Outdoors

Backpacking 101 Part 1 – Introduction to Backpacking will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, at the center in Channahon, 25055 S Walnut Lane. Register by Friday, July 26.

The Will County Forest Preserve District is hosting a program at the Braidwood Dunes and Savanna in Reed Township on Saturday, July 27

Explore the stone foundations of Joliet’s once-thriving industrial plant that are over 100 years old.

A group of Kane County residents set out on a 10-day biking adventure around Lake Michigan, filled with camaraderie and exploration, covering nearly 1,100 miles and stopping at over 20 breweries along the way.

Kane County has a variety of family-friendly events to do before school begins, such as painting at Color Me Mine, visiting Primrose Farm and more.

The 62nd annual Antique Tractor and Steam Engine Show is a family-friendly festival that explores local Will County history, and celebrates the agriculture roots.

Geneva will increase efforts to reduce mosquitos after the West Nile Virus was found in a surveillance trap.

Gardening is often taught through community connections whether cultivated from our families, neighbors, community group, or our chosen families.

The Nature Foundation of Will County presented a $33,400 donation check to the Forest Preserve at the District to be used for a variety of programs and projects.

Fish at night when the water is cooler and fish are more active at some Will County forest preserves this month.

The largest summer event in Batavia, the three-day Windmill City Festival begins this weekend with live music, food, carnival, games and contests.

Oswego Country Market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. nearly every Sunday through Sept. 29.

At the June 25 Oswego Village Board meeting, trustees approved the village’s urban forestry management plan, prepared by Great Lakes Urban Forestry Management.

Experience the rush of a 13,000 feet freefall as you jump from an airplane with Skydive Chicago.

Here are three less common native groundcovers to consider; all have attractive foliage and unique flowers and are resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits

The Forest Preserve District of Will County’s spring Take It Outside Challenge ended with seven first-place winners and hundreds of fun memories and accomplishments for participants.

Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners club will hold its garden walk featuring seven gardens from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 13.

Whether you are looking for a leisurely ride or a serious workout, a trail is available and close to home

The Kane Forest Preserve Foundation will host its Golf Outing Thursday, Sept. 12.

July is National Park and Recreation Month, and the Batavia Park District will celebrate with a variety of activities for residents of all ages and abilities.

Along North River Street from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday until Oct. 26, visitors come to enjoy the sounds of acoustic guitars, try out the different food trucks, and shop from local vendors.

From outdoor adventures to family fun, check out the area’s natural beauty, historical homes and a local art scene, there are plenty of ways to spend the day in Sterling, Rock Falls and surrounding communities.

Cloggin’ Craze Dancers and Stacy Sienko will perform Thursday as part of "Concerts on the Hill" at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet.

Tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, are on the rise because of the increased exposure to humans and animals. What can we do to protect ourselves?

If you're looking for a summer adventure, try rafting the Vermilion River’s rapids.

These are the Forest Preserve District of Will County programs for the week of June 24. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org.

Oswego's outdoor concert venue will host Midwestern band Red Wanting Blue at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 22.

Isle a la Cache Museum hosts a drop-in for a self-guided exploration of the campus on Sunday, June 22. Visit the 18th century-era Traders Cabin or peek inside the Native American longhouse.

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County will host a "Rusty Rodeo" to collect rusty crayfish, an invasive species, from waterways.

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County will provide an educational program on cicadas Tuesday, June 18.

Kane County Forest Preserve District has a variety of different shelters, lodges and campsites available for use this season.

Kendall County Forest Preserve District has a variety of different shelters, bunkhouses and campsites available for use this season.

The market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County family event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday in Romeoville celebrates pollinators and the special role they play in our lives. Admission is free.

Summer is heating up. Here is where you can go to cool off this weekend in Will County

Lance Beatch transforms former Hide-A-Way-Lakes into the upscale Fox Bluff campsite and revitalizes Pearl Lake Beach.

Local artists can pick up their blank banners and bags of paint from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday in the St. Charles municipal building parking lot. Artists should look for the white car with flowers on it. Banners can also be purchased on the arts council website.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources sponsors one weekend each summer to sample fishing without requiring a fishing license.

Morton Arboretum in Lisle gives Joliet a $216,519 grant to expand tree inventory.

Commissioners point to popularity of preserves.

The bond plan would cost $9 a year for the owner of a $300,000 home, who actually will see an 18.5% reduction in total forest preserve taxes because previous bonds have been paid off, according to the district.

Fox Valley Park District’s eight-week concert series, Live & Uncorked, is set to begin this Thursday.

Viburnum leaf beetle was first reported in the Chicagoland area in 2013. Within two years, it was regularly reported to the Morton Arboretu

Kendall County Forest Preserve District will present a cicada-related event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at Hoover Forest Preserve.

Pickleball courts can be found across Will County including at park district sites in Joliet, Lockport and Plainfield as well as the Four Seasons Park in Shorewood.

Forest preserves throughout Will County offer opportunities to get onto the water and experience nature up close. Kayak Kollege programs will be scheduled throughout the summer.

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County's Youth Kayak Fishing Program will provide new opportunities to youth.

Plenty of special events and theme days are on deck at both Otter Cove Aquatic Park and Swanson Pool to kick off the season.

Sally Wieclaw of New Lenox was named 2023 Volunteer of the Year during the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s annual banquet in April.

Those in the suburbs can take full advantage of the rare occurrence by participating in contests and events that teach about the insects and celebrate them.