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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'

  7/20/2023

  July'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

  7/14/2023

  After 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!

  7/3/2023

  The 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

  6/28/2023

  Half-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'

  6/22/2023

  June'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

  6/15/2023

  Third-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'

  6/9/2023

  Eileen 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

  6/2/2023

  U.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

  5/23/2023

  The 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

  5/22/2023

  Three 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. 

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