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A woman in a blue jacket stands in a forest preserve with water in the background.
Healing With Nature: Outdoor walks help Naperville woman lose 100 pounds
2/10/2024Read moreJulie Jacobsen, a 54-year-old Naperville resident, says being outside was an essential part of her weight loss journey. In the process, she says she became healthier, happier and more fulfilled than she ever has as an adult.
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A woman wearing black stands in a prairie.
Nature Foundation kicks off 2024 with new leader, new garden tour event
2/5/2024Read moreThe Nature Foundation of Will County is starting 2024 with a new leader, a new garden tour event and a host of activities, including native plant sales, that are designed to raise money for Forest Preserve District programs and initiatives.
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Visitors at Four Rivers participate in an interpretive program.
‘This place is so cool!’: Four Rivers embraces visitors of all abilities
2/2/2024Read moreA recent visit by a group from Little Friends in Warrenville highlighted just how welcoming the Forest Preserve's Four Rivers Environmental Education Center is to all people, regardless of abilities. The site is now nationally accredited for inclusivity, which means all are welcome and all can participate.
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Two men hold an award.
Sand Ridge Savanna restoration effort earns Chicago Wilderness award
1/19/2024Read moreExtensive, multiyear restoration efforts at the Forest Preserve District's Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve have earned an "Excellence in Ecological Restoration" award from Chicago Wilderness. The District received the award on Jan. 17 at a “Celebration of Conservation” banquet at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle.
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Winter, spring, summer and fall are shown in this collage.
Join the 2024 Take It Outside Challenge, which comes with a twist
1/16/2024Read moreIt's time to get in gear, Goosechasers, because the 2024 Take It Outside Challenge has begun. This year's challenge will be offered in four seasonal competitions.
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Annette Parker and Meta Mueller
Parker takes over as Forest Preserve Board president
1/8/2024Read moreAnnette Parker of Crest Hill took over as president of the Forest Preserve Board in December. She will serve a one-year term. She succeeds Meta Mueller of Aurora.
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Plum Creek Greenway Trail
Making connections: Forest Preserve's countywide trail network continues to grow
12/11/2023Read moreThe Forest Preserve's operations committee took action recently that will pave the way for more trail projects as the District works to connect and extend the countywide trail system.
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A person snowshoeing.
Don't hibernate, recreate this winter!
11/28/2023Read moreThe Forest Preserve District offers a variety of recreational opportunities in winter including hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding. With more than 135 miles of trails, 40 preserves, two sled hills and six dog parks, there are many ways to stay active.
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A woman in a wheelchair looks at an interpretive sign.
Four Rivers receives National Inclusion Project’s first-ever nature center accreditation
11/14/2023Read moreThe National Inclusion Project’s first nature center accreditation in the country has been awarded to the Forest Preserve District’s Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon. Months in the making, the accreditation shows Four Rivers is a facility where all visitors, regardless of ability-level, can participate.
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A black dog balances a purple tennis ball on its nose.
Treat your pup to a 2024 dog park permit
10/30/2023Read more2024 dog park permits are on sale now. Permits are good for off-leash play at all six Forest Preserve District dog parks through the end of 2023 and all of 2024. They can be purchased at five visitor centers or online.
Events
Rec Bike Club: Messenger Marsh
Wrap up our Rec Bike Club series with a 5-mile ride through Messenger Marsh.
Take It Outside Meetup
Looking for a way to connect with fellow Goosechasers? Join us for this meetup to get to know other Take It Outside challenge participants and maybe even complete some missions together.
The Buzz
The time is now to sow native seeds for next summer's blooms
It's not too early to start thinking about next year's flower gardens. In fact, if you're thinking about adding more native plants to your landscape, now is the time to sow the seeds so they germinate come spring.
Don't miss the fall color at these preserves
If fall is your favorite color, it's time to seize the season and head outdoors. Looking for someplace new to explore? Plenty of preserves shine at this time of year.
Leave the leaves: Skip the raking this fall. It's better for the environment
Put down the rake. You can feel good about leaving your leaves wherever they fall. Letting them be is actually better for the environment and for your yard.