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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Two women
Two Forest Preserve interpreters win national awards
5/8/2025Forest Preserve program coordinators Jessica McQuown and Heather Van Zyl both received Distinguished Frontline Interpreter awards recently from the National Association for Interpretation.
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Men and women cut a yellow ribbon at a grand opening
Hidden Oaks Nature Center reopens with oak-tastic vibes and family fun
5/5/2025More than 1,400 people attended the grand reopening celebration for the Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook on May 3. The site was closed for 15 months for a $2 million makeover.
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A man stands by a bee display.
From college to colony: Meet Plum Creek's new beekeeper
4/28/2025New beekeeper Dade Bradley brings curiosity, conservation and community spirit to Plum Creek Nature Center. Get to know him and more about bees at the monthly Meet a Beekeeper programs at Plum Creek starting Saturday, May 10.
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A man stands in center to accept awared.
'Contagious passion' earns Fuqua Volunteer of the Year Award
4/10/2025John Fuqua received the Forest Preserve District of Will County's Volunteer of the Year Award and Don and Espie Nelson were given a Lifetime Achievement Award during the annual volunteer banquet.
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A view of a restored tract of land.
Second wetland bank greenlit for restoration funding
3/24/2025The Forest Preserve District now has two wetland mitigation banks that will provide funding for restoration in two preserves. Farmers or developers who disturb wetlands elsewhere can buy credits in the banks to pay for wetland enhancements in Will County.
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A girl holds a sled.
Be a Trailblazer prizes provide more ways for winners to enjoy nature
3/11/2025Cold weather didn't deter hundreds of people from joining the Forest Preserve's inaugural Be a Trailblazer experience. Around 900 participants completed 14,000 nature-themed missions to reap the benefits of being outside and qualify to win dozens of prizes.
Events
Little Explorers: The Sun
Bring your preschoolers to Four Rivers to learn all about the sun.
BYOB Bingo
Enjoy the summer weather while playing bingo outdoors in the beautiful setting of Prairie Bluff Preserve!
The Buzz
The dog days of summer are here, but it doesn't mean what you think
The dog days of summer are here, both literally and metaphorically. Be sure to stay safe outdoors during periods of high heat and humidity.
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.