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

Individuals who are passionate about nature, conservation and strengthening their communities are invited to apply for the Illinois Master Naturalist Program, now accepting registrations for its spring 2026 training cohort.

Monthly winners receive prizes and advance to the final round for a shot at top honors in the forest preserve district's “Preserve the Moment” photo contest.

Sample different mocktails, learn about their connection to the Will County forest preserves, enjoy activity stations and more at Isle a la Cache Museum.

Chuck and Lydia Roberts of Rochelle, who have been married for 53 years, have been ski instructors together for all of those years and just recently started their 50th year of ski instruction at Wilmot Mountain in Wisconsin.

Free webinar examines how invasive species threaten Illinois ecosystems

Much has been in the news lately about “exploding trees”, caused by the extreme cold temperatures. But is this something to be worried about?

Putnam County Conservation District's Prairie Land Event Center offers a rustic setting for indoor or outdoor weddings and receptions. The event center can also be rented out for showers, meetings, parties, and more.

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.

Harper was a renowned American illustrator known for his minimalist approach. His art has been featured in Ford Times magazine and Golden Books.

Permits are required for groups of 25 or more and encouraged for smaller groups that want to ensure the use of a specific shelter location.

Launch snowballs, test a blubber glove in icy water, explore the northern lights and warm up with hot chocolate at the Illinois State Museum.

Join the Will County forest preserve district for Trail Club, a winter walking series that promotes fitness and community.

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

Forest preserve visitor centers also will be closed starting at noon on Wednesday and all day on Friday.

Staying active and engaged can help you make it through the long winter.

Hunters in Illinois took a preliminary total of 81,225 deer during the seven-day 2025 Illinois firearm deer season that concluded Dec. 7. Comparatively, hunters harvested 82,496 deer during the 2024 firearm season.

Take time for yourself during a mindful, naturalist-led hike, followed by warm beverages and views of the Des Plaines River.

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.

Those attending the village’s sixth annual Rockin’ Around the Tree Lighting on Thursday, can skate free by donating to the Shop with a Cop program benefiting local children.

Illinois’ seven-day firearm deer season will conclude Dec. 4-7.

What is an invasive species? An invasive species is an introduced species – often a plant, animal, or insect – that causes some kind of harm.

The 2025 Illinois firearm deer season dates are Nov. 21-23 and Dec. 4-7.

Jenny Dinelli of Braidwood is now training at Kankakee Sands Preserve for a 125-mile trail race inspired by the place she calls her “gift.”

Start your holiday shopping now while giving back to nature

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.

Permits became available on Nov. 1 and are valid for the remainder of 2025 and all of 2026. Each permit grants access to all six off-leash dog parks:

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

The programs honored included a major restoration project at Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve and the Be A Trailblazer campaign, according to the forest preserve district.

Here are Forest Preserve District of Will County programs for the week of Nov. 3. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org.

With spring here and temperatures slowly warming it is time to get out your bike and head out to these Will County trails.

Kendall County offers excellent paved and limestone-screened trails ideal for biking.

More than 2,000 people have participated this year in the forest preserve district's Be a Trailblazer program, completing over 60,000 nature-themed missions.

It appears the peak of the fall color season could be delayed by the recent unseasonably warm temperatures and drought.

Fall droughts can be subtle but have lasting impacts. With timely care, trees can weather dry spells and head into winter strong.

Participants will learn how to grow an oak tree from an acorn, discover more about Joliet’s urban forest and ongoing efforts to protect it, according to the city of Joliet.

The Plein Air Exhibition and Stories in Portrait Exhibition, sponsored by the Rock River Valley Painters Guild, will open Oct. 22 and run through Nov. 15 at The Next Picture Show in Dixon.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County has announced its schedule of programs for the week of Oct. 13. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at reconnectwithnature.org.

You won’t want to miss the Waa Kee Sha History Hike set for Saturday, Oct. 11, starting at 10 a.m. at the park, 4700 Reservation Road, Oswego.

The conference held in Springfield earlier this month, marked the 50th anniversary of the Master Gardener program and honored recipients of the annual Master Gardener Awards in three categories.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County has announced its schedule of programs coming up for October. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at reconnectwithnature.org.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County is throwing a free party for the pelicans that stop by McKinley Woods preserve as they migrate south this fall.

The Nature Conservancy’s Nachusa Grasslands Preserve – home to a herd of more than 100 bison roaming 1,500 acres as well as a host of other uncommon plants and animals – will hold its annual Fall Festival on Sept. 20, 2025.

A Morrison couple loves living a life of Adventures, hauling their home away from home on highways and byways, and sharing their journeys with kindred wandering spirits.