Reconnect With Nature | Forest Preserve District of Will County

Roots of Resilience

Learn why oak-hickory forests and savannas are so vital.

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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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Dozens of yellow lights from lightning bugs over a grassy area next to a wooden fence lining a roadway.

Adult Firefly Night Hike: Hidden Oaks

THURSDAY, JULY 9 | 8:00 PM TO 9:30 PM

Join a naturalist for an evening firefly hike that will include an introduction to these bioluminescent insects.

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.

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.

Teen Bat Crawl

SATURDAY, JULY 11 | 7:00 PM TO 8:30 PM

Teens can join a naturalist and a trained bat monitor for an evening hike in search of bats, then gather around the fire for a bat chat and s’mores! 

Image of paved trail with grasses and an inset of a white and blue van.

Forest Preserve to begin Districtwide asphalt assessment

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 | PRESERVES AND TRAILS

Some preserve closures or delayed openings will be required.

Half-price 2026 dog park permits are available for purchase

MONDAY, JUNE 29 | RECREATION

The permits are good through Dec. 31.

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

Shop now and save

Take advantage of our big sale while also raising funds for The Nature Foundation of Will County.

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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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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.

Roots of Resilience

Reap the rewards of the outdoors

Knowledge is power

Conserving land for future generations

Preserves

Recreation

Volunteer

Get a permit