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All news
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Large dog running at dog park
How to have a successful dog park outing
5/7/2021Read moreFollowing the Forest Preserve District's rules and paying attention to advice from dog experts will help you have an enjoyable and safer experience. Know your dog, stay with your dog and pick up after your dog for the safety and benefit of all involved.
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Coyote in field
Use common sense when encountering coyotes during pupping season
4/29/2021Read moreCoyote pupping season is underway, so it's important to take steps to prevent potential conflicts.
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Old metal dumped in a forest preserve
Destruction not allowed: Don’t tamper with nature or use preserves as dumping grounds
4/26/2021Read moreThe Forest Preserve District's General Use Ordinance No. 124 prohibits the destruction of natural resources and vandalisms in the preserves. The rules are in place to protect Will County's last undisturbed natural areas and to create new habitats for native species and places of respite for visitors.
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Boardwalk at Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve
State transfers Thorn Creek Woods acreage to Forest Preserve
3/8/2021Read moreThe transfer of 466 acres in February gives the Forest Preserve ownership of around 780 acres of the 1,000-acre preserve located in eastern Will County.
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A great horned owl takes off from a tree
Mysterious, night-dwelling owls may just be the coolest birds around
12/31/2020Read moreThe Forest Preserve's Bob Bryerton tells us why owls are such fascinating creatures and why we just can't learn enough about these stealthy, winged beasts.
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Man holding camera along the DuPage River
Mike Nagrocki's 'Happy Place': A backyard escape teeming with wildlife
12/14/2020Read moreIn the five years he has lived across from the Hastert-Bechstein preserve, Nagrocki has been transformed into a wildlife photographer and a bird and wildlife watcher, something he says has helped him to escape everyday life and to appreciate and learn about nature to a higher degree.
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Pollinator hotel at Isle a la Cache
Pollinator hotels abuzz with guests thanks to Eagle Scout candidate
9/22/2020Read moreThree hotels built by 14-year-old Luke Lunde of Manhattan and his Scouting crew at Isle a la Cache preserve in Romeoville are attracting solitary bees that nest in cavities and are important pollinators.
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Cyclists on a bike trail at Whalon Lake
Don't Be a Jerk: Announcing 'on your left' as you pass slower trail traffic is the right thing to do
8/11/2020Read moreWith more and more bicyclists taking to the trails during the COVID-19 pandemic, it's imperative that everyone learn proper trail etiquette; announce your intent to pass, pass on the left and stay to the right when not passing.
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Dead bird hanging from a branch
Here We Go Again: Another Bird Killed by Fishing Line in the Preserves
7/21/2020Read moreIt's becoming an all too common occurrence that shouldn't happen at all in the preserves or elsewhere, seeing dead birds hanging from trees after getting tangled up in fishing line.
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Dead robin hanging from fishing line
Fishing line killed this robin at Monee Reservoir; it shouldn't have
5/20/2020Read moreIt's a scene that plays out too often in the preserves: animals found dead or injured because they became trapped in fishing line.
Events
Woods Walk
Get out and get moving as Woods Walk returns for its 22nd year! Explore 10 of Will County's best trails to experience their fall splendor.
Happy Mornings Yoga and Hike
Start the day off right with some self care, beautiful nature and quiet reflection.
The Buzz
Those insect swarms you are seeing might be migrating dragonflies
Birds aren't the only animals migrating south for the winter. If you spot a swarm of insects, it could be migrating common green darner dragonflies.
In September, keep your eyes peeled for planets, a comet, shooting stars and more
September brings with it the promise of cooler weather ahead and also plenty of sky-watching opportunities.
Quiz: How good is your great blue heron knowledge?
Take this quick quiz to test your knowledge of these amazing birds.