DuPage offering 'Forest Fitness' walks

Adults are invited to get fit in nature with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's "Forest Fitness Walk" series that begins Wednesday, Aug. 24.

The brisk hikes are scheduled at the following preserves:

• Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook from 6 to 7:30 a.m. Aug. 24;

• Greene Valley in Naperville from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31;

• Fullersburg Woods from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 5;

• Waterfall Glen in Darien from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7;

• Wood Dale Grove in Wood Dale from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 12;

• Fullersburg Woods from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14;

• West DuPage Woods in West Chicago from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 19;

• Hidden Lake in Downers Grove from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21;

• Mallard Lake in Hanover Park from 8;30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 26;

• and Oldfield Oaks from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28.

"Our forest preserves provide the perfect backdrop for guests to get some exercise and their daily dose of nature," Commissioner Linda Painter said.

All walks will be led by a ranger and naturalist. Every week the distance of the walks will increase. The district offers more than 145 miles of trails to explore all year round. These trails are surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.

The walks are for ages 18 and older. The cost is $4 per person in advance and $6 at the walk. Register online or by calling (630) 850-8110.

"Grab a friend and take a walk in the woods at one of our beautiful preserves. A walk in the woods improves memory, reduces stress and burns calories," said forest district President Joe Cantore.