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• A man and woman take a selfie along a trail.

  ‘We loved them all!': Shorewood couple among the first to hike all 10 Woods Walk trails

  9/21/2023

  A Shorewood couple is among the first to complete all 10 Woods Walk trails this year, just 10 days after the challenge started Sept. 1. Woods Walk runs through Nov. 30, so there's plenty of time to hike seven of the 10 trails to earn a commemorative medallion.

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• A Forest Preserve volunteer carrying brush.

  Do a good deed while enjoying nature with our Volunteer Mornings this fall

  9/20/2023

  As temperatures dip and energy levels rebound, consider signing up for a fourth quarter Volunteer Morning program. It's a great way to be outdoors, keep moving and meet other nature lovers. 

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• A mascot wearing a dam it beaver shirt

  Merchandise line expands to include new T-shirt designs and water bottles

  9/19/2023

  The Forest Preserve District's online merchandise line is growing to include new T-shirt designs with expanded sizes and water bottles. The lineup also includes hats, magnets, coffee mugs, baby onesies and bibs, and bandanas.

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• Officials holding an oversized check.

  Nature Foundation donation supports bike repair stations, exhibit and education programs

  9/18/2023

  A $22,500 donation from The Nature Foundation of Will County was presented to the Forest Preserve Board on Sept. 14. The donation is funding two new bike repair stations, an upcoming art exhibit and education programs, including bus scholarships. 

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• Kayak launch at lake.

  Accessible kayak launch now open at Lake Chaminwood

  9/14/2023

  The new kayak and canoe launch installed as part of preserve improvements at Lake Chaminwood Preserve this summer has been completed. The launch is accessible and adaptive, meaning there are features that help paddlers with disabilities enter and exit the water independently and safely. 

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• A Forest Preserve volunteer.

  Help celebrate the 30th annual National Public Lands Day

  9/12/2023

  Sign up for a Volunteer Morning or attend a one-day or ongoing event to mark the 30th annual National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 23. NPLD is the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands. 

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• A Fish Tales Photo Contest winner holding a fish.

  Fish Tales Photo Contest winners announced

  9/8/2023

  Winners of the summer Fish Tales Photo Contest have been announced and each will receive a $50 Forest Preserve gift card. Three of the winners were chosen at random and one was picked by staff as having the most fun in their photo submission.

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• A pelican comes in for a landing on a river where hundreds of other pelicans are floating.

  Yes, there really are pelicans in Will County; see for yourself at Pelican Watch!

  9/7/2023

  The annual Pelican Watch celebrating the return of the migratory birds to Will County waters will take place on Saturday, Sept. 23, at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon. Learn more about the American white pelican and its habits at this free, family-friendly event!

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• Bicycles lined up at Monee Reservoir's Recycle Your Bicycle collection event

  Recycle your bicycle this fall at Hidden Oaks and Monee Reservoir

  9/7/2023

  The fall Recycle Your Bicycle program is set for Sept. 16 through Oct. 1 at two locations: Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook and Monee Reservoir in Monee Township. Donated bikes are given to those in need locally and around the world. 

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• A sign designating a trail closure posted at the head of a trail.

  Section of Trail of the Old Oaks at McKinley Woods now closed

  8/29/2023

  A section of the Trail of the Old Oaks, located at McKinley Woods – Frederick's Grove in Channahon, is now closed due to the decline of the surrounding forest canopy and trail erosion issues creating an unsafe condition for trail users.

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