Current headlines
Featured news
All news
-
An image indicating a closure
Rock Run trail section, access area closed for improvements
3/20/2025The parking lot at Rock Run Preserve – Paul V. Nichols Access on Essington Road in Joliet and a portion of the Rock Run Greenway Trail are closed for an improvement project to repave and realign the trail. The closure is expected to last several months.
-
A man and a woman pose for a photo outside a nature center with woods in the background.
Chapman named incoming executive director by Board
3/17/2025Deputy Director Tracy Chapman of Shorewood will be promoted to executive director in May when current Executive Director Ralph Schultz of Plainfield retires after 32 years with the Forest Preserve District.
-
A girl holds a sled.
Be a Trailblazer prizes provide more ways for winners to enjoy nature
3/11/2025Cold weather didn't deter hundreds of people from joining the Forest Preserve's inaugural Be a Trailblazer experience. Around 900 participants completed 14,000 nature-themed missions to reap the benefits of being outside and qualify to win dozens of prizes.
-
Image showing three digital newsletters
Stay up to date on Forest Preserve news by signing up for free digital newsletters
2/24/2025Subscribing to the Forest Preserve's free digital newsletters is easier than ever, and it's a great way to stay up to date on the District's news, features, events and programs.
-
Trailblazer experience pushes pet owners to keep moving this winter
2/21/2025Instead of staying home during this cold snap and pulling the covers over their heads, dog owners are finding that the Forest Preserve's new Be a Trailblazer experience is a wonderful motivation to get outside to keep their dogs and themselves moving.
-
Board members pose with a large check.
Nature Foundation’s $48,800 donation funds Forest Preserve’s conservation, education efforts
2/18/2025The Nature Foundation of Will County's latest donation to the Forest Preserve District helped fund conservation efforts at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, bus scholarships for field trips and the Smokey Bear painting exhibition on display at Forest Preserve visitors centers through March 2.
-
A dead bird frozen in ice and snow.
Avoid sick or dead wildlife due to avian flu risk
2/3/2025Due to the detection of avian flu in Illinois, the Forest Preserve District is reminding visitors to refrain from touching or getting near dead or sick animals. Pets also should be kept from carcasses or feces and feathers of animals.
-
Aerial view of snowy trail with logo
Get outdoors and win prizes: Be a Trailblazer in 2025!
1/14/2025The Forest Preserve District has a new challenge for the new year: Be a Trailblazer! More than $10,000 in prizes will be awarded randomly to lucky participants as they complete a wide variety of nature-themed missions in four seasonal sessions.
-
Plum Creek Greenway Trail section closed due to bridge damage
1/2/2025A section of the Plum Creek Greenway Trail is closed due to bridge damage to the trail's north bridge closest to Bemes Road. This trail section will remain closed until the tree can be removed and the bridge repaired.
-
A man pours seed into a mixer.
Winter seed mixing work sows prairies of tomorrow
1/2/2025A year of seed collection by staff and volunteers culminated with a seed mixing day at a Forest Preserve barn in December. The seed will be sown this winter in areas targeted for restoration, leading to blooms and better species diversity next year in the preserves.
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.