Situated near the confluence of the Des Plaines River, DuPage River, and Kankakee River as they flow into the Illinois River, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center opens up incredible avenues for nature learning and exploration. Located in Channahon, Illinois, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center and the surrounding McKinley Woods Forest Preserve welcome visitors to quite a fascinating Will County Forest Preserve.
Arriving at the trailhead inside Messenger Woods Nature Preserve in Homer Glen, Illinois, we were almost immediately folded inside beautiful woodlands. Trees had just really begun to change, so I knew that we would find some early fall colors popping up among the verdant leaves.
Hiking Will County: Exploring Lake Renwick Preserve
Lake Renwick Preserve represents quite an extensive and unique nature preserve located in Illinois' Will County. The site once served as a spot for gravel quarrying. Lake Renwick itself is a manmade lake resulting from mining in the area. Today, the preserve provides vital habitat to a range of migratory birds and is renowned for its heron rookery. Additionally, an array of nature activities invites visitors to this stunning preserve each year.
Woodlands, Wetlands and Prairie Enchant at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve in Crete, Illinois
We capitalized on one of late fall's bonus warm days by exploring a range of hiking trails at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve in Crete, Illinois near Beecher. The Will County forest preserve was indeed quite busy during our weekend visit and we soon learned why.