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New trail sign at Sugar Creek Preserve
New trail signs will include detailed data for path users
12/9/2022Read moreOperations 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'
12/2/2022Read moreIKEA 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
11/14/2022Read moreThe 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
11/9/2022Read moreA 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
11/3/2022Read moreThis 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
10/11/2022Read moreAs 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
9/6/2022Read moreThe 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'
8/12/2022Read moreBorn 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
7/11/2022Read moreFor 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
5/20/2022Read moreWildlife ecologist Becky Blankenship won a Young Professional Award and the District's Black Road Regional Trail Connection project won an Outstanding Achievement Award.
Events
Happy Mornings Yoga and Hike
Start the day off right with some self-care, beautiful nature and quiet reflection.
Seasons at Thorn Creek Woods: Signs of Spring
Join naturalists to explore Thorn Creek Woods in search of signs of spring.
The Buzz
Happening now: Chorus frogs are loudly seeking mates
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.
Five facts about stealthy, solitary bobcats
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.
Check your trees for nests before trimming or pruning
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.