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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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A collection of images of a woman outdoors.
Joliet woman says Take It Outside Challenge missions 'make you feel alive'
6/9/2023Read moreEileen Ryan said the Forest Preserve's Take It Outside Challenge has helped her go from 2,000 steps a day to 10,000 or more.
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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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Two women and their sons pose for a photo at a pond overlook.
Mothers join Take It Outside Challenge on their quest to keep their sons moving and learning
5/13/2023Read moreTwo Will County moms are having fun completing nature-themed missions as part of the Forest Preserve District's Take It Outside Challenge. But they've also joined the challenge as a way to provide activities for their adult disabled sons who have aged out of the school system.
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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.
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The Bartling family (left) and Black family are enjoying exploring the preserves as part of the Take It Outside Challenge.
Families tackling Take It Outside Challenge to bond … and win!
3/1/2023Read moreParents and their children have jumped on the yearlong Take It Outside Challenge bandwagon. They're competing together and bonding over shared experiences in nature.
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Valuables left in plain sight inside a parked vehicle
Keep safety in mind as you visit the preserves
2/14/2023Read moreThe 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.
Events
Where the Wildflowers Are: Hammel Woods
Our wildflowers have stories to tell, so join us for a hike at Hammel Woods, a top spot to seek wildflowers.
WonderKids: On the Farm at Riverview Farmstead
WonderKids is hitting the road to let kids learn about life on the farm at Riverview Farmstead Preserve.
The Buzz
Meet a Naturalist: Michelle Cipiti, fulfilling a dream
Meet Michelle Cipiti, an interpretive naturalist at Hidden Oaks Nature Center.
Protect the overwintering insects by resisting urge to start your garden cleanup now
Step away from the rake; it's too early to start your spring yard cleanup.
Keep your fingers crossed for clear skies for April 8 total solar eclipse
The best sky-watching events are usually at night, but April's best show comes mid-day in the form of a total solar eclipse on April 8.