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  • A collection of lures.

    Monee Reservoir reels in unique fly-fishing exhibition with ties to Chicago history

    7/24/2023

    Learn the history of fly fishing in the Chicago area during the 'World's Finest: Fly-Fishing Tackle' exhibition at Monee Reservoir. Rods, reels, flies, photos and books from the 1800s will be on display through Oct. 31. Complementary fly-fishing programs will be offered. 

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  • A man and woman in a kneel down in a prairie to look at a plant.

    Hunt for prairie treasures and learn how to ID trees on July's episode of 'The Buzz'

    7/20/2023

    July's 'Buzz' nature show takes a trek into a dolomite prairie and teaches viewers how to ID trees from leaves. The episode debuts at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, on Facebook and YouTube. 

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  • Forest Preserve employee David Piotrowski sells a carton of water in the bait shop.

    Bait shop up and running with snacks, gear and friendly faces

    7/14/2023

    After a year hiatus, Hidden Lakes Trout Farm's Tackle Box bait shop has been completely rebuilt and is open for business. And longtime former employee David Piotrowski is back in his happy spot, chatting with customers and offering fishing tips and a friendly ear. 

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  • A collection of selfie photos from Take It Outside participants

    Take It Outside Challenge hits halfway point with plenty of time left to join the fun!

    7/3/2023

    The yearlong Take It Outside has hit the halfway point, but there is plenty of time to get involved, complete some missions and be in the running for prizes. Participants are giving the challenge rave reviews and saying it is a great motivator to get outside. 

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  • A dog balancing a ball on its nose.

    Half-price 2023 dog park permits go on sale July 1

    6/28/2023

    Half-price dog park permits will be available for purchase online, by mail or in person at one of five visitor centers starting Saturday, July 1. The permits can be used at all six Forest Preserve dog parks through the end of 2023.

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  • A man and woman stand in a construction area.

    Take a trip to Lake Chaminwood and learn some photo tips with 'The Buzz'

    6/22/2023

    June's episode of 'The Buzz' tours the renovations at Lake Chaminwood Preserve and gives viewers a crash course on taking nature photos. Tune in when the show debuts at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, on Facebook and YouTube. 

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  • A collection of images of a woman outdoors.

    Joliet woman says Take It Outside Challenge missions 'make you feel alive'

    6/9/2023

    Eileen Ryan said the Forest Preserve's Take It Outside Challenge has helped her go from 2,000 steps a day to 10,000 or more. 

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  • Officials holding an oversized check.

    Forest Preserve receives federal funding for Route 66 trail project

    6/2/2023

    U.S. Rep. Bill Foster presented a check for $1.1 million in federal funding to the Forest Preserve District on June 2. The money will be used for a new path that connects the Wauponsee Glacial Trail to Route 66 in Joliet Township. 

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  • Two eaglets sit in their nest

    Bald eagle nesting update: The kids are growing up fast

    5/23/2023

    The bald eagle population has been booming in Will County in recent years and we are monitoring two nests that have produced five offspring this year.

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  • A women receiving her food from the window of a food truck.

    Chow down at three Fun & Food Trucks programs this summer in the preserves

    5/22/2023

    Three Fun & Food Trucks programs will roll into three different preserves this summer. Each will feature food and beverage trucks, a bounce house for the kids, games and musical entertainment. 

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Events

Volunteer Morning: Kankakee Sands Preserve

10/5/2023 10:00 AM

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.

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Birding in the Preserves (Zoom webinar)

10/5/2023 7:00 PM

Go along on a virtual hike to familiarize familiar yourself some of the birds found in the preserves.

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The Buzz

Step carefully: Cooler weather sends stink bugs indoors

10/2/2023

With summerlike temperatures on the way out, it's the time of year when stink bugs start making their way into our homes. Resist the urge to stomp on or squish them or you'll quickly learn how these insects got their name.

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Not guilty: Stop blaming wolf spiders for invading your home

10/2/2023

Wolf spiders tend to get a bad rap in autumn for invading your house as the weather cools, but they are mostly being falsely accused. 

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Ring of fire: Will County will experience partial effects of annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14

9/30/2023

You don't have to wait until dark to catch the biggest sky event in October because the month's biggest event will be in the middle of the day, when the annular solar eclipse occurs on Oct. 14.

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