Forest Preserve Bird Programs to Educate, Entertain

Photo: Search for great blue herons and other birds during guided hikes on April 9 and April 30 at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve in Plainfield. (Photo courtesy of Paul Dacko)

The Forest Preserve District of Will County will be holding two bird-centric programs in Romeoville and Plainfield in April, according to a release from the district.

Learn all about John James Audubon, wildlife artist, nature writer and author of “Birds of America,” during “An Evening with Audubon” scheduled for 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road in Romeoville. The program – the fourth and final offering in the District’s 2016 Nature Writers’ Series – begins with a short walk through the preserve followed by refreshing drinks and a discussion of three chapters from “Ornithological Biography, Volume 1” (available at www.archive.org).

The free program is for ages 16 and older. Registration is required by Tuesday, April 5; call 815-886-1467.

On April 9 and April 30, a “Migratory Bird Hike” will be held at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve, located on Renwick Road in Plainfield, 0.5 miles east of Route 30.

Hikes will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. View the many waterfowl, eagles, songbirds and more that use Lake Renwick to rest and refuel during their migration. Bring binoculars (a limited supply will be available for loan) and dress for the weather. Participants will hike up to 1.5 miles on natural surfaces across uneven terrain.

The free program is for ages 7 and older. Registration is required two days prior to each program date; call 815-886-1467.

For more information on these programs and other Forest Preserve District offerings, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.