New 'Winter Walkers' Hiking Program Begins In January

HOMER GLEN, IL — The Forest Preserve District of Will County will offer a new Winter Walkers program this winter for those who still want to get outdoors in the chilly weather. The program will be held weekly throughout the county, including in Homer Glen.

“The program will be held every Saturday in January and February at a different site, and each walk will be led by a different naturalist or by our recreation coordinator,” Lydia Pond, the Forest Preserve’s director of visitor services, said in a release. “The idea is to get outside in the colder months. While it may seem not as enticing, it’s good for cardiovascular and mental health and for soaking up some Vitamin D.”

Pond said she’s hoping people who join at least one of the eight hikes will want to sign up for others, but there is no requirement to do so.

“You can build on each hiking experience and we’re hoping you can see preserves you’ve never seen before and you’ll become more familiar with different parts of the county and Forest Preserve programs,” she said. “And maybe you’ll be more likely to return to a preserve to hike with family or friends.”

The free, all-ages walks will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. starting Jan. 6, and ending Feb. 24. They range from 1 to 3 miles in length and the pace will be leisurely, Pond said in a release.

After walking in the winter, participants also might be more inclined to keep walking in March and beyond.

“Our goal is to get people out there and show them you can recreate 365 days a year,” Pond said.
Walkers can sign up for as many or as few of the programs that they would like. And don’t forget to dress for the weather.

Registration is required for each program.

Programs will take place on:

• Jan. 6 at Rock Run Preserve, Joliet
• Jan. 13 at Sugar Creek Preserve, Joliet
• Jan. 20 at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve, Plainfield
• Jan. 27 at Hickory Creek Preserve – LaPorte Road Access, Mokena
• Feb. 3 at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, Crete Township
• Feb. 10 at O’Hara Woods Preserve, Romeoville
• Feb. 17 at Messenger Woods Nature Preserve, Homer Township
• Feb. 24 at Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve, Park Forest