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Winter, spring, summer and fall are shown in this collage.
Join the 2024 Take It Outside Challenge, which comes with a twist
1/16/2024Read moreIt's time to get in gear, Goosechasers, because the 2024 Take It Outside Challenge has begun. This year's challenge will be offered in four seasonal competitions.
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Annette Parker and Meta Mueller
Parker takes over as Forest Preserve Board president
1/8/2024Read moreAnnette Parker of Crest Hill took over as president of the Forest Preserve Board in December. She will serve a one-year term. She succeeds Meta Mueller of Aurora.
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Plum Creek Greenway Trail
Making connections: Forest Preserve's countywide trail network continues to grow
12/11/2023Read moreThe Forest Preserve's operations committee took action recently that will pave the way for more trail projects as the District works to connect and extend the countywide trail system.
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A person snowshoeing.
Don't hibernate, recreate this winter!
11/28/2023Read moreThe Forest Preserve District offers a variety of recreational opportunities in winter including hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding. With more than 135 miles of trails, 40 preserves, two sled hills and six dog parks, there are many ways to stay active.
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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
11/14/2023Read moreThe 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 black dog balances a purple tennis ball on its nose.
Treat your pup to a 2024 dog park permit
10/30/2023Read more2024 dog park permits are on sale now. Permits are good for off-leash play at all six Forest Preserve District dog parks through the end of 2023 and all of 2024. They can be purchased at five visitor centers or online.
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A Forest Preserve bike repair station along a trail.
Two new bicycle repair stations installed along Forest Preserve trails
10/2/2023Read moreNeed 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
9/14/2023Read moreThe 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
9/8/2023Read moreWinners 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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A man and woman measure a large tree in a forest.
Messenger Woods trees named Big Tree Champions
8/9/2023Read moreA 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.
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.