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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.
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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.
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A woman stands on a bridge.
Healing With Nature: Easing life’s transitions with the calmness of forest bathing
10/21/2024Read moreBarbara Collins, a Bolingbrook retiree, turned to nature and her history with plants to find a new purpose in life.
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An aerial view of Rock Run Rookery.
Boat launches, bait shops to close for winter
10/20/2024Read moreAs the Forest Preserve District prepares for winter, drinking fountains will be turned off and boat launches and bait shops will close.
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A pumpkin is smashed with a bat.
Pulverize your pumpkins at Pumpkin Smash to keep them out of landfills
10/18/2024Read moreDon’t pitch your pumpkins after Halloween, pulverize them at the annual Pumpkin Smash program at Plum Creek Nature Center. Participants can pound, roll or drop their jack-o’-lanterns over a railing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2. All pumpkins will be composted.
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A wooden shade structure.
Hidden Oaks Nature Center on schedule to reopen in early 2025
10/11/2024Read moreRenovations are progressing at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook and the building is scheduled to reopen to the public in the first quarter of 2025.
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Image of bare trees
‘Lost and Found’ old-growth forest, savanna exhibit now open at Four Rivers
10/8/2024Read moreThe 'Lost and Found' exhibit at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center features photos that capture the grace and grandeur of what remains of the vast forests and savannas that once covered the eastern half of the United States.
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Fall scenery showing the fall frolic logo
Fall Take It Outside Challenge offers plenty of prizes and a myriad of missions
10/3/2024Read moreIf you haven’t tackled the Take It Outside Challenge yet, or if you are raring to go for another session, get ready for the Fall Frolic, which begins Sunday, Oct. 6. Challenge participants will have until Saturday, Dec. 14, to complete hundreds of nature-themed missions to earn points and win prizes.
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These Take It Outside winners conquered all 206 missions
9/27/2024Read moreSix people came out on top in the summer Take It Outside Challenge. They completed all 206 missions to earn 4,135 points. The challenge began June 30 and ended Sept. 21. More than 30 prizes were awarded during the contest.
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An exterior view of Hidden Oaks Nature Center
Hidden Oaks Nature Center is closed for renovations
9/26/2024Read moreHidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook is closed for extensive renovations. In addition to the building being closed, the site's parking lot, shelter/pavilion and nature trail also are closed.
Events
Volunteer Morning: Riverview Farmstead Preserve
Get some fresh air and exercise while helping to make a difference in your community by attending one or more of the Forest Preserve’s volunteer mornings.
Sensory Search
Turn your outdoor experience into a sensory adventure with this scavenger hunt.
The Buzz
More darkness in November means more sky-watching opportunities
We're going to be experiencing a lot more darkness come November, but the silver lining is more sky-watching opportunities.
Puffballs are one mushroom that can be hard to resist
It can be hard to resist the urge to give puffballs a little push, releasing their millions of spores into the air.
Quiz: What's your red-tailed hawk IQ?
Find out by answering these 10 questions.