Current Headlines

For the public’s safety, some preserves may remain closed immediately after a winter weather event as District staff work to plow the roadways to make travel less hazardous.

Find out what brumation means and where all the reptiles go when the temperatures dip and other creatures are hibernating. Tune in to the Forest Preserve District's Facebook page to view the program at noon, Wednesday, January 20, and ask questions in real time. 

Employees will be off on Monday, January 18, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday; however, all preserves, trails, dog parks, parking lots and latrines will remain open. 

Artists who submit photos of their work online for consideration will be notified if they have been accepted into the show by February 9. Winners will receive $500 for first place, $250 for second place, $200 for third place and $100 for a people’s choice award.

Don't hastily launch a vessel in the water without getting all of your safety measures in place. A two-part "Boat America" course being offered online via Zoom on January 23 and 30 will give you all the rules, regulations and safety tips you need to enjoy the water in 2021.

The new glass features web-like fibers that will help prevent collisions at the nature center's bird viewing area. The new glass was included as part of a window replacement project. 

While places like Rock Island and Starved Rock State Park in Utica are often go-to spots for those fascinated by America's bird, Rock Run Rookery has been providing more than a suitable alternative closer to home.

Vote for your favorite pictures on the Forest Preserve District's Facebook page to help determine who winds up in first, second and third place in the 2020 Preserve the Moment photo contest.

Use your phone to scan a QR code along the trail to enhance your visitor experience by viewing a map of the artwork and answering questions at each stop. 

Channahon resident Kevin Kuchler's photo of a sunrise at Lake Renwick Preserve won the final month of the contest, which ran from May through December. His photo will compete with other monthly finalists for overall contest honors via online voting on Facebook. 

If you go eagle watching this year, remember to give these amazing creatures a wide berth so you do not disturb their turf.

The Forest Preserve's Bob Bryerton tells us why owls are such fascinating creatures and why we just can't learn enough about these stealthy, winged beasts. 

2021 picnicking and camping permits will be available online or in person at the Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. Other Forest Preserve visitor centers remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Take a virtual kayak trip to the islands of Lake Renwick Preserve, see state-endangered Blanding's turtles up close, and get some winter bird feeding tips during the December episode of the program, which will air live on Facebook at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 30.

While the administration center is set to reopen, members of the public are encouraged to use online resources as much as possible. All other Forest Preserve visitor centers will remain closed due to COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Dog parks, preserves, trails, campgrounds and latrines remain open.