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Participants take selfies as part of the Take It Outside Challenge.
Take It Outside Challenge pushing people to 'get out and do something'
3/28/2023Read moreRob Gowens and Samantha Eberhardt are among more than 1,000 people who are participating in the yearlong Take It Outside Challenge. Gowens was looking for something to do in retirement, and Eberhardt is having a blast completing missions with her husband and four children.
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Valuables left in plain sight inside a parked vehicle
Keep safety in mind as you visit the preserves
2/14/2023Read moreThe 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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Screen images from digital newsletter on birds
Hey bird nerds! Sign up for our new Flock and Feather digital newsletter
1/3/2023Read moreNow is the time of year when people make resolutions and, this year, ours is to keep finding new ways to connect with the public and share our love of nature.
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Two men and a child get ready to fish
Forest Preserve surpasses 23,000-acre mark with 2022 acquisitions
12/19/2022Read moreFour acquisitions pushed the Forest Preserve over the 23,000-acre mark in 2022. Land acquisitions will continue in 2023 with the $3 million that is left in a land preservation program fund.
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Aerial view of Lake Chaminwood
Forest Preserve Board approves balanced 2023 budget
11/14/2022Read moreThe Forest Preserve District's 2023 budget is balanced and its tax rate will drop 6.46% next year. The spending plan includes money for operations, maintenance and preserve improvement projects.
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Red-spotted sunfish in a tank
Something fishy is going on at Four Rivers
11/9/2022Read moreA dozen state-threatened redspotted sunfish have been added to a 'gorgeous' new 2,000-gallon aquarium at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. The fish ambassadors will educate visitors about the plight of threatened and endangered fish species in Illinois.
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Rev. Adrian Heath at Rock Run Greenway Trail
The Preserves Are for You: Leading others into nature, one step at a time
9/6/2022Read moreThe Rev. Adrian Heath grew up on the east side of Joliet where his recreational outings were held mostly indoors. He now leads a ministry that offers free nature outings in area preserves. It's his way of helping others find the peace that nature offers.
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Man in wheelchair on trail with his daughter
The Preserves Are for You: Dad's love of outdoor recreation shows 'anything is possible'
8/12/2022Read moreBorn with a tumor on his spine and paralyzed since he was eight months old, Bill Bogdan of Mokena is extremely active in adaptive sports and loves nature. His lifetime of exploring the preserves, especially Hickory Creek Preserve near his home, has inspired his daughter, Hannah, to seek a career in adaptive outdoor recreation.
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Aerial view of Hadley Valley
Creating connections: trail enhancements in the works for 2022 and beyond
1/31/2022Read moreImprovements are coming to the Forest Preserve District's extensive trail system. Some of the work will take place this year, and other projects are part of long-range plans with multiple partners.
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Aerial view of Plum Valley Preserve
Lasting legacy: Forest Preserve grows by more than 1,500 acres
1/10/2022Read moreSome of the land was purchased, some donated and some was transferred from the state.
Events
Happy Mornings Yoga and Hike
Start the day off right with some self-care, beautiful nature and quiet reflection.
Volunteer Morning: Hickory Creek Junction
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.
The Buzz
Quiz: Test your beaver brainpower
We all know the saying "busy as a beaver," but how much do you really know about these buck-toothed rodents?
Nature curiosity: Why does grass look greener after a storm?
It's not just rain that helps keep your grass green. Lightning plays a role too.
Quiz: How smart are you about salamanders?
Take this quiz to see how much you know about the salamanders that can be found in Will County.