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A woman in a wheelchair pauses along a river to take in the scenery.
All-terrain wheelchair opens up 'a whole new world' for nature exploration
5/3/2024Read moreThe first person to test the new GRIT Freedom Chair at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center said she loved that she could travel over grass, roots and mud and feel secure while doing so. The wheelchair is available for public use at no cost.
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An indigo bunting perches on a stump.
Monthlong Migration Celebration lands at Four Rivers
4/30/2024Read moreStop in at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in May to take part in fun bird migration activities. The special program lineup includes a Where the Feathers Meet the Flash photo contest.
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A line of cyclists travel on a crushed limestone trail.
Pump your brakes on the trails to improve safety for all
4/29/2024Read moreUse proper trail etiquette to avoid injuries on Forest Preserve trails this year. The paths are multi-use, which means everyone has to share the space.
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Image of a green shirt featuring a cicada and be loud be proud wording
Commemorate summer of the cicada with Forest Preserve T-shirts
4/25/2024Read morePrepare for the 2024 cicada emergence with Forest Preserve T-shirts designed to mark this unusual occurrence. Three shirt designs have been created and can be purchased at OutsiderThreads.com. All proceeds benefit The Nature Foundation of Will County.
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A bald eagle and its eaglet in a nest.
Bald eagle nesting update: We have confirmed seven eaglets in four nests
4/23/2024Read moreThe bald eagle population has been booming in Will County in recent years, and we're monitoring four active nests.
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Two excavators set a metal foot bridge in place.
Bridge installed over I&M Canal as work continues on Lake Chaminwood trail connection project
4/23/2024Read moreWork on a trail extension project that will connect Lake Chaminwood Preserve to the I&M Canal Trail in Channahon jumped a big hurdle on April 19 when a bridge was installed over the canal. The project will continue through mid- to late June.
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A man poses with a fish.
Bait your hook for some fishing derby fun at Hidden Lakes in 2024
4/22/2024Read moreAnglers will have fun competing in fishing derbies at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm in Bolingbrook this summer. The derbies will be for adults in May, kids in June and all ages in September.
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A man stands on a trail in a forest preserve.
Healing With Nature: Combat veteran finds his ‘flow’ on forest preserve paths
4/22/2024Read moreThe next installment of the Healing With Nature series features Nick Wallace of Joliet. The combat veteran and former Marine sergeant picked up 70 bags of trash at a preserve recently. He said being in nature reduces his anxiety and provides pure enjoyment.
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An adaptive all-terrain wheelchair
New all-terrain wheelchair available for public use at Four Rivers
4/16/2024Read moreAn adaptive all-terrain wheelchair is now available for public use at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon. The GRIT Freedom Chair – Spartan Model can be used by people of all ages and abilities.
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Rock Run Greenway Trail users urged to use caution as city road project begins
4/15/2024Read moreThe City of Joliet has announced that work is beginning on a road improvement project in the Houbolt Road-Olympic Boulevard area. This work could impact Rock Run Greenway Trail users north of Lower Rock Run Preserve – I&M Canal Access.
Events
'Fluddles' Film Screening
Visit Four Rivers for a screening of 'Fluddles,' a documentary highlighting the importance of large temporary puddles providing habitat for many birds.
Adult Fishing Derby
Put your fishing skills to the test at our annual Adult Fishing Derby.
The Buzz
What's the difference?: American robin vs. European robin
The robins we are so familiar with are called robins because they reminded early European settlers of the robins they were familiar with from their home countries.
In May, meteors will be streaking across the night sky and Mercury will be visible
In May, make sure to make time to view the eta Aquariids meteor shower and see Mercury at its greatest western elongation.
If you can't beat 'em, eat 'em: How to cook with cicadas
Billions or even trillions of cicadas are about to emerge after about 17 years underground, and you may be wondering what will happen to the bounty of bugs. Many animals will feast on the bugs, and you can safely sample them too.