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A herd of bison walk through a tallgrass prairie.
See where the bison roam at Midewin in September's 'Buzz' episode
9/22/2023Read moreTune in to September's episode of 'The Buzz' to see bison roaming Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and learn more about restoration efforts at the 20,283-acre Will County site owned by the U.S. Forest Service.
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A man and woman take a selfie along a trail.
‘We loved them all!': Shorewood couple among the first to hike all 10 Woods Walk trails
9/21/2023Read moreA Shorewood couple is among the first to complete all 10 Woods Walk trails this year, just 10 days after the challenge started Sept. 1. Woods Walk runs through Nov. 30, so there's plenty of time to hike seven of the 10 trails to earn a commemorative medallion.
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A Forest Preserve volunteer carrying brush.
Do a good deed while enjoying nature with our Volunteer Mornings this fall
9/20/2023Read moreAs temperatures dip and energy levels rebound, consider signing up for a fourth quarter Volunteer Morning program. It's a great way to be outdoors, keep moving and meet other nature lovers.
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A mascot wearing a dam it beaver shirt
Merchandise line expands to include new T-shirt designs and water bottles
9/19/2023Read moreThe Forest Preserve District's online merchandise line is growing to include new T-shirt designs with expanded sizes and water bottles. The lineup also includes hats, magnets, coffee mugs, baby onesies and bibs, and bandanas.
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Officials holding an oversized check.
Nature Foundation donation supports bike repair stations, exhibit and education programs
9/18/2023Read moreA $22,500 donation from The Nature Foundation of Will County was presented to the Forest Preserve Board on Sept. 14. The donation is funding two new bike repair stations, an upcoming art exhibit and education programs, including bus scholarships.
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Kayak launch at lake.
Accessible kayak launch now open at Lake Chaminwood
9/14/2023Read moreThe new kayak and canoe launch installed as part of preserve improvements at Lake Chaminwood Preserve this summer has been completed. The launch is accessible and adaptive, meaning there are features that help paddlers with disabilities enter and exit the water independently and safely.
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A Fish Tales Photo Contest winner holding a fish.
Fish Tales Photo Contest winners announced
9/8/2023Read moreWinners of the summer Fish Tales Photo Contest have been announced and each will receive a $50 Forest Preserve gift card. Three of the winners were chosen at random and one was picked by staff as having the most fun in their photo submission.
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A pelican comes in for a landing on a river where hundreds of other pelicans are floating.
Yes, there really are pelicans in Will County; see for yourself at Pelican Watch!
9/7/2023Read moreThe annual Pelican Watch celebrating the return of the migratory birds to Will County waters will take place on Saturday, Sept. 23, at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon. Learn more about the American white pelican and its habits at this free, family-friendly event!
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Bicycles lined up at Monee Reservoir's Recycle Your Bicycle collection event
Recycle your bicycle this fall at Hidden Oaks and Monee Reservoir
9/7/2023Read moreThe fall Recycle Your Bicycle program is set for Sept. 16 through Oct. 1 at two locations: Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook and Monee Reservoir in Monee Township. Donated bikes are given to those in need locally and around the world.
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A sign designating a trail closure posted at the head of a trail.
Section of Trail of the Old Oaks at McKinley Woods now closed
8/29/2023Read moreA section of the Trail of the Old Oaks, located at McKinley Woods – Frederick's Grove in Channahon, is now closed due to the decline of the surrounding forest canopy and trail erosion issues creating an unsafe condition for trail users.
Events
Summer Sendoff Fishing Derby
Calling all anglers! Come on out to Hidden Lakes Trout Farm and try your hand at fishing in our Summer Sendoff Fishing Derby.
Volunteer Morning: Hickory Creek — LaPorte Road Access
Get some fresh air and exercise while helping to make a difference in your community by attending one or more of the Forest Preserve’s volunteer mornings.
The Buzz
Five fast facts about easy-to-miss praying mantises
Praying mantises are among the largest insects we see, but that doesn't mean they are easy to find. Learn more about these insects that stand out at blending in.
When a weed is something more: Milkweed vital for many species
Have you heard the buzz about monarchs and milkweed? Monarchs are far from the only animals that rely on milkweed.
Preserves We Love: O'Hara Woods, for delivering nature's gifts
Interpretive naturalist Sara Russell tells us why she loves O'Hara Woods Preserve.