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Firefighters work to free a great blue heron that was tangled in fishing line.
Bolingbrook firefighters free heron tangled in fishing line at Whalon Lake
8/2/2023Read moreBolingbrook firefighters cut improperly discarded fishing line away from a great blue heron on Wednesday, Aug. 2, at Whalon Lake. At the request of two Forest Preserve volunteers they freed the bird and prevented it from being injured or killed.
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Forest Preserve employee David Piotrowski sells a carton of water in the bait shop.
Bait shop up and running with snacks, gear and friendly faces
7/14/2023Read moreAfter a year hiatus, Hidden Lakes Trout Farm's Tackle Box bait shop has been completely rebuilt and is open for business. And longtime former employee David Piotrowski is back in his happy spot, chatting with customers and offering fishing tips and a friendly ear.
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A collection of images of a woman outdoors.
Joliet woman says Take It Outside Challenge missions 'make you feel alive'
6/9/2023Read moreEileen Ryan said the Forest Preserve's Take It Outside Challenge has helped her go from 2,000 steps a day to 10,000 or more.
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Officials holding an oversized check.
Forest Preserve receives federal funding for Route 66 trail project
6/2/2023Read moreU.S. Rep. Bill Foster presented a check for $1.1 million in federal funding to the Forest Preserve District on June 2. The money will be used for a new path that connects the Wauponsee Glacial Trail to Route 66 in Joliet Township.
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Two women and their sons pose for a photo at a pond overlook.
Mothers join Take It Outside Challenge on their quest to keep their sons moving and learning
5/13/2023Read moreTwo Will County moms are having fun completing nature-themed missions as part of the Forest Preserve District's Take It Outside Challenge. But they've also joined the challenge as a way to provide activities for their adult disabled sons who have aged out of the school system.
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Participants take selfies as part of the Take It Outside Challenge.
Take It Outside Challenge pushing people to 'get out and do something'
3/28/2023Read moreRob Gowens and Samantha Eberhardt are among more than 1,000 people who are participating in the yearlong Take It Outside Challenge. Gowens was looking for something to do in retirement, and Eberhardt is having a blast completing missions with her husband and four children.
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The Bartling family (left) and Black family are enjoying exploring the preserves as part of the Take It Outside Challenge.
Families tackling Take It Outside Challenge to bond … and win!
3/1/2023Read moreParents and their children have jumped on the yearlong Take It Outside Challenge bandwagon. They're competing together and bonding over shared experiences in nature.
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Valuables left in plain sight inside a parked vehicle
Keep safety in mind as you visit the preserves
2/14/2023Read moreThe Forest Preserve District is reminding visitors to keep safety in mind as they venture out into the preserves to enjoy the milder weather we've been experiencing. Keep valuables locked away, or leave them at home. And travel on trails with a partner whenever possible.
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Screen images from digital newsletter on birds
Hey bird nerds! Sign up for our new Flock and Feather digital newsletter
1/3/2023Read moreNow 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.
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Two men and a child get ready to fish
Forest Preserve surpasses 23,000-acre mark with 2022 acquisitions
12/19/2022Read moreFour 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.
Events
Lake Renwick Photography Bird Hike
Join other photographers for a special opportunity to view and photograph the herons, egrets and cormorants at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve.
Volunteer Morning: Riverview Farmstead Preserve
Get some fresh air and exercise while helping to make a difference in your community by attending one or more of the Forest Preserve’s volunteer mornings.
The Buzz
Five must-know facts about our home planet Earth
You can define Earth in many ways, but above all else it is home. Here is your chance to learn all about our home planet.
Want your kids to respect nature? Get your garden growing with them
Gardening with your kids can be a great way to make them good stewards of the environment.
Migration watch: Hummingbirds have landed in Will County
For those of you eagerly anticipating the arrival of ruby-throated hummingbirds, it won't be long now. The tiny birds have been spotted in Will County and elsewhere in Illinois.