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.
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.
Follow these rules to protect your pup and the preserves.
The 2020 Preserve the Moment contest kicked off with more than 100 stunning photo entries taken in Will County forest preserves; seven more monthly winners will be chosen until the contest concludes December 31.
The Forest Preserve's Preserve the Moment photo contest begins May 1, but all participants are being urged to stay safe while snapping pics of nature in Will County preserves.
A Forest Preserve news story about a rare bird sighting at Whalon Lake helped Lockport resident Matthew Serafini win September's portion of the Preserve the Moment photo contest. Serafini headed to the Naperville preserve with a friend and snapped the winning picture of a yellow-crowned night heron
Our birds are disappearing at an alarming rate, but there are many simple things you can do at home to help save the birds.
If you rely on the myth that moss only grows on the north side of trees to guide you through a forest, you're likely to get lost.
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.
If you're counting down the days to a colorful canopy, this map is just for you.
10/22/2020: Learn about our local owls and how to identify them by their calls and physical characteristics.
Do you know what kind of squirrel is taking up residence in your yard? Learn more about eastern gray squirrels and how to differentiate them from other squirrels that live in Illinois.
Instead of sunbathing this summer, give forest bathing a try. All you need is a little free time and access to a forested or tree-covered spot.
12/4/2020: Get a brief introduction to owls and then head out to explore the woods in search of these magical and elusive birds.
Jon Flodstrom of Frankfort said he timed it just right to get within a foot of a widow skimmer perched near a Hickory Creek Preserve pond to snap the winning photo.
Use this upload tool to enter the annual Preserve the Moment Photo Contest.
Throughout Will County, the Forest Preserve District has provided paved and limestone screened trails that are ideal for biking. Whether you are seeking a leisurely ride or a serious workout, a trail is available and it is likely close to home.
Lovebird sandhill cranes along the Old Plank Road Trail weather winter together.
We've long known time spent in the great outdoors is good for you, but now we know exactly how much time we have to spend outside to reap the benefits. According to a study, spending two hours outside each week is good for your health and well-being.
If you've spent any time in the preserves, you've probably seen a great blue heron hanging out and doing its thing. But there's another heron that's made an appearance in town, giving birders a rare treat.
12/11/2020: Learn about owls and then head out to explore McKinley Woods in search of this magical and elusive bird.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate in waves, and some have already departed for their wintering grounds. But we'll continue to see the birds in Will County for weeks still, so keep filling your feeders.
The three hotels built by 14-year-old Luke Lunde of Manhattan and his crew at Isle a la Cache preserve in Romeoville are attracting solitary bees that nest in cavities and are important pollinators.
The project, which will improve the health and safety of the DuPage River, has been in the planning stages since spring 2019. Once the work begins, it will take about a month to remove the dam and create oxygenating 'riffles' with natural river stones and a new canoe/kayak launch downstream.
11/7/2020: Hear from real bison ranchers about America’s largest land animal.
Dumping unused bait in the water seems like an innocent way to end a fishing trip, but it is detrimental to the health of our waterways.
Birds in Will County come in all shapes, sizes and colors, but it doesn't get any better than spotting a great blue heron gliding over a preserve or patiently stalking its prey on the ground.
The Forest Preserve offers canoeing and kayaking opportunities at locations throughout Will County.
Four Rivers Environmental Education Center is a model of green architecture, featuring a repurposed building site and interior fireplace, geothermal heating and cooling system, recycled and sustainable building materials, and energy saving technology.
Put your birding knowledge to the test with this 15-question quiz.
The 2020 special event schedule features a wide variety of offerings for all ages and interests.
12/29/2019: Explore the secrets that our forests hold and search for the elusive winged predator, the owl.
Find out by answering these 10 questions.
Is that a chipmunk or a ground squirrel scurrying around your yard in preparation for winter? Learn how to tell the difference between these two similar-looking rodents.
The DuPage River Trail is a work in progress through a partnership between the Forest Preserve District and 12 other agencies. The trail is planned to travel 40 miles from Channahon north into DuPage County.
12/12/2020: Here is your chance to learn about the Joliet Iron Works Site with a naturalist sharing the stories of the men and machines that worked at this site, along with many other fascinating facts.