Reconnect With Nature | Forest Preserve District of Will County

Let's go on a Woods Walk

Complete seven of 10 trails to earn a medallion.

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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 barn owl with wings extended in flight at dusk.

Who Goes Bump in the Night?

SATURDAY, OCT. 10 | 6:00 PM TO 7:30 PM

Join a naturalist for an evening hike as we uncover the truth about owls, one of nature’s most misunderstood nighttime residents.

Trail Club: October at Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 7 | 8:00 AM TO 9:00 AM

Trail Club is back this fall. October's sessions will be at 8 a.m. Wednesdays at Sand Ridge Savanna.

Scavengers of the Sky

SATURDAY, OCT. 10 | 8:30 AM TO 10:00 AM

Hit the trails to learn what makes turkey vultures unique in the bird world.

Mocktober at Messenger Woods

THURSDAY, OCT. 15 | 6:30 PM TO 8:30 PM

Join us at Messenger Woods for a guided experience along our trails to trick-or-treat for some themed mocktails

A white and gray gull perches on a log while rain falls.

Rainy day gull shot wins September photo contest

TUESDAY, OCT. 6 | PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Shorewood photographer captures moody moment at Whalon Lake Preserve.

Wander at Will: Blazing trails across the preserves

MONDAY, OCT. 5 | RECREATION

Be a Trailblazer experience encourages people to slow down and experience nature on the trails.

Plum Creek hosts new birding program for people with visual impairments

THURSDAY, OCT. 1 | PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Free Oct. 19 program teaches participants to identify birds by sound.

‘Enthusiasm and confidence’: Four Rivers interpreter wins regional award

FRIDAY, SEPT. 18 | PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Outstanding New Interpreter Award honors Lyons’ creativity, passion and growing expertise

Become a Centennial Celebration sponsor

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

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The more T-shirts you buy, the more you save

Get up to 20% off everything in our Core Collection. All orders include free shipping and 100% of proceeds go to The Nature Foundation of Will County.

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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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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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Meet our Trailblazers: Kyle Siegel

Say hello to this Trailblazer: Operations Supervisor Kyle Siegel, who helps keep preserves running smoothly year-round.

How and why we monitor grassland birds

Across the county, staff tracks nesting and migrating birds to help protect healthy prairie habitats.

Get to know the snapping turtle

The snapping turtle has a powerful bite and is larger than the other turtles you'll see in our preserves.

Let's go on a Woods Walk

Reap the rewards of the outdoors

Knowledge is power

Conserving land for future generations

Preserves

Recreation

Volunteer

Get a permit