Mark Your Calendars Now: Forest Preserve District of Will County Announces 2024 Event Schedule

Now that 2023 has come to a close, it’s time to mark your calendars with all the exciting events and exhibitions the Forest Preserve District of Will County has planned in 2024.

“The lineup includes something for everyone,” said Lydia Pond, director of the Forest Preserve District’s visitor services department. “Events and exhibitions are offered throughout the year in all seasons, so there is always something interesting and fun to experience.”

All the events, exhibitions and programs may be easily found on the online event calendar, which presents two months of activities at a time and also includes registration links for the programs that require it.

Here is the lineup of free events and exhibitions for 2024…

Birds in Art Exhibit, from January 2 through February 25, at Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township: Paintings, sculptures, and graphics created by an international cast of artists will be on display. The 60 works of art are part of a traveling exhibition from the internationally renowned Wausau, Wisconsin-based Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum.

Eagle Watch, January 13, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon: Join the Forest Preserve District as it celebrates eagles with live bird presentations, guided hikes, Talon Talks, family activities, an Eagle Eye Scavenger Hunt, and food from Lil’ Deb’s Mobile Eats.

Take It Outside Challenge: The program will feature four seasonal multi-week challenges, with one guided hike for each season. Participants will use the free Goosechase app to complete nature-themed missions and earn points to win prizes.

Mammal Madness, March 2, at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center: Celebrate our furry friends in the forest. The festivities begin with a live animal presentation by Big Run Wolf Ranch. Following the presentation are mammal-themed activities that are fun for the whole family.

Fun and Food Trucks: Enjoy an evening of summertime fun and food in a preserve on: June 14 at Whalon Lake in Naperville; July 12 at Hammel Woods – Rt. 59 Access in Shorewood; and August 9 at Hickory Creek Preserve – LaPorte Road Access in Mokena. Each date and location will feature a roster of food trucks, a beverage vendor, games, and a variety of entertainment.

Pollinator Party, June 15, at Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville: Learn about the insects and animals that perform the important task of pollinating plants. See live bats and learn their roles in pollination. Find out how to support pollinators at home with insect hotels, gardens, and plants native to our region. Try your hand at exciting pollination challenges, crafts, and activities.

Surf and Turf Concert on July 13, at Monee Reservoir in Monee Township: Enjoy live music from the amphitheater either picnic-style on the lawn or by renting a boat and enjoying an exclusive evening on the water.

National Night Out, August 6, at Monee Reservoir: Enjoy family activities, food, and giveaways offered by multiple vendors during a night designed to engage police and the community. Monee, Crete, and Forest Preserve District Police Departments will participate.

Hummingbird Festival, August 17, at Plum Creek Nature Center: This special event puts the spotlight on hummingbirds and other pollinators. Watch as a certified bird bander captures and bands hummingbirds. Take part in pollinator-themed crafts and activities and purchase native plants from The Nature Foundation of Will County.

Woods Walk, from September 1 through November 30: Hike seven-of-10 preselected Forest Preserve paths ranging in distance from 1.5-to-four miles to earn a commemorative medallion. This popular challenge is self-paced and a great way to explore new trails and preserves.

Fall on the Farm, September 14, at Riverview Farmstead Preserve in Naperville: Visit the farm for some old-fashioned fun and learn about life on the farmstead. Tour the limestone house and barns, meet some farmyard animals in the petting zoo, and try your hand at some farmstead chores. See tractors and antique farm equipment up close and learn what they do. The event also will feature a bounce house, crafts, and food trucks.

Indige-Facts Exhibit, from September 21 through December 8, at Isle a la Cache Museum: This traveling exhibit from the Evanston-based Mitchell Museum of the American Indian is designed to share information about contemporary Native Americans, including accepted terminology, population size, and the sovereign rights of Native people.

Pelican Party, September 28, at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center: View migrating American white pelicans as they rest up and refuel at Four Rivers. Attendees can view a live pelican in the nature center and join guided hikes to see flocks gathered on the rivers. Discover what sets these birds apart through family-friendly activities, engaging exhibits, and interactive stations.

Lost and Found – Remnants of Savannas and Old-Growth Forests, from October 14 through December 29, at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center: This traveling exhibit from the Chicago Botanic Garden presents the work of landscape photographer Miles Lowry, whose pictures capture the grace and grandeur of forest and savanna remnants. Since 2001, he has searched out and documented restored savannas and pockets of old-growth forests, focusing attention on these now-rare landscapes.

In addition to these larger events and exhibitions, the Forest Preserve will also present mini-events, including Maple Syrup Magic on March 16 at Plum Creek, spring and fall trout season fishing and fishing derbies at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm in Bolingbrook, Trick-or-Treat in the Woods programs at various preserves, a Pumpkin Fun Run on October 12 at Hadley Valley Preserve, and a Pumpkin Smash on November  2 at Plum Creek.

Funding for Eagle Watch, Mammal Madness, and Pelican Party is provided by Alliance Pipeline, a joint venture of Enbridge and Pembina, with support from The Nature Foundation of Will County. The Foundation is sponsoring the “Birds in Art” exhibition, the Take It Outside Challenge, Woods Walk, the “Indige-Facts” exhibition, and the “Lost and Found” exhibit. Trout fishing and fishing derbies will be stocked with funds from Bass Pro Shop and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund via the Foundation.

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