Will County Forest Preserve Offering Canoeing and Kayaking Programs

Photo: Kayaking activities and a preserve orientation session called “Meet the Preserves” will be offered by the Forest Preserve District of Will County on July 17 at Lake Chaminwood Preserve in Minooka.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County has several water-based activities on tap in July and a preserve orientation session. The programs are:

MINOOKA – A preserve orientation program and two kayaking events will be offered from 2 to 6 p.m. on Friday, July 17, at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Lake Chaminwood Preserve, located on Shepley Road, west of Interstate 55. “Meet the Preserves” provides an opportunity to learn all that the District has to offer, including the best places to fish, bike or fly a kite. Registration is not required. Four one-hour sessions of “Paddle the Preserves” will be offered for $10 per person per hour and “Private Kayak Instruction” for $40 per person per hour. The kayaking programs are for ages 12 and older; ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration is required; call 708-534-8499.

MONEE – “You Too Can Canoe” will be offered from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Monee Reservoir, 27341 Ridgeland Ave. Learn canoeing basics along with the lingo, and then head out on the water. Afterward, relax by a fire and make scrumptious s’mores. All equipment is provided. The program is for ages 7 and older; ages 7-17 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Cost: $12 per person. Registration is required; call 708-534-8499.

WILMINGTON – The deadline to register for the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s “Kayak the Kankakee” is Tuesday, July 7. The program will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, at the Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area Boat Launch, located at 24621 N. River Road. Travel up the Kankakee River to Prairie Creek, stop for lunch, explore the area, then head back down the river. Lunch and all equipment will be provided. Previous kayaking experience is required. The program is for ages 18 and older. Cost: $40 per person. Registration is required; call 708-534-8499.

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