Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve

06/03/2026

At least 15 tick species can be found in Illinois, but the Illinois Department of Public Health reports that only a handful are typically encountered by humans.

In Will County, mid- to late spring also marks the season when it’s most important to be vigilant about ticks when outdoors.

05/06/2026

One of the contest judges said they chose the picture because it shows “the sunlight shining through the numerous trees while illuminating and revealing the different shades of bluebells. It was an incredible shot, and it encapsulates how different colors can bring a photo together.”

Michelle Wendling of Joliet captured April’s Preserve the Moment photo contest win with a sunrise scene of Virginia bluebells at O’Hara Woods Preserve. The 'magical' image, enhanced by morning fog and glowing light, impressed judges with its color and atmosphere.

04/29/2026

Spring is in bloom all around us, and new birds and insects are arriving for the season each and every day. And now you can add one of the most anticipated arrivals of the season — monarch butterflies — to the list of creatures that have made their way to Will County.

We're charting migrations this season, announcing when a variety of species hit major milestones on their travels north. Follow along to see when monarchs make their appearance locally. 

04/23/2026

It's time for you to name this tree! What's it called?

04/23/2026

Raccoon Grove never disappoints when it comes to ephemeral wildflowers, so we didn't make it but a few steps down the trail before we stopped to see clusters of our first flower — spring beauties.

A person crouched down in the grass pointing to something while people lined up along a trail look on.

04/15/2026

Guess what? It is gosling season.

These fluffy little swimmers are already on the move, learning to follow, feed and stay close to family. It is a busy and vulnerable time for them.

If you spot a group like this, give them space and enjoy the moment from a distance. Nature is doing exactly what it is meant to do.

(Photo courtesy of Jennifer Radwan)

It's nesting season for Canada geese, so don't be surprised if they seem a little more feisty and aggressive than usual. If you happen come face to face with one, don't turn your back and run.

04/03/2026

Raccoon Grove is one of the best spots to see spring's ephemeral wildflowers, so join us for a naturalist-led hike as we hit the trail to see what's in bloom and what soon will be!

Where the Wildflowers Are hike
When: 9:30 to 11 a.m. Sunday, April 12
Where: Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve
Registration is required.

4/12/2026: Our wildflowers have stories to tell, so join us for a hike at Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve, a top spot to seek wildflowers.

03/25/2026

Looking for a good place to spot spring wildflowers? Put Raccoon Grove on your list!

(Photos by Glenn P. Knoblock)

03/20/2026

It's a beautiful day for a walk out here where it sure feels like spring! If you can't get outside for a hike today or tomorrow, this sweet 360-degree view will have to do.

(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)

03/18/2026

Like all raptors, barred owls are carnivores, and they hunt for a variety of animals, including small mammals, birds, amphibians, raptors and invertebrates. They usually hunt just after sunset and into the night, but they sometimes hunt by day as well. To find prey, barred owls will usually perch themselves up high and scan all around, looking and listening for prey down below.

(Photo courtesy of Jen Lynn)

Barred owls are a distinctive-looking forest bird, but it's the unique call that will likely get your attention first.