Reconnect With Nature | Forest Preserve District of Will County

Come see us at Fall on the Farm

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept. 19 for this free event at Riverview Farmstead Preserve in Naperville.

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Reap the rewards of the outdoors

There are plenty of ways to escape into nature in Will County.

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Knowledge is power

Learn about Will County's diverse plants, wildlife, and ecosystems through our interpretive programs.

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Conserving land for future generations

We protect and restore open space so wildlife can thrive and people can recreate.

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People in circus costumes with instrument on a board with water in the background.

Flotsam River Circus

MONDAY, SEPT. 14 | 5:00 PM TO 7:00 PM

Join us as we host the Flotsam River Circus on the shore of the Des Plaines River.

Nature Play Day After Hours: Nature's Alphabet

TUESDAY, SEPT. 15 | 6:00 PM TO 7:30 PM

Young kids can learn all about the alphabet in nature at our after-hours Nature Play Day program designed just for them.

Trail Club: September at Hadley Valley

THURSDAY, SEPT. 17 | 5:00 PM TO 6:00 PM

Trail Club is back this fall, and in September the group will meet at 5 p.m. Wednesdays at Hadley Valley.

Summer Send-off Fishing Derby

SATURDAY, SEPT. 19 | 7:00 AM TO 11:30 AM

Calling all anglers! Come on out to Hidden Lakes Trout Farm and close out summer while you try your hand at fishing.

Three deer illuminated by sunlight along a trail.

Joliet woman’s misty morning deer photo wins August contest

TUESDAY, SEPT. 8 | PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Rock Run Preserve Winning image captures three deer on a foggy morning at Rock Run Preserve.

Spider season has arrived in a big way

THURSDAY, SEPT. 10 | NATURE AND WILDLIFE

Around this time, spiders seem to pop up everywhere, and so do their webs, including some impressive orb webs created by garden spiders.

Nature Foundation announces Centennial Celebration sponsorship opportunities

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2 | PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Sponsors can support a century of conservation while gaining visibility throughout 2027.

Migration watch: Pelicans making their way back to Will County

FRIDAY, AUG. 28 | NATURE AND WILDLIFE

These big white birds typically stick around until November or into December.

See the preserves with Woods Walk

Participants who complete seven of 10 preselected trails will earn a medallion.

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Get married while surrounded by nature

Will County's forest preserves offer a variety of unique setting to say "I do" in front of your friends and family while also being an affordable option.

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We want you to Be a Trailblazer

Go on a wild goose chase through this interactive experience that will have you exploring Will County's preserves. Thanks to sponsorship from The Nature Foundation of Will County as well as dozens of local businesses we will be awarding more than $15,000 in prizes throughout the year.

Join the Fun

Enter our Preserve the Moment Photo Contest

Here's your chance to show off your photographic skills in Will County's forest preserves. Not only are there prizes, but your photo could be featured in our 2027 calendar.

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Score some cool T-shirts for a good cause

This is a purchase you can feel good about, because all proceeds help fund a variety of Forest Preserve District initiatives. All orders include free shipping.

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The road to 24,000 acres

The Forest Preserve District sprouted up in 1926 and has continued to save land from development.

Breakfast with some bald eagles

You never know what is going to drop into the picture when out in the preserves. In this case, it was a very hungry bald eagle. Bon appétit!

Get to know the pileated woodpecker

Pileated woodpeckers live across most of the eastern United States as well as in the Pacific Northwest and parts of Canada.

Come see us at Fall on the Farm

Reap the rewards of the outdoors

Knowledge is power

Conserving land for future generations

Preserves

Recreation

Volunteer

Get a permit