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Rock Run Greenway Trail users urged to use caution as city road project begins
4/15/2024Read moreThe City of Joliet has announced that work is beginning on a road improvement project in the Houbolt Road-Olympic Boulevard area. This work could impact Rock Run Greenway Trail users north of Lower Rock Run Preserve – I&M Canal Access.
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Winter, spring, summer and fall are shown in this collage.
Get your competitive juices flowing with Spring Fling Take It Outside Challenge
4/8/2024Read moreThe next seasonal Take It Outside Challenge kicks off on April 14. Participants will compete in the Spring Fling to earn points and prizes. So, grab your sneakers and get going!
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An orange sign showing a trail closed sign.
Rock Run Greenway Trail section closed for improvement project
4/5/2024Read moreA section of the Rock Run Greenway Trail from Essington Road east to Theodore Street in Joliet is closed for an improvement project.
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A few of the Take It Outside challenge first-place winners.
800 participants get serious 'Winter Workout' in first seasonal Take It Outside Challenge
4/5/2024Read moreThe winter Take It Outside Challenge ended March 30 with more than 30 people completing all 110 missions to land in first place. The next seasonal challenge starts April 14.
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A cinnamon teal, with its brown body, is seen in the middle surrounded by blue-winged teals.
Rare bird alert: For first time ever, cinnamon teal spotted in Will County
4/2/2024Read moreA cinnamon teal has been spotted in Crete, which is the first time this bird has ever been reported in Will County.
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Three volunteers clean up brush in a forest.
Sign up for a Volunteer Morning program to get fresh air and make a difference
3/21/2024Read moreThe second quarter 2024 Volunteer Morning programs have been released. Program participants get fresh air and exercise and they enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded individuals who want to make a difference in their communities.
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A large collection of fishing line waiting to be recycled.
Recycle your fishing line to avoid injuring or killing wildlife
3/17/2024Read moreThe Forest Preserve District has 30 fishing line recycling containers installed at fishing locations for anglers to properly dispose of their broken or unneeded monofilament. The goal is to eliminate fishing line from the environment and to protect wildlife in the preserves.
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A dump truck hauling dirt driving through a construction zone.
I&M Canal State Trail and Lake Chaminwood loop trail sections closed for connection project
3/15/2024Read moreSections of the I&M Canal State Trail and the Lake Chaminwood loop trail in Channahon are closed for a Forest Preserve District trail connection project.
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A white and brown dog walks on a path
Leash your dog in the preserves or risk being ticketed
3/8/2024Read moreOff-leash dogs are not allowed in the forest preserves other than inside the dog parks. If your dog is loose, you could be ticketed. Off-leash dogs scare other preserve visitors and their pets and the loose dogs could be harmed themselves or do damage to the environment.
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There are plenty of reasons to join our Take It Outside challenge. What's yours?
3/4/2024Read moreThe first seasonal challenge of this year's Take It Outside campaign has seen many new participants as well as returning participants from last year as the community of nature lovers continues to build up steam.
Events
World Migratory Bird Day: Morning Bird Hike
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with a morning hike in search of birds at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve.
Lake Renwick Migratory Bird Viewing
See the dazzling spectacle of nesting herons, egrets and cormorants at our weekly bird viewings at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve.
The Buzz
The best trees to plant to attract winter wildlife
When planning your spring plantings, consider incorporating trees that will be a draw for wildlife in the winter too.
What's the difference?: American robin vs. European robin
The robins we are so familiar with are called robins because they reminded early European settlers of the robins they were familiar with from their home countries.
In May, meteors will be streaking across the night sky and Mercury will be visible
In May, make sure to make time to view the eta Aquariids meteor shower and see Mercury at its greatest western elongation.