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Volunteers work in the grass along a trail.
Spring into action with a Volunteer Morning program
3/21/2025Celebrate spring by giving back to nature and helping preserve local habitats. Join the Forest Preserve District for Volunteer Morning program opportunities throughout April, May, and June to make a positive impact on the environment.
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An image indicating a closure
Rock Run trail section, access area closed for improvements
3/20/2025The parking lot at Rock Run Preserve – Paul V. Nichols Access on Essington Road in Joliet and a portion of the Rock Run Greenway Trail are closed for an improvement project to repave and realign the trail. The closure is expected to last several months.
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A man and a woman pose for a photo outside a nature center with woods in the background.
Chapman named incoming executive director by Board
3/17/2025Deputy Director Tracy Chapman of Shorewood will be promoted to executive director in May when current Executive Director Ralph Schultz of Plainfield retires after 32 years with the Forest Preserve District.
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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.
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Image showing three digital newsletters
Stay up to date on Forest Preserve news by signing up for free digital newsletters
2/24/2025Subscribing to the Forest Preserve's free digital newsletters is easier than ever, and it's a great way to stay up to date on the District's news, features, events and programs.
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Trailblazer experience pushes pet owners to keep moving this winter
2/21/2025Instead of staying home during this cold snap and pulling the covers over their heads, dog owners are finding that the Forest Preserve's new Be a Trailblazer experience is a wonderful motivation to get outside to keep their dogs and themselves moving.
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Board members pose with a large check.
Nature Foundation’s $48,800 donation funds Forest Preserve’s conservation, education efforts
2/18/2025The Nature Foundation of Will County's latest donation to the Forest Preserve District helped fund conservation efforts at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, bus scholarships for field trips and the Smokey Bear painting exhibition on display at Forest Preserve visitors centers through March 2.
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A dead bird frozen in ice and snow.
Avoid sick or dead wildlife due to avian flu risk
2/3/2025Due to the detection of avian flu in Illinois, the Forest Preserve District is reminding visitors to refrain from touching or getting near dead or sick animals. Pets also should be kept from carcasses or feces and feathers of animals.
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Aerial view of snowy trail with logo
Get outdoors and win prizes: Be a Trailblazer in 2025!
1/14/2025The Forest Preserve District has a new challenge for the new year: Be a Trailblazer! More than $10,000 in prizes will be awarded randomly to lucky participants as they complete a wide variety of nature-themed missions in four seasonal sessions.
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Plum Creek Greenway Trail section closed due to bridge damage
1/2/2025A section of the Plum Creek Greenway Trail is closed due to bridge damage to the trail's north bridge closest to Bemes Road. This trail section will remain closed until the tree can be removed and the bridge repaired.
Events
Volunteer Morning: Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve
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
Wild Relatives: The fennec fox
Fennec foxes are the smallest fox species in the world, and they thrive in the extreme conditions of the Sahara Desert.
Migration watch: Monarchs have landed in Illinois
We're charting migrations this season, announcing when a variety of species hit major milestones on their travels north.