Reconnect With Nature | Forest Preserve District of Will County

Food. Music. Summer fun.

Mark your calendars for July 17 for a relaxing evening at Monee Reservoir.

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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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Two people sitting at a wooden picnic table with bingo cards. A bottle of wine and wine glasses are on the table, and more people are in the background.

BYOB Bingo

THURSDAY, JULY 16 | 6:00 PM TO 8:00 PM

Come on out for a night to socialize outdoors and enjoy the beautiful Prairie Bluff Preserve and some bingo!

Kickin’ It at the Iron Works

FRIDAY, JULY 17 | 4:00 PM TO 7:00 PM

Step back in time along the legendary Route 66 and discover a hidden giant of America’s industrial past.

Native Illinois History and Contemporary Issues

SATURDAY, JULY 18 | 1:00 PM TO 2:15 PM

Don't miss this presentation by Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Dr. Dorene Wiese, who will guide audiences through the historical foundations of tribal nations as well as how urban Native communities developed in Chicago in the 20th century.

Slug Stroll

TUESDAY, JULY 21 | 9:00 AM TO 10:30 AM

Join us at O’Hara Woods for a slow stroll through the woods in hopes of spotting some slugs.

A yellow warbler with its wings outstretched, showing off its yellow and grey color.

Warbler wows judges for Preserve the Moment photo contest win

TUESDAY, JULY 7 | PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Channahon woman’s split-second warbler shot earns top honors in June’s Preserve the Moment photo contest.

Why are lightning bugs disappearing?

MONDAY, JULY 6 | NATURE AND WILDLIFE

Lightning bugs aren't as common as they once were, but there are things you can do at home to protect these summertime staples.

Isle a la Cache exhibit weaves together Pokagon Potawatomi stories, artistry

FRIDAY, JUNE 26 | PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Black ash baskets made by Pokagon artists will be on display through Aug. 30.

Volunteer Mornings offer summer opportunities to help Will County preserves

THURSDAY, JUNE 25 | VOLUNTEERING

Celebrate the Route 66 centennial

Join the Get Your Kicks program to explore along the Mother Road for chances to win prizes and earn swag.

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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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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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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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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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The road to 24,000 acres

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

Get to know the American coot

Learn how this unique waterbird paddles through ponds and wetlands in search of plants and insects.

Learn about river otters

Will County has turned into a hot spot for these predators who love to feed on fish and frogs along rivers.

Food. Music. Summer fun.

Reap the rewards of the outdoors

Knowledge is power

Conserving land for future generations

Preserves

Recreation

Volunteer

Get a permit