Got cabin fever? Try these ‘remedies’ from Forest Preserve District of Will County

Welcome to The Herald-News’ Will County Inside/Outside Guide. Each week, Features Editor Denise M. Baran-Unland (@Denise_Unland61) highlights a few ideas for you to enjoy your weekend (and beyond) in Will County.

Got cabin fever? Tired of staying home, staying inside, and staying in front of the screen with virtual programs?

Then check out these programs by the Forest Preserve District of Will County. Some of them will get you outside for some safe fun.

Now the district is offering plenty of fun, virtual programs, too. For instance, two of my daughters and I had breakfast with turtles at the beginning of the month, which we enjoyed together, even though we participated from three different locations. A similar program will be offered this week regarding birds on Jan. 22. Keep reading for information on how to join.

But first, channel your inner artist and collect some materials. Because Jan. 29 is Forest Preserve’s ‘Sculpting WILD’ juried art show submission deadline.

Photo submissions of 3D nature-themed artwork are being accepted online through Jan. 29 for the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s “Sculpting WILD” juried art show.

Use wood, ceramics, rock, metal and/or upcycled materials (to name a few) to build habitats, carve wild animals or mold beautiful wildflowers.

If your artwork is selected, you will be notified by Feb. 2. The selected artwork will be displayed at the Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township from March to April 2.

Sculptures can be sold during the show, but the artwork must remain on display through April 2.

Winners will receive $500 for first place, $250 for second place, $200 for third place and $100 for a people’s choice award. The Nature Foundation of Will County is sponsoring the contest.

For contest rules and a submission link, visit reconnectwithnature.org/sculpting-wild-juried-art-show-application.

For more information on The Nature Foundation of Will County, visit willcountynature.org.

Earth Art Hike

Join a Forest Preserve District of Will County naturalist on a hike along the Found Objects Sculpture trail to gain inspiration for your own masterpiece so you can submit to the “Sculpting WILD” juried art show.

The Earth Art Hike will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 23, Plum Creek Nature Center. The event is free and for all ages.

Participants will find natural items along the way such as leaves, sticks, nuts, seeds, etc.

After the hike find your special spot to start sculpting and let your creativity soar! Take a picture of your art and then leave the artwork on site for all visitors to enjoy. Registration required by Jan. 23. Call 708-946-2216.

Can you find the eagles at Rock Run Rookery?

While places like Rock Island and Starved Rock State Park in Utica are often go-to spots for those fascinated by America’s bird, the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Rock Run Rookery in Joliet has been providing more than a suitable eagle-watching alternative closer to home. For more information, visit bit.ly/rockruneagles.

How about an outdoor book club?

Come out to the “Leafing Through Time Fireside Book Club” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 27, at the Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville. Meet at the Isle a la Cache Amphitheater.

The event is free, but you must be at least 21 to join. The event is held the fourth Wednesday of every month and discusses fiction or non-fiction that helps connect people to natural and cultural history.

The book for January is “The Bird Way: A New Look at How Birds Talk, Work, Play, Parent, and Think” by Jennifer Ackerman. The discussion will take place around a roaring campfire outside.

Remember to bring a camp chair and blankets and a warm drink; beer or wine is fine, too.

Register by Jan. 26. Call 815-886-1467.

Facemasks must be worn for in-person outdoor programs.

Can’t get out? Don’t want to leave the warmth of your home?

Then check out these Zoom presentations. Register for them through the event calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org. Zoom links will be emailed upon registration.

ZOOM WEBINAR – Breakfast with the Birds, 8 a.m., Jan. 22, online. Free, all ages. For more information, call 815-886-1467.

The camera will be on the Forest Preserve’s very active bird feeders. The presenter will be in the background, sharing information about what you’re seeing as well as ways you can turn your yard into a winter bird haven.

ZOOM WEBINAR – Star Stories, 7 p.m. Jan. 26, online. Free, ages 8 or older. For more information, call 815-886-1467.

Learn how to identify the constellations while hearing the stories behind the familiar patterns in the sky.

ZOOM WEBINAR – Trail Safety, 7 p.m. Jan. 26, online. Free, all ages. For more information, call 815-727-8700.

Learn the best ways to stay safe while using them. Tips about proper etiquette and the District’s “Eyes, Ears, and Cellphones” program will be discussed. Time will be available for questions from the public as well.

ZOOM WEBINAR – 4.5 Billion Years in 45 Minutes, 6 p.m. Jan. 27, online. Free, all ages. For more information, call 815-722-9470.

Fossils tell the chronological story of lifeforms on earth. Learn how time is divided and discover the developments displayed in each major period, including Illinois’ contribution to fossil evidence.

This free Forest Preserve District of Will County webinar is designed for beginners wanting to grasp the geologic time scale. The program will speed through time beginning with the formation of the Earth with simple language and fascinating photos. This presentation will be 45 minutes with additional time for questions and discussion at the end.

Thoughts? Drop me a line at dunland@shawmedia.com.