Current headlines
All news
-
A gift shop wall display. It features a variety of items for sale.
Visit Forest Preserve gift shops this holiday season for unique items
11/18/2024Read moreThree Forest Preserve visitor center gift shops are stocked with unique items that would be perfect as presents or stocking stuffers this holiday season. Check out the items at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Isle a la Cache Museum and Plum Creek Nature Center.
-
A woman rides a bike
Forest Preserve Board approves balanced 2025 budget; property tax rate will decrease 27%
11/15/2024The Forest Preserve's Board of Commissioners approved a balanced 2025 budget on Nov. 14. The spending plan includes a 27% drop in the property tax rate and funding for operations, maintenance, land acquisition and preserve improvement projects.Read more -
Fall image showing fall frolic logo
Fall Frolic Take It Outside Challenge hits halfway mark, runs through Dec. 14
11/12/2024Read moreThe Fall Frolic Take It Outside Challenge is about halfway completed. But there's still plenty of time to pursue missions across the preserves while earning points through Dec. 14. Sign up today, or keep going if you're already a Goosechaser!
-
Two men conducting a prescribed burn
Prescribed burn map: Here's where we're burning today
11/12/2024Read moreThis map is updated daily as another way to notify the public when a prescribed burn is being conducted.
-
Valuables on a center console in a car
Prevent vehicle burglaries by following these tips
11/8/2024Read moreForest Preserve police are reminding visitors to lock their vehicles and to leave valuables at home as they plan their nature outings.
-
Woodchuck mascot flexes its muscles.
Furry opportunity: Volunteers needed to make Willy Woodchuck mascot come to life
11/8/2024Read moreAre you enthusiastic? Do you have a passion for nature and love to make people smile? If so, consider applying to portray the Forest Preserve's furry mascot, Willy Woodchuck, at programs and events.
-
Graphic indicating a closure
Joliet Junction Trail section to close for Interstate 80 work
11/6/2024Read moreA section of the Joliet Junction Trail is scheduled to be closed for several days in November and December due to an Interstate 80 improvement project. The trail will be closed from McDonough Street to Moen Avenue.
-
Portait of a man with some of his photographs.
Five questions with ‘Lost and Found’ exhibit photographer Miles Lowry
11/4/2024Read moreRead the answers to Five Questions With Miles Lowry to find out what motivated the St. Charles photographer to snap photos of old-growth forests and savannas in the eastern United States over the course of a dozen years. His photos are on display at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center through Dec. 29.
-
A traffic cone stands beside fresh asphalt.
Rock Run Preserve – Black Road Access to close for asphalt project
10/28/2024Read moreRock Run Preserve – Black Road Access will close starting Tuesday, Oct. 29, for a trail asphalt rehab project. The project is expected to be completed by the end of November. The preserve's Paul V. Nichols Access will remain open during the work.
-
A dog runs in a park.
Buy a 2025 dog park permit starting Nov. 1 for some off-leash fun with your pooch
10/28/2024Read more2025 dog park permits go on sale Friday, Nov. 1. These permits are good for all six Forest Preserve District dog parks through the end of 2024 and all of 2025. They can be purchased at four visitor centers or online.
Events
Lost and Found: Little Explorers: Trees
In November, Little Explorers can learn all about trees.
Field Trip After Hours
Not us! Join Isle a la Cache interpreters for a night at the museum including trivia, a night hike and more.
The Buzz
Mourning doves named for their somber, sorrowful song
Quiz: How much do you know about rabbits?
Rabbits are one of the most common animals we see in just about any open space, from the forest preserve to our yards and neighborhoods.
Five fun facts about those stinky skunks
You might know a skunk on sight or smell, but there's probably plenty you don't know as well. Here's your chance to learn all about them.