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Collection of shirts for sale: Bird nerd, don't skip leg day, fluent in fowl language
New nature-themed shirts debut with Memorial Day sale
5/20/2025Get a laugh and give back to nature with the Forest Preserve District’s new line of witty T-shirts. Score 20% off during the Memorial Day sale May 20-27 with a $35 purchase and the code Memorial20 at checkout.
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A man and woman pose with a police officer and a fake robber behind a 1949 Chevy.
‘Put Your Junk in the Trunk’ to prevent vehicle break-ins
5/20/2025The Forest Preserve District has kicked off a 'Put Your Junk in the Trunk' campaign to help prevent vehicle burglaries in the preserves. The effort includes signage and a lighthearted music video that uses exaggerated props and humor to reinforce the importance of securing valuables before hitting the trails.
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A man stands on a trail.
Executive Director Schultz retires after decades of shaping a greener Will County
5/13/2025Executive Director Ralph Schultz will retire May 16 after nearly 32 years of leadership with the Forest Preserve District. His legacy includes major land acquisitions, trail projects and lasting community impact.
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Two women
Two Forest Preserve interpreters win national awards
5/8/2025Forest Preserve program coordinators Jessica McQuown and Heather Van Zyl both received Distinguished Frontline Interpreter awards recently from the National Association for Interpretation.
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Men and women cut a yellow ribbon at a grand opening
Hidden Oaks Nature Center reopens with oak-tastic vibes and family fun
5/5/2025More than 1,400 people attended the grand reopening celebration for the Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook on May 3. The site was closed for 15 months for a $2 million makeover.
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A man stands by a bee display.
From college to colony: Meet Plum Creek's new beekeeper
4/28/2025New beekeeper Dade Bradley brings curiosity, conservation and community spirit to Plum Creek Nature Center. Get to know him and more about bees at the monthly Meet a Beekeeper programs at Plum Creek starting Saturday, May 10.
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A nature illustration featuring a tiny acorn person looking at a frog.
Whimsy takes root with Becorns exhibit at Hidden Oaks
4/22/2025View tiny acorn people and their intimate interactions with nature during the 'Becorns: Little Acorn People Living Big Lives' exhibit from May 3 through June 29 at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook.
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A man stands in center to accept awared.
'Contagious passion' earns Fuqua Volunteer of the Year Award
4/10/2025John Fuqua received the Forest Preserve District of Will County's Volunteer of the Year Award and Don and Espie Nelson were given a Lifetime Achievement Award during the annual volunteer banquet.
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A person hiking on a forest trail.
Be a Trailblazer returns with big prizes, fresh missions
4/7/2025The Be a Trailblazer challenge is back for spring, offering new missions, nearly $4,000 in prizes, and fresh ways to explore the forest preserves. The spring session runs from April 10 through May 24.
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An aerial view of an old railroad bridge over the Kankakee River.
Find the five: a bridge adventure across Will County
3/31/2025The Forest Preserve is rolling out a new spring challenge – The Bridges of Will County – that features five unique bridges in preserves throughout Will County. Visit all five from April 1 through June 30 to receive a Forest Preserve tote bag.
Events
Fishing for Trash
You can help keep Hidden Lakes Trout Farm looking its best by picking up litter in the preserve.
Volunteer Morning: Lake Chaminwood Preserve
Get some fresh air and exercise while helping to make a difference in your community by attending one or more of the Forest Preserve’s volunteer mornings.