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Yellow-crowned night herons are a rare sight here, as they generally don't come this far north in Illinois and their breeding grounds are largely along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

The free "grab-and-go" containers can be used by anglers to properly store unwanted fishing line, which will keep the line out of the preserves where it could injure or kill wildlife. The containers will be available at three visitor centers.

Naperville resident Bertrand Leclercq is the fourth monthly winner in the contest, which continues through December 31. Overall contest winners will be chosen from among eight monthly finalists in January 2021.

Three anglers will receive $100 gift cards for hooking the biggest bass, catfish and panfish, and one grand prize winner was drawn from all the entries. 

Join the self-paced challenge by completing seven of 10 designated trails to earn a collector's medal for your hat, backpack or walking stick. 

While feeding critters in the preserves has always been discouraged because it is harmful to the animals, it is now an ordinance violation to do so and violators will be ticketed. 

One pedestrian bridge was installed in mid-August over the DuPage River and a second span is coming for Interstate 55 as work continues on a project along Black Road that will link the DuPage River Trail in Hammel Woods with the Rock Run Greenway Trail in Rock Run Preserve.

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards awarded the certification, which includes training that will help staff provide the best possible experience for guests who have autism and sensory sensitivities. 

A pair of American avocets were spotted Sunday morning at Whalon Lake, which is anything but a common sight in Will County.

The District has created a new slate of virtual learning programs as well as a new "Ask a Naturalist" option; both interactive offerings will be provided live.

Fledgling birds born at the rookery have aged enough to be able to fend for themselves, so the preserve access is now open for birdwatching and hiking.

With more and more bicyclists taking to the trails during the COVID-19 pandemic, it's imperative that everyone learn proper trail etiquette; announce your intent to pass, pass on the left and stay to the right when not passing. 

Late summer and fall are the time for hay bales to appear in the preserves during the annual harvest program the Forest Preserve District uses to keep woody and weedy plants at bay.

Paul Wenger is the third monthly winner so far this year, with five more months to go before all eight finalists compete for top Preserve the Moment contest honors in January 2021.

Vince Stellato is teaching his two sons to appreciate and absorb nature and to pick up litter on their frequent jaunts to Hammel Woods.