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• Kayak launch at lake.

  Accessible kayak launch now open at Lake Chaminwood

  9/14/2023

  The new kayak and canoe launch installed as part of preserve improvements at Lake Chaminwood Preserve this summer has been completed. The launch is accessible and adaptive, meaning there are features that help paddlers with disabilities enter and exit the water independently and safely. 

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• A Fish Tales Photo Contest winner holding a fish.

  Fish Tales Photo Contest winners announced

  9/8/2023

  Winners of the summer Fish Tales Photo Contest have been announced and each will receive a $50 Forest Preserve gift card. Three of the winners were chosen at random and one was picked by staff as having the most fun in their photo submission.

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• Three people stand in front of an old ammunition bunker.

  Two-part 'Buzz' episode features Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie’s history, restoration and bison

  8/25/2023

  Tune in to 'The Buzz' on Aug. 30 to see the first installment of a two part-episode on Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Find out more about the 20,283-acre U.S. Forest Service site's history, prairie restoration and bison.

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• A man and woman measure a large tree in a forest.

  Messenger Woods trees named Big Tree Champions

  8/9/2023

  A jack pine and a black maple in Messenger Woods Nature Preserve made the list of Illinois Big Tree Champions this year. The trees were nominated by David Shepard, an environmental science teacher and tree aficionado and a fan of Messenger Woods.

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• A collage of participants in the Take It Outside challenge

  Ready, set, go: Map out plan to rocket up Take It Outside challenge leaderboard

  8/7/2023

  Just heard about the Take It Outside challenge and want to make a run at the leaderboard? Map out a plan of attack and then take it outside to start completing missions. 

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• Firefighters work to free a great blue heron that was tangled in fishing line.

  Bolingbrook firefighters free heron tangled in fishing line at Whalon Lake

  8/2/2023

  Bolingbrook firefighters cut improperly discarded fishing line away from a great blue heron on Wednesday, Aug. 2, at Whalon Lake. At the request of two Forest Preserve volunteers they freed the bird and prevented it from being injured or killed.  

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• A man and woman in a kneel down in a prairie to look at a plant.

  Hunt for prairie treasures and learn how to ID trees on July's episode of 'The Buzz'

  7/20/2023

  July's 'Buzz' nature show takes a trek into a dolomite prairie and teaches viewers how to ID trees from leaves. The episode debuts at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, on Facebook and YouTube. 

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• Forest Preserve employee David Piotrowski sells a carton of water in the bait shop.

  Bait shop up and running with snacks, gear and friendly faces

  7/14/2023

  After a year hiatus, Hidden Lakes Trout Farm's Tackle Box bait shop has been completely rebuilt and is open for business. And longtime former employee David Piotrowski is back in his happy spot, chatting with customers and offering fishing tips and a friendly ear. 

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• A collection of selfie photos from Take It Outside participants

  Take It Outside Challenge hits halfway point with plenty of time left to join the fun!

  7/3/2023

  The yearlong Take It Outside has hit the halfway point, but there is plenty of time to get involved, complete some missions and be in the running for prizes. Participants are giving the challenge rave reviews and saying it is a great motivator to get outside. 

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• A man and woman stand in a construction area.

  Take a trip to Lake Chaminwood and learn some photo tips with 'The Buzz'

  6/22/2023

  June's episode of 'The Buzz' tours the renovations at Lake Chaminwood Preserve and gives viewers a crash course on taking nature photos. Tune in when the show debuts at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, on Facebook and YouTube. 

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