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• Officials holding an oversized check.

  Forest Preserve receives federal funding for Route 66 trail project

  6/2/2023

  U.S. Rep. Bill Foster presented a check for $1.1 million in federal funding to the Forest Preserve District on June 2. The money will be used for a new path that connects the Wauponsee Glacial Trail to Route 66 in Joliet Township. 

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• Two children looking at something in an insect jar.

  School's out, so now what? Preserves full of ways to keep kids busy

  6/1/2023

  Not sure how you are going to keep your kids busy and entertained all summer? Look no further than the forest preserves, which have plenty of fun on tap all season long. 

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• A woman selects a plant at a native plant sale.

  Nature Foundation's online Summer Blooms native plant sale begins June 9

  5/30/2023

  The second of five 2023 native plant sales hosted by The Nature Foundation of Will County will begin on June 9. Summer Blooms plant sale orders can be taken online through July 9; plant pickup days are scheduled for July 29 and 30. 

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• "The Buzz" host Suzy Lyttle stands in the woods while listening for birds.

  ‘Buzz’ nature show visits little-known preserves, teaches you how to bird by ear

  5/25/2023

  Tune in to May's episode of 'The Buzz,' the Forest Preserve District’s monthly nature show, to visit little-known preserves and to learn five birdsongs. The show debuts at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, on the Forest Preserve’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

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• A man picks up litter along a trail.

  Pitch in for National Trails Day by signing up for a cleanup program on June 4

  5/23/2023

  Volunteers are needed for two National Trails Day weekend cleanup events on Sunday, June 4, along the Old Plank Road and Joliet Junction trails. 

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• Two eaglets sit in their nest

  Bald eagle nesting update: The kids are growing up fast

  5/23/2023

  The bald eagle population has been booming in Will County in recent years and we are monitoring two nests that have produced five offspring this year.

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• A women receiving her food from the window of a food truck.

  Chow down at three Fun & Food Trucks programs this summer in the preserves

  5/22/2023

  Three Fun & Food Trucks programs will roll into three different preserves this summer. Each will feature food and beverage trucks, a bounce house for the kids, games and musical entertainment. 

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• A snapping turtle that was hit by a car.

  Frankfort snapping turtle crushed by vehicle; motorists urged to slow down

  5/19/2023

  A snapping turtle was run over by a vehicle recently and left for dead near a Frankfort subdivision. Motorists are being encouraged to slow down and watch for turtles in the road to avoid hitting them, especially during nesting season. 

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• A woman paddles on the water.

  Get your kayaking kicks in the preserves this summer

  5/18/2023

  When summer starts to sizzle, consider cooling down with a Forest Preserve District paddling program. Check out your paddling options on the Event Calendar and sign up today. 

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• A screenshot of T-shirts, a hat and a bandana for sale.

  Take It Outside while sporting our new merch

  5/15/2023

  Love spending time outdoors? Then express your wild side with a line of fun, nature-themed products available through the Forest Preserve's new online store.

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