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Winter weather may impact preserve openings

Snowy scenery at Sugar Creek Preserve
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)

With winter weather now upon the Midwest, preserve visitors are reminded that not all preserves may be open on time during or immediately after a snow event. 

For the public’s safety, some preserves may remain closed as District staff work to plow the parking lots and roadways to make travel less hazardous. Every effort will be made to open each preserve in a timely fashion, and the priority will be given to the District’s visitor centers and dog parks. The District then works to have at least one access open at every preserve.

During larger snow events, updates will be posted on the website as information is available. However, the public is asked for its patience as our staff work to clear the snow and ice.

Preserves may also close early when weather conditions warrant it. 

For information on preserve closures, members of the public can call the Sugar Creek Administration Center at 815-727-8700 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. 

News

Smokey Bear paintings to be displayed at four Four Preserve visitor centers

1/2/2025

"Smokey Bear: The Rudy Wendelin Collection" exhibit will run from Friday, Jan. 17, through Sunday, March 2, at four Forest Preserve visitor centers. The artworks depict the popular U.S. Forest Service symbol and are reproductions of original Smokey Bear paintings that were created from 1977 to 1995. 

Winter seed mixing work sows prairies of tomorrow

1/2/2025

A year of seed collection by staff and volunteers culminated with a seed mixing day at a Forest Preserve barn in December. The seed will be sown this winter in areas targeted for restoration, leading to blooms and better species diversity next year in the preserves.