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McKinley Woods – Kerry Sheridan Grove, Four Rivers scheduled to be closed Aug. 5-6 for sealcoating
7/26/2024Read moreMcKinley Woods – Kerry Sheridan Grove and Four Rivers Environmental Education Center are scheduled to be closed Aug. 5 and Aug. 6 for sealcoating. The schedule could change due to weather or other factors. Updates will be posted online.
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Tree service workers removing fallen trees from a hiking trail.
OPRT remains closed as storm cleanup work continues
7/26/2024Read moreOld Plank Road Trail remains closed from Pfeiffer Road to Harlem Avenue as tree removal work continues after a recent, severe storm. Due to the number of downed trees and cracked overhead branches, cleanup work may continue through Tuesday, July 30.
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Various nature-themed backpacks arranged in a display, each open to reveal its contents.
Nature backpacks lead to exploration at Isle a la Cache
7/25/2024Read moreIsle a la Cache Museum has four new colorful backpacks chock full of activities and helpful nature information that will guide outdoor exploration. The Bugs, Birds, By the River and Tree backpacks are free to use during museum hours on a first come, first served basis.
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Various native plants arranged on picnic tables under a pavilion during a plant sale.
Summer Blooms Gathering features native plant presale, live music, food and more
7/25/2024Read moreTickets are on sale now for a special night out that will feature live music, nature-themed activities, food and presale access to a variety of native plants. The Summer Blooms Gathering hosted by The Nature Foundation of Will County will be 5-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, at Isle a la Cache preserve.
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"Two beekeepers, a man and a woman, standing in front of their beehives.
Couple’s honey-producing passion was meant to bee
7/22/2024Read moreHoney being sold at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm in Bolingbrook comes from bees that sip a wide variety of nectar to produce many different varieties of the sweet stuff. The Bee All About It honey ranges from buckwheat to wildflowers.
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Section of I&M Canal Trail closed
7/17/2024Read moreA section of the I&M Canal Trail south of Lockport is closed due to fencing material on the path.
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A dump truck hauling dirt driving through a construction zone.
Lake Chaminwood loop trail section closed for path connection, fishing pier project
7/3/2024Read moreA portion of the Lake Chaminwood loop trail in Channahon is closed for a Forest Preserve District path connection and fishing pier project.
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A man shows off his harmonicas.
Healing With Nature: As time ticks by, ‘Harmonica Jack’ makes beautiful music in nature
6/28/2024Read moreIn the third installment of the Forest Preserve's Healing With Nature series, Beecher resident John Keslin talks about how he's still having fun playing the harmonica in nature, even though he is facing serious health issues.
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Image showing logo for Take It Outside challenge on green background with selfies of participants
Join the popular Take It Outside Challenge this summer for free, nature-themed fun
6/27/2024Read moreThe Summer Soiree challenge is the perfect way for families to spend time together while the kids are out of school, for couples to bond and get in shape and for individuals to explore the preserves and make new friends.
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A dog runs through the grass at a dog park.
Half-price dog park permits now on sale
6/27/2024Read moreHalf-price dog park permits are now available for purchase online and at Forest Preserve visitor centers. The permits went on sale July 1 and they can be used at all six Forest Preserve dog parks through the end of 2024.
Events
S’more Summer
There's plenty of summer left, so join us to learn about all the fun that can be had.
Lake Renwick Migratory Bird Viewing
See the dazzling spectacle of nesting herons, egrets and cormorants at our weekly bird viewings at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve.
The Buzz
What's the difference?: Honeybee vs. yellow jacket
The buzz of an insect in your ear can come from many different sources, from mosquitoes and flies to bees and wasps. When it's a bee or wasp buzzing by, two common culprits — honeybees and yellow jackets — can be cause for confusion.
Quiz: How much bee brainpower do you have?
Take this quiz to test your knowledge on these very important pollinators.
Quiz: Test your hummingbird braininess
While these bright and beautiful birds can be seen in our area, learn more about these miniature but mighty marvels.