Love in the Air at Forest Preserve District

With Valentine’s Day approaching, the Forest Preserve District of Will County has scheduled several programs that celebrate the sweeties we have or the ones we hope to find. Take a lantern-lit hike with your valentine, attend a singles mingle, or grab a gal pal and mix some mocktails. Online program registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org. Here is the lineup…

Say It With Flowers, from 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, February 9, Plum Creek Nature Center, Crete Township: Learn the languages of flowers, also called floriography, and the origins of those meanings. Explore how to put together different flower combinations to express a whole range of feelings. Free, ages 18 or older. Register by February 8.

Galentine’s Day Mocktails at the Museum, from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, February 9, Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville: Grab your sisters, girlfriends, or best gal pals and make some botanical-inspired mocktails. Light snacks will be served. Ages 18 or older; $5 per person. Register by February 5.

Single and Ready to Mingle Night Hike, from 5:30-7 p.m., Friday, February 10, Messenger Woods Nature Preserve, Homer Glen: Step out of your comfort zone and join a naturalist for a singles Valentine’s night hike along a lantern-lit trail. Bring an adult beverage (beer and wine only, please) and enjoy a fire while making s’mores. You never know, love may be in the air! Free, ages 21 or older. Register by February 9.

Lantern-Lit Hike for Lovers, from 6-9 p.m., Friday, February 10, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon: Take time for just the two of you to stroll along a lantern-lit trail. After the stroll, head indoors for a hot chocolate bar, a gourmet s’mores station, and games. Drop in anytime between 6 and 9 p.m. This BYOB (beer or wine only, please) program is for adults. Free, ages 21 or older. Register by February 9.

Galentine’s Day Campfire, from 7-8:30 p.m., Friday, February 10, Hammel Woods – DuPage River Access, Shorewood: Ladies, enjoy an evening under the stars cozying up to a campfire, while sipping a favorite beverage. Hot cocoa and s’mores will be provided. Feel free to bring a favorite seasonal wine or beer to keep warm. Play group games, make a keepsake craft, or just relax around the fire. This program will be held at the Hammel Woods campground, Campsite No. 1. Ages 21 or older; $5 per person. Register by February 8.

Sweetheart Night Hike, from 5:30-7 p.m., Saturday, February 11, Messenger Woods Nature Preserve, Homer Glen: Take your valentine out for a romantic night hike under the stars along a lantern-lit trail. Participants may bring their own adult beverage (beer or wine only, please). After the hike, cozy up to a fire and make s’mores. Free, ages 21 or older. Register by February 8.

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