Current headlines
Featured news
All news
-
A dog with brown fur runs through a grassy park.
Half-price dog park permits go on sale July 1
6/27/2025Half-price dog park permits will be available for purchase starting July 1 online and at Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. The permits can be used at all six Forest Preserve dog parks through the end of 2025.
-
A sign that says habitat management is in view at a workday event.
Volunteer opportunities abound in the preserves this summer
6/24/2025The Forest Preserve District is offering a variety of short-term volunteer opportunities this summer, from hands-on habitat restoration to helping at public programs and events. With limited space and high demand, early registration is encouraged.
-
A map showing a new parcel of land.
Forest Preserve completes first major land purchase under new capital plan
6/23/2025The Forest Preserve District has acquired 241 acres in Custer Township as the first major purchase of its 2025–2030 Capital Improvement Program. The land expands protected open space and offers future potential for recreation and restoration.
-
A group of seven people stand together in a conference room, smiling and holding a large ceremonial check.
Foundation backs Forest Preserve with $59K donation
6/13/2025The Nature Foundation of Will County presented a $59,525 check to the Forest Preserve District to support conservation, education and community programs. The donation helps fund projects like bird feeding stations, fishing derbies and teacher appreciation events.
-
A man and a woman walk on a trail.
'Be a Trailblazer' is changing lives, one trail at a time
6/12/2025The summer session of the Be a Trailblazer challenge is underway. Join today to discover, explore and engage with nature. The challenge runs through Aug. 9 and features thousands of dollars in randomly awarded prizes for participation.
-
A man rides a bike on a trail.
Trail projects awarded $6.5 million in grants
6/6/2025The Forest Preserve District has been awarded $6.5 million in state grants for two trail projects through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program. The funding will support new trail connections in Naperville, Bolingbrook and Aurora, improving regional access and expanding recreation options.
-
People stand outside a food truck at a summer event.
Put some sizzle in your summer with Fun and Food Trucks
6/3/2025Enjoy music, games, craft beer and local food at three summer Fun and Food Truck programs set in scenic forest preserves in Naperville, Florence Township near Wilmington, and Mokena. Each Friday evening offers a relaxed way to connect with nature and community.
-
Selfies of participants in the Be a Trailblazer experience.
Summer’s calling – blaze new trails, win cool prizes
6/2/2025Get ready to roam – the summer Be a Trailblazer challenge drops June 5 with new missions, hidden treasures and big-time prizes. Explore preserves, enjoy nature and maybe score a kayak or Yeti cooler along the way.
-
Compilation of images from art exhibit as well artist.
'Prairie Reverie’ exhibit offers artistic ode to native prairies
5/28/2025A 'Prairie Reverie' exhibit at Plum Creek Nature Center showcases local artist Carrie Carlson’s artwork celebrating Illinois’ native prairie life. The free exhibit runs June 4 through Aug. 24.
-
Watercolor images of birds
Watercolor wings: Local artist’s bird-inspired exhibit lands at Four Rivers
5/27/2025Homer Glen artist Robert Hafey’s bird-inspired watercolor exhibit, 'The Joy of Birds,' opens June 5 at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. The free show highlights common and beloved bird species through artwork based on Hafey’s photography along Will County trails.
Events
Fish Tales Photo Contest: Hidden Lakes Trout Farm
Tell your personal fish tale by competing in the Fish Tales Photo Contest at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm. It doesn’t take the biggest fish to win, just the luckiest.
Fish Tales Photo Contest: Monee Reservoir
Tell your personal fish tale by competing in the Fish Tales Photo Contest at Monee Reservoir. It doesn’t take the biggest fish to win, just the luckiest.
The Buzz
Wish upon a shooting star: July a good month for meteor activity
Meteor activity will be heating up in July, with three meteor showers sending shooting stars streaking across the night sky.
Wild Relatives: The capybara
What wallows like a pig, swims like a hippo and looks like a giant guinea pig? A capybara, the largest rodent in the world.
Help wildlife beat the heat by leaving water out for them
What are you doing to beat the heat this summer? If you can, add leaving water out for wildlife to your list.