The Maple Syrup Magic event is returning to the Will County Forest Preserve District on March with new entertainment and activities for attending families.

Join a naturalist to search in Will County forest preserves for early spring wildflowers like anemone, Dutchman’s breeches, trillium and hepatica, while learning about these fleeting blooms.

We get a real treat here during winter with the birds that use the Midwest for their wintering grounds.

Spring came early to Dixon with the success of Blooming Fusion 2026 at The Next Picture Show Community Fine Arts Center.

The donation will go towards Forest Preserve District of Will County programs, conservation efforts and exhibits.

The free, all-ages event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 7 at Four Rivers Environmental Education in Channahon.

The U.S. Forest Service did not say when the controlled burns would start. County emergency management officials will be notified when burning begins.

The sun is rising a bit earlier each morning, and setting a bit later each evening. Frosty mornings are still common, but there are fewer of them in March, and the cold snaps aren’t quite as cold nor do they last as long.

Hikers may come upon winter fish kills this time of year in ponds or small corners of lakes in the McHenry County Conservation District.

Once an improbable sighting, wild swans have returned to the Fox River Valley and across Kane County. Local environmental efforts over the decades have helped the resurgence.

Enjoy The Bard Among the Bark from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays, March 1-April 30, at Plum Creek Nature Center:

There is a fatal neurological disease that makes deer lose their fear of humans. As the brain and central nervous system deteriorate, the deer “wastes” away.

The 14th annual Fox River Summit will be held March 12 in Burlington, Wisconsin and is open to those from Illinois and Wisconsin who have an interest in the Fox River.

Bison returned to Kane County native prairie late last year, and the forest preserve district's programs to see the animals have generated strong interest.

Illinois Extension staff offer gardening education throughout the state.

The Illinois Conservation Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 Conservation Achievement Scholarships, which will award up to four one-time scholarships of $2,000 each to Illinois high school seniors committed to conserving the state’s natural resources.

Learn about the courtship behaviors of birds at the Subat Forest Preserve in Kendall County.

Learn what makes snakes unique, explore common species found in Will County and meet Ramen, the resident snake ambassador at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook.

The restoration of more than 600 acres at Lockport Prairie and Prairie Bluff preserves took six years of work by the Forest Preserve District of Will County, the Army Corps and Resource Environmental Solutions LLC.

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County will offer an “EcoLab: My Chemical Romance” program for children ages 7 and older to learn about the science behind attraction.

Learn about the important and often misunderstood coyote, including where they live, how they communicate, at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook on Friday.

Tour the facility, explore event spaces, view inspiration from past weddings and meet staff, approved caterers and other vendors.

The Kane County forest preserve district was awarded a $600,000 grant as part of a $2M project to build an elevated wildlife observation overlook at Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve.

With temperatures falling well below zero Friday a large group of Canada geese found some warmth in the steaming water of the Kishwaukee River in DeKalb.

The Kankakee East Riverwalk project is moving forward and the goal remains for a mid- to late-summer completion, officials said.

Local conservation partners are inviting landowners, land managers and community members to a free Prescribed Burning & Natural Areas Management Workshop on Thursday, Feb. 18.

The exhibit features entries from the annual Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest, along with 55 pieces created by students. Select entries become collectible stamps.

Rock Falls Tourism presents Flock to the Rock ’26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Rock Falls American Legion.

Bird watching can provide a lot of nature connectivity for all ages. It also boosts environmental literacy, awareness of nature, and stress-reduction through mindfulness and curiosity.

Space is limited and registration required. Forest Preserve District volunteer morning programs are held from 9 a.m. to noon and are for ages 10 and older.

Hundreds of bird enthusiasts brave the cold and rain to attend Four Rivers Environmental Education Center’s annual Eagle Watch on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Channahon.

Staying physically active is one of the best ways to improve your mental and physical health during winter months.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County has announced its schedule of programs for the week of Jan. 12.

This year’s free, all-ages bald eagle celebration is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County has announced its 2026 event calendar, featuring a year of art exhibits, festivals, live music, educational programs and outdoor experiences across Will County.

Native plants not only help support pollinators but also filter out pollutants, help build healthy soils, and mitigate flooding.

The next time you go pinecone picking keep these fun facts in mind, as pinecones play an important part in nature and have a specific function in the plant world.

The program will be held 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 27 at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. Register by Friday.

Woodlands in northwestern McHenry County, spanning 55 acres and containing trees believed to be up to 400 year old, are now permanently protected under the McHenry County Conservation District.

Pick any day now through Dec. 31 to run, jog or walk a 3.1-mile route on one of 10 designated Forest Preserve trails.

The Will County Forest Preserve District has announced the acquisition of 40 new acres of land along the DuPage River in Plainfield.

The overall 2026 budget represents a $19 million decrease due to significant capital improvement projects being completed in 2025, though the levy includes an addition $200,000 in revenue.

Start your holiday shopping now while giving back to nature

Let’s take a closer look at what we can do to promote pollinators in our yards that can be done without spending a lot of time or money.

Two years ago this month, the Graue Mill dam was removed and, with it, the constant din of rushing water. The move led to a newly revitalized stretch of Salt Creek

Start your morning viewing resident and winter birds from the comfort of the exhibit room and Grand Hall while enjoying warm beverages and muffins Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon.

Like it or not, there are a few gardening chores left before shutting down for the year and starting to plan next year.

Forest Preserve District pays $4.3 million for expansion of Plum Creek Greenway in Crete Township.

Studies across the U.S. have tracked white-tailed deer vehicle collision rates in relation to time changes, with some showing a 16% spike in deer-vehicle collisions after the fall time shift.

Fall is a bold time for young coyotes. As sightings increase during “dispersal season,” here’s what you need to know to ensure you co-exist peacefully with our canine neighbors.