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Various nature-themed backpacks arranged in a display, each open to reveal its contents.
Nature backpacks lead to exploration at Isle a la Cache
7/25/2024Read moreIsle a la Cache Museum has four new colorful backpacks chock full of activities and helpful nature information that will guide outdoor exploration. The Bugs, Birds, By the River and Tree backpacks are free to use during museum hours on a first-come, first-served basis.
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"Two beekeepers, a man and a woman, standing in front of their beehives.
Couple’s honey-producing passion was meant to bee
7/22/2024Read moreHoney being sold at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm in Bolingbrook comes from bees that sip a wide variety of nectar to produce many different varieties of the sweet stuff. The Bee All About It honey ranges from buckwheat to wildflowers.
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A man shows off his harmonicas.
Healing With Nature: As time ticks by, ‘Harmonica Jack’ makes beautiful music in nature
6/28/2024Read moreIn the third installment of the Forest Preserve's Healing With Nature series, Beecher resident John Keslin talks about how he's still having fun playing the harmonica in nature, even though he is facing serious health issues.
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Collage showing the selfies of the Spring Fling winners
Spring Take It Outside Challenge winners say patience and ‘a little luck’ led to their success
6/20/2024Read moreThe spring Take It Outside Challenge wrapped up on June 15 with seven first-place winners, more than 650 participants and 25,000 missions completed. The Summer Soiree challenge begins June 30 with a new batch of fun, nature-themed missions throughout the preserves.
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An aerial view of a recent trail extension of Veterans Memorial Trail
Forest Preserve Board invests in nature with $50 million bond issue for preservation, restoration
6/13/2024Read moreBond sale revenue will allow the District to preserve more green space for future generations and add access to open areas so people can reap the physical and mental benefits of being in nature.
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A view of a covered shelter.
Four Rivers expands outdoor education, celebration space with addition of Riverside Shelter
5/28/2024Read moreThe outdoor education and celebration space at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon has increased this year with the addition of a shelter along the Des Plaines River.
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Stop feeding wildlife in the preserves, it's bad for critters and you could be ticketed
5/22/2024Read moreThe Forest Preserve District's General Use Ordinance No. 124 prohibits the feeding or baiting of wildlife in the preserves and violators will be ticketed. The prohibited activity can lead to disease transmission, overpopulation and illnesses in wildlife.
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Selfies showing people participating in the Take It Outside challenge.
Take It Outside challenge draws participants from as far away as Florida and Ireland
5/17/2024Read moreWhile the bulk of Take It Outside challenge participants are from Will County, many are crossing county lines to take part in this popular program.
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An award plaque taken outside with a clear blue sky background.
Take It Outside Challenge wins Outstanding Environmental Education Program Award
5/10/2024Read moreThe Take It Outside Challenge has received an Outstanding Environmental Education Program Award from the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association's Forest Preserve and Conservation Section. The 2023 challenge drew 1,2000 participants in its inaugural year.
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Two women pose with an award
New Lenox woman named 2023 Volunteer of the Year
5/8/2024Read moreSally Wieclaw of New Lenox is the Forest Preserve District of Will County's Volunteer of the Year. Wieclaw started volunteering in 2001 to reduce stress in her life. Now she is an integral part of the District's work to protect plants, monitor butterflies and remove invasive species.
Events
Rec Bike Club: Messenger Marsh
Wrap up our Rec Bike Club series with a 5-mile ride through Messenger Marsh.
Take It Outside Meetup
Looking for a way to connect with fellow Goosechasers? Join us for this meetup to get to know other Take It Outside challenge participants and maybe even complete some missions together.
The Buzz
The time is now to sow native seeds for next summer's blooms
It's not too early to start thinking about next year's flower gardens. In fact, if you're thinking about adding more native plants to your landscape, now is the time to sow the seeds so they germinate come spring.
Don't miss the fall color at these preserves
If fall is your favorite color, it's time to seize the season and head outdoors. Looking for someplace new to explore? Plenty of preserves shine at this time of year.
Leave the leaves: Skip the raking this fall. It's better for the environment
Put down the rake. You can feel good about leaving your leaves wherever they fall. Letting them be is actually better for the environment and for your yard.