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Police and cyclist on trail
Follow safety guidelines for a safe preserve outing
6/18/2021Read moreKnow 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
5/28/2021Read moreLisbet "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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Raccoons peeking out of tree
'Coexisting with Wildlife' section debuts on website
5/10/2021Read moreThe Forest Preserve's new online feature will help you find information on 16 creatures that you might encounter around your home, in your neighborhood or at a local preserve. The section features the benefits of each and also how to handle potential problems.
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Large dog running at dog park
How to have a successful dog park outing
5/7/2021Read moreFollowing 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
4/29/2021Read moreCoyote pupping season is underway, so it's important to take steps to prevent potential conflicts.
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Old metal dumped in a forest preserve
Destruction not allowed: Don’t tamper with nature or use preserves as dumping grounds
4/26/2021Read moreThe Forest Preserve District's General Use Ordinance No. 124 prohibits the destruction of natural resources and vandalisms in the preserves. The rules are in place to protect Will County's last undisturbed natural areas and to create new habitats for native species and places of respite for visitors.
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Boardwalk at Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve
State transfers Thorn Creek Woods acreage to Forest Preserve
3/8/2021Read moreThe transfer of 466 acres in February gives the Forest Preserve ownership of around 780 acres of the 1,000-acre preserve located in eastern Will County.
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A great horned owl takes off from a tree
Mysterious, night-dwelling owls may just be the coolest birds around
12/31/2020Read moreThe Forest Preserve's Bob Bryerton tells us why owls are such fascinating creatures and why we just can't learn enough about these stealthy, winged beasts.
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Man holding camera along the DuPage River
Mike Nagrocki's 'Happy Place': A backyard escape teeming with wildlife
12/14/2020Read moreIn 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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Pollinator hotel at Isle a la Cache
Pollinator hotels abuzz with guests thanks to Eagle Scout candidate
9/22/2020Read moreThree hotels built by 14-year-old Luke Lunde of Manhattan and his Scouting crew at Isle a la Cache preserve in Romeoville are attracting solitary bees that nest in cavities and are important pollinators.
Events
Woodcock Walk: Goodenow Grove
Spend the evening learning about the American woodcock and taking a hike to watch for the courtship flight of the male.
Where the Wildflowers Are: Hammel Woods
Our wildflowers have stories to tell, so join us for a hike at Hammel Woods, a top spot to seek wildflowers.
The Buzz
Meet a Naturalist: Michelle Cipiti, fulfilling a dream
Meet Michelle Cipiti, an interpretive naturalist at Hidden Oaks Nature Center.
Protect the overwintering insects by resisting urge to start your garden cleanup now
Step away from the rake; it's too early to start your spring yard cleanup.
Keep your fingers crossed for clear skies for April 8 total solar eclipse
The best sky-watching events are usually at night, but April's best show comes mid-day in the form of a total solar eclipse on April 8.