Here are the Forest Preserve District of Will County programs for the week of Jan. 19. Registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service – Community Cleanup: Monday, Jan. 19 — 9 a.m.-noon., Rock Run Preserve – Black Road Access, Joliet; and 1-4 p.m. Theodore Marsh, Crest Hill. Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of service during this “day on, not a day off” by helping remove litter along the Rock Run Greenway Trail. All ages; free. Registration required.
Trail Club – January at Whalon Lake: 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, Whalon Lake, Naperville. Beat the winter blues with a brisk group walk around Whalon Lake’s 1.6-mile loop as part of this monthly winter walking series. All ages; free.
Extraordinarily Ordinary: 10-11:15 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon. Take a closer look at common plants and animals and discover the surprising traits that make them anything but ordinary during this cozy indoor naturalist program. Ages 8 or older; free. Register by Jan. 23.
Crafting a la Cache – Handheld Habitats: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville. Create a miniature habitat inside an Altoids tin while learning how different animals make their homes in nature during this hands-on crafting program. Ages 5 or older; free. Register by Jan. 22.
Soup-er Bowl Hike to the Bridge: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, Plum Creek Nature Center, Crete Township. Warm up with a winter hike to the big bridge, then enjoy soup or chili cooked over a campfire in this playful, food-themed outdoor adventure. Ages 7 or older; free. Register by Jan. 22.
Be a Trailblazer Winter Warmup Meet and Greet: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, Hickory Creek – Hickory Creek Junction, Frankfort Township. Meet fellow Trailblazers, enjoy warm drinks by the fire and celebrate winter missions during this casual social gathering tied to the 2026 Be a Trailblazer experience. All ages; free.
