Sounds of Insects Night Hike
August 9, 2026 | 7:30 P.M TO 9:30 P.M
Venture out on the trail at Thorn Creek Woods at dusk listening for the chorus of nocturnal insects.
Headlines
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Kindergarten teacher gets A+ for contest-winning bumblebee photo
August 5, 2026 | Programs and eventsNancy "Gaby" Valladolid snapped July's winning shot at Isle a la Cache preserve. The contest continues through Dec. 31.
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Field day digs into soil health at Jackson Creek Preserve
July 31, 2026 | Conservation and restorationFarm Bureau event showcases organic farming and regenerative agriculture practices.
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The monarchs you see at this time of year are special. Here's why
July 31, 2026 | WildlifeThe monarchs you see at this time of the year are special, part of a 'super generation' different than the three generations that preceded it.
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Vendors sought for Festival of Arts Through Nature on Sept. 26
July 30, 2026 | Programs and eventsArtisans should apply by the Sept. 1 deadline to be considered for this event.
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Hummingbirds are already migrating, but it's not time to take down feeders yet
July 30, 2026 | Nature and wildlifeRuby-throated hummingbirds migrate in waves, and some have already departed. But we'll see the birds in Will County for weeks or even months, so keep filling your feeders.
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Shooting stars from Perseids meteor shower to light up night sky in August
July 28, 2026 | Nature and wildlifeGet ready to wish upon a shooting star! A new moon during the peak of the Perseids meteor shower will create optimal viewing conditions this year.
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Hidden Oaks art exhibit casts familiar birds in a new light
July 28, 2026 | Programs and eventsThe Aug. 1-Oct. 31 exhibit features about 20 of artist and actor Jeff Zarinelli’s wildlife paintings.
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Wander at Will: A case of the summer doldrums
July 24, 2026 | RecreationNot everyone loves summer, and that's OK. If you need a break from this relentless season, cater your time outside to what you like best.
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Wild Relatives: The coati, which might remind you of a mammal in Illinois
July 23, 2026 | Nature and wildlifeGet to the know the coati — a highly adaptable and can live in many different types of habitat.
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Bees and wasps invading hummingbird feeders? Here's why — and how to fix it
July 23, 2026 | Nature and wildlifeIf you are seeing more bees than birds at your hummingbird feeders lately, you're not alone. Learn why we see them more at this time of year and how you might keep them away from your hummingbird feeders.
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National Night Out brings police, community together at Monee Reservoir
July 22, 2026 | Programs and eventsThe event is set for 5-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4.
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Art showcase puts employee creativity in the spotlight
July 21, 2026 | Programs and events'The Arts of the Preserves' opens Saturday, Aug. 1, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 30.
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Going with the grain: First organic crop harvested on Forest Preserve land
July 20, 2026 | Conservation and restorationThe milestone harvest is part of a broader effort to improve soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat.
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Wander at Will: Kayaking at Monee Reservoir
July 17, 2026 | RecreationMeghan headed out on the water for the first time this summer for a kayaking adventure at Monee Reservoir.
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Be a Trailblazer experience turns points, prizes into lasting outdoor rewards
July 13, 2026 | Programs and eventsParticipants say app-based missions have led to a stronger connection to nature.
-
Nature Foundation donation directs $104,500 to preserve projects
July 10, 2026 | Board of commissionersFunding will support restoration work, Woods Walk supplies and a new water bottle filling station.
-
Kindergarten teacher gets A+ for contest-winning bumblebee photo
August 5, 2026 | Programs and eventsNancy "Gaby" Valladolid snapped July's winning shot at Isle a la Cache preserve. The contest continues through Dec. 31.
-
Field day digs into soil health at Jackson Creek Preserve
July 31, 2026 | Conservation and restorationFarm Bureau event showcases organic farming and regenerative agriculture practices.
-
The monarchs you see at this time of year are special. Here's why
July 31, 2026 | WildlifeThe monarchs you see at this time of the year are special, part of a 'super generation' different than the three generations that preceded it.
-
Vendors sought for Festival of Arts Through Nature on Sept. 26
July 30, 2026 | Programs and eventsArtisans should apply by the Sept. 1 deadline to be considered for this event.
-
Hummingbirds are already migrating, but it's not time to take down feeders yet
July 30, 2026 | Nature and wildlifeRuby-throated hummingbirds migrate in waves, and some have already departed. But we'll see the birds in Will County for weeks or even months, so keep filling your feeders.
-
Shooting stars from Perseids meteor shower to light up night sky in August
July 28, 2026 | Nature and wildlifeGet ready to wish upon a shooting star! A new moon during the peak of the Perseids meteor shower will create optimal viewing conditions this year.
-
Hidden Oaks art exhibit casts familiar birds in a new light
July 28, 2026 | Programs and eventsThe Aug. 1-Oct. 31 exhibit features about 20 of artist and actor Jeff Zarinelli’s wildlife paintings.
-
Wander at Will: A case of the summer doldrums
July 24, 2026 | RecreationNot everyone loves summer, and that's OK. If you need a break from this relentless season, cater your time outside to what you like best.
-
Wild Relatives: The coati, which might remind you of a mammal in Illinois
July 23, 2026 | Nature and wildlifeGet to the know the coati — a highly adaptable and can live in many different types of habitat.
-
Bees and wasps invading hummingbird feeders? Here's why — and how to fix it
July 23, 2026 | Nature and wildlifeIf you are seeing more bees than birds at your hummingbird feeders lately, you're not alone. Learn why we see them more at this time of year and how you might keep them away from your hummingbird feeders.
-
National Night Out brings police, community together at Monee Reservoir
July 22, 2026 | Programs and eventsThe event is set for 5-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4.
-
Art showcase puts employee creativity in the spotlight
July 21, 2026 | Programs and events'The Arts of the Preserves' opens Saturday, Aug. 1, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 30.
-
Going with the grain: First organic crop harvested on Forest Preserve land
July 20, 2026 | Conservation and restorationThe milestone harvest is part of a broader effort to improve soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat.
-
Wander at Will: Kayaking at Monee Reservoir
July 17, 2026 | RecreationMeghan headed out on the water for the first time this summer for a kayaking adventure at Monee Reservoir.
-
Be a Trailblazer experience turns points, prizes into lasting outdoor rewards
July 13, 2026 | Programs and eventsParticipants say app-based missions have led to a stronger connection to nature.
-
Nature Foundation donation directs $104,500 to preserve projects
July 10, 2026 | Board of commissionersFunding will support restoration work, Woods Walk supplies and a new water bottle filling station.
The Buzz
The monarchs you see at this time of year are special. Here's why
7/31/2026
The monarchs you see at this time of the year are special, part of a 'super generation' different than the three generations that preceded it.
Hummingbirds are already migrating, but it's not time to take down feeders yet
7/30/2026
Ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate in waves, and some have already departed. But we'll see the birds in Will County for weeks or even months, so keep filling your feeders.
Bees and wasps invading hummingbird feeders? Here's why — and how to fix it
7/23/2026
If you are seeing more bees than birds at your hummingbird feeders lately, you're not alone. Learn why we see them more at this time of year and how you might keep them away from your hummingbird feeders.