Hiking Challenge Begins At Will County Forest Preserve

MOKENA, IL — The Will County Forest Preserve District will hold its Woods Walk, a self-paced hiking challenge, until Nov. 30. The challenge started on Sept. 1, and the preserve said hikers who complete seven of 10 designated trails during the three-month time period will receive a collector’s medal.

This year's trail trips vary in length from 0.7 to 3.47 miles. Trails selected for the program are located in Channahon, Crest Hill, Joliet, Mokena, Monee Township, Naperville, Shorewood, Troy Township and Wilmington.

The program is a favorite among forest preserve fans because participants can tackle the trails at their own pace, and they reap many benefits by being outdoors, said Lynn Kurczewski, the Forest Preserve’s director of visitor services.

“There have been numerous studies on the benefits of walking in nature,” she said in a release. “Walking in nature has been shown to reduce stress and depression, improve mental clarity and focus, and improve your overall mood more than when exercising in a gym or busy city environment. ‘Woods Walk’ provides the opportunity to experience those health benefits, both physical and mental.”

The program is taking place at a perfect time to get outside and explore nature, she added.

“It begins at a time of year when temperatures are cooler, mosquitoes are fewer and fall colors are at their best,” Kurczewski said.

The selected trails will help participants learn about preserves they might not have known existed, said Ben Hecke, community partnerships and outreach coordinator.

“'Woods Walk' is designed to get people out to each corner of the county and experience some of our most popular and most exotic preserves,” he said in a release. “The program’s basic goal is to get you out of your comfort zone and out in the best nature Will County has to offer.”

To participate in the program, you can pick up a hiking guide at one of the four visitor centers: Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Monee Reservoir in Monee Township, Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township and Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. You also can download the guide.

The preserve said the guide features maps of each trail section included in the program and detailed location descriptions. A "Woods Walk" trail list is located in the back of the guide for participants to check off each trail walked.

Once they complete their walks, participants can fill in the rest of the form and drop it off at one of the visitor centers listed above or mail it in to receive their collector's medal. An online form is available.