Current Headlines

Conditions are ripe for the growth of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, in the state's lakes and rivers. So, the state is warning those who participate in water recreation to take precautions for themselves and their pets to avoid exposure.  

Starting at 10 a.m. on June 12, four artists participating in the Romeoville Art Society event will be on the north side of Isle a la Cache Museum featuring their works, which include poetry, pottery, paintings and music. Visitors should also check out the museum's indoor murals and make a note to return when the museum hosts the 'Inspired by Endangered Species Quilt Exhibition' from June 19 to July 25. 

The family-friendly food truck program rotates between four preserves from June through August. In addition to grabbing a bite to eat and a dessert, attendees can participate in fun activities and relax on the grass to socialize. 

Will County is home to 95 threatened and endangered species, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. To spotlight these species and others from around the world that also are in jeopardy, the Forest Preserve District is focusing on endangered species with programs and exhibits in June and July. 

Darek Konopka of Romeoville snapped the winning weasel shot at Rock Run Preserve. Seven more monthly winners will be chosen before the contest concludes on December 31. 

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. 

The 182 quilts depict endangered species from around the world, highlighting their plight and the need for human intervention to prevent their extinction. 

A wide variety of paddling programs will be offered this summer at numerous preserve locations. Programs feature moonlight, music, mussels and more. Check out the Event Calendar for details and registration links.

Tune in at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 26, to see spring blooms at Messenger Woods Nature Preserve, a pack of dogs that helps the Forest Preserve find and study state-threatened turtles, and the exotic-looking blue-spotted salamander. 'The Buzz,' the District's monthly nature show, airs on the Forest Preserve's Facebook and YouTube pages.

Now that the state has entered its Bridge to Phase 5 COVID-19 mitigation stage, the Forest Preserve will remove its pandemic-related capacity limits starting June 1 for programs and activities. Also, masks will no longer be required for those attending outdoor programs. Those who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing masks when participating in indoor programs or visiting Forest Preserve facilities.

A team of Boykin spaniels came to a Will County forest preserve earlier this month to sniff out and retrieve ornate box turtles, which are threatened in Illinois. The data collected by the canine foray will help the District manage the land to boost the turtle species' numbers. 

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. 

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. 

More than 1,000 bikes have been donated since the Forest Preserve District's program began in 2011. All of the bikes have been given to Chicago-based Working Bikes, which arranges for them to be refurbished and redistributed to those in need locally or around the world.

The contest is open to amateur photographers over the age of 18 and photos must be taken in a Forest Preserve District of Will County site.