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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.
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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
8/2/2023Read moreBolingbrook 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
7/14/2023Read moreAfter 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
6/2/2023Read moreU.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'
3/28/2023Read 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.
Events
Turtle Tuesday
Meet some of our ambassador Blanding's turtles up close and learn the story of their journey as an endangered species.
Little Explorers: Reptiles
Bring your children to Four Rivers to learn all about turtles.
The Buzz
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.
Nature curiosity: How do flies find garbage and other stinky things?
How do flies find garbage and other sources of stink so fast? They rely on their antennae to help them hone in.