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Valuables on a center console in a car
Prevent vehicle burglaries by following these tips
11/8/2024Forest Preserve police are reminding visitors to lock their vehicles and to leave valuables at home as they plan their nature outings.
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Woodchuck mascot flexes its muscles.
Furry opportunity: Volunteers needed to make Willy Woodchuck mascot come to life
11/8/2024Are you enthusiastic? Do you have a passion for nature and love to make people smile? If so, consider applying to portray the Forest Preserve's furry mascot, Willy Woodchuck, at programs and events.
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Portait of a man with some of his photographs.
Five questions with ‘Lost and Found’ exhibit photographer Miles Lowry
11/4/2024Read the answers to Five Questions With Miles Lowry to find out what motivated the St. Charles photographer to snap photos of old-growth forests and savannas in the eastern United States over the course of a dozen years. His photos are on display at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center through Dec. 29.
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A traffic cone stands beside fresh asphalt.
Rock Run Preserve – Black Road Access closed
10/28/2024Rock Run Preserve – Black Road Access closed starting Tuesday, Oct. 29, for a trail asphalt rehab project and remains closed until the project is complete. The preserve's Paul V. Nichols Access will remain open during the work.
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A dog runs in a park.
2025 dog park permits now on sale
10/28/20242025 dog park permits are now on sale. 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
10/21/2024Barbara 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
10/20/2024As 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 wooden shade structure.
Hidden Oaks Nature Center on schedule to reopen in early 2025
10/11/2024Renovations 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
10/8/2024The '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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These Take It Outside winners conquered all 206 missions
9/27/2024Six 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.
Events
Happy Mornings Yoga and Hike
Start the day off right with some self-care, beautiful nature and quiet reflection.
Winter Survival
Come learn about the winter survival tactics of the mammals, reptiles and amphibians that call Thorn Creek home.
The Buzz
Winter stoneflies flourish in frigid winter weather
While most insects aren't active during the coldest time of year, the winter stonefly is a notable exception. These insects thrive in the frigid air and icy waters of winter.
Don't bug out, but your Christmas tree could be crawling in insects — thousands of them
If you don't take precautions before bringing it indoors, your Christmas tree could be the gift that keeps on giving.