September on the water: Will County Forest preserves offer kayaking, fishing programs

A new kayak rental station is now up and running at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Lake Chaminwood Preserve in Channahon.

The station consists of a metal locker unit located near the launch and contains eight locked compartments that each hold a single sit-on-top kayak, a paddle and a life vest.

”Preserve patrons will be able to rent a kayak from the locker by downloading the Rent.Fun app, creating an account, entering their credit card information and signing the waiver,” Jenna Wright, the forest preserve’s permitting and recreation supervisor, said in a news release announcing the launch of the program.

QR codes on the unit help users, and once they complete those steps, they will be able to unlock the locker with the app, according to the release.

The cost is $25 for the first two hours and $15 for each additional hour.

“At the end of their reservation, they have the option to add more time or return the kayak and equipment to the station,” Wright said in the release. “They must properly store everything, close the locker and take a photo.”

Customer service questions and issues should be sent to Rent.Fun through the app. There is an option to chat with its customer support service or submit a support ticket. The station will be operational from April 1 through Oct. 31 each year.

The kayak rental station comes on the heels of a major, two-phase renovation at the preserve that expanded the parking lot, extended the loop trail to connect with the state-owned Illinois & Michigan Canal Trail, and saw the installation of an accessible kayak launch that makes it easier for people of all abilities to enter the water.

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

The Forest Preserve District of Will County has announced its event schedule for the week of Sept. 16. Online registration is available at reconnectwithnature.org.

More September programs

Summer Send-Off Paddle – 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at Monee Reservoir in Monee: Say goodbye to summer with a recreational evening paddle. Once off the water, hang by the fire to roast marshmallows and enjoy a beverage (BYOB; beer or wine only). Prior paddling experience is strongly recommended. Cost: $20 per person with watercraft; $10 per person without watercraft rental. This event is intended for ages 21 and older. Register by Sept. 16.

Night Hike – 7 to 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at McKinley Woods – Frederick’s Grove in Channahon: Join a naturalist to discover the wonders of the woods in darkness. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, no flashlights, please. This free event is intended for all ages. Register by Sept. 17.

Summer Send-off Fishing Derby – Two-hour sessions will be offered at 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm in Bolingbrook: Close out summer with a fishing excursion. The Forest Preserve will provide one free container of nightcrawlers. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest catch, with first- second- and third-place prizes awarded. The first 25 registrants will receive a free gift. This event costs $5 per person and is intended for all ages. Register by Sept. 21.

Garlic Sale – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Thorn Creek Nature Center booth at the Park Forest Main Street Market, 152 Main St. in Park Forest: Twenty varieties of garlic bulbs, all grown at Thorn Creek’s historic farm, will be sold for eating and for planting this fall. Garlic will be sold for $3 per bulb to benefit Thorn Creek Nature Center. Planting information will be available.