Be a Trailblazer’s debut year draws thousands into nature

The reviews are in, and the 2025 inaugural Be a Trailblazer experience was a smashing success.

More than 2,000 people signed up to tackle nature-themed missions throughout the year during four seasonal sessions that encouraged participants to explore the preserves and learn about nature.

Thanks to generous support from The Nature Foundation of Will County and more than two dozen local businesses and organizations, $10,000 in prizes were awarded randomly to participants. The prize pool included sleds, Fitbits, Yeti coolers, tent-and-sleeping-bag packs, kayaks, fishing equipment, Solo stoves, binoculars and hiking poles.

And good news — there’s going to be a sequel. The award-winning Be a Trailblazer will be back in 2026 with more ways to get people moving in the great outdoors at their own pace. And because prizes are awarded randomly, there’s no pressure to “win,” only to have fun. Sign up for The Compass to read all the details in early 2026. 

Challenging and fun

Those who participated in 2025 by downloading the free Goosechase app to their smart phones said the experience motivated them to do more and see more in Will County forest preserves than ever before. Here are some of their comments:

• “It’s like my second life. When you don’t want to bug your kids to entertain you, you go out onto the trails. And I’ve met so many nice people that keep showing up. When I come out to any preserve, there are people I know. And I’m waving at people and talking to people. It’s very nice.” — Linda Trzesniewski of Channahon.
• “There are no winners, there are no losers; it’s go at your own pace. But there are still specific tasks that get me out into nature and on the trails. I wouldn’t be out this winter if it wasn’t for this. It just becomes addicting.” — Cindy Abel of Oswego. 
• “Of all the ways I’ve seen my tax dollars at work, this has to be my favorite. I just won a Yeti Tundra cooler, which is awesome, but even if I didn’t I would say I won by just being able to participate in this great program.” — Meg McEvilly of Joliet.
• “It took me a while to realize how much nature we do have here and how to find an oasis in the suburbs. Spending time in a preserve, looking up close at the insects, recognizing all the work that the Forest Preserve District does and all they have to offer really gets you out of your head and out of the day-to-day grind.” — Liz Lyons of New Lenox.
• “It gave me the extra push I needed to get moving. I particularly enjoyed the peacefulness of the preserves in the winter. The new Be a Trailblazer format was challenging and fun. I like the fact that we can do missions at our own pace. This has been great for my physical and mental health.” — Lori Heitman of Shorewood.
• "Doing the Goosechase missions brought us to new Will County forest preserves. Our travel radius for hiking or walking the dog typically was closer to home. The fun of exploring different preserves by completing the challenges and being entered into prize drawings made us want to drive to all corners of Will County." — Rob Janek of Naperville. 

The Forest Preserve District had a simple goal when it launched the Be a Trailblazer experience.

"We wanted to inspire people to step outside and rediscover the preserves in their own way," said Chad Merda, head of digital marketing strategy/engagement for the Forest Preserve District. "What we saw was extraordinary. Thousands embraced their own curiosity, a desire to build new outdoor habits, and formed genuine connections with nature and with each other."

The Forest Preserve District extends a special thanks not only to The Nature Foundation but also to the 26 local businesses and organizations that donated prizes and supported the District’s quest to get more people out into the preserves.

"Thanks to our sponsors we were able to offer a wide variety of prizes from local businesses, as well as some really big things — like kayaks and camping gear — to further enhance the outdoor experiences of participants for years beyond their participation in Be a Trailblazer," Merda said. 

For the names of all participating businesses and more information on the campaign, visit the Be a Trailblazer page.