Current headlines

Featured news

All news

  • Aerial view of dam removal at Hammel Woods

    When the river wall came down: Video chronicles Hammel Woods Dam removal

    11/5/2021

    A 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. 

    Read more
  • Black dog at dog park

    Keep your dogs safe during excessive heat and humidity

    8/10/2021

    With excessive heat and humidity this week, the Forest Preserve District is reminding dog owners to take precautions so their pets don't overheat. 

    Read more
  • Police and cyclist on trail

    Follow safety guidelines for a safe preserve outing

    6/18/2021

    Know which numbers to call and other safety practices before you visit a preserve or trail.

    Read more
  • Two ducks that were dumped along a Forest Preserve trail.

    Illegally Dumped Domestic Ducks Saved From Certain Death at Rock Run

    6/16/2021

    Three domestic ducklings that were illegally dumped feet away from the parking lot at Rock Run Preserve and likely would have died if left there have been given a second chance at life.

    Read more
  • Woman standing outside old barn

    Largest property gift honors donor’s husband and family’s love of land

    5/28/2021

    Lisbet "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. 

    Read more
  • Raccoons peeking out of tree

    'Coexisting with Wildlife' section debuts on website

    5/10/2021

    The Forest Preserve's new online feature will help you find information on 16 creatures that you might encounter around your home, in your neighborhood or at a local preserve. The section features the benefits of each and also how to handle potential problems. 

    Read more
  • Large dog running at dog park

    How to have a successful dog park outing

    5/7/2021

    Following 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. 

    Read more
  • Coyote in field

    Use common sense when encountering coyotes during pupping season

    4/29/2021

    Coyote pupping season is underway, so it's important to take steps to prevent potential conflicts.

    Read more
  • Old metal dumped in a forest preserve

    Destruction not allowed: Don’t tamper with nature or use preserves as dumping grounds

    4/26/2021

    The Forest Preserve District's General Use Ordinance No. 124 prohibits the destruction of natural resources and vandalisms in the preserves. The rules are in place to protect Will County's last undisturbed natural areas and to create new habitats for native species and places of respite for visitors.

    Read more
  • Boardwalk at Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve

    State transfers Thorn Creek Woods acreage to Forest Preserve

    3/8/2021

    The transfer of 466 acres in February gives the Forest Preserve ownership of around 780 acres of the 1,000-acre preserve located in eastern Will County.

    Read more

Events

First Time Fishing

4/25/2024 5:30 PM

Learn rod-and-reel fishing basics, safety and ethics plus try some shoreline fishing for yourself in this program for beginners. 

Read more

First Time Fishing

4/25/2024 5:30 PM

Learn rod-and-reel fishing basics, safety and ethics plus try some shoreline fishing for yourself in this program for beginners. 

Read more

The Buzz

Migration watch: Orioles have landed in Will County

4/24/2024

Time to stock up on oranges and grape jelly. Baltimore orioles are back in Will County for the season.

Read more

Holey moley: Yellow-bellied sapsuckers leave distinct clues of their presence

4/23/2024

The yellow-bellied sapsucker is the only woodpecker in the eastern United States, so their time in northern Illinois can be fleeting. Look for them in the spring and fall as they migrate through our area.

Read more

Brooding about cicadas? Here's the reason for all the hype this year

4/22/2024

To not have heard the buzz about this year's cicada emergence you would have to have been where the cicadas themselves are right now — underground. Why all the hype? This year is the first time since 1803 that two broods of cicadas will have emerged in Illinois at the same time.

Read more