The forest reserve offers teen programs and night fishing for anglers

Lina Portman3 days ago

0 2 minutes read

The Forest Preserve District of Will County is offering a trio of teen programs this summer, two Teen Connection outings on July 17 and Aug. 14 at Hickory Creek Preserve – LaPorte Road Access in Mokena and a paddling program called Paddle, Play and Popsicles on July 18 at Monee Reservoir in Monee Township. (Photo by Forest Preserve staff | Chad Merda)

here are the Will County Forest Preservation District programs for the week of July 15. Online registration is available on the events calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org.

Tuesday Turtle: 2-3 p.m., Tuesday, July 16, Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville. A naturalist will bring one or two Blanding’s turtles out of the exhibit tank for a closer look. Learn the story of their journey as an endangered species. This is a drop-in program. Free, all ages.

Connection for teens: 3-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, Hickory Creek Nature Preserve – LaPorte Road Access, Mokena. (This program will also be offered Aug. 14 at the same location.) Join the nature preserve’s recreation coordinator for a hike and a fun time with teens from across the county for games and laughs. The program will also highlight recreational activities and points of interest to explore in the nature preserves. Free, ages 13-18. Register by July 16.

BYOB Bingo: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, Hickory Creek Reserve – LaPorte Road access. Compete for prizes and have fun. Feel free to bring your own lunch or snacks and beverages, including beer or wine. Free, ages 21 and up.

Paddle, play and eat ice cream: 1-3 p.m. Thursday, July 18, Monee Reservoir, Monee Township. Teens are invited to try kayaking, then take part in paddle challenges before taking home some popsicles. All equipment is provided. Ages 13-17; $20 per person. Register by July 16.

Kayak College: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 18, Monee Reservoir. A certified American Canoe Association instructor will lead this workshop on the basics of flatwater kayaking. Ages 12 and up; $35 per person. Register by July 16.

There's something fishy going on in Four Rivers: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, July 20, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon. Meet a wide variety of river fish. Examine their scales and bones inside, then walk to their habitats to try to spot them in the water. Free, ages 12 and up. Register by July 19.

Wonders of Will County – Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 20, Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve, Lockport. Learn about the plants, animals and land formations of one of the world’s last dolomite prairies. Ages 10 and up; register by July 18.

Lakes hidden by fish under the stars: 6-10 p.m., Saturday, July 20, Hidden Lakes Trout Farm, Bolingbrook. Fish at night, when the water is cooler and the fish are more active. Bring a flashlight and bug spray. The concessions building will be open. Free, all ages.

Midnight Madness: 7pm-midnight Saturday, July 20, Monee Reservoir. Fish at night when the water is cooler and the fish are more active. Bring a flashlight and bug spray. Free, all ages.

Fabulous fish painting: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. Learn about Gyotaku, the Japanese art of fish printing, then make your own. Supplies provided. Free, ages 12 and up. Register by July 19.

Fun fish print for families: 11:30am-1:30pm Sunday, July 21, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. Gyotaku is the Japanese art of paper printing. Learn about this impressive art form, then create your own. Free, all ages. Register by July 20.