Current headlines

The Forest Preserve District has a new challenge for the new year: Be a Trailblazer! More than $10,000 in prizes will be awarded randomly to lucky participants as they complete a wide variety of nature-themed missions in four seasonal sessions.

A section of the Plum Creek Greenway Trail is closed due to bridge damage to the trail's north bridge closest to Bemes Road. This trail section will remain closed until the tree can be removed and the bridge repaired.

A year of seed collection by staff and volunteers culminated with a seed mixing day at a Forest Preserve barn in December. The seed will be sown this winter in areas targeted for restoration, leading to blooms and better species diversity next year in the preserves. 

The Forest Preserve District's Board reorganized on Dec. 19 and elected officers for the next two years. Destinee Ortiz of Romeoville was selected as president for the first year of a two-year term, and Judy Ogalla of Monee will serve as president for the second year of the term. 

The bridge over Thorn Creek has been closed at Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve due to structural safety concerns. The bridge closure has affected the trail system and only the Thorn Creek Nature Center Loop Trail will be open for public use until further notice. 

If you go eagle watching this year, remember to keep your distance so as not to disturb these amazing creatures. If a bird is reacting to you, then you are too close. 

Tom Scott of Crete is giving thanks this year for the people in his life who pushed him to start walking at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve as he was recovering from cancer. The daily hikes have given him better health, hope for the future and a new appreciation of nature. 

The Forest Preserve's Board of Commissioners approved a balanced 2025 budget on Nov. 14. The spending plan includes a 27% drop in the property tax rate and funding for operations, maintenance, land acquisition and preserve improvement projects.

Forest Preserve police are reminding visitors to lock their vehicles and to leave valuables at home as they plan their nature outings. 

Barbara Collins, a Bolingbrook retiree, turned to nature and her history with plants to find a new purpose in life.