As the sun begins to set, much of nature comes alive. And so can you.
The forest preserves throughout the Southland offer interesting activities during evening hours, from movies and music to hiking and fishing.
Want a glimpse of the nocturnal world? Here are some activities offered at dusk or later throughout July and August.
July 29
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Paddle and Pinot: Adults over 21 can watch the sun set as they paddle the calm Monee Reservoir. Participants are asked to bring a bottle of their favorite wine to share in a wine tasting around a campfire when the paddle is over. Canoes and kayaks will be available. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet. Monee Reservoir, located on Ridgeland Ave., south of Pauling Road, Monee. 6 to 9 p.m. Registration is required by July 27. Call 708-534-8499. Cost is $12 per person
August 3
Music in the Moonlight: Join the blues band Chicago Kingsnakes for a night with a Blues Brothers theme. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnic basket and bug repellant. Hickory Creek Preserve, LaPorte Road, east of Wolf Road, Mokena. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Free.
August 10
Songs of Summer: Learn how birds and insects communicate by listening to their orchestra at dusk. Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 W. 111th St., Lemont. 5 to 7 p.m. Registration required. Call 630-257-2045. Free.
August 11
Aerial Acrobats: Search for the secretive southern flying squirrel while walking the trails at sunset. Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 S. Paxton Ave., South Holland. Register by Aug. 9 at 708-868-0606. 8 p.m. Free.
August 12
Midnight Angling: All ages can enjoy fish after dark when temperatures are cooler and fish are more active. Bring a flashlight, lawn chairs and bug repellant. The parking lot is well-lit and the shoreline is accessible. The concession stand will be open. Monee Reservoir, located on Ridgeland Ave., south of Pauling Road, Monee. 7 p.m. to midnight. Free.
Perseid Paddle and Fire: Enjoy a meteor shower overhead while paddling a calm reservoir, followed by a campfire with hotdogs and s’mores. Canoes, kayaks, personal flotation devices and binoculars will be provided. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet. Ages 5 and over can participate, though anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Monee Reservoir, located on Ridgeland Ave., south of Pauling Road, Monee. 6 to 9 p.m. Register by Aug. 10 by calling 708-534-8499. Cost is $12 per person.
August 17
Films in the Forest: Pack a picnic basket and enjoy an outdoor movie with a nature connection. Disney’s “Finding Dory” is a PG-rated movie about a blue fish who searches for her long-lost parents and learns the meaning of family along the way. There will also be family friendly activities based on the film. Rubio Woods, 5800 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian. Rain location is Camp Sullivan, 14630 Oak Park Ave., Oak Forest. 6 p.m. Free.
Sounds of Insects Night Hike: Venture onto the trail at dusk for the musical entertainment of insects, which become more active as the sun goes down. Participants should wear shoes appropriate for a two-mile-plus hike along natural surfaces and uneven terrain. Thorn Creek Woods Nature Center Preserve, located on Monee Road, north of Stuenkel Road in Park Forest and University Park. Register by Aug. 15 at 708-747-6320. Free.
August 22
Films in the Forest: Pack a picnic basket and enjoy an outdoor movie with a nature connection. Disney’s “Zootopia” is a PG-rated movie about a mammal metropolis where all animals live together. There will also be family friendly activities based on the film. Swallow Cliff Woods North, 10267 Calumet Sag Road, Palos Hills. 6:30 p.m. Free.
August 25
Nightjars: Walk the trails at dusk to observe the mysterious birds that feed while in flight. Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 S. Paxton Ave., South Holland; 7 p.m. Register by Aug. 23 at 708-868-0606. Free.
August 26
Flick and Floats: Bring a favorite pool float for an after-hours pool party movie, featuring Disney’s “Moana,” rated PG. Green Lake Family Aquatic Center, 1100 River Oaks Dr., Calument City; 8 p.m. Free.
Erin Gallagher is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.