Forest Preserve Program Lineup Includes Kids Fishing Derby, Pollinator Party

No matter your age or location, the Forest Preserve District of Will County has something fun for you to do this summer, including a summer paddle in Monee Township, a Kids Fishing Derby in Bolingbrook, a bird hike in Homer Glen, a Pollinator Party in Romeoville, and more. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org. Here is the lineup…

Welcome Summer Paddle, from 10 a.m.-noon, Wednesday, June 21, Monee Reservoir, Monee Township: Enjoy a relaxing morning on the water to welcome summer on the solstice. Everything one needs, including a life jacket, paddle, and choice of a canoe/kayak, will be provided. Once off the water, hang out by the fire and enjoy s’mores. This is a recreational, non-instructional paddle on the water. Prior paddling experience is strongly recommended. Ages 18 or older; $20 per person. Register by June 20.

Discovery Isle – Raptors! from 1-3 p.m., Wednesday, June 21, Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville: Drop in any time between 1-3 p.m. for fun, family-friendly activities. June’s program focuses on hawks, eagles, and owls. Discover some of the incredible adaptions that make raptors so cool, then set off in search of the formidable predators on the island. Free, all ages.

DIY Garden Series – Flower Press Workshop, from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, June 22, Plum Creek Nature Center, Crete Township: Learn to preserve flower specimens to create your own herbarium (collections of dried plants) or to use for future crafting projects. Materials will be provided, but you’ll do the cutting and assembling. No crafting experience is needed, though finger dexterity may be helpful. Staff will be available to lend a hand as needed. Ages 21 or older; $20 per person. Register by June 20.

Early Morning Bird Hike, from 7-9 a.m., Saturday, June 24, Messenger Marsh, Homer Glen: Migration has wound down, and nesting is going strong. Summer days warm fast, so getting out early can offer a better chance to find active birds. Birds found this time of year are likely nesting and are here for the rest of the summer. Free, ages 16 or older. Register by June 23.

Kids Fishing Derby, from 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, June 24, Hidden Lakes Trout Farm, Bolingbrook: Two-hour fishing sessions start at 7 a.m., 10 a.m., and 1 p.m., for kids ages five-to-15. Prizes and trophies will be awarded for the largest fish in three different age categories: Five-to-seven, eight-to-10, and 11-to-15. The Forest Preserve will provide one free container of night crawlers. Each participant receives a goodie bag and ice cream. Register in advance or on the day of, if spots remain. Ages five-15, $5 per person.

Pollinator Party, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, June 24, Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville: This year’s global theme for Pollinator Week is “Pollinators and Climate Change.” Learn about insects and animals that perform the important task of pollinating plants, especially those that provide much of the food we eat. See live bats and learn about their roles in pollination from Incredible Bats. Watch the stunning documentary “The Guardians,” which “elegantly interweaves the lives of the iconic monarch butterfly with an indigenous community in Mexico” that shifted gears to protect monarch habitat. Find out how to support pollinators at home with insect hotels, gardens, and plants native to our region. Try a hand at exciting pollination challenges and activities. Buzz by this outdoor summer party for the birds, bees, bats, and more, including a native plant sale hosted by The Nature Foundation of Will County. Free, all ages.

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