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A family runs on a trail.
Lace up for the Spring Scamper Fun Run at Hadley Valley
4/29/2025Ready to run, walk or sprint into spring? Sign up now for the 2.5-mile Spring Scamper Fun Run before registration closes on May 7. The event includes food and lawn games and participants can take home a seed-planting kit.
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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 man rides a bike in a forest preserve.
Forest preserves, park districts gear up for spring bike safety initiative
4/22/2025Seven northern Illinois agencies are launching a regional bike safety initiative in May to promote safe, responsible riding. The effort includes bike safety events, increased patrols and unified trail messaging.
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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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An exterior view of Hidden Oaks Nature Center, with the large leaf sign in the foreground.
The wait is over: Hidden Oaks Nature Center to reopen with a festive celebration
4/21/2025The grand reopening of Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 3. The celebration will feature food, live music, activities and a chance to see the renovated building.
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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.
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Two men fish on a boat.
April kicks off boating, kayaking, fishing fun season
3/28/2025April 1 is the kickoff to the Forest Preserve District's boating season. Boat launches open at Rock Run Rookery and Whalon Lake and kayak rentals begin at Lake Chaminwood. Hidden Lakes Trout Farm opens April 5.
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A view of a restored tract of land.
Second wetland bank greenlit for restoration funding
3/24/2025The Forest Preserve District now has two wetland mitigation banks that will provide funding for restoration in two preserves. Farmers or developers who disturb wetlands elsewhere can buy credits in the banks to pay for wetland enhancements in Will County.
Events
Where Feathers Meet the Flash Photo Contest: Junior Edition
Do you have what it takes to win the junior edition of our bird photography contest?
Where Feathers Meet the Flash Photo Contest: Adult Edition
Do you have what it takes to take top prize in our bird photography competition?
The Buzz
Spend spring nights gazing up at the stars
Enjoy warm spring nights under the stars, and don't miss the eta Aquariids meteor shower.
Give your mower a rest in May. Do it for the bees.
Participating in No Mow May isn't just a way to cut down on your yardwork for a month. You'll be helping bees and other essential insects too.