Current headlines
Featured news
All news
-
A man and a woman walk on a trail.
'Be a Trailblazer' is changing lives, one trail at a time
6/12/2025The summer session of the Be a Trailblazer challenge is underway. Join today to discover, explore and engage with nature. The challenge runs through Aug. 9 and features thousands of dollars in randomly awarded prizes for participation.
-
A man arranges a tiny acorn figure.
Tiny creatures, big charm: Meet the artist behind the Becorns at Hidden Oaks
6/6/2025Becorns artist David M. Bird, a former Lego toy designer, shares how a pile of acorns sparked a whimsical world that deepened his connection to nature. In this short Q&A, Bird reflects on the magic of seeing the world through tiny eyes.
-
A man rides a bike on a trail.
Trail projects awarded $6.5 million in grants
6/6/2025The Forest Preserve District has been awarded $6.5 million in state grants for two trail projects through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program. The funding will support new trail connections in Naperville, Bolingbrook and Aurora, improving regional access and expanding recreation options.
-
People stand outside a food truck at a summer event.
Put some sizzle in your summer with Fun and Food Trucks
6/3/2025Enjoy music, games, craft beer and local food at three summer Fun and Food Truck programs set in scenic forest preserves in Naperville, Florence Township near Wilmington, and Mokena. Each Friday evening offers a relaxed way to connect with nature and community.
-
Selfies of participants in the Be a Trailblazer experience.
Summer’s calling – blaze new trails, win cool prizes
6/2/2025Get ready to roam – the summer Be a Trailblazer challenge drops June 5 with new missions, hidden treasures and big-time prizes. Explore preserves, enjoy nature and maybe score a kayak or Yeti cooler along the way.
-
Compilation of images from art exhibit as well artist.
'Prairie Reverie’ exhibit offers artistic ode to native prairies
5/28/2025A 'Prairie Reverie' exhibit at Plum Creek Nature Center showcases local artist Carrie Carlson’s artwork celebrating Illinois’ native prairie life. The free exhibit runs June 4 through Aug. 24.
-
Watercolor images of birds
Watercolor wings: Local artist’s bird-inspired exhibit lands at Four Rivers
5/27/2025Homer Glen artist Robert Hafey’s bird-inspired watercolor exhibit, 'The Joy of Birds,' opens June 5 at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. The free show highlights common and beloved bird species through artwork based on Hafey’s photography along Will County trails.
-
A head of a fishing line recycling container
Protecting wildlife: Forest Preserve installs upgraded fishing line bins
5/23/2025The Forest Preserve District is installing 36 redesigned fishing line recycling containers to help prevent injuries to wildlife. The bins are more durable and better suited for proper recycling.
-
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.
-
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.
Events
Homeschool Day at Four Rivers: River Bottom Bugs
Welcome all homeschool families! Join other elementary school-aged homeschoolers to experience a naturalist-led field trip at McKinley Woods – Kerry Sheridan Grove. In this program, students will explore the diversity of life in the murky depths of the DuPage River.
Homeschool Day at Four Rivers: Water Quality Exploration
Join other middle and high school-aged homeschoolers to experience a naturalist-led field trip at McKinley Woods – Kerry Sheridan Grove. In this program, students will explore the diversity of life in the murky depths of the DuPage River.
The Buzz
Nature curiosity: Why do opossums play dead?
Playing dead might not seem like an effective strategy for avoiding capture by predators, but for some animals it's just the thing.
It's lightning bug season, so be on the lookout for these incredible insects
Catching lightning bugs is a summer rite of passage, but do you know how these bugs light up? Or why?