DuPage Forest Preserve offers intro to archery
Visitors can explore the sport of archery at a free open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at Blackwell Forest Preserve near Warrenville.
Participants will be introduced to the sport and learn about its history and equipment before trying their skills under the guidance of a certified instructor.
The event also will highlight the archery range's three different sections: beginner, advanced and interactive.
All ages are welcome, but adults must accompany those younger than 18. Equipment is provided, and registration is not required. For details, call (630) 933-7248.
"Our nationally recognized archery program is one of our most popular offerings," Commissioner Al Murphy said. "Our annual open house is a great way to explore the classic sport."
The Blackwell archery range, located off the Butterfield Road entrance, is open from one hour after sunrise until sunset, except Wednesdays, when it opens at 10 a.m. Visitors using the area do not need permits, but the range is for archery use only. Archers may use arrows with target heads but not broad heads.
"The Blackwell archery range is a longtime favorite of outdoor enthusiasts and gives visitors another way to get their daily dose of nature," said Joe Cantore, forest district president.
The range features bow racks, quivers and targets with distances up to 90 meters. It recently underwent improvements to make it ADA accessible. The turf surface in the beginner range and a 20-foot section of the interactive range were replaced with decomposed granite paving, a permeable material commonly used for pathways. Accessible work tables and bleachers also were installed.
Other archery programs include:
• Archery Fun Shoot, 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 27, at Blackwell. Sign up for this tournament for novices with awards for the top three competitors. Bring your own equipment; no crossbows. (Some equipment may be available to use at the event first-come, first-served.) Ages 7‒16 with an adult. Free. Register online or at (630) 933-7248.
• Archery for All Ages, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1, at Mallard Lake Forest Preserve in Hanover Park. Learn basic archery techniques in a family-friendly setting. Equipment provided. Ages 9 and older; younger than 18 with an adult. Free. Register online or at (630) 933-7248.
• Archery Beyond the Basics, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3 and 17, at Blackwell. Learn about safety, equipment, shooting form, whistle commands and target scoring in this two-part program. Ages 9 and older; younger than 18 with an adult. $10 per person. Register online or at (630) 933-7248.
• Archery for All Ages, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, Churchill Woods in Glen Ellyn. Learn basic archery techniques in a family-friendly setting. Equipment provided. Ages 9 and older; younger than 18 with an adult. Register online or at (630) 933-7248.