Forest Preserve District of Will County programs for the week of August 7 feature outdoor bingo and guided bat and bird hikes. Also, make sure to stop by the fly-fishing exhibition that opens August 8 at Monee Reservoir to learn about the history of this sport and its ties to Chicago. Online program registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org. Here is the lineup…
World’s Finest – Fly-Fishing Tackle, from August 8 – October 31, Monee Reservoir Visitor Center, Monee Township: Open during visitor center hours. Don’t miss this custom collection of rods, reels, flies, photographs, and books that delve into the history of fly fishing. The exhibition – on loan from the Manchester, Vermont-based American Museum of Fly Fishing – highlights influential anglers, all of whom exhibited at the Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893. Free, all ages. Check the Event Calendar for complementary fly-fishing programs.
Nature Play Day After Hours – Patterns in Nature, from 10-11:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 9, Plum Creek Nature Center, Crete Township: August’s session of this monthly program for tots explores different patterns in nature. Free, ages three-five. Register by August 8.
BYOB Bingo, from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, August 9, Prairie Bluff Preserve, Crest Hill: Socialize while playing bingo outdoors in this beautiful preserve setting. Bring your own beer or wine for a little extra fun as you compete for prizes. Also, feel free to bring dinner or snacks to enjoy while playing. Free, ages 21 or older.
Shooting Star Perseids Paddle, from 7-9 p.m., Friday, August 11, Monee Reservoir: Enjoy a perfect evening on the water as the Perseids meteor shower dazzles overhead. Once off the water, bring your drink of choice (beer and wine only, please) and enjoy it around a campfire with s’mores. All equipment is provided. Personal kayaks are welcome at this recreational program, with prior paddling experience strongly recommended. Ages 21 or older; $20 per person.
Night Hike – Bats, from 7:30-9 p.m., Friday, August 11, Plum Creek Nature Center: Discover the diversity of bat species in Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve on a guided hike. Free, ages 10 or older. Register by August 10.
Early Morning Bird Hike, from 7-9 a.m., Saturday, August 12, Plum Creek Nature Center: Join a guided hike through the varied habitats of the preserve in search of late summer birds. Beginning birders are welcome. Free, ages 16 or older. Register by August 11.
Midnight Madness, from 7 p.m.-midnight, Saturday, August 12, Monee Reservoir: The gates will be open for nighttime fishing. Anglers are encouraged to bring a flashlight and bug repellent. Free, all ages.
Hummingbird Hangout, from 9 a.m.-noon, Sundays, August 13 and 26, Plum Creek Nature Center: Hang out in the nature center’s hummingbird courtyard to watch as the birds flit back and forth overhead. Bring a chair and enjoy some refreshments. A roving naturalist will answer questions. Free, all ages. Register by August 12.
Riverview Farmstead Tour, from 10-11:30 a.m., Sunday, August 13, Riverview Farmstead Preserve, Naperville: Peek into the past by touring the 19th Century buildings and learning about the Clow family who settled the site. Free, ages 12 or older. Register by August 11.
For more information on the Forest Preserve District of Will County, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.