Reconnect With Nature | Forest Preserve District of Will County

District acquires 126-acre woodland

The parcel has more than 32,000 black walnut, oak, maple, ash, pine and cherry trees planted by one family.

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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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Three people in 18-century clothing standing around a cannon in the grass.

Living History Encounter: 18th-century Weaponry & Tools

SUNDAY, NOV. 8 | 12:00 PM TO 3:00 PM

Step back into the 18th century and discover the weaponry, tools and people that shaped everyday life.

Trail Club: November at Hammel Woods

SUNDAY, NOV. 8 | 9:00 AM TO 10:00 AM

Trail Club is back this fall, and in November we will be meeting Sunday mornings at Hammel Woods.

Day & Night: Twilight Trek

THURSDAY, NOV. 12 | 4:00 PM TO 5:30 PM

Enjoy a hike around Four Rivers while learning about the environmental changes that happen as the sun sets and the moon rises.

Golden Hour Hike at Prairie Bluff

FRIDAY, NOV. 13 | 3:30 PM TO 5:00 PM

Experience day turning into night on a stroll amidst golden prairie grasses at the perfect time of light.

A child using a metal baseball bat to hit a pumpkin on a tree stump. An adult and toddler look on in the background.

Smash and bash your Halloween jack-o'-lanterns at Pumpkin Smash events

MONDAY, OCT. 26 | PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Two nature centers are hosting Pumpkin Smash events to raise awareness about composting and keeping pumpkins from landfills.

Fall colors steal the show in October photo contest

TUESDAY, NOV. 3 | PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Seasonal landscape at Hammel Woods captured by Matthew Dunn of Bolingbrook.

Blast from the past: See 18th-century weaponry demonstrations at Isle a la Cache

MONDAY, NOV. 2 | PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Program aims to be an immersive look at 18th-century life.

Wild about Will County? Order 2027 calendar full of stunning nature photography

THURSDAY, OCT. 22 | PRESERVES AND TRAILS

Proceeds from calendar sales benefit The Nature Foundation of Will County, the Forest Preserve District's nonprofit partner.

Become a Centennial Celebration sponsor

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

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The more T-shirts you buy, the more you save

Get up to 20% off everything in our Core Collection. All orders include free shipping and 100% of proceeds go to The Nature Foundation of Will County.

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See the preserves with Woods Walk

Participants who complete seven of 10 preselected trails will earn a medallion.

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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.

Join the Fun

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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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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Protecting Will County's future

Over nearly 100 years, the District grew into a countywide system of preserves, trails and visitor centers.

Meet the American white pelicans at McKinley Woods

Each spring and fall, flocks of American white pelicans descend on Will County during their seasonal migrations.

Meet our Trailblazers: Amy McNeil

A program coordinator at Isle a la Cache, Amy said a field trip there as a child left a lasting impression on her.

District acquires 126-acre woodland

Reap the rewards of the outdoors

Knowledge is power

Conserving land for future generations

Preserves

Recreation

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