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Illustration of American settlers moving westward.
Isle a la Cache hosts Smithsonian ‘Journey Stories’ exhibition on the history of migration
1/23/2023Read more'Journey Stories,' a three-month exhibition organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibit Service, opens Feb. 1 at Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville. The exhibition takes a broad look at American expansion and migration.
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Image of phone featuring Goosechase app and sign in background
Go on a wild goose chase with our Take It Outside app challenge
1/22/2023Read moreAs part of the Forest Preserve District's Take It Outside campaign, the app challenge will have you traversing the county and hiking trails, while earning points with each completed mission.
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Buzz host Suzy Lyttle holds a river otter pelt and a cutout of a snowy owl
Snowy owls, river otters highlight January 'Buzz' nature show
1/20/2023Read moreTune in on Jan. 25 when the first 2023 episode of 'The Buzz,' the Forest Preserve's monthly nature show, debuts on Facebook and YouTube. The show will highlight animal survival tactics in winter, snowy owls and river otters.
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A turkey vulture perched on a branch.
Vulture photo victorious in 2022 photo contest
1/13/2023Read moreShorewood resident Joe Viola's photo of a turkey vulture took top honors in the 2022 Preserve the Moment photo contest. Coming in second with a squirrel photo was Chad Morsch of Romeoville, and third place went to an eagle picture snapped by Bertrand Leclercq of Naperville.
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Volunteer carrying brush
Lend nature a hand by signing up for a Volunteer Morning
1/13/2023Read moreVolunteer Morning program details for the first quarter of 2023 have been released. If you've made a New Year's resolution to help the environment, this is a good way to do just that. Simply sign a waiver and register for the program that suits your schedule.
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Take it Outside logo
'Take It Outside' campaign launched to spark your trek into nature
1/10/2023Read moreA yearlong campaign called 'Take It Outside' is designed to entice you to get back to nature or to discover it for the first time. Look for a special smart phone challenge coming later this month and a focus on showcasing the various preserves and recreation activities throughout the seasons.
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Squirrel eating along a trail
Squirrel with ‘full belly’ lands December photo contest win
1/6/2023Read moreRomeoville resident Chad Morsch's photo of a squirrel nibbling on hedge apple won December's portion of the Preserve the Moment Photo Contest. His photo is one of eight chosen since May that will vie for overall photo contest honors via Facebook voting starting Jan. 10.
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Screen images from digital newsletter on birds
Hey bird nerds! Sign up for our new Flock and Feather digital newsletter
1/3/2023Read moreNow is the time of year when people make resolutions and, this year, ours is to keep finding new ways to connect with the public and share our love of nature.
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Scenic view of picnic shelter at Isle a la Cache
Picnic, camping permits now on sale
12/26/2022Read more2023 picnic and camping permits are now on sale. They can be purchased online or at one of five visitor centers.
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Common goldeneyes
Four Rivers hosts yearlong celebration of color
12/23/2022Read moreLearn the language of color by attending a Rivers of Color program at Four Rivers this year. The series culminates in the fall with a 'Golden Opportunities' traveling exhibit from Denver Botanic Gardens.
Events
Volunteer Morning: Alessio Prairie
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.
Hidden Oaks Coloring Contest
Stop by the nature center during business hours to color your best oak tree, adding in your own special touches and creative creatures.
The Buzz
Nature curiosity: Why are some animals nocturnal?
Why do some animals prowl around under the cover of darkness? Because it helps them survive and thrive.
Don't put your bike away for winter; hit the trails instead
You don't have to let your bike gather dust in the garage until warmer weather returns. With a little planning and preparation, winter rides can become part of your routine.
In cold and dreary February, at least our days are getting longer
February is our shortest month but can be one of the hardest to endure. At least the days will be getting longer throughout the month.