Explore Snow, Animal Tracks, and Fluoride with Forest Preserve District

January Forest Preserve District of Will County programs will brighten these gloomy days of winter. Sign up to hike to the big bridge near Plum Creek Nature Center, learn to track animals, or make your own toothpaste! Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithnature.org. Here is the lineup…

Rivers of Color – White as Snow, from 11 a.m.-noon, Saturday, January 21, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon: Learn all about snow, how it forms, why there are different shapes, and if there are different kinds. Take a hike, and then head indoors to watch snow crystals form in real time. Free, ages 10 or older. Register by January 20.

Make a Snowflake, from noon-4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, January 21 and 22, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon: Celebrate the snow and create a wintry decoration for home with this self-guided craft. Samples and supplies will be provided. Free, all ages.

Soup-er Chili Hike to the Bridge, from noon-2 p.m., Saturday, January 21, Plum Creek Nature Center, Crete Township: Bring a favorite mug and a can of chili or soup (non-cream soups only). Add your contribution to one of two pots on the fire, one for chili and the other for soup. The pots will simmer while participants hike to the big bridge and back. After the hike, enjoy a hot mug of chili or soup by the open fire. Free, ages seven or older. Register by January 20.

Track and Scat Hike, from 1-2:30 p.m., Saturday, January 21, Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville: Start inside the museum to learn about animals that leave tracks, trails, and scat. Then hike outside to put those tracking skills to the test. Free, all ages. Register by January 19.

Wander and Wonder Hike, from 10-11:30 a.m., Sunday, January 22, Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve, Monee Township: This program is for those who hike for discovery over destination. Try to ID a plant, listen to bird songs, or take pictures. Free, ages 10 or older.

Fluoride Day, from 3:30-5 p.m., Wednesday, January 25, Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville: Fluoride is Illinois’ state mineral and an important ingredient in toothpaste. Visit the museum to get the “tooth” about this mineral. Participants will have a chance to make their own toothpaste. Free, ages seven and older. Register by January 22.

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