Sugar Creek Administration Center/Preserve

09/04/2026

You might not find lobsters in landlocked Will County, but you can find their freshwater relatives, crayfish! These fascinating crustaceans use their claws to catch food and defend themselves, can regrow lost legs and claws, and molt their hard shells as they grow. Crayfish are also an important part of the food chain, providing food for animals like mink, raccoons, snakes, turtles, frogs, herons and egrets.

(Photo courtesy of Yu Cheng)

08/28/2026

Do you ever take pictures in any of the Will County Forest Preserves?

If you do, you should enter the Preserve The Moment Photo Contest! Whether the photo is of a flora or a fauna, any photo is welcomed as long as it is in one of the preserves. Each monthly winner will receive a $75 MasterCard gift card plus get a chance to win bigger prizes later in the year!

There is still time to enter before August ends! Learn more below!

2/1/2026-12/31/2026: Calling all amateur shutterbugs! Your photos from the preserves could win you the top prize, or one of the monthly prizes, in our Preserve the Moment photo contest.

08/21/2026

Litter is everyone’s problem, but everyone can be part of the solution. From using reusable items, packing out what you pack in, and picking up litter on your next hike - there are plenty of ways to help keep our preserves clean.

(Photo via Shutterstock)

What can you do to make the world a cleaner place? Plenty.

08/14/2026

Unpopular opinion: Moths are better than butterflies. Do you agree?

08/07/2026

Don’t let the name fool you. Northern water snakes may look intimidating, but they’re nonvenomous and pose no threat to people. Often mistaken for venomous species, these misunderstood reptiles are an important part of Illinois’ aquatic ecosystems, helping keep fish, frogs and other wildlife populations in balance.

(Photo courtesy of Dan Johnson)

07/31/2026

Small but surprisingly clever, green herons are one of the few birds in the world known to use tools - dropping feathers, twigs or other objects onto the water to lure fish within striking distance.

(Photo courtesy of Joe Viola)

07/24/2026

Tiny but incredible.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds may be one of the smallest birds you’ll spot in Illinois, measuring just 3½ inches long and weighing less than a nickel. Their nests are about the size of a large thimble, and their eggs are even smaller than a jelly bean!

As amazing as that is, they’re not the world’s smallest bird. That title belongs to the bee hummingbird of Cuba, a bird so tiny it’s often mistaken for a bee.

The next time a hummingbird zips past your flowers, take a moment to appreciate just how remarkable these tiny visitors really are.

(Photo courtesy of Chad Morsch)

07/17/2026

How did the bald eagle get its name? Listen to find out exactly how this majestic creature has a name that might not even fit it that much anymore.

07/10/2026

Slow and steady has its advantages.

Snails and slugs may not move quickly, but they play an important role in healthy ecosystems. They help break down decaying plants and animals, recycle nutrients and provide food for birds, mammals, reptiles and other wildlife.

Turtles have nothing on snails when it comes to creeping along at a snail's pace, and while we may not give much thought to snails and slugs they are quite numerous around the world.

07/03/2026

Fresh air, scenic views and smooth paths await. Whether you’re bringing a stroller, teaching little ones to walk the trail or planning a family picnic, there’s a forest preserve trail that’s just right for your next outing.

Looking for a place to explore with a stroller in tow? We've got plenty of places for you to plan an adventure.