Show your love for Forest Preserve District trails by signing up for the National Trails Day Cleanup at Forked Creek Preserve – Ballou Road Access on Saturday, June 7.

The cleanup will be from 10 a.m. to noon. Sign up online to join the event.

“We will have National Trails Day buttons and stickers to give away, and Athletic Brewing Co. donated non-alcoholic beer,” said Emily Kenny, volunteer services supervisor. “Participants over the age of 21 can try one of the brews after working to clean up the preserve and the Wauponsee Glacial Trail.”

National Trails Day began in 1993 and is organized each year by the American Hiking Society.

“Taking place on the first Saturday in June, National Trails Day is a day of public events aimed at advocacy and trail service,” the Hiking Society’s website states. “Tens of thousands of hikers, bikers, paddlers, horseback riders, trail clubs, federal and local agencies, land trusts and businesses come together in partnership to advocate for, maintain and clean up public lands and trails.”

Anyone who takes part in the Forest Preserve District’s cleanup can take a pledge promising to do their part to leave the trails and outdoor community better than they found them. Those who take the pledge will be entered to win prizes from the American Hiking Society.

Prizes range from an Osprey hiking pack and clothing to a hammock and a bathroom kit. The online trail app AllTrails is also offering a free one-month trial of AllTrails+ to all participants in National Trails Day activities.

Forked Creek shoutout

The Forked Creek location in Wesley Township south of Wilmington is new for the cleanup this year, Kenny said.

“We’re trying to give a shoutout to a preserve that we haven’t highlighted as much in the past,” she said.

Participants should dress for the weather and be prepared to travel 2 miles on natural surfaces. Gloves, tools, buckets, bags and additional supplies will be provided.

“We will check the shelter for staples, tape and other fasteners, then walk the trails looking for loose litter,” Kenny said. “All ages are welcome. We have gloves for all sizes, even toddlers.”

Kenny encourages those who help on National Trails Day to take a break after the event and bring lunch and a beverage to enjoy.

“Come out to clean in the morning, and enjoy a picnic in the afternoon,” she said. “Take time out to enjoy nature.”

The Forest Preserve has 135 miles of trails throughout Will County. Volunteer cleanup days and restoration events are held year-round. To get involved, visit the Volunteer Page on the District’s website for more information.