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An award plaque taken outside with a clear blue sky background.
Take It Outside Challenge wins Outstanding Environmental Education Program Award
5/10/2024Read moreThe Take It Outside Challenge has received an Outstanding Environmental Education Program Award from the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association's Forest Preserve and Conservation Section. The 2023 challenge drew 1,2000 participants in its inaugural year.
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Two women pose with an award
New Lenox woman named 2023 Volunteer of the Year
5/8/2024Read moreSally Wieclaw of New Lenox is the Forest Preserve District of Will County's Volunteer of the Year. Wieclaw started volunteering in 2001 to reduce stress in her life. Now she is an integral part of the District's work to protect plants, monitor butterflies and remove invasive species.
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A woman in a wheelchair pauses along a river to take in the scenery.
All-terrain wheelchair opens 'a whole new world' for nature exploration
5/3/2024Read moreThe first person to test the new GRIT Freedom Chair at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center said she loved that she could travel over grass, roots and mud and feel secure while doing so. The wheelchair is available for public use at no cost.
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A line of cyclists travel on a crushed limestone trail.
Pump your brakes on the trails to improve safety for all
4/29/2024Read moreUse proper trail etiquette to avoid injuries on Forest Preserve trails this year. The paths are multi-use, which means everyone has to share the space.
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A bald eagle and its eaglet in a nest.
Bald eagle nesting update: We have confirmed seven eaglets in four nests
4/23/2024Read moreThe bald eagle population has been booming in Will County in recent years, and we're monitoring four active nests.
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A man poses with a fish.
Bait your hook for some fishing derby fun at Hidden Lakes in 2024
4/22/2024Read moreAnglers will have fun competing in fishing derbies at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm in Bolingbrook this summer. The derbies will be for kids in June and all ages in September.
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A man stands on a trail in a forest preserve.
Healing With Nature: Combat veteran finds his ‘flow’ on forest preserve paths
4/22/2024Read moreThe next installment of the Healing With Nature series features Nick Wallace of Joliet. The combat veteran and former Marine sergeant picked up 70 bags of trash at a preserve recently. He said being in nature reduces his anxiety and provides pure enjoyment.
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An adaptive all-terrain wheelchair
New all-terrain wheelchair available for public use at Four Rivers
4/16/2024Read moreAn adaptive all-terrain wheelchair is now available for public use at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon. The GRIT Freedom Chair – Spartan Model can be used by people of all ages and abilities.
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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.
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.