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  • Pollinator hotel at Isle a la Cache

    Pollinator hotels abuzz with guests thanks to Eagle Scout candidate

    9/22/2020

    Three hotels built by 14-year-old Luke Lunde of Manhattan and his Scouting crew at Isle a la Cache preserve in Romeoville are attracting solitary bees that nest in cavities and are important pollinators. 

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  • Cyclists on a bike trail at Whalon Lake

    Don't Be a Jerk: Announcing 'on your left' as you pass slower trail traffic is the right thing to do

    8/11/2020

    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. 

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  • Dead bird hanging from a branch

    Here We Go Again: Another Bird Killed by Fishing Line in the Preserves

    7/21/2020

    It's becoming an all too common occurrence that shouldn't happen at all in the preserves or elsewhere, seeing dead birds hanging from trees after getting tangled up in fishing line.

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  • Dead robin hanging from fishing line

    Fishing line killed this robin at Monee Reservoir; it shouldn't have

    5/20/2020

    It's a scene that plays out too often in the preserves: animals found dead or injured because they became trapped in fishing line.

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  • Man on a trail with his bike

    Earin Land’s 'Happy Place': Melting Away the Pounds and the Past on the Wauponsee

    12/10/2019

    The latest installment of the Forest Preserve District's "Happy Place" series features a retired Will County Sheriff's Police sergeant who made riding a bike on the Wauponsee Glacial Trail a key part of his retirement plan. 

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  • Man holding flies in a jar

    Forest Preserve serves as forensic entomology classroom for law enforcement

    9/30/2019

    The two-day forensic entomology workshop provided area law enforcement with instructions on using insects in death investigations.

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  • Woman on a trail with her camera

    Debi Shapiro’s ‘Happy Place’ – making memories with her mom at Rock Run Rookery Preserve

    9/24/2019

    Rock Run Rookery Preserve was one of Shapiro's favorite places to take her ill mother so she could get out of the house and enjoy nature. 

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  • Woman holding a monarch butterfly

    For Barb Ferry, raising monarchs is more than a hobby

    8/9/2019

    Barb Ferry has been raising monarch butterflies at home and releasing them into the wild, with the ultimate goals of helping sustain their population and educating the public of their importance.

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  • Cyclist on a the Old Plank Road Trail

    Greg Duffner’s Happy Place: Commuting on the Old Plank Road Trail is ‘good for the soul'

    4/10/2019

    In the past four years alone, Greg Duffner has racked up more than 19,000 miles on his bike commuting to work and riding in charity events around the country.

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  • Dogs at a dog park

    Beyond the rules: A guide to dog park etiquette

    3/25/2019

    There's more to a successful dog park outing than following a few basic rules. Experts warn people to train their dogs, assess their dog's personality and pay close attention to their dogs as they roam free in off-leash play areas.

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Events

Volunteer Morning: Messenger Woods Nature Preserve

5/2/2024 9:00 AM

Get some fresh air and exercise while helping to make a difference in your community by attending one or more of the Forest Preserve’s volunteer mornings.

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'Fluddles' Film Screening

5/3/2024 6:00 PM

Visit Four Rivers for a screening of 'Fluddles,' a documentary highlighting the importance of large temporary puddles providing habitat for many birds.

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The Buzz

In May, meteors will be streaking across the night sky and Mercury will be visible

4/30/2024

In May, make sure to make time to view the eta Aquariids meteor shower and see Mercury at its greatest western elongation. 

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If you can't beat 'em, eat 'em: How to cook with cicadas

4/29/2024

Billions or even trillions of cicadas are about to emerge after about 17 years underground, and you may be wondering what will happen to the bounty of bugs. Many animals will feast on the bugs, and you can safely sample them too.

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Meet the recreation coordinator: Em Wilcher wants to help you connect with nature

4/27/2024

Meet Em Wilcher, the Forest Preserve District's recreation coordinator. 

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