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A man and woman in a kneel down in a prairie to look at a plant.
Hunt for prairie treasures and learn how to ID trees on July's episode of 'The Buzz'
7/20/2023Read moreJuly's 'Buzz' nature show takes a trek into a dolomite prairie and teaches viewers how to ID trees from leaves. The episode debuts at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, on Facebook and YouTube.
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Forest Preserve employee David Piotrowski sells a carton of water in the bait shop.
Bait shop up and running with snacks, gear and friendly faces
7/14/2023Read moreAfter a year hiatus, Hidden Lakes Trout Farm's Tackle Box bait shop has been completely rebuilt and is open for business. And longtime former employee David Piotrowski is back in his happy spot, chatting with customers and offering fishing tips and a friendly ear.
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A collection of selfie photos from Take It Outside participants
Take It Outside Challenge hits halfway point with plenty of time left to join the fun!
7/3/2023Read moreThe yearlong Take It Outside has hit the halfway point, but there is plenty of time to get involved, complete some missions and be in the running for prizes. Participants are giving the challenge rave reviews and saying it is a great motivator to get outside.
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A dog balancing a ball on its nose.
Half-price 2023 dog park permits go on sale July 1
6/28/2023Read moreHalf-price dog park permits will be available for purchase online, by mail or in person at one of five visitor centers starting Saturday, July 1. The permits can be used at all six Forest Preserve dog parks through the end of 2023.
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A man and woman stand in a construction area.
Take a trip to Lake Chaminwood and learn some photo tips with 'The Buzz'
6/22/2023Read moreJune's episode of 'The Buzz' tours the renovations at Lake Chaminwood Preserve and gives viewers a crash course on taking nature photos. Tune in when the show debuts at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, on Facebook and YouTube.
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A man puts brush on a fire.
Join like-minded nature lovers and volunteer with us
6/15/2023Read moreThird-quarter Volunteer Morning programs have been announced. Sign up today to meet like-minded nature lovers and to help the environment.
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A collection of images of a woman outdoors.
Joliet woman says Take It Outside Challenge missions 'make you feel alive'
6/9/2023Read moreEileen Ryan said the Forest Preserve's Take It Outside Challenge has helped her go from 2,000 steps a day to 10,000 or more.
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Officials holding an oversized check.
Forest Preserve receives federal funding for Route 66 trail project
6/2/2023Read moreU.S. Rep. Bill Foster presented a check for $1.1 million in federal funding to the Forest Preserve District on June 2. The money will be used for a new path that connects the Wauponsee Glacial Trail to Route 66 in Joliet Township.
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Two eaglets sit in their nest
Bald eagle nesting update: The kids are growing up fast
5/23/2023Read moreThe bald eagle population has been booming in Will County in recent years and we are monitoring two nests that have produced five offspring this year.
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A women receiving her food from the window of a food truck.
Chow down at three Fun & Food Trucks programs this summer in the preserves
5/22/2023Read moreThree Fun & Food Trucks programs will roll into three different preserves this summer. Each will feature food and beverage trucks, a bounce house for the kids, games and musical entertainment.
Events
Summer Sendoff Fishing Derby
Calling all anglers! Come on out to Hidden Lakes Trout Farm and try your hand at fishing in our Summer Sendoff Fishing Derby.
Volunteer Morning: Hickory Creek — LaPorte Road Access
Get some fresh air and exercise while helping to make a difference in your community by attending one or more of the Forest Preserve’s volunteer mornings.
The Buzz
Five fast facts about easy-to-miss praying mantises
Praying mantises are among the largest insects we see, but that doesn't mean they are easy to find. Learn more about these insects that stand out at blending in.
When a weed is something more: Milkweed vital for many species
Have you heard the buzz about monarchs and milkweed? Monarchs are far from the only animals that rely on milkweed.
Preserves We Love: O'Hara Woods, for delivering nature's gifts
Interpretive naturalist Sara Russell tells us why she loves O'Hara Woods Preserve.