_{Officials gather for a ribbon cutting at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook on May 3. From left to right are Forest Preserve District Deputy Director Tracy Chapman, Commissioner Dawn Bullock, facility supervisor Angie Trobaugh, Commissioner Jackie Traynere, Executive Director Ralph Schultz, Board President Destinee Ortiz, visitor services Director Lydia Pond, Board Secretary Mica Freeman, Forest Preserve mascot Willy Woodchuck, and Commissioner Elnalyn Costa. (Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)}
 

Hidden Oaks Nature Center reopened Saturday, May 3, on a sun-kissed day filled with good vibes and plenty of Forest Preserve fun. 

More than 1,400 people attended the “Oak-tacular Comeback Celebration” event, which featured live music, roasted hot dogs, bubbles, tree climbing, beekeepers, face painting, touch-a-truck opportunities and nature activities. 

And that was just on the outside of the newly remodeled building. Inside, visitors explored new oak-themed nature exhibits, new quarters for the popular resident reptiles and so much more.

The site was closed for 15 months for a $2 million makeover to transform Hidden Oaks into a nature education and recreation hub for northern Will County and beyond. The Forest Preserve bought the 33-acre site from the Bolingbrook Park District in February 2022. 

On hand Saturday to mark the reopening with a ribbon cutting were Forest Preserve Board Commissioners Destinee Ortiz, president; Julie Berkowicz, treasurer; Mica Freeman, secretary; Dawn Bullock; Elnalyn Costa and Jackie Traynere. 

Also in attendance were state Sen. Rachel Ventura; Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta; Forest Preserve Citizens Advisory Committee member Barbara Parker; and Patrick Moore, project manager for Wight and Company.

Urban escape

Ortiz thanked visitors for attending the event. 

“Since purchase of the property from the Bolingbrook Park District in 2022, we’ve worked over the past few years to transform this facility and property into a truly immersive place that allows you to escape to nature in the middle of an urban environment,” she said.

Traynere noted that the nature center and Hidden Oak Preserve are in her Board district, and she’s excited to have a facility for her constituents.

Freeman said closures during the COVID-19 pandemic made people appreciate nature and being outside even more. 

“I’m very happy to have this opening up,” Freeman said. “It’s an educational center, it is here for the people, and I hope it is something that will be enjoyed for years and years to come.”

Ventura complimented Forest Preserve staff for the great job they have done with the site since purchasing it.

“I just want to honor the people who have done this for our community,” she said. 

Alexander-Basta said she was excited to see the renovations.

“We continue to grow our community, and this is definitely another positive addition,” she said. “Thank you to all those who made this event happen as well as made this project a success.” 

Keystone species

Many of the building’s enhancements highlight the importance of oak trees in environmental habitats, said Ralph Schultz, the Forest Preserve’s executive director. 

“Oaks support over 2,000 other species, making them truly a keystone in the community,” he said.

Schultz added that the nature center is more than a building. 

“It’s a space for discovery, learning, and inspiration. We hope visitors leave not just with knowledge but with a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Thank you for being part of this journey.”

Hidden Oaks Nature Center is located at 419 Trout Farm Road in Bolingbrook. The building is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The nature center is part of Hidden Oaks Preserve, which also includes Hidden Lakes Trout Farm and the Tackle Box bait shop.