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Plum Creek Greenway Trail
Making connections: Forest Preserve's countywide trail network continues to grow
12/11/2023Read moreThe Forest Preserve's operations committee took action recently that will pave the way for more trail projects as the District works to connect and extend the countywide trail system.
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A person snowshoeing.
Don't hibernate, recreate this winter!
11/28/2023Read moreThe Forest Preserve District offers a variety of recreational opportunities in winter including hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding. With more than 135 miles of trails, 40 preserves, two sled hills and six dog parks, there are many ways to stay active.
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A woman in a wheelchair looks at an interpretive sign.
Four Rivers receives National Inclusion Project’s first-ever nature center accreditation
11/14/2023Read moreThe National Inclusion Project’s first nature center accreditation in the country has been awarded to the Forest Preserve District’s Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon. Months in the making, the accreditation shows Four Rivers is a facility where all visitors, regardless of ability-level, can participate.
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Two men conducting a prescribed burn
Prescribed burn map: Here's where we're burning today
11/9/2023Read moreThis map is updated daily as another way to notify the public when a prescribed burn is being conducted.
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A black dog balances a purple tennis ball on its nose.
Treat your pup to a 2024 dog park permit
10/30/2023Read more2024 dog park permits are on sale now. Permits are good for off-leash play at all six Forest Preserve District dog parks through the end of 2023 and all of 2024. They can be purchased at five visitor centers or online.
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A man gets into a kayak by using an accessible launch.
Leaving the wheelchair behind: Accessible kayak launch provides a smooth, dry experience
10/4/2023Read moreAdaptive recreationalist Bill Bogdan, who is among the first to try the new accessible kayak/canoe launch at Lake Chaminwood, said the device allows him to enter and exit the water independently. The launch is one of many ways the Forest Preserve is working to make the preserves open to all.
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A Forest Preserve bike repair station along a trail.
Two new bicycle repair stations installed along Forest Preserve trails
10/2/2023Read moreNeed a wrench or an air pump while biking? No problem. The Forest Preserve District now has six bicycle repair stations along its trails thanks to funding by The Nature Foundation of Will County and the Joliet Bicycle Club.
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Kayak launch at lake.
Accessible kayak launch now open at Lake Chaminwood
9/14/2023Read moreThe new kayak and canoe launch installed as part of preserve improvements at Lake Chaminwood Preserve this summer has been completed. The launch is accessible and adaptive, meaning there are features that help paddlers with disabilities enter and exit the water independently and safely.
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A Fish Tales Photo Contest winner holding a fish.
Fish Tales Photo Contest winners announced
9/8/2023Read moreWinners of the summer Fish Tales Photo Contest have been announced and each will receive a $50 Forest Preserve gift card. Three of the winners were chosen at random and one was picked by staff as having the most fun in their photo submission.
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A man and woman measure a large tree in a forest.
Messenger Woods trees named Big Tree Champions
8/9/2023Read moreA jack pine and a black maple in Messenger Woods Nature Preserve made the list of Illinois Big Tree Champions this year. The trees were nominated by David Shepard, an environmental science teacher and tree aficionado and a fan of Messenger Woods.
Events
Lake Renwick Photography Bird Hike
Join other photographers for a special opportunity to view and photograph the herons, egrets and cormorants at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve.
Volunteer Morning: Riverview Farmstead Preserve
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 must-know facts about our home planet Earth
You can define Earth in many ways, but above all else it is home. Here is your chance to learn all about our home planet.
Want your kids to respect nature? Get your garden growing with them
Gardening with your kids can be a great way to make them good stewards of the environment.
Migration watch: Hummingbirds have landed in Will County
For those of you eagerly anticipating the arrival of ruby-throated hummingbirds, it won't be long now. The tiny birds have been spotted in Will County and elsewhere in Illinois.