Nature Walks Set Throughout Summer at Will County Forest Preserves

Submitted by the Forest Preserve District of Will County

Take a hike or pick up the pace and run during the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s new “Reconnect with Nature Walks” program, which begins on Saturday, May 7, in Crest Hill.

Instead of the former “Woods Walk” program, which required participants to walk select paths on their own time, this new program encourages trail users to tackle running or walking challenges with other preserve patrons.

During the “Reconnect with Nature Walks,” informal fun runs and walks will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on five Saturdays from May through September. All five outings will offer distances for everyone's pace and fitness level: 1 mile, 2 miles or 3.1 miles (the distance of a 5K).

The walk/runs are scheduled for: May 7 at Prairie Bluff Preserve, Crest Hill; June 25 at Whalon Lake, Naperville; July 16 at Hickory Creek Preserve – Hickory Creek Junction, Mokena; Aug. 27 at Lake Renwick – Turtle Lake Access, Plainfield; and Sept. 10 at Hadley Valley – Gougar Road Access, Joliet.

A different community small-business partner will be on site at each event with activities and merchandise. Partners include DNA Athletics of Crest Hill, Running Excels of Frankfort and Naperville Running Company. All participants will receive a giveaway to take home. Those who complete all five trails in the series will receive a larger prize. Event participants are encouraged to bring their old athletic shoes for recycling.

The program is being offered in cooperation with the National Recreation and Park Association's walking initiative. The walks are free and registration is not required. For more information on this program and other Forest Preserve District offerings, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.