7 ways to have fun at the Will County forest preserve this weekend

Welcome to The Herald-News’ Will County Inside/Outside Guide. Each week, Features Editor Denise M. Baran-Unland (@Denise_Unland61) highlights a few ideas for you to enjoy your weekend in Will County.

Have you seen the “Inspired by Endangered Species” quilt exhibition yet? Then be sure to come out to one of the four visitor’s centers at the Forest Preserve District of Will County by Sunday, the last day of the exhibit. For more information, visit reconnectwithnature.org.

And if you’d rather spend the weekend in the great Will County outdoors, then check out these six events the forest preserve is offering:

Food Truck Friday: 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Messenger Marsh, Homer Glen. All ages. Featured food trucks: Rogue Curbside Kitchen, Serna’s Grill and Rita’s Italian Ice. For more information, visit reconnectwithnature.org.

Moth Mania: 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, Hickory Creek Preserve – LaPorte Road Access, Hickory Hollow Shelter, Mokena. Free, ages 8 or older. Learn the different groups of moths and then take a night hike, sharing UV flashlights to search for hidden insects glowing along the trail. Register at reconnectwithnature.org or call 708-946-2216.

Hike and Stretch: 8 to 9 a.m. Saturday, Plum Creek Nature Center, Crete Township. Ages 13 or older, $18 per person. Hike a 0.5-mile Forest Preserve District trail and then participate in slow, yin-style, stretch-forward yoga flow led by instructor Danielle O’Leary. Bring a water bottle and a yoga mat or beach towel. Register at reconnectwithnature.org by Friday or call 708-946-2216.

Midnight Madness: 7 to 11:59 p.m. Saturday, Monee Reservoir, Monee Township. Free, all ages. Bring the entire family to fish at night. The parking lot is well-lit, and the shoreline is accessible. Bring a flashlight and bug repellent. Concessions available. Boat and equipment rentals are not available. Registration is not required.

Happy Mornings Yoga and Hike: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Sundays, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon. Free, ages 18 or older. This program includes a 30-to 40-minute, all-levels yoga session, a 30 to 40-minute hike along the Forest Preserve District’s scenic trails and time to journal about the experiences. Bring a yoga mat, water and a journal. Register at reconnectwithnature.org or call 815-722-9470.

Fishing Monee Summer Seminar: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Monee Reservoir, Monee Township. Ages 12 or older, $10 per person. Local expert will share tips, tricks and techniques of successful fishing. Learn how to “read” the water and fish along the sea wall. Seminar will also cover fishing gear and equipment, including baits and lures. Register at reconnectwithnature.org by Sunday or call 708-534-8499.

Thoughts? Drop me a line at dunland@shawmedia.com.