Current headlines

All news

  • 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. 

    Read more
  • 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. 

    Read more
  • 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. 

    Read more
  • Man in wheelchair on trail with his daughter

    The Preserves Are for You: Dad's love of outdoor recreation shows 'anything is possible'

    8/12/2022

    Born 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. 

    Read more
  • Aerial view of Hadley Valley

    Creating connections: trail enhancements in the works for 2022 and beyond

    1/31/2022

    Improvements 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. 

    Read more
  • Aerial view of Plum Valley Preserve

    Lasting legacy: Forest Preserve grows by more than 1,500 acres

    1/10/2022

    Some of the land was purchased, some donated and some was transferred from the state.

    Read more
  • Image of Compass newsletter

    Renamed and refreshed: Compass newsletter will help you navigate nature

    12/22/2021

    The 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.

    Read more
  • Bald eagle soaring with nesting material

    Are you seeing bald eagles in the preserves? Give them some space

    12/14/2021

    If 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. 

    Read more
  • Aerial view of dam removal at Hammel Woods

    When the river wall came down: Video chronicles Hammel Woods Dam removal

    11/5/2021

    A 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. 

    Read more
  • Black dog at dog park

    Keep your dogs safe during excessive heat and humidity

    8/10/2021

    With excessive heat and humidity this week, the Forest Preserve District is reminding dog owners to take precautions so their pets don't overheat. 

    Read more

Events

Volunteer Morning: Evans-Judge Preserve

11/5/2024 9:00 AM

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.

Read more

WonderKids: Snakes!

11/7/2024 10:00 AM

Bring your little ones to Isle a la Cache Museum to learn all about snakes. 

Read more

The Buzz

Flying squirrels? More like gliding squirrels

11/4/2024

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. 

Read more

Nature curiosity: What is white-nose syndrome?

11/1/2024

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. 

Read more

Happy Halloween? More like happy Owloween

10/30/2024

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.

Read more