Plum Creek Nature Center hosts 'Dive In!'

"Dive In!," a water-themed event filled with fun and educational activities designed to highlight our precious natural resources, will make a splash at Plum Creek Nature Center in on Sept. 24.

This free, all-ages event sponsored by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“The Forest Preserve District of Will County is excited to host 'Dive In!' 2022,” said Jessica Prince, the facility supervisor for Plum Creek Nature Center. “Illinois EPA partners with local conservation agencies throughout the state each year to offer this annual water conservation-themed event.

"Visitors will have the chance to get up close and personal with some turtles, participate in water Olympics, dip into Snapper Pond to find tadpoles and even meet a barred owl.”

During the event, visitors will rotate through water stations presented by: Will County Green, Iron Oaks Environmental Education Learning Center, University of Illinois Extension, Will-South Cook Soil and Water Conservation District, Governors State Biology Club and the Environmental Education Association of Illinois.

Also, Itasca-based Wings and Talons will attend the event with a barred owl and another bird of prey. The owl was found this year with a wing injury that prevents it from being reintroduced back into the wild. "Dive In!" attendees will be able to see the owl and learn fascinating facts about owls in nature and the issues they face, including predator/prey relationships and the important role they have in our ecosystem.

Registration is not required for this free, all-ages event. Plum Creek Nature Center is located at 27064 S. Dutton Road, north of Goodenow Road, in Crete Township near Beecher.

"Dive In!" is supported by funding from The Nature Foundation of Will County.

For more information on the Forest Preserve District of Will County, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.