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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.
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A man pours seed into a mixer.
Winter seed mixing work sows prairies of tomorrow
1/2/2025A year of seed collection by staff and volunteers culminated with a seed mixing day at a Forest Preserve barn in December. The seed will be sown this winter in areas targeted for restoration, leading to blooms and better species diversity next year in the preserves.
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Destinee Ortiz (left) and Judy Ogalla (right)
Forest Preserve Board reorganizes, elects new officers
12/23/2024The Forest Preserve District's Board reorganized on Dec. 19 and elected officers for the next two years. Destinee Ortiz of Romeoville was selected as president for the first year of a two-year term, and Judy Ogalla of Monee will serve as president for the second year of the term.
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Thorn Creek bridge closed due to safety concerns
12/11/2024The bridge over Thorn Creek has been closed at Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve due to structural safety concerns. The bridge closure has affected the trail system and only the Thorn Creek Nature Center Loop Trail will be open for public use until further notice.
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Bald eagle soaring through the air.
Are you seeing bald eagles in the preserves? Give them some space
12/8/2024If you go eagle watching this year, remember to keep your distance so as not to disturb these amazing creatures. If a bird is reacting to you, then you are too close.
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A man and woman stand on a sidewalk in a forest preserve.
Healing With Nature: Crete man battling cancer finds health and hope on paths at Goodenow Grove
11/21/2024Tom Scott of Crete is giving thanks this year for the people in his life who pushed him to start walking at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve as he was recovering from cancer. The daily hikes have given him better health, hope for the future and a new appreciation of nature.
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A woman rides a bike
Forest Preserve Board approves balanced 2025 budget; property tax rate will decrease 27%
11/15/2024The Forest Preserve's Board of Commissioners approved a balanced 2025 budget on Nov. 14. The spending plan includes a 27% drop in the property tax rate and funding for operations, maintenance, land acquisition and preserve improvement projects.
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Valuables on a center console in a car
Prevent vehicle burglaries by following these tips
11/8/2024Forest Preserve police are reminding visitors to lock their vehicles and to leave valuables at home as they plan their nature outings.
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A woman stands on a bridge.
Healing With Nature: Easing life’s transitions with the calmness of forest bathing
10/21/2024Barbara Collins, a Bolingbrook retiree, turned to nature and her history with plants to find a new purpose in life.
Events
Adopt a Native Plant: Part Sun
Join a naturalist to explore what makes your yard unique then adopt three native plants to grow your plant family.
Mother’s Day at Monee Reservoir
For your continuous dedication all year, Mom, this weekend is for you.
The Buzz
Indigo buntings shine brightly in summer skies
We see plenty of blue birds here in northern Illinois, but none as brilliantly blue as the indigo bunting.
Warblers in the woods are one of spring's spectacles
Spring is a busy time for birds — and birders — as wave after wave of birds arrives locally. Included in the seasonal arrivals are the warblers, a group of tiny birds that flock to our forests.