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.