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Exterior view of Sugar Creek Administration Center.
Independence Day holiday closures announced
7/1/2025Most Forest Preserve visitor centers will be closed at noon Thursday, July 3, and all day Friday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Bait shop hours will vary. Preserves, trails and dog parks will remain open.
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A painting of a river scene.
'Into the Wild' art exhibit blends nature and creativity
7/1/2025The “Into the Wild Art Exhibition” runs July 5 through Aug. 30 at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook. The free exhibit showcases nature-themed art by local artists from the Nature Artists' Guild of The Morton Arboretum. Visitors can vote for their favorite pieces.
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A collection of graphic tees
Shop new shirts and save 15% during holiday sale
6/30/2025Six new nature-themed T-shirts just dropped on the Forest Preserve’s revamped OutsiderThreads.com store, and shoppers get 15% off orders of $25 or more through July 6. Every purchase supports The Nature Foundation of Will County’s education, recreation and conservation programs.
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A dog with brown fur runs through a grassy park.
Half-price dog park permits go on sale July 1
6/27/2025Half-price dog park permits will be available for purchase starting July 1 online and at Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. The permits can be used at all six Forest Preserve dog parks through the end of 2025.
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A sign that says habitat management is in view at a workday event.
Volunteer opportunities abound in the preserves this summer
6/24/2025The Forest Preserve District is offering a variety of short-term volunteer opportunities this summer, from hands-on habitat restoration to helping at public programs and events. With limited space and high demand, early registration is encouraged.
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A map showing a new parcel of land.
Forest Preserve completes first major land purchase under new capital plan
6/23/2025The Forest Preserve District has acquired 241 acres in Custer Township as the first major purchase of its 2025–2030 Capital Improvement Program. The land expands protected open space and offers future potential for recreation and restoration.
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A group of seven people stand together in a conference room, smiling and holding a large ceremonial check.
Foundation backs Forest Preserve with $59K donation
6/13/2025The Nature Foundation of Will County presented a $59,525 check to the Forest Preserve District to support conservation, education and community programs. The donation helps fund projects like bird feeding stations, fishing derbies and teacher appreciation events.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Events
Fishing for Trash
You can help keep Monee Reservoir looking its best by picking up litter in the preserve.
Lake Renwick Migratory Bird Viewing
See the dazzling spectacle of nesting herons, egrets and cormorants at our weekly bird viewings at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve.
The Buzz
Mosquitoes driving you indoors? Attract dragonflies to your yard
Dragonflies can eat dozens of mosquitoes a day, so attracting them to your yard might help make your time outside more enjoyable.
Wish upon a shooting star: July a good month for meteor activity
Meteor activity will be heating up in July, with three meteor showers sending shooting stars streaking across the night sky.
Wild Relatives: The capybara
What wallows like a pig, swims like a hippo and looks like a giant guinea pig? A capybara, the largest rodent in the world.