Wauponsee Glacial Trail

06/01/2026

Finding mussels in a Forest Preserve creek is important because freshwater mussels are indicators of high-quality, healthy streams in Illinois.

A Forest Preserve study of Forked Creek documented 17 mussel species, including the state-threatened purple wartyback and four species of conservation concern. The findings indicate strong water quality and have led to the creek being recognized as a resource of statewide significance.

05/04/2026

Missions include photo ops at Route 66 landmarks, trivia questions about transportation and industry throughout the corridor, and check-ins at local points of interest such as museums and galleries.

The Forest Preserve District is marking the Route 66 Centennial Celebration with a summer-long Get Your Kicks challenge featuring missions and stops at preserves and cultural sites. Participants can explore the historic corridor, complete scavenger hunt-style tasks and earn prizes using the free Goo...

04/27/2026

Northern harriers are hawks, but they share a few traits with owls despite not being closely related to them. A harrier's face has a round disk shape just like an owl's, and they also hear exceptionally well and can hunt in low light conditions like many owls do.

A raptor soaring low over a grassland could be a northern harrier — a hawk that looks and acts a little like an owl.

04/24/2026

It's time to name this tree! What is it?

04/20/2026

You can do your part to help the bees by eliminating or limiting the use of weed-killing herbicides on your lawn. If you must use these chemicals, consider doing so in the evening, because bees typically eat only during daylight hours.

As we prepare to declare war on dandelions, it's important to remember just how important these "weeds" are for bees.

03/23/2026

Eating mostly bones might seem like an odd choice, and it is. Bearded vultures are the only bird in the world that mostly eats bones.

You've heard of bone-crushing creatures, but how about bone-eating animals? The bearded vulture is the only bird in the world that predominantly eats bones!

03/16/2026

More often than not, though, it's their loud, bugling call as they fly overhead that alerts us to their presence. And you may hear their call long before they come into view, because it's loud enough to be heard from as far as 2 1/2 miles away.

It's peak migration season for sandhill cranes, so don't be surprised if you hear their loud, bugling call overhead.

03/09/2026

Red-tailed hawks are carnivores and mostly hunt small mammals. Among their most-frequent targets are mice, voles, wood rats, rabbits and ground squirrels. They also eat reptiles, most often snakes, as well as other birds, including those up to the size of a pheasant.

Red-tailed hawks do not use carrion, or dead animals, as a major part of their diet, but they do sometimes feast on animal carcasses. These birds can hunt animals larger than them, up to about 5 pounds.

(Photo courtesy of Joe Viola)

That hawk soaring overhead or perched atop a light pole is probably a red-tailed hawk. Learn more about these high-flying birds.

03/03/2026

Good news for avid birders: The pelicans having been spotted flying overhead and making a pit stop in Will County waterways over the past week or so, and if past years are any indication, we can expect it to continue for the next several weeks and months.

One of the most anticipated events among birders each spring and fall is the arrival of the American white pelicans, and now is the time you'll once again start seeing these birds along the waterways in the area.

02/23/2026

“I thought the idea to get outside and explore sounded like a great activity to take up with zero pressure and pure fun,” she said. “This has been a highlight in my schedule to discover places I would have never sought out. I am exploring new places while enjoying time outside. Bringing the kids to join in on the missions is an additional plus. We are all expanding our knowledge on nature.”

A group of pickleball pals is among the latest to discover the benefits of joining the Be a Trailblazer experience. The yearlong challenge is open to all and features a prize pool of more than $15,000. Prizes are awarded randomly, so you can participate at your own pace.