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• A woman in a blue jacket stands in a forest preserve with water in the background.

  Healing With Nature: Outdoor walks help Naperville woman lose 100 pounds

  2/10/2024

  Julie Jacobsen, a 54-year-old Naperville resident, says being outside was an essential part of her weight loss journey. In the process, she says she became healthier, happier and more fulfilled than she ever has as an adult. 

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• A woman wearing black stands in a prairie.

  Nature Foundation kicks off 2024 with new leader, new garden tour event

  2/5/2024

  The Nature Foundation of Will County is starting 2024 with a new leader, a new garden tour event and a host of activities, including native plant sales, that are designed to raise money for Forest Preserve District programs and initiatives.

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• Visitors at Four Rivers participate in an interpretive program.

  ‘This place is so cool!’: Four Rivers embraces visitors of all abilities 

  2/2/2024

  A recent visit by a group from Little Friends in Warrenville highlighted just how welcoming the Forest Preserve's Four Rivers Environmental Education Center is to all people, regardless of abilities. The site is now nationally accredited for inclusivity, which means all are welcome and all can participate. 

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• An exterior view of Hidden Oaks Nature Center

  Hidden Oaks Nature Center will be closed for renovation for most of 2024 starting Feb. 19

  1/25/2024

  Hidden Oaks Nature Center is getting a major makeover. Extensive renovations and improvements will require the nature center to be closed for much of 2024 starting Feb. 19. The preserve will close periodically for some outdoor renovation work, as needed. The projects will not affect Hidden Lakes Trout Farm. 

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• A wedding couple embracing by a river.

  Shopping for a wedding venue? Check out Four Rivers Environmental Education Center

  1/22/2024

  Four Rivers Environmental Education Center features an eco-friendly venue for weddings and events. The popular site includes reception space, indoor and outdoor ceremony options, staff to assist with bookings and vendors, and beautiful scenery for photos.  

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• Two men hold an award.

  Sand Ridge Savanna restoration effort earns Chicago Wilderness award

  1/19/2024

  Extensive, multiyear restoration efforts at the Forest Preserve District's Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve have earned an "Excellence in Ecological Restoration" award from Chicago Wilderness. The District received the award on Jan. 17 at a “Celebration of Conservation” banquet at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle. 

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• Winter, spring, summer and fall are shown in this collage.

  Join the 2024 Take It Outside Challenge, which comes with a twist

  1/16/2024

  It's time to get in gear, Goosechasers, because the 2024 Take It Outside Challenge has begun. This year's challenge will be offered in four seasonal competitions. 

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• Annette Parker and Meta Mueller

  Parker takes over as Forest Preserve Board president

  1/8/2024

  Annette Parker of Crest Hill took over as president of the Forest Preserve Board in December. She will serve a one-year term. She succeeds Meta Mueller of Aurora. 

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• Plum Creek Greenway Trail

  Making connections: Forest Preserve's countywide trail network continues to grow

  12/11/2023

  The 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!

  11/28/2023

  The 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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