Current headlines
Featured news
All news
-
Cyclist on a the Old Plank Road Trail
Greg Duffner’s Happy Place: Commuting on the Old Plank Road Trail is ‘good for the soul'
4/10/2019In the past four years alone, Greg Duffner has racked up more than 19,000 miles on his bike commuting to work and riding in charity events around the country.
-
Dogs at a dog park
Beyond the rules: A guide to dog park etiquette
3/25/2019There's more to a successful dog park outing than following a few basic rules. Experts warn people to train their dogs, assess their dog's personality and pay close attention to their dogs as they roam free in off-leash play areas.
-
Woman on a trail
Barb Parisi’s Happy Place: The healing powers of McKinley Woods
2/22/2019For Barb Parisi, hiking and photographing birds at McKinley Woods helped heal the scar left by the suicide of her father, a Vietnam veteran who suffered mental and physical health issues for many years.
-
Mother and son on a trail
Weber family's 'Happy Place': Hiking at Hammel Woods
12/28/2018After a health scare two years ago, the Webers cherish their nature outings now more than ever before.
-
Aerial view of Braidwood Dunes
Army Corps, state contribute $591,000 for restoration efforts
11/27/2018The infusion of funds will accelerate efforts to return forest preserve acreage to its natural state.
-
Woodchuck mascot in the forest
Woodchuck mascot branches out with new website
11/16/2018Kids of all ages can discover more about nature and the world around them by visiting willyswilderness.org.
-
Dog walking on a trail
A primer for bringing your pooch to a preserve
5/18/2018Follow these rules to protect your dog and the preserves.
-
Dead egret hanging from a branch
Heartbreaking egret photo another reminder of dangers of improperly disposed of fishing line
4/23/2018We have an urgent plea for everyone: Please properly dispose of fishing line.
Events
Winter Walkers: O’Hara Woods
Join us this winter for our Winter Walkers hiking series. Our fourth hike of the season will take us on a tour of O'Hara Woods.
Volunteer Morning: Romeoville Prairie Nature Preserve
The Buzz
How much time should you spend outdoors? Follow the 20-5-3 rule
How much time should you spend outdoors? Use the 20-5-3 rule as a guide.
Nature curiosity: What is thundersnow?
Sure you've experienced a few good thunderstorms in your day, but have you ever experienced thundersnow?