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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A group of four people out on the water in colorful kayaks.

Kayak Kollege

FRIDAY, AUG. 28 | 4:00 PM TO 6:00 PM

Get an introduction to the sport of kayaking on flat water then spend some time practicing out on the water.

Hummingbird Tea Party

SATURDAY, AUG. 29 | 10:00 AM TO 11:30 AM

Learn about hummingbird migration and other interesting facts as we sip tea and enjoy some light snacks.

The Nature Foundation of Will County’s Plein Air Painting Fundraiser

SUNDAY, AUG. 30 | 1:00 PM TO 4:00 PM

Join The Nature Foundation of Will County for a plein air painting fundraiser at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve.

Trail Club: September at Hadley Valley

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3 | 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.

Share plant and wildlife observations to support Forest Preserve conservation efforts

MONDAY, AUG. 17 | CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION

Nature sightings can help staff document species and changes in local preserves.

Wild Relatives: The diminutive elf owl

THURSDAY, AUG. 13 | NATURE AND WILDLIFE

The tiny elf owl is the world's smallest raptor, and it thrives hunting insects and more in the desert climate where it lives.

Kindergarten teacher gets A+ for contest-winning bumblebee photo

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 5 | PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Nancy "Gaby" Valladolid snapped July's winning shot at Isle a la Cache preserve. The contest continues through Dec. 31.

Field day digs into soil health at Jackson Creek Preserve

FRIDAY, JULY 31 | CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION

Farm Bureau event showcases organic farming and regenerative agriculture practices.

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.

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Experience Will County's beauty by kayak

The preserves include a variety waterways, and many of these are perfect for canoeing and kayaking.

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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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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