You won't need to sail off through night and day or in and out of weeks. Will County is where the wildflowers are! Trillium, bluebells, mayapple, phlox – our wildflowers have stories to tell! Journey to Messenger Woods, a top spot to seek wildflowers. Join a naturalist for a hike to find wildflowers and hear stories of how these beauties were named, their uses through time and other lore and legends.

These ephemeral blooms are beautiful but fleeting. Join us each month for more chapters in the ever-changing tale of wildflowers as old ones fade and new ones bloom. Look for other preserves in this series or choose your own adventure. Visit the same preserve each month to see the changes unfold over time or mix it up and enjoy a different preserve for the full story of Will County wildflowers.

Fee: Free! Age: Ages 10 or older. Registration required by Friday, May 10, by calling 815-722-4121 or online.

The program will begin at Hawthorn Grove Shelter in the back parking lot. Spring rains can make the trail muddy; please dress accordingly. The trail at Messenger Woods is approximately 1 mile on natural surfaces. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)