Current headlines
Featured news
All news
-
A man stands on a trail.
Executive Director Schultz retires after decades of shaping a greener Will County
5/13/2025Executive Director Ralph Schultz will retire May 16 after nearly 32 years of leadership with the Forest Preserve District. His legacy includes major land acquisitions, trail projects and lasting community impact.
-
Two women
Two Forest Preserve interpreters win national awards
5/8/2025Forest Preserve program coordinators Jessica McQuown and Heather Van Zyl both received Distinguished Frontline Interpreter awards recently from the National Association for Interpretation.
-
Men and women cut a yellow ribbon at a grand opening
Hidden Oaks Nature Center reopens with oak-tastic vibes and family fun
5/5/2025More than 1,400 people attended the grand reopening celebration for the Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook on May 3. The site was closed for 15 months for a $2 million makeover.
-
A man stands by a bee display.
From college to colony: Meet Plum Creek's new beekeeper
4/28/2025New beekeeper Dade Bradley brings curiosity, conservation and community spirit to Plum Creek Nature Center. Get to know him and more about bees at the monthly Meet a Beekeeper programs at Plum Creek starting Saturday, May 10.
-
A nature illustration featuring a tiny acorn person looking at a frog.
Whimsy takes root with Becorns exhibit at Hidden Oaks
4/22/2025View tiny acorn people and their intimate interactions with nature during the 'Becorns: Little Acorn People Living Big Lives' exhibit from May 3 through June 29 at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook.
-
A man stands in center to accept awared.
'Contagious passion' earns Fuqua Volunteer of the Year Award
4/10/2025John Fuqua received the Forest Preserve District of Will County's Volunteer of the Year Award and Don and Espie Nelson were given a Lifetime Achievement Award during the annual volunteer banquet.
-
An aerial view of an old railroad bridge over the Kankakee River.
Find the five: a bridge adventure across Will County
3/31/2025The Forest Preserve is rolling out a new spring challenge – The Bridges of Will County – that features five unique bridges in preserves throughout Will County. Visit all five from April 1 through June 30 to receive a Forest Preserve tote bag.
-
A view of a restored tract of land.
Second wetland bank greenlit for restoration funding
3/24/2025The Forest Preserve District now has two wetland mitigation banks that will provide funding for restoration in two preserves. Farmers or developers who disturb wetlands elsewhere can buy credits in the banks to pay for wetland enhancements in Will County.
-
A monarch butterfly on blazing star.
Isle a la Cache hosts buzz-worthy 'Pollination Investigation' exhibit
3/24/2025Smithsonian Gardens’ “Pollination Investigation” opens April 2 at Isle a la Cache Museum. The exhibit, which runs through June 22, highlights the crucial role pollinators play in our ecosystem.
-
Volunteers work in the grass along a trail.
Spring into action with a Volunteer Morning program
3/21/2025Celebrate spring by giving back to nature and helping preserve local habitats. Join the Forest Preserve District for Volunteer Morning program opportunities throughout April, May, and June to make a positive impact on the environment.
Events
Osprey Watch
Join a naturalist at Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve for a leisurely morning walk as we keep an eye out for magnificent osprey.
Kayak Kollege
This beginner’s workshop, led by American Canoe Association certified instructors, introduces participants to the sport of kayaking.
The Buzz
Help wildlife beat the heat by leaving water out for them
What are you doing to beat the heat this summer? If you can, add leaving water out for wildlife to your list.
Booms in the night: Fireworks displays pose risks for wildlife
It's not just our pets who suffer around the Fourth of July. Loud, booming fireworks pose serious risks to wildlife too.
Quiz: Can you ace this bison test?
Here's your chance to test your knowledge of these amazing animals.