Reconnect With Nature | Forest Preserve District of Will County

Food. Music. Summer fun.

Mark your calendars for July 17 for a relaxing evening at Monee Reservoir.

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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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A closeup of a bullfrog with its face out of the water and a lily pad on top of its head.

Lookalike Hike

SATURDAY, JULY 11 | 5:30 PM TO 7:00 PM

Copycats are everywhere in the natural world, so join a naturalist on a hike and discover how to tell some similar-looking plants and animals apart.

Trail Safety: Helmet Check

FRIDAY, JULY 10 | 4:00 PM TO 7:00 PM

Join our staff on the trail near at Whalon Lake for a helmet check at our last Trail Safety event of the season.

Coffee at the Confluence

SUNDAY, JULY 12 | 9:00 AM TO 11:00 AM

Experience the joys of seated birdwatching while drinking bird-friendly cold brew coffee.

Kickin’ It at the Iron Works

FRIDAY, JULY 17 | 4:00 PM TO 7:00 PM

Step back in time along the legendary Route 66 and discover a hidden giant of America’s industrial past.

A yellow warbler with its wings outstretched, showing off its yellow and grey color.

Warbler wows judges for Preserve the Moment photo contest win

TUESDAY, JULY 7 | PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Channahon woman’s split-second warbler shot earns top honors in June’s Preserve the Moment photo contest.

Why are lightning bugs disappearing?

MONDAY, JULY 6 | NATURE AND WILDLIFE

Lightning bugs aren't as common as they once were, but there are things you can do at home to protect these summertime staples.

Isle a la Cache exhibit weaves together Pokagon Potawatomi stories, artistry

FRIDAY, JUNE 26 | PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Black ash baskets made by Pokagon artists will be on display through Aug. 30.

Volunteer Mornings offer summer opportunities to help Will County preserves

THURSDAY, JUNE 25 | VOLUNTEERING

Celebrate the Route 66 centennial

Join the Get Your Kicks program to explore along the Mother Road for chances to win prizes and earn swag.

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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

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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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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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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The road to 24,000 acres

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

Get to know the American coot

Learn how this unique waterbird paddles through ponds and wetlands in search of plants and insects.

Learn about river otters

Will County has turned into a hot spot for these predators who love to feed on fish and frogs along rivers.

Food. Music. Summer fun.

Reap the rewards of the outdoors

Knowledge is power

Conserving land for future generations

Preserves

Recreation

Volunteer

Get a permit