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• Firefighters work to free a great blue heron that was tangled in fishing line.

  Bolingbrook firefighters free heron tangled in fishing line at Whalon Lake

  8/2/2023

  Bolingbrook firefighters cut improperly discarded fishing line away from a great blue heron on Wednesday, Aug. 2, at Whalon Lake. At the request of two Forest Preserve volunteers they freed the bird and prevented it from being injured or killed.  

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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

  7/14/2023

  After 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

  6/2/2023

  U.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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• Participants take selfies as part of the Take It Outside Challenge.

  Take It Outside Challenge pushing people to 'get out and do something'

  3/28/2023

  Rob 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

  2/14/2023

  The 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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• Two men and a child get ready to fish

  Forest Preserve surpasses 23,000-acre mark with 2022 acquisitions

  12/19/2022

  Four 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

  11/14/2022

  The 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

  11/9/2022

  A 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

  9/6/2022

  The 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'

  8/12/2022

  Born 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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