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Kayak launch at lake.
Accessible kayak launch now open at Lake Chaminwood
9/14/2023The 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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Aerial view of dam removal at Hammel Woods
When the river wall came down: Video chronicles Hammel Woods Dam removal
11/5/2021A video titled, "The Dam Project at Hammel Woods" is now available for viewing on the District's YouTube page. The video chronicles the dam removal process and explains why it was necessary and how it was done.
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Black dog at dog park
Keep your dogs safe during excessive heat and humidity
8/10/2021With excessive heat and humidity this week, the Forest Preserve District is reminding dog owners to take precautions so their pets don't overheat.
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Police and cyclist on trail
Follow safety guidelines for a safe preserve outing
6/18/2021Know which numbers to call and other safety practices before you visit a preserve or trail.
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Woman standing outside old barn
Largest property gift honors donor’s husband and family’s love of land
5/28/2021Lisbet "Beth" Temple of Flossmoor is donating 160 acres in Washington Township near Beecher to the Forest Preserve. The land was purchased by her husband, Dr. Arvid Temple, in 1965, and it was a place where the couple grew vegetables, raised animals and enjoyed nature and being together.
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Large dog running at dog park
How to have a successful dog park outing
5/7/2021Following the Forest Preserve District's rules and paying attention to advice from dog experts will help you have an enjoyable and safer experience. Know your dog, stay with your dog and pick up after your dog for the safety and benefit of all involved.
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Coyote in field
Use common sense when encountering coyotes during pupping season
4/29/2021Coyote pupping season is underway, so it's important to take steps to prevent potential conflicts.
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Man holding camera along the DuPage River
Mike Nagrocki's 'Happy Place': A backyard escape teeming with wildlife
12/14/2020In 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.
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Man on a trail with his bike
Earin Land’s 'Happy Place': Melting Away the Pounds and the Past on the Wauponsee
12/10/2019The latest installment of the Forest Preserve District's "Happy Place" series features a retired Will County Sheriff's Police sergeant who made riding a bike on the Wauponsee Glacial Trail a key part of his retirement plan.
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Woman on a trail with her camera
Debi Shapiro’s ‘Happy Place’ – making memories with her mom at Rock Run Rookery Preserve
9/24/2019Rock Run Rookery Preserve was one of Shapiro's favorite places to take her ill mother so she could get out of the house and enjoy nature.
Events
Fish Tales Photo Contest: Hidden Lakes Trout Farm
Tell your personal fish tale by competing in the Fish Tales Photo Contest at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm. It doesn’t take the biggest fish to win, just the luckiest.
Fish Tales Photo Contest: Monee Reservoir
Tell your personal fish tale by competing in the Fish Tales Photo Contest at Monee Reservoir. It doesn’t take the biggest fish to win, just the luckiest.
The Buzz
Mosquitoes driving you indoors? Attract dragonflies to your yard
Dragonflies can eat dozens of mosquitoes a day, so attracting them to your yard might help make your time outside more enjoyable.
Wish upon a shooting star: July a good month for meteor activity
Meteor activity will be heating up in July, with three meteor showers sending shooting stars streaking across the night sky.
Wild Relatives: The capybara
What wallows like a pig, swims like a hippo and looks like a giant guinea pig? A capybara, the largest rodent in the world.