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A large collection of fishing line waiting to be recycled.
Recycle your fishing line to avoid injuring or killing wildlife
3/17/2024Read moreThe Forest Preserve District has 30 fishing line recycling containers installed at fishing locations for anglers to properly dispose of their broken or unneeded monofilament. The goal is to eliminate fishing line from the environment and to protect wildlife in the preserves.
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A white and brown dog walks on a path
Leash your dog in the preserves or risk being ticketed
3/8/2024Read moreOff-leash dogs are not allowed in the forest preserves other than inside the dog parks. If your dog is loose, you could be ticketed. Off-leash dogs scare other preserve visitors and their pets and the loose dogs could be harmed themselves or do damage to the environment.
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There are plenty of reasons to join our Take It Outside challenge. What's yours?
3/4/2024Read moreThe first seasonal challenge of this year's Take It Outside campaign has seen many new participants as well as returning participants from last year as the community of nature lovers continues to build up steam.
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A woman in a blue jacket stands in a forest preserve with water in the background.
Healing With Nature: Outdoor walks help Naperville woman lose 100 pounds
2/10/2024Read moreJulie Jacobsen, a 54-year-old Naperville resident, says being outside was an essential part of her weight loss journey. In the process, she says she became healthier, happier and more fulfilled than she ever has as an adult.
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Officials pose with an oversized check.
Foundation donates $39,950 to Forest Preserve programs, initiatives
2/9/2024Read moreTara Neff, executive director of The Nature Foundation of Will County, presented the Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners with a first-quarter 2024 donation check at the Feb. 8 Board meeting. The donation will be used for a variety of Forest Preserve programs and initiatives.
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A woman wearing black stands in a prairie.
Nature Foundation kicks off 2024 with new leader, new garden tour event
2/5/2024Read moreThe Nature Foundation of Will County is starting 2024 with a new leader, a new garden tour event and a host of activities, including native plant sales, that are designed to raise money for Forest Preserve District programs and initiatives.
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Visitors at Four Rivers participate in an interpretive program.
‘This place is so cool!’: Four Rivers embraces visitors of all abilities
2/2/2024Read moreA recent visit by a group from Little Friends in Warrenville highlighted just how welcoming the Forest Preserve's Four Rivers Environmental Education Center is to all people, regardless of abilities. The site is now nationally accredited for inclusivity, which means all are welcome and all can participate.
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An exterior view of Hidden Oaks Nature Center
Hidden Oaks Nature Center will be closed for renovation for most of 2024 starting Feb. 19
1/25/2024Read moreHidden Oaks Nature Center is getting a major makeover. Extensive renovations and improvements will require the nature center to be closed for much of 2024 starting Feb. 19. The preserve will close periodically for some outdoor renovation work, as needed. The projects will not affect Hidden Lakes Trout Farm.
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A wedding couple embracing by a river.
Shopping for a wedding venue? Check out Four Rivers Environmental Education Center
1/22/2024Read moreFour Rivers Environmental Education Center features an eco-friendly venue for weddings and events. The popular site includes reception space, indoor and outdoor ceremony options, staff to assist with bookings and vendors, and beautiful scenery for photos.
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Two men hold an award.
Sand Ridge Savanna restoration effort earns Chicago Wilderness award
1/19/2024Read moreExtensive, multiyear restoration efforts at the Forest Preserve District's Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve have earned an "Excellence in Ecological Restoration" award from Chicago Wilderness. The District received the award on Jan. 17 at a “Celebration of Conservation” banquet at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle.
Events
S’more Summer
There's plenty of summer left, so join us to learn about all the fun that can be had.
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.
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.