Meet the black-crowned night heron

These birds are mostly nocturnal and rarely seen locally

Learn more

WHAT TO DO

Get moving

WHERE TO GO

Map your next adventure

FETCH A PERMIT

Plan your outing

First Time Fishing

May 23

Family Movie Night: ‘Migration’

May 23

Slug Stroll

May 25

More events

IN THE NEWS

Executive Director Schultz retires after decades of shaping a greener Will County

Executive Director Ralph Schultz will retire May 16 after nearly 32 years of leadership with the Forest Preserve District. His legacy includes major land acquisitions, trail projects and lasting community impact.

Two Forest Preserve interpreters win national awards

Forest Preserve program coordinators Jessica McQuown and Heather Van Zyl both received Distinguished Frontline Interpreter awards recently from the National Association for Interpretation.

Be a Trailblazer: Hike Messenger Woods

Dirt trails. Spring wildflowers. Primitive campsites. Everything you love about the outdoors, all in one place.