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Half-price permits are available for purchase online, by mail or in person at one of four visitor centers. The permits can be used at all six Forest Preserve District dog parks through the end of 2021.

Skim the treetops, glide over waterways and peek into nooks and crannies not visible from the ground as 'The Buzz' celebrates its one-year anniversary with an aerial extravaganza.

Get to know local law enforcement in a fun and relaxing way during the 'National Night Out' event from 5-7:30 p.m. on August 3. Activities will include fishing, food, music, child IDs, and games. The free event is designed to build better relationships between law enforcement and members of the public. 

Tour the new Native American lifeways exhibit, check out the new 150-person capacity picnic shelter and feel free to purchase meals or snacks from the 'Food Truck Friday' vendors during an 'Island Showcase' set for 4-8 p.m. July 30.  

There's no better way to get a little stress relief than to head out to the preserves. Next time you do, grab your camera so you can enter the Preserve the Moment photo contest and see if you have what it takes to become a finalist.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Hammel Woods Dam removal and modification project in Shorewood has begun. As a result of this work, a section of the DuPage River, a segment of the DuPage River Trail and a portion of the preserve are all closed.

As part of its "Litter: Public Enemy No. 1" campaign, the Forest Preserve District has scheduled a public litter cleanup day on July 31 at Hadley Valley – Gougar Road Access in Joliet. And free pickers are being given away to the first 100 people who request them at five visitor centers. 

The Forest Preserve's "Inspired by Endangered Species Quilt Exhibition" is drawing visitors who are amazed at the techniques used to craft the beautiful art quilts, the range of species depicted and the creativity expressed by the artists. 

Teachers have had a rough couple of school years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So the Forest Preserve has scheduled a free "Teacher Appreciation" program on July 29 and 31 that will offer kayaking, hiking and yoga. The program also will help teachers get to know the District and its field trip programs better. 

A portion of the Old Plank Road Trail between Cedar Road and Joliet Highway in New Lenox is closed for bridge improvements. A detour around the work can be taken by using sidewalks along these two roads. Signs will be posted warning trail users about the work.

A New Lenox woman's photo of a crayfish with its claws held high at Hickory Creek Preserve was chosen as June's Preserve the Moment photo contest winner. The contest will continue with monthly winners through December. Overall winners will be chosen in January, and the first place photo will receive a $500 Visa gift card. 

The contest runs through Tuesday, August 31 and prizes will be awarded in three categories for biggest bass, catfish and panfish by length.

Sign up for a workday to get some fresh air, meet new people and give the forest preserves a helping hand. 

A Morris animal hospital has offered valuable assistance with Forest Preserve District research into the ornate box turtle population by providing X-rays of female turtles. 

The series of educational stories and social media posts will focus on the costs of litter and the damage it does to flora and fauna.