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  • New trail sign at Sugar Creek Preserve

    New trail signs will include detailed data for path users

    12/9/2022

    Operations crews are installing 1,980 new signs at 396 trail locations throughout Will County. The new signs include information on trail length, width, grade, surface, cross slope and obstructions. This information will help all trail users, including those with disabilities. 

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  • Volunteers from Ikea walk a trail and pick up litter

    Adopt-a-Preserve: 'cleaning up and giving back to the planet'

    12/2/2022

    IKEA Joliet is the latest company to join the Forest Preserve District's Adopt-a-Preserve program. IKEA employees clean up a stretch of the Wauponsee Glacial Trail from Laraway Road north to Interstate 80.

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  • Aerial view of Lake Chaminwood

    Forest Preserve Board approves balanced 2023 budget

    11/14/2022

    The Forest Preserve District's 2023 budget is balanced and its tax rate will drop 6.46% next year. The spending plan includes money for operations, maintenance and preserve improvement projects. 

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  • Red-spotted sunfish in a tank

    Something fishy is going on at Four Rivers

    11/9/2022

    A dozen state-threatened redspotted sunfish have been added to a 'gorgeous' new 2,000-gallon aquarium at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. The fish ambassadors will educate visitors about the plight of threatened and endangered fish species in Illinois. 

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  • Two men conducting a prescribed burn

    Prescribed burn map: Here's where we're burning today

    11/3/2022

    This map is updated daily as another way to notify the public when a prescribed burn is being conducted.

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  • Aerial view of water at Rock Run Rookery

    Boat launches close Nov. 1 for the season

    10/11/2022

    As the Forest Preserve District prepares for winter, drinking fountains have been turned off, boat launches will close Nov. 1 and Monee Reservoir Visitor Center will close for the season. 

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  • Rev. Adrian Heath at Rock Run Greenway Trail

    The Preserves Are for You: Leading others into nature, one step at a time

    9/6/2022

    The Rev. Adrian Heath grew up on the east side of Joliet where his recreational outings were held mostly indoors. He now leads a ministry that offers free nature outings in area preserves. It's his way of helping others find the peace that nature offers. 

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  • Man in wheelchair on trail with his daughter

    The Preserves Are for You: Dad's love of outdoor recreation shows 'anything is possible'

    8/12/2022

    Born with a tumor on his spine and paralyzed since he was eight months old, Bill Bogdan of Mokena is extremely active in adaptive sports and loves nature. His lifetime of exploring the preserves, especially Hickory Creek Preserve near his home, has inspired his daughter, Hannah, to seek a career in adaptive outdoor recreation. 

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  • X-rays showing ornate box turtle eggs

    Area vet clinic provides key assist in ornate box turtle study

    7/11/2022

    For the second straight year, a Forest Preserve study into the ornate box turtle population in southern Will County has gotten a crucial assist from Lakewood Animal Hospital in Morris.

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  • District officials accept award

    Wildlife ecologist, Black Road project win national awards

    5/20/2022

    Wildlife ecologist Becky Blankenship won a Young Professional Award and the District's Black Road Regional Trail Connection project won an Outstanding Achievement Award. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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