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Aerial view of Lake Chaminwood
Forest Preserve Board approves balanced 2023 budget
11/14/2022Read moreThe 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
11/9/2022Read moreA 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
9/6/2022Read moreThe 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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Man in wheelchair on trail with his daughter
The Preserves Are for You: Dad's love of outdoor recreation shows 'anything is possible'
8/12/2022Read moreBorn with a tumor on his spine and paralyzed since he was eight months old, Bill Bogdan of Mokena is extremely active in adaptive sports and loves nature. His lifetime of exploring the preserves, especially Hickory Creek Preserve near his home, has inspired his daughter, Hannah, to seek a career in adaptive outdoor recreation.
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Aerial view of Hadley Valley
Creating connections: trail enhancements in the works for 2022 and beyond
1/31/2022Read moreImprovements are coming to the Forest Preserve District's extensive trail system. Some of the work will take place this year, and other projects are part of long-range plans with multiple partners.
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Aerial view of Plum Valley Preserve
Lasting legacy: Forest Preserve grows by more than 1,500 acres
1/10/2022Read moreSome of the land was purchased, some donated and some was transferred from the state.
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Image of Compass newsletter
Renamed and refreshed: Compass newsletter will help you navigate nature
12/22/2021Read moreThe Forest Preserve District's newsletter, The Citizen, which debuted 40 years ago, has a new name, a refreshed look and a new mix of content that is designed to inform, entertain, inspire and educate readers. You can subscribe to The Compass with a click of a mouse to receive this weekly digital publication in your email inbox. Current subscribers to The Citizen do not need to sign up a second time to receive The Compass.
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Bald eagle soaring with nesting material
Are you seeing bald eagles in the preserves? Give them some space
12/14/2021Read moreIf you go eagle watching this year, remember to keep your distance so as not to disturb these amazing creatures. If a bird is reacting to you, then you are too close.
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Aerial view of dam removal at Hammel Woods
When the river wall came down: Video chronicles Hammel Woods Dam removal
11/5/2021Read moreA 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
8/10/2021Read moreWith excessive heat and humidity this week, the Forest Preserve District is reminding dog owners to take precautions so their pets don't overheat.
Events
Volunteer Morning: Evans-Judge 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.
WonderKids: Snakes!
Bring your little ones to Isle a la Cache Museum to learn all about snakes.
The Buzz
Flying squirrels? More like gliding squirrels
You're probably familiar with gray squirrels and fox squirrels, but probably not southern flying squirrels. These nocturnal critters aren't often encountered, and their name is a bit of a misnomer, since they glide rather than fly.
Nature curiosity: What is white-nose syndrome?
Since 2006, millions of bats have died of a fungal infection called white-nose syndrome. Further loses could be dire for an animal that is essential to our food supply and our ecosystems.
Happy Halloween? More like happy Owloween
Forget Halloween; it's Owloween! In honor of Halloween, spend some time learning about these magnificent and mysterious creatures. Want to know even more? Sign up for one of our upcoming owl hikes.