BOLINGBROOK, Ill. – Area residents can turn their leftover Halloween pumpkins into eco-friendly fun at this year’s Forest Preserve District of Will County Pumpkin Smash events, set for Saturday, Nov. 8, from noon to 4 p.m.
According to the Forest Preserve District, the annual “smash and bash” gatherings will take place at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook and Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township. Participants are invited to roll, drop, or pound their pumpkins into pieces that will later be composted — giving the gourds a second life instead of ending up in landfills.
“At Plum Creek, participants can start breaking down their pumpkins by rolling them down the big hill or throwing them off Squirrel’s Treehouse,” said Heather Van Zyl, facility supervisor at Plum Creek. “We’ll also have a special squish zone for our youngest participants.”
Both sites will feature vendors, refreshments, and family activities focused on sustainability. The events aim to raise awareness about composting, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enriches soil naturally.
“Keeping pumpkins out of the landfill is the number one goal of Pumpkin Smash,” said Brittany Schaller, interpretive naturalist at Hidden Oaks. “With most pumpkins ending up in landfills, this is a fun and responsible alternative.”
Pumpkin Smash is part of a regional composting effort led by SCARCE (School & Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education). In 2024, the program composted more than 164 tons of pumpkins, reducing carbon emissions by 118 tons of CO2e.
For details, visit ReconnectWithNature.org and check the Forest Preserve’s Event Calendar.
