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Orange flames glow over the prairie during a prescribed burn
Section of Hickory Creek Bikeway to close for prescribed burn
3/18/2024Read moreA section of the western branch of the Hickory Creek Bikeway in Frankfort Township will be closed for a prescribed burn scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 19. The trail will be closed north of Hickory Creek Junction access area.
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A large collection of fishing line waiting to be recycled.
Recycle your fishing line to avoid injuring or killing wildlife
3/17/2024Read moreThe Forest Preserve District has 30 fishing line recycling containers installed at fishing locations for anglers to properly dispose of their broken or unneeded monofilament. The goal is to eliminate fishing line from the environment and to protect wildlife in the preserves.
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A dump truck hauling dirt driving through a construction zone.
I&M Canal State Trail and Lake Chaminwood loop trail sections to close for connection project
3/15/2024Read moreSections of the I&M Canal State Trail and the Lake Chaminwood loop trail in Channahon are scheduled to be closed from March 25 to June 30 for a Forest Preserve District trail connection project.
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A white and brown dog walks on a path
Leash your dog in the preserves or risk being ticketed
3/8/2024Read moreOff-leash dogs are not allowed in the forest preserves other than inside the dog parks. If your dog is loose, you could be ticketed. Off-leash dogs scare other preserve visitors and their pets and the loose dogs could be harmed themselves or do damage to the environment.
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There are plenty of reasons to join our Take It Outside challenge. What's yours?
3/4/2024Read moreThe first seasonal challenge of this year's Take It Outside campaign has seen many new participants as well as returning participants from last year as the community of nature lovers continues to build up steam.
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Where the Wildflowers Are hikes expand opportunities to see spring blooms
3/4/2024Read moreThe Forest Preserve is offering a series of wildflower hikes this spring at multiple preserves and at different times of the blooming season to show the wide variety of flowers in bloom at different times.
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An aerial view of Monee Reservoir, showing the calm blue water and surrounding preserve.
Monee Reservoir Visitor Center now open for the season
3/1/2024Read moreAfter a four-month hiatus for winter, Monee Reservoir Visitor Center reopened on March 1. The facility offers anglers bait, tackle, food and beverages, and fishing poles can be checked out for free. Boat rentals begin on April 1 and canoe and kayak rentals on May 1.
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A female bald eagle sits in a nest.
Bald eagle update: We now have four mated pairs incubating eggs
2/29/2024Read moreThe bald eagle population has been booming in Will County in recent years and, if things go as planned, we'll have some new arrivals coming in March.
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Stock up on seeds in time for spring at Isle a la Cache Museum
2/29/2024Read moreHerb, veggie and flower seed packets are available for purchase at Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville. The seeds, many of which are heirloom varieties from Seed Savers Exchange, cost $3.50 per packet or five for $15.
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Tips — not hints — for first seasonal Take It Outside Challenge of 2024
2/26/2024Read moreThe first of four seasonal Take It Outside Challenge programs is underway with Goosechasers scurrying around Will County completing missions and having a blast.
Events
Armchair Historians: Riverview Farmstead
Through pictures and even a couple artifacts, learn about the Clow family's struggles and successes from the comfort of a chair at Isle a la Cache Museum.
Wild Child on the Road
We are taking Wild Child on the road this season, and this month kids are invited to explore at Whalon Lake.
The Buzz
Five things you might not know about spring
When it comes to spring, there's so much to love. But there's also probably a lot you don't know about our most-anticipated season.
March 14 is Save a Spider Day, so be a savior instead of a squisher
For Save a Spider Day, here are five reasons you should appreciate these creatures instead of despising them or, even worse, squishing them.
Happening now: Chorus frogs are loudly seeking mates
If you venture out into the preserves these days, there's a good chance you'll hear chorus frogs making a racket as they call out looking for a mate.