Current headlines
Featured news
All news
-
A Forest Preserve bike repair station along a trail.
Two new bicycle repair stations installed along Forest Preserve trails
10/2/2023Need 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.
-
Kayak launch at lake.
Accessible kayak launch now open at Lake Chaminwood
9/14/2023The 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.
-
A man and woman measure a large tree in a forest.
Messenger Woods trees named Big Tree Champions
8/9/2023A 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.
-
Officials holding an oversized check.
Forest Preserve receives federal funding for Route 66 trail project
6/2/2023U.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.
-
Aerial view of dam removal at Hammel Woods
When the river wall came down: Video chronicles Hammel Woods Dam removal
11/5/2021A video titled, "The Dam Project at Hammel Woods" is now available for viewing on the District's YouTube page. The video chronicles the dam removal process and explains why it was necessary and how it was done.
-
Black dog at dog park
Keep your dogs safe during excessive heat and humidity
8/10/2021With excessive heat and humidity this week, the Forest Preserve District is reminding dog owners to take precautions so their pets don't overheat.
-
Police and cyclist on trail
Follow safety guidelines for a safe preserve outing
6/18/2021Know which numbers to call and other safety practices before you visit a preserve or trail.
-
Woman standing outside old barn
Largest property gift honors donor’s husband and family’s love of land
5/28/2021Lisbet "Beth" Temple of Flossmoor is donating 160 acres in Washington Township near Beecher to the Forest Preserve. The land was purchased by her husband, Dr. Arvid Temple, in 1965, and it was a place where the couple grew vegetables, raised animals and enjoyed nature and being together.
-
Large dog running at dog park
How to have a successful dog park outing
5/7/2021Following 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.
-
Coyote in field
Use common sense when encountering coyotes during pupping season
4/29/2021Coyote pupping season is underway, so it's important to take steps to prevent potential conflicts.
Events
WonderKids: Less Is More!
Bring your little ones to Isle a la Cache Museum for WonderKids.
Lunch and Learn: Planting Natives in the Spring (Zoom webinar)
It’s almost time for spring planting, so spend the lunch hour learning which plants are best to plant in the spring for a summer full of color and life.
The Buzz
Avoid the heartbreak: Check your yard for rabbit nests before mowing
Before you cut your grass, it's a good idea to give your yard a once-over to look for rabbit nests. These nests often look just like a small patch of dead grass, but the babies are just under the surface, leaving them vulnerable to lawnmowers.