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• Man in black coat stands along trail with river in the background.

  Walking the Des Plaines: One man’s quest to navigate his hometown river

  1/27/2023

  A Forest Park man attempting to walk the length of the Des Plaines has been amazed by the size of the river in Will County. His quest has taken him from the river's origin in Wisconsin to its confluence near McKinley Woods in Channahon.

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• Image of phone featuring Goosechase app and sign in background

  Go on a wild goose chase with our Take It Outside app challenge

  1/22/2023

  As part of the Forest Preserve District's Take It Outside campaign, the app challenge will have you traversing the county and hiking trails, while earning points with each completed mission.

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• Take it Outside logo

  'Take It Outside' campaign launched to spark your trek into nature

  1/10/2023

  A yearlong campaign called 'Take It Outside' is designed to entice you to get back to nature or to discover it for the first time. Look for a special smart phone challenge coming later this month and a focus on showcasing the various preserves and recreation activities throughout the seasons.

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• Screen images from digital newsletter on birds

  Hey bird nerds! Sign up for our new Flock and Feather digital newsletter

  1/3/2023

  Now is the time of year when people make resolutions and, this year, ours is to keep finding new ways to connect with the public and share our love of nature.

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• Common goldeneyes

  Four Rivers hosts yearlong celebration of color

  12/23/2022

  Learn the language of color by attending a Rivers of Color program at Four Rivers this year. The series culminates in the fall with a 'Golden Opportunities' traveling exhibit from Denver Botanic Gardens. 

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• Two men and a child get ready to fish

  Forest Preserve surpasses 23,000-acre mark with 2022 acquisitions

  12/19/2022

  Four acquisitions pushed the Forest Preserve over the 23,000-acre mark in 2022. Land acquisitions will continue in 2023 with the $3 million that is left in a land preservation program fund. 

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• A bald eagle flies overhead with nesting material.

  Save the dates: Forest Preserve announces 2023 event, exhibition schedule

  12/15/2022

  The Forest Preserve's 2023 event and exhibition schedule starts off with Eagle Watch in January and continues with food trucks, hummingbird and pelican events; and exhibitions on movement in America, fly fishing tackle and the science behind the color yellow. 

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• Aerial view of Lake Chaminwood

  Forest Preserve Board approves balanced 2023 budget

  11/14/2022

  The Forest Preserve District's 2023 budget is balanced and its tax rate will drop 6.46% next year. The spending plan includes money for operations, maintenance and preserve improvement projects. 

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• Red-spotted sunfish in a tank

  Something fishy is going on at Four Rivers

  11/9/2022

  A dozen state-threatened redspotted sunfish have been added to a 'gorgeous' new 2,000-gallon aquarium at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. The fish ambassadors will educate visitors about the plight of threatened and endangered fish species in Illinois. 

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• Rev. Adrian Heath at Rock Run Greenway Trail

  The Preserves Are for You: Leading others into nature, one step at a time

  9/6/2022

  The Rev. Adrian Heath grew up on the east side of Joliet where his recreational outings were held mostly indoors. He now leads a ministry that offers free nature outings in area preserves. It's his way of helping others find the peace that nature offers. 

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