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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
6/20/2024Read moreThe 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.
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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
6/13/2024Read moreBond 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.
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Officials stand together and cut a ribbon.
Multimillion-dollar federal ecosystem restoration project protects Will County 'gem'
6/3/2024Read moreA 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.
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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
5/30/2024Read moreTwo 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.
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A view of a covered shelter.
Four Rivers expands outdoor education, celebration space with addition of Riverside Shelter
5/28/2024Read moreThe outdoor education and celebration space at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon has increased this year with the addition of a shelter along the Des Plaines River.
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An aerial view of a forest preserve
Public hearing scheduled for proposed $50 million Capital Improvement Program bond issue
5/23/2024Read moreA public hearing has been scheduled for June 6 for a proposed bond issue that would fund a 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program. The $50 million bond issue would not result in a tax increase for the Forest Preserve portion of property tax bills because previously issued bonds have been paid off. In fact, taxes will decrease even with the bond issue. The money would be used to preserve land, connect trails and restore habitat.
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Stop feeding wildlife in the preserves, it's bad for critters and you could be ticketed
5/22/2024Read moreThe Forest Preserve District's General Use Ordinance No. 124 prohibits the feeding or baiting of wildlife in the preserves and violators will be ticketed. The prohibited activity can lead to disease transmission, overpopulation and illnesses in wildlife.
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Rock Run Greenway Trail closed at two locations in Joliet
5/21/2024Read moreThe Rock Run Greenway Trail is closed in two Joliet locations for construction projects. The path is closed from Paul V. Nichols Access on Essington Road to Theodore Street and also at Olympic Boulevard.
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Selfies showing people participating in the Take It Outside challenge.
Take It Outside challenge draws participants from as far away as Florida and Ireland
5/17/2024Read moreWhile the bulk of Take It Outside challenge participants are from Will County, many are crossing county lines to take part in this popular program.
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A group of people in kayaks on a river.
Go with the flow, sign up for a paddling program today
5/13/2024Read moreThe Forest Preserve District offers a wide variety of paddling programs each summer for varying ability levels and at many locations throughout Will County. Take a Kayak Kollege program to learn how to paddle or sign up for a non-instructional program to cruise a lake or river.
Events
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.
Wonders of Will County: Braidwood Dunes and Savanna
In our Wonders of Will County series, discover the plants, animals and land formations that make up some of our most protected sites. The second hike will be at Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve.
The Buzz
What's the difference?: Honeybee vs. yellow jacket
The buzz of an insect in your ear can come from many different sources, from mosquitoes and flies to bees and wasps. When it's a bee or wasp buzzing by, two common culprits — honeybees and yellow jackets — can be cause for confusion.
Quiz: How much bee brainpower do you have?
Take this quiz to test your knowledge on these very important pollinators.
Quiz: Test your hummingbird braininess
While these bright and beautiful birds can be seen in our area, learn more about these miniature but mighty marvels.