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Thousands of votes were cast and there was one clear winner.

Winter's deep snow and bitterly cold temperatures combined to cause a naturally occurring fish kill in a pond at Rock Run Preserve in Joliet. Spring's thaw has revealed the dead fish, which will soon decay and be scavenged by other creatures.

Kim Jones is appreciative of all who helped rescue his dog, Rocco, from icy waters on March 5. The golden retriever is doing fine, but the incident serves as a warning for everyone to be wary of water and ice and to keep your pets leashed at all times.

The transfer of 466 acres in February gives the Forest Preserve ownership of around 780 acres of the 1,000-acre preserve located in eastern Will County.

Crane Nuclear was selected for volunteer work accomplished by its employees along the DuPage River in Naperville. And Eagle Scout candidate Jaden Fehrenbacher was chosen for organizing a team to repair a trailside shelter at Hammel Woods in Shorewood. 

When the Monee Reservoir Visitor Center reopens for the season on March 2, plastic water bottles will no longer be an option and only boxed water will be sold. The switch to boxed water is part of the Forest Preserve's push to become more sustainable.

The state grant will be used to enhance three southern Will County preserves that are home to 20 species considered endangered or threatened in Illinois and 43 species of greatest conservation need.

A 40-acre Homer Township purchase will expand Hadley Valley Preserve and provide a missing link for a Spring Creek Greenway Trail extension, and a 40-acre Washington Township donation will begin the establishment of a new eastern Will County preserve.

The new glass features web-like fibers that will help prevent collisions at the nature center's bird viewing area. The new glass was included as part of a window replacement project. 

If you go eagle watching this year, remember to give these amazing creatures a wide berth so you do not disturb their turf.

The Forest Preserve's Bob Bryerton tells us why owls are such fascinating creatures and why we just can't learn enough about these stealthy, winged beasts. 

2021 picnicking and camping permits will be available online or in person at the Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. Other Forest Preserve visitor centers remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

VanDuyne succeeds Kenneth Harris, who chose not to seek re-election to the post. Also elected were: Rachel Ventura, vice president; Mica Freeman, secretary; and Tyler Marcum, treasurer.

In the five years he has lived across from the Hastert-Bechstein preserve, Nagrocki has been transformed into a wildlife photographer and a bird and wildlife watcher, something he says has helped him to escape everyday life and to appreciate and learn about nature to a higher degree.

Rare birds dropping into Will County sure are causing a frenzy among birders, with the latest unusual sighting coming in the form of a western tanager in Channahon.