Current headlines

Featured news

All news

  • Man in black coat stands along trail with river in the background.

    Walking the Des Plaines: One man’s quest to navigate his hometown river

    1/27/2023

    A Forest Park man attempting to walk the length of the Des Plaines has been amazed by the size of the river in Will County. His quest has taken him from the river's origin in Wisconsin to its confluence near McKinley Woods in Channahon.

    Read more
  • Illustration of American settlers moving westward.

    Isle a la Cache hosts Smithsonian ‘Journey Stories’ exhibition on the history of migration

    1/23/2023

    'Journey Stories,' a three-month exhibition organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibit Service, runs through Sunday, April 30 at Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville. The exhibition takes a broad look at American expansion and migration.

    Read more
  • Image of phone featuring Goosechase app and sign in background

    Go on a wild goose chase with our Take It Outside app challenge

    1/22/2023

    As part of the Forest Preserve District's Take It Outside campaign, the app challenge will have you traversing the county and hiking trails, while earning points with each completed mission.

    Read more
  • Buzz host Suzy Lyttle holds a river otter pelt and a cutout of a snowy owl

    Snowy owls, river otters highlight January 'Buzz' nature show

    1/20/2023

    Tune in on Jan. 25 when the first 2023 episode of 'The Buzz,' the Forest Preserve's monthly nature show, debuts on Facebook and YouTube. The show will highlight animal survival tactics in winter, snowy owls and river otters. 

    Read more
  • Take it Outside logo

    'Take It Outside' campaign launched to spark your trek into nature

    1/10/2023

    A yearlong campaign called 'Take It Outside' is designed to entice you to get back to nature or to discover it for the first time. Look for a special smart phone challenge coming later this month and a focus on showcasing the various preserves and recreation activities throughout the seasons.

    Read more
  • Screen images from digital newsletter on birds

    Hey bird nerds! Sign up for our new Flock and Feather digital newsletter

    1/3/2023

    Now is the time of year when people make resolutions and, this year, ours is to keep finding new ways to connect with the public and share our love of nature.

    Read more
  • Common goldeneyes

    Four Rivers hosts yearlong celebration of color

    12/23/2022

    Learn the language of color by attending a Rivers of Color program at Four Rivers this year. The series culminates in the fall with a 'Golden Opportunities' traveling exhibit from Denver Botanic Gardens. 

    Read more
  • Snowy scenery at Sugar Creek Preserve

    Winter weather may impact preserve openings

    12/22/2022

    For the public’s safety, some preserves may remain closed immediately after a winter weather event as District staff work to plow the roadways to make travel less hazardous.

    Read more
  • Two men and a child get ready to fish

    Forest Preserve surpasses 23,000-acre mark with 2022 acquisitions

    12/19/2022

    Four acquisitions pushed the Forest Preserve over the 23,000-acre mark in 2022. Land acquisitions will continue in 2023 with the $3 million that is left in a land preservation program fund. 

    Read more
  • A bald eagle flies overhead with nesting material.

    Save the dates: Forest Preserve announces 2023 event, exhibition schedule

    12/15/2022

    The Forest Preserve's 2023 event and exhibition schedule starts off with Eagle Watch in January and continues with food trucks, hummingbird and pelican events; and exhibitions on movement in America, fly fishing tackle and the science behind the color yellow. 

    Read more

Events

Happy Mornings Yoga and Hike

3/26/2023 9:00 AM

Start the day off right with some self-care, beautiful nature and quiet reflection. 

Read more

Seasons at Thorn Creek Woods: Signs of Spring

3/26/2023 10:30 AM

Join naturalists to explore Thorn Creek Woods in search of signs of spring.

Read more

The Buzz

Happening now: Chorus frogs are loudly seeking mates

3/24/2023

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.

Read more

Five facts about stealthy, solitary bobcats

3/24/2023

Of the 40 wildcat species in the world, just the bobcat lives in Illinois, and even its existence here is a surprise to many people.

Read more

Check your trees for nests before trimming or pruning

3/23/2023

The trees may still be dormant at this time of year, but they could still be full of life. If you're planning to trim or prune your trees, make sure to give them a good once over to check for active squirrel and bird nests. 

Read more