Reconnect With Nature | Forest Preserve District of Will County

Meet the great blue heron

These majestic birds can often be seen near waterways throughout Will County.

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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 person sitting in a kayak on the water holding their paddle up out of the water.

Wet Exit Kayak Rescues

FRIDAY, AUG. 21 | 4:00 PM TO 7:00 PM

Take your kayaking to the next level by learning a variety of rescues with certified paddling instructors.

Hummingbird Hangout

SATURDAY, AUG. 22 | 9:00 AM TO 12:00 PM

Hang out in Plum Creek Nature Center’s hummingbird courtyard to watch as they come and go from our hummingbird nectar buffet.

After Hours at the Pond

THURSDAY, AUG. 27 | 6:00 PM TO 7:30 PM

Come learn what’s stirring beneath the surface of Snapper Pond and who pops out near the shore as day turns to night.

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.

Close-up of a bumblebee covered in pollen collecting nectar from pale lavender mint flowers, with a soft green background blurred behind it.

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.

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.

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.

Art showcase puts employee creativity in the spotlight

TUESDAY, JULY 21 | PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

'The Arts of the Preserves' opens Saturday, Aug. 1, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 30.

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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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

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.

Meet the great blue heron

Reap the rewards of the outdoors

Knowledge is power

Conserving land for future generations

Preserves

Recreation

Volunteer

Get a permit