Winter Walkers Hikes Planned By Forest Preserve

ROMEOVILLE, IL — The Forest Preserve District of Will County will host its second annual Winter Walkers series of cold-weather hikes in January and February.

According to a release from the preserve, the free, all-ages hikes will be held every weekend in January and February.

These eight naturalist-led hikes will traverse a wide variety of terrain and weather conditions. Based on last year’s turnout, cold temps will not deter people from showing up, the preserve said.

Jessica McQuown, a Forest Preserve program coordinator, said even though it was a sunny day, temperatures were only in the teens for the hike she led last year.

“I was blown away at how many people joined me for our walk at Lake Renwick,” she said in a release. “The sun was shining, and all the layers were on. We still saw lots of wildlife, including a tiny mouse who ran between our feet, right down the line of people so almost everyone got to see her! Waterproof boots, warm layers, hats and gloves, and hand/foot-warmers were all we needed to enjoy ourselves on the trail in the cold.”

Registration is required two days in advance for each hike. All hikes will be from 9:30-11 a.m. except for the Feb. 16 hike at Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve, which is from 1-2:30 p.m.

Hikes will range from 1 to 3 miles on paved, crushed limestone or natural surface trails and will take place:

• Jan. 4: Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, Crete Township.
• Jan. 12: Hadley Valley — Gougar Road Access, Joliet.
• Jan. 18: Joliet Iron Works Historic Site, Joliet.
• Jan. 25: O'Hara Woods Preserve, Romeoville.
• Feb. 2: Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve, Plainfield.
• Feb. 9: Messenger Woods Nature Preserve, Homer Glen.
• Feb. 16: Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve, Park Forest.
• Feb. 22: Hickory Creek Preserve – LaPorte Road Access, Mokena.