Current headlines

Thorn Creek bridge closed due to safety concerns

12/11/2024

Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve's pedestrian bridge over Thorn Creek is closed until further notice due to structural safety concerns. 

As a result of the bridge closure, the Woodland Trail, Owl Lake Trail and Wetland Trail also are closed until further notice.

The half-mile Thorn Creek Nature Center Loop Trail remains open to the public and scheduled naturalist-led programs will be available. 

Closure signs and maps have been posted at the trailhead kiosk, in the nature center and on the trails, alerting hikers to the areas that are now closed in the preserve.

The nature center is open to the public on Fridays from noon to 4 p.m. For more information or to register for programs, contact Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest, 708-747-6320, email [email protected] or visit the website. 

News

Get outdoors and win prizes: Be a Trailblazer in 2025!

1/14/2025

The Forest Preserve District has a new challenge for the new year: Be a Trailblazer! More than $10,000 in prizes will be awarded randomly to lucky participants as they complete a wide variety of nature-themed missions in four seasonal sessions.

Smokey Bear paintings to be displayed at four Forest Preserve visitor centers

1/2/2025

"Smokey Bear: The Rudy Wendelin Collection" exhibit will run from Friday, Jan. 17, through Sunday, March 2, at four Forest Preserve visitor centers. The artworks depict the popular U.S. Forest Service symbol and are reproductions of original Smokey Bear paintings that were created from 1977 to 1995.