Reconnect With Nature | Forest Preserve District of Will County

Let's go on a Woods Walk

Complete seven of 10 trails to earn a medallion.

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Reap the rewards of the outdoors

There are plenty of ways to escape into nature in Will County.

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Knowledge is power

Learn about Will County's diverse plants, wildlife, and ecosystems through our interpretive programs.

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Conserving land for future generations

We protect and restore open space so wildlife can thrive and people can recreate.

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A person sitting in the grass with a book.

Adult Reading Retreat

SATURDAY, SEPT. 5 | 10:00 AM TO 2:00 PM

Calling all busy grownup bookworms — spend a little time at Hidden Oaks Nature Center focusing on your reading goals.

The Fungus Among Us

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12 | 9:30 AM TO 11:00 AM

Step into the fascinating world of fungi on this guided early fall hike through Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve.

Seated Yoga and Seasonal Sights

SUNDAY, SEPT. 13 | 11:00 AM TO 12:00 PM

Enjoy an invigorating morning by taking time for yourself and discovering the wonders of the natural world.

Living History Encounter: Penning the Past

SUNDAY, SEPT. 13 | 12:00 PM TO 3:00 PM

Try your hand at writing 1750-style with feathered quills and walnut ink at our latest Living History Encounter. Discover ink recipes and how to fletch a quill to take home.

Flotsam River Circus drops anchor at McKinley Woods for free performance

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2 | PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Floating circus brings free riverside show to McKinley Woods on Sept. 14.

Nature Foundation announces Centennial Celebration sponsorship opportunities

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2 | PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Sponsors can support a century of conservation while gaining visibility throughout 2027.

Migration watch: Pelicans making their way back to Will County

FRIDAY, AUG. 28 | NATURE AND WILDLIFE

These big white birds typically stick around until November or into December.

No-mow plants, rougher asphalt help protect Theodore Marsh wildlife

TUESDAY, AUG. 25 | CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION

New approach reduces mowing and gives reptiles better traction.

Visit us at Fall on the Farm

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept. 19 for this free event at Riverview Farmstead Preserve in Naperville.

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Get married while surrounded by nature

Will County's forest preserves offer a variety of unique setting to say "I do" in front of your friends and family while also being an affordable option.

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We want you to Be a Trailblazer

Go on a wild goose chase through this interactive experience that will have you exploring Will County's preserves. Thanks to sponsorship from The Nature Foundation of Will County as well as dozens of local businesses we will be awarding more than $15,000 in prizes throughout the year.

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Experience Will County's beauty by kayak

The preserves include a variety waterways, and many of these are perfect for canoeing and kayaking.

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Enter our Preserve the Moment Photo Contest

Here's your chance to show off your photographic skills in Will County's forest preserves. Not only are there prizes, but your photo could be featured in our 2027 calendar.

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Score some cool T-shirts for a good cause

This is a purchase you can feel good about, because all proceeds help fund a variety of Forest Preserve District initiatives. All orders include free shipping.

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The road to 24,000 acres

The Forest Preserve District sprouted up in 1926 and has continued to save land from development.

Breakfast with some bald eagles

You never know what is going to drop into the picture when out in the preserves. In this case, it was a very hungry bald eagle. Bon appétit!

Get to know the pileated woodpecker

Pileated woodpeckers live across most of the eastern United States as well as in the Pacific Northwest and parts of Canada.

Let's go on a Woods Walk

Reap the rewards of the outdoors

Knowledge is power

Conserving land for future generations

Preserves

Recreation

Volunteer

Get a permit