Reconnect With Nature | Forest Preserve District of Will County

It's spider season

Have you noticed that webs seem to be popping up everywhere?

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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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Marshmallow on sticks over an open fire.

Fireside Fest

SATURDAY, OCT. 3 | 1:00 PM TO 4:00 PM

Celebrate the beauty of fall with us while roasting hot dogs and marshmallows and enjoying outdoor games and activities at Messenger Woods.

Trick or Treat in the Woods: Goodenow Grove

FRIDAY, OCT. 2 | 6:00 PM TO 9:00 PM

Experience the woods like never before in trick-or-treat adventure through Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve.

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.

Two sandhill cranes standing in an open area.

Fall bird migration: Here's a look at who is winging their way south

MONDAY, SEPT. 28 | NATURE AND WILDLIFE

Migratory birds are heading south, and here's when we can expect to see some of our favorites.

Rustic and cozy Fireside Fest coming to Messenger Woods

MONDAY, SEPT. 21 | PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Enjoy food, music, a campfire and more on Saturday, Oct. 3.

‘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

Nature Foundation announces Centennial Celebration sponsorship opportunities

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2 | PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

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

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

See the preserves with Woods Walk

Participants who complete seven of 10 preselected trails will earn a medallion.

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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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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.

It's spider season

Reap the rewards of the outdoors

Knowledge is power

Conserving land for future generations

Preserves

Recreation

Volunteer

Get a permit