Messenger Woods Nature Preserve

09/03/2026

With the intent of helping people plan their outdoor excursions, the prediction map charts out the estimated changes each week from now through the end of November. Locally, it's sugar maple, ash, oak and hickory trees that put on a show in the preserves.

Interactive map predicts when fall color will peak in Will County and beyond.

08/27/2026

Just like walking sticks are named for their appearance, praying mantises are too. In their case, they are named for their long front legs, which are bent in a way that makes them look like they are praying. Praying mantises also have large, prominent eyes. Walking sticks don't have praying legs or prominent eyes, so these are useful characteristics for telling them apart if you aren't sure what kind of insect you are seeing.

Praying mantis or walking stick? Learn some of the key differences between these well-camouflaged insects.

08/20/2026

Your observations could add new species records for our preserves, update records for species that haven’t been documented in years, and even report new populations of rare species.

Nature sightings can help staff document species and changes in local preserves.

08/13/2026

Walk along the trails at any time of year and you are sure to see or hear some movement up in the tree canopy or maybe even on the ground. In all, more than 60 bird species are known to inhabit the preserve at different times of year. Among them is the pileated woodpecker, a favorite among birders.

(Photo courtesy of Eileen Donovan Capodice)

Birds aren't exactly a rarity in our world, populating just about every type of habitat worldwide in good numbers. But if you want to see a variety of birds or brush up on your local birding knowledge, the Will County forest preserves are a good place to start. 

08/05/2026

As summer winds down, pollinators still need reliable sources of nectar. Planting native flowers with overlapping bloom periods helps provide food for hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects when many other blooms begin to fade.

07/30/2026

The Perseids meteor shower — the most anticipated meteor shower of the year — is on the horizon, and this year, a new moon will create exceptionally dark skies, providing ideal conditions for spotting meteors streaking across the night.

Get ready to wish upon a shooting star! A new moon during the peak of the Perseids meteor shower will create optimal viewing conditions this year.

07/23/2026

Sometimes, our eyes play tricks on us. Here’s a closer look at some other animals in Illinois that are often thought to be something else entirely and some tips for knowing what is what.

Not everything in nature is what it seems at first glance.

07/16/2026

The wood duck is the only duck in North America that commonly produces two broods of offspring in a breeding season. This contributes to the large number of offspring wood ducks can produce, but it's not the only factor. The females will typically lay between six and 16 eggs per brood. This is not too much greater than a mallard, which will lay between one and 13 eggs per brood.

(Photo courtesy of Joe Viola)

07/09/2026

Raccoons do not have a lot of predators, although they have been known to be attacked by coyotes, cougars and bobcats. More commonly, they succumb the disease and infection as well as collisions with vehicles.

Loved or reviled, the raccoon is one of the most common mammals in Illinois. 

07/02/2026

Their chunky bills allow them to make quick work of seeds, and particularly in the spring they can be easy to attract to bird feeders because of their affinity for seeds. If you want to attract them to your yard, try stocking feeders with sunflower seeds, safflower seeds or raw peanuts.

With their recognizable namesake plumage, rose-breasted grosbeaks are a welcome sight. Learn what else makes these birds special.