Embrace Spring with a Forest Preserve Program

Start spring on the right foot with a Forest Preserve District of Will County program. Take a hike, learn about wildflowers, or get in touch with your inner artist. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org. Here is the lineup…

Crafting a la Cache – Paper Making, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 23, Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville: Join a Forest Preserve naturalist for this beginner-friendly, step-by-step instructional program on making paper from old notes, newspapers, and magazines. All materials will be provided. Free, ages 13 or older. Register by March 19.

Take a Break with Wildflowers – When and Where, Zoom Webinar, from noon-12:45 p.m., Friday, March 24: Free, ages 10 or older. Grab lunch and enjoy wildflowers with a naturalist during this virtual program. Learn how to track these flowers so you know what species to expect and when to expect their blooms. Register online for the Zoom link.

Marvelous March Hike, from 1-2 p.m., Friday, March 24, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon: Explore ephemeral ponds, emerging buds, and other ecological wonders on a 1.5-mile hike with a naturalist. Free, all ages. Register by March 23.

Museum Campus Exploration Days, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays, March 25, April 22, and May 27, Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville: Drop in for a self-guided exploration of the campus and its 18th-Century Traders Cabin or Native American longhouse. Learn about the French fur traders and Potawatomi, who once called this area home. Free, all ages.

Wake Up the Lake, from 2-3:30 p.m., Saturday, March 25, Monee Reservoir, Monee Township: Look for signs along the lake and trails that warmer weather is here. Be prepared for indoor and outdoor activities that could include a hike, story, games, music, art, and more. Free, ages six-12. Register by March 23.

Rivers of Color – National Therapy Month, Explore and Create, from noon-4 p.m., Saturday, March 25, and Sunday, March 26, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon: Celebrate National Color Therapy Month. Hike the scenic trails and let the colors of spring rejuvenate you. Then come inside and continue your exploration of color. A classroom will be set up with supplies so participants can create with watercolors and/or Model Magic clay. All materials will be provided, and creations may be taken home. Free, all ages.

For more information on the Forest Preserve District of Will County, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.