EVENTS IN DU PAGE FOREST PRESERVES: MAY 20 – 26

Monday, May 20
Forest Fitness Walk — Join a naturalist for a brisk weekly walk, and enjoy some exercise as you take in the wonders of the woods. 8:30 – 10 a.m. at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien on Bluff Road one-quarter mile east of Cass Avenue. Adults only. Free. To register, call 630-850-8110.

Tuesday, May 21
Birding at Willowbrook — Learn the basics of birding, and search for feathered friends during a leisurely stroll in the Back 40. Bring binoculars. 8 – 9:30 a.m. at Willowbrook Wildlife Center,
525 S. Park Blvd. in Glen Ellyn. Ages 10 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Donation suggested. Registration not required. Call 630-942-6200.

Fishing 101 — Learn the basics of fishing through indoor instruction and hands-on experience. Some equipment available. 4 – 6 p.m. at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St. in Oak Brook. Adults only. Free. Registration begins May 7. Call 630-933-7248.

Wednesday, May 22
Kayaking Basics — Learn the basics of kayaking, including parts of the boat and paddling strokes. Equipment provided. 5 – 7 p.m. at Hidden Lake Forest Preserve in Downers Grove on Route 53 one-quarter mile south of Butterfield Road. Ages 14 and up; under 18 with an adult. $20 per person. Registration begins May 8. Call 630-933-7248.

Restoration-in-Progress Tours — Take a docent-guided tour through Mayslake Peabody Estate to learn about the past — and future — of this historic 1920s Tudor Revival-style mansion. Tours begin at
11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St. in Oak Brook. All ages. $5 per person. Registration required for group tours. Call 630-206-9588.

Thursday, May 23
Classical Notes at Mayslake — Enjoy a classical music performance titled “Music for Film and Theatre” featuring members of the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra. 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St. in Oak Brook. Adults only. $25 general admission; $23 seniors over 65; $7 students. For tickets, call 630-941-0202.

Home-Schoolers Nature Hike — Learn about natural and cultural history while exploring a forest preserve. 1:30 – 4 p.m. at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien on Bluff Road one-quarter mile east of Cass Avenue. Ages 5 and up; under 18 with an adult. $5 per family. Registration begins May 9. Call 630-942-6200.

Kayaking for Active Adults — Try your hand at kayaking after learning basic techniques, watercraft safety and preserve information. Equipment provided. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve in Wood Dale on Wood Dale Road one-quarter mile south of Oak Meadows Drive. Ages 50 and up. $20 per person. Registration begins May 9. Call 630-933-7248.

Friday, May 24
FullersBird Fridays — Join these naturalist-led hikes, and see how the diversity of birds in a forest preserve changes throughout spring. 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, 3609 Spring Road in Oak Brook. Adults only. $6 per person per hike; $40 for a 10-program pass. To register, call 630-850-8110.

Saturday, May 25
Blacksmithing Demonstrations — Stop by the wagon shed to see the blacksmith repair equipment and demonstrate the tools and techniques of the trade. Demonstrations ongoing. 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road in West Chicago. All ages. Free. Registration not required. Call 630-876-5900.

Family Field Day at St. James Farm — Celebrate the heritage of St. James Farm at this annual event featuring canine and equestrian performances, a dairy exhibit, hayrides, guided tours, kids activities,  archery, fishing, food, and more. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville on Winfield Road one block north of Butterfield Road. All ages. Free admission; fees for some activities. Registration not required. Call 630-933-7248.

Restoration-in-Progress Tours — Take a docent-guided tour through Mayslake Peabody Estate to learn about the past — and future — of this historic 1920s Tudor Revival-style mansion. Tours begin at
9:30, 10, 11 and 11:30 a.m. at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St. in Oak Brook. All ages.
$5 per person. Registration required for group tours. Call 630-206-9588.

Sunday, May 26
Meet the Beekeepers — Learn about beekeeping equipment and the important role that bees play in our food supply. Then, ask the beekeepers your questions about honey and bees. Demonstrations ongoing. 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road in West Chicago. All ages. Free. Registration not required. Call 630-876-5900.