Current headlines

All news

  • Three women on the all-abilities trail at Four Rivers: one in a wheelchair, one resting near the wheelchair and one explaining signage along the trail.

    Everyone is welcome at Four Rivers for All Abilities on July 24

    7/15/2024

    Enjoy an outing for people of all abilities at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center during Four Rivers for All Abilities on July 24. Take part in hands-on activities, tour the building and enjoy being in nature as a family, group or individual. 

    Read more
  • A dump truck hauling dirt driving through a construction zone.

    Lake Chaminwood loop trail section closed for path connection, fishing pier project

    7/3/2024

    A portion of the Lake Chaminwood loop trail in Channahon is closed for a Forest Preserve District path connection and fishing pier project. 

    Read more
  • A man shows off his harmonicas.

    Healing With Nature: As time ticks by, ‘Harmonica Jack’ makes beautiful music in nature

    6/28/2024

    In the third installment of the Forest Preserve's Healing With Nature series, Beecher resident John Keslin talks about how he's still having fun playing the harmonica in nature, even though he is facing serious health issues. 

    Read more
  • Image showing logo for Take It Outside challenge on green background with selfies of participants

    Join the popular Take It Outside Challenge this summer for free, nature-themed fun

    6/27/2024

    The Summer Soiree challenge is the perfect way for families to spend time together while the kids are out of school, for couples to bond and get in shape and for individuals to explore the preserves and make new friends. 

    Read more
  • A dog runs through the grass at a dog park.

    Half-price dog park permits now on sale

    6/27/2024

    Half-price dog park permits are now available for purchase online and at Forest Preserve visitor centers. The permits went on sale July 1 and they can be used at all six Forest Preserve dog parks through the end of 2024.

    Read more
  • Collage showing the selfies of the Spring Fling winners

    Spring Take It Outside Challenge winners say patience and ‘a little luck’ led to their success

    6/20/2024

    The spring Take It Outside Challenge wrapped up on June 15 with seven first-place winners, more than 650 participants and 25,000 missions completed. The Summer Soiree challenge begins June 30 with a new batch of fun, nature-themed missions throughout the preserves. 

    Read more
  • An aerial view of a recent trail extension of Veterans Memorial Trail

    Forest Preserve Board invests in nature with $50 million bond issue for preservation, restoration

    6/13/2024

    Bond sale revenue will allow the District to preserve more green space for future generations and add access to open areas so people can reap the physical and mental benefits of being in nature.

    Read more
  • Trio of teen summer programs will include hiking and kayaking

    6/10/2024

    Teenagers are invited to sign up for three summer programs that are designed specifically for them. Two Teen Connection programs and one kayaking program will be offered in July and August. Teens can connect with others and try something new. 

    Read more
  • Officials stand together and cut a ribbon.

    Multimillion-dollar federal ecosystem restoration project protects Will County 'gem'

    6/3/2024

    A ribbon-cutting was held on May 31 for an $8.3 million ecosystem restoration project at Prairie Bluff Preserve and Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve. The six-year Army Corps of Engineers' project restored and enhanced prairie and hydrology at the two sites. 

    Read more
  • A man in a food truck hands a bottle of soda to a woman and man.

    Delicious and entertaining Fun and Food Trucks programs set for July and August

    5/30/2024

    Two more summer Fun and Food Trucks programs are set for July 12 and Aug. 9. Each program will have lawn games, a bounce house, entertainment and an adult beverage vendor. 

    Read more

Events

Turtle Tuesday

7/16/2024 2:00 PM

Meet some of our ambassador Blanding's turtles up close and learn the story of their journey as an endangered species.

Read more

Little Explorers: Reptiles

7/17/2024 10:00 AM

Bring your children to Four Rivers to learn all about turtles.

Read more

The Buzz

Quiz: Test your hummingbird braininess

7/15/2024

While these bright and beautiful birds can be seen in our area, learn more about these miniature but mighty marvels.

Read more

Nature curiosity: How do flies find garbage and other stinky things?

7/9/2024

How do flies find garbage and other sources of stink so fast? They rely on their antennae to help them hone in.

Read more

Quiz: What's your luna moth IQ?

7/8/2024

Find out by answering these 10 questions.

Read more