Willy Woodchuck, the Forest Preserve District’s lovable mascot, has two new ways to share nature knowledge and fun activities with his many fans.

This week, a revamped Willy’s Wilderness website launched with a fresh look and new features aimed at connecting with a wider audience, including parents, grandparents and teachers. Willy also has his own digital newsletter, Willy’s Wild Files, which will be emailed to subscribers.

According to Chad Merda, the Forest Preserve’s head of digital marketing strategy/engagement, the previous Willy’s Wilderness website needed an upgrade.

“There were limitations in what we could do and not only did we want to roll out some enhanced features with a new site but also wanted to update the look to better reflect our target audience,” Merda said. “Willy’s website has developed a nice following over the years, and we hope this update will mean it has greater appeal.”

Willy is a natural fit as the Forest Preserve District’s mascot because kids adore him, and mascots are an effective way for people to connect with an organization, Merda added.

The updated website features stories for younger readers and resources for parents seeking nature-based activities to share with their kids.

The original Willy’s Wilderness page was created as a resource for teachers, but the redesign broadens its reach.

“We’ve added fun nature quizzes for kids and have downloadable nature scavenger hunts that can be done anywhere, as well as downloadable activity packs that are fun and educational,” Merda said. “Studies show that if kids have an interest in nature at an early age, they carry that interest and respect for wildlife into adulthood, so it’s important for us to target that audience.”

The new website will be updated regularly with a variety of content.

“It’s important for us to keep it fresh and give people a reason to keep coming back for more,” Merda said. “Whether it’s nature and wildlife stories to read, experiments and activities to try, or quizzes and scavenger hunts to explore, we’re offering many ways for kids to tap into their curiosity.”

Heather Van Zyl, facility supervisor at the Forest Preserve's Plum Creek Nature Center, said the new website is a fun, one-stop spot for families and educators alike for their nature education and exploration needs.

"The Willy's Wilderness website content has always been written with children and their caregivers and teachers in mind," explained Van Zyl, who also oversees the Willy's Wilderness Team. "The new website really shows that with a format that's more accessible and appealing to our youngest audience."

In addition to the new website, Willy’s has a new free newsletter, Willy’s Wild Files, that will be published on the first Monday of each month.

“The newsletter offers engaging stories and activities for subscribers,” Merda said. “Willy’s Wild Files will give little ones ideas to help them build a lifelong love and respect for nature.”

Van Zyl said the newsletter is a "great way to keep fun, fresh ideas coming to you regularly."

Go to the Forest Preserve's newsletter page to subscribe to Willy's Wild Files, and while you're there, check out the District's other informative nature-themed digital publications, The Compass, Get Going and Flock and Feather.