Current headlines

All news

• 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. 

  Read more
• 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. 

  Read more
• 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. 

  Read more
• 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. 

  Read more
• 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. 

  Read more
• 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. 

  Read more
• Aerial view of Hadley Valley

  Creating connections: trail enhancements in the works for 2022 and beyond

  1/31/2022

  Improvements are coming to the Forest Preserve District's extensive trail system. Some of the work will take place this year, and other projects are part of long-range plans with multiple partners. 

  Read more
• Aerial view of Plum Valley Preserve

  Lasting legacy: Forest Preserve grows by more than 1,500 acres

  1/10/2022

  Some of the land was purchased, some donated and some was transferred from the state.

  Read more
• Image of Compass newsletter

  Renamed and refreshed: Compass newsletter will help you navigate nature

  12/22/2021

  The Forest Preserve District's newsletter, The Citizen, which debuted 40 years ago, has a new name, a refreshed look and a new mix of content that is designed to inform, entertain, inspire and educate readers. You can subscribe to The Compass with a click of a mouse to receive this weekly digital publication in your email inbox. Current subscribers to The Citizen do not need to sign up a second time to receive The Compass.

  Read more
• Bald eagle soaring with nesting material

  Are you seeing bald eagles in the preserves? Give them some space

  12/14/2021

  If you go eagle watching this year, remember to keep your distance so as not to disturb these amazing creatures. If a bird is reacting to you, then you are too close. 

  Read more