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There are plenty of reasons to join our Take It Outside challenge. What's yours?
3/4/2024Read moreThe first seasonal challenge of this year's Take It Outside campaign has seen many new participants as well as returning participants from last year as the community of nature lovers continues to build up steam.
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Where the Wildflowers Are hikes expand opportunities to see spring blooms
3/4/2024Read moreThe Forest Preserve is offering a series of wildflower hikes this spring at multiple preserves and at different times of the blooming season to show the wide variety of flowers in bloom at different times.
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An aerial view of Monee Reservoir, showing the calm blue water and surrounding preserve.
Monee Reservoir Visitor Center now open for the season
3/1/2024Read moreAfter a four-month hiatus for winter, Monee Reservoir Visitor Center reopened on March 1. The facility offers anglers bait, tackle, food and beverages, and fishing poles can be checked out for free. Boat rentals begin on April 1 and canoe and kayak rentals on May 1.
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Image of stay trashy shirt on ecommerce site
Shop our new merch website OutsiderThreads.com for cool nature-themed apparel
3/1/2024Read moreThe Forest Preseve District is anticipating spring in a big way by bringing you a new e-commerce site with an expanded lineup of fun merchandise.
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A female bald eagle sits in a nest.
Bald eagle update: We now have four mated pairs incubating eggs
2/29/2024Read moreThe bald eagle population has been booming in Will County in recent years and, if things go as planned, we'll have some new arrivals coming in March.
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Stock up on seeds in time for spring at Isle a la Cache Museum
2/29/2024Read moreHerb, veggie and flower seed packets are available for purchase at Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville. The seeds, many of which are heirloom varieties from Seed Savers Exchange, cost $3.50 per packet or five for $15.
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Tips — not hints — for first seasonal Take It Outside Challenge of 2024
2/26/2024Read moreThe first of four seasonal Take It Outside Challenge programs is underway with Goosechasers scurrying around Will County completing missions and having a blast.
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A view of a limestone house and red barn.
'Raising Riverview' exhibit explores Will County's farm roots
2/23/2024Read moreA new exhibit at Isle a la Cache Museum highlights Will County's agricultural past and the Clow family that settled in Wheatland Township on land that is now part of Riverview Farmstead Preserve. The 'Raising Riverview' exhibit runs through May 31.
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A man wearing a helmet rides his bike on a trail.
Cruise the County with springtime biking challenge
2/16/2024Read moreCruise the County, the Forest Preserve District's springtime challenge, will take bicyclists on a ride through the county's natural resources, historical sites and community hubs. Participants will pedal more than 50 miles on four trails from March 1 through May 31.
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A woman in a blue jacket stands in a forest preserve with water in the background.
Healing With Nature: Outdoor walks help Naperville woman lose 100 pounds
2/10/2024Read moreJulie Jacobsen, a 54-year-old Naperville resident, says being outside was an essential part of her weight loss journey. In the process, she says she became healthier, happier and more fulfilled than she ever has as an adult.
Events
Woodcock Walk: Goodenow Grove
Spend the evening learning about the American woodcock and taking a hike to watch for the courtship flight of the male.
Where the Wildflowers Are: Hammel Woods
Our wildflowers have stories to tell, so join us for a hike at Hammel Woods, a top spot to seek wildflowers.
The Buzz
Meet a Naturalist: Michelle Cipiti, fulfilling a dream
Meet Michelle Cipiti, an interpretive naturalist at Hidden Oaks Nature Center.
Protect the overwintering insects by resisting urge to start your garden cleanup now
Step away from the rake; it's too early to start your spring yard cleanup.
Keep your fingers crossed for clear skies for April 8 total solar eclipse
The best sky-watching events are usually at night, but April's best show comes mid-day in the form of a total solar eclipse on April 8.