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Two women
Two Forest Preserve interpreters win national awards
5/8/2025Forest Preserve program coordinators Jessica McQuown and Heather Van Zyl both received Distinguished Frontline Interpreter awards recently from the National Association for Interpretation.
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Men and women cut a yellow ribbon at a grand opening
Hidden Oaks Nature Center reopens with oak-tastic vibes and family fun
5/5/2025More than 1,400 people attended the grand reopening celebration for the Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook on May 3. The site was closed for 15 months for a $2 million makeover.
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A family runs on a trail.
Lace up for the Spring Scamper Fun Run at Hadley Valley
4/29/2025Ready to run, walk or sprint into spring? Sign up now for the 2.5-mile Spring Scamper Fun Run before registration closes on May 7. The event includes food and lawn games and participants can take home a seed-planting kit.
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A man stands by a bee display.
From college to colony: Meet Plum Creek's new beekeeper
4/28/2025New beekeeper Dade Bradley brings curiosity, conservation and community spirit to Plum Creek Nature Center. Get to know him and more about bees at the monthly Meet a Beekeeper programs at Plum Creek starting Saturday, May 10.
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A man rides a bike in a forest preserve.
Forest preserves, park districts gear up for spring bike safety initiative
4/22/2025Seven northern Illinois agencies are launching a regional bike safety initiative in May to promote safe, responsible riding. The effort includes bike safety events, increased patrols and unified trail messaging.
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A nature illustration featuring a tiny acorn person looking at a frog.
Whimsy takes root with Becorns exhibit at Hidden Oaks
4/22/2025View tiny acorn people and their intimate interactions with nature during the 'Becorns: Little Acorn People Living Big Lives' exhibit from May 3 through June 29 at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook.
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A man stands in center to accept awared.
'Contagious passion' earns Fuqua Volunteer of the Year Award
4/10/2025John Fuqua received the Forest Preserve District of Will County's Volunteer of the Year Award and Don and Espie Nelson were given a Lifetime Achievement Award during the annual volunteer banquet.
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A person hiking on a forest trail.
Be a Trailblazer returns with big prizes, fresh missions
4/7/2025The Be a Trailblazer challenge is back for spring, offering new missions, nearly $4,000 in prizes, and fresh ways to explore the forest preserves. The spring session runs from April 10 through May 24.
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An aerial view of an old railroad bridge over the Kankakee River.
Find the five: a bridge adventure across Will County
3/31/2025The Forest Preserve is rolling out a new spring challenge – The Bridges of Will County – that features five unique bridges in preserves throughout Will County. Visit all five from April 1 through June 30 to receive a Forest Preserve tote bag.
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Two men fish on a boat.
April kicks off boating, kayaking, fishing fun season
3/28/2025April 1 is the kickoff to the Forest Preserve District's boating season. Boat launches open at Rock Run Rookery and Whalon Lake and kayak rentals begin at Lake Chaminwood. Hidden Lakes Trout Farm opens April 5.
Events
Adopt a Native Plant: Part Sun
Join a naturalist to explore what makes your yard unique then adopt three native plants to grow your plant family.
Mother’s Day at Monee Reservoir
For your continuous dedication all year, Mom, this weekend is for you.
The Buzz
Indigo buntings shine brightly in summer skies
We see plenty of blue birds here in northern Illinois, but none as brilliantly blue as the indigo bunting.
Warblers in the woods are one of spring's spectacles
Spring is a busy time for birds — and birders — as wave after wave of birds arrives locally. Included in the seasonal arrivals are the warblers, a group of tiny birds that flock to our forests.