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Two men hold an award.
Sand Ridge Savanna restoration effort earns Chicago Wilderness award
1/19/2024Extensive, 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.
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A woman in a wheelchair looks at an interpretive sign.
Four Rivers receives National Inclusion Project’s first-ever nature center accreditation
11/14/2023The National Inclusion Project’s first nature center accreditation in the country has been awarded to the Forest Preserve District’s Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon. Months in the making, the accreditation shows Four Rivers is a facility where all visitors, regardless of ability-level, can participate.
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A Forest Preserve bike repair station along a trail.
Two new bicycle repair stations installed along Forest Preserve trails
10/2/2023Need a wrench or an air pump while biking? No problem. The Forest Preserve District now has six bicycle repair stations along its trails thanks to funding by The Nature Foundation of Will County and the Joliet Bicycle Club.
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Kayak launch at lake.
Accessible kayak launch now open at Lake Chaminwood
9/14/2023The 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 man and woman measure a large tree in a forest.
Messenger Woods trees named Big Tree Champions
8/9/2023A 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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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
7/14/2023After 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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Officials holding an oversized check.
Forest Preserve receives federal funding for Route 66 trail project
6/2/2023U.S. Rep. Bill Foster presented a check for $1.1 million in federal funding to the Forest Preserve District on June 2. The money will be used for a new path that connects the Wauponsee Glacial Trail to Route 66 in Joliet Township.
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Valuables left in plain sight inside a parked vehicle
Keep safety in mind as you visit the preserves
2/14/2023The Forest Preserve District is reminding visitors to keep safety in mind as they venture out into the preserves to enjoy the milder weather we've been experiencing. Keep valuables locked away, or leave them at home. And travel on trails with a partner whenever possible.
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Aerial view of dam removal at Hammel Woods
When the river wall came down: Video chronicles Hammel Woods Dam removal
11/5/2021A video titled, "The Dam Project at Hammel Woods" is now available for viewing on the District's YouTube page. The video chronicles the dam removal process and explains why it was necessary and how it was done.
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Black dog at dog park
Keep your dogs safe during excessive heat and humidity
8/10/2021With excessive heat and humidity this week, the Forest Preserve District is reminding dog owners to take precautions so their pets don't overheat.
Events
Volunteer Morning: Hadley Valley – Route 6 Access
Get some fresh air and exercise while helping to make a difference in your community by attending one or more of the Forest Preserve’s volunteer mornings.
Mocktails at the Museum
Grab your sisters, girlfriends or best gal pals and celebrate Galentine’s Day with some botanical inspired mocktails!
The Buzz
What's the difference?: Red fox vs. gray fox
Illinois is home to two fox species, the red fox and the gray fox, and telling the difference between them isn't always as easy as looking at the color of their fur.
Quiz: How savvy are you about snowy owls?
Take this quiz to see how much you know about this treasured species.
Nature curiosity: Why and how do turtles breathe with their butts?
How do turtles breathe while they are underwater all winter? Through their butts, so to speak.