache. Visitors will get a rare chance to explore all of the museum’s buildings in one day, including the 18th-century Traders Cabin and Native American longhouse. Staff will be on hand to share stories of the Potawatomi people and French fur traders who once lived and worked in the region. The event is free and open to all ages.
Rounding out the week, outdoor enthusiasts can test their navigation skills during Orienteering – A Quest Into the Woods, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 26, from 8:30–10 a.m. at Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township. Participants ages 8 and older will learn how to use a compass and map before setting out on a two-mile, off-trail “treasure hunt.” Registration is $5 per person, with sign-ups due by Tuesday, Oct. 21.
In addition to these highlights, the Fishing for Trash program at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm in Bolingbrook runs through October 31, encouraging visitors to collect litter that harms wildlife. Buckets and grabbers are provided, and participants who return a full bucket earn a treat from the Tackle Box.
For full details and online registration for all programs, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.
