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Hiking

Spring Beauties at Raccoon Grove.
‘Where the Wildflowers Are’ Spring Hikes Series Underway

Mar 29, 2024

The Forest Preserve District of Will County is hosting an ongoing series of Where the Wildflowers Are hikes at multiple locations to showcase the bounty of beautiful flowers that bloom in the preserves.

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A snowy trail through the woods.
Winter Night Hikes Offer Unique Way to Commune With Nature

Jan 31, 2024 ● By Sheryl DeVore

On cold winter’s night in February, instead of staying snuggled warm indoors watching television and playing computer games, chose to walk beneath the full moon.

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Natural Awakenings Magazine Chicago edition cover with a woman holding a snowball in the sahpe of a heart.
Natural Awakenings Chicago ~ February 2024

Jan 31, 2024

Enjoy articles from our February 2024 Issue

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Snow boots hiking in the snow.
Stress-Free Hike for Women at Four Rivers in Channahon

Oct 31, 2023

These women-only events are a great way to get outside for a quick, mindful fitness walk amid the holiday season and let the cool air lead to calmness.

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Someone holding a phone next to a trail sign.
Forest Preserve Launches Take It Outside Campaign

Feb 27, 2023

Participants will be asked to take photos at specific spots, use the app to check in at trailheads and other preserve locations, hike to a preselected spot in a preserve or correctly answer trivia questions.

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People hiking on a trail.
Take the Will County Triple Crown Hiking Challenge

Feb 27, 2023

Participants must hike the 22-mile Wauponsee Glacial Trail, 14 miles of Old Plank Road Trail, in Will County, and 13 miles of the I&M Canal State Trail from McKinley Woods to Brandon Road.

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Coral Woods in McHenry County in winter
Winter Hikes Provide Exercise and Nature Exposure

Dec 30, 2022 ● By Sheryl DeVore

Here are some winter hiking tips and suggestions on where to go.

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A person doing a fall hike on a trail.
Hike Lake County Challenge Begins

Aug 17, 2022

The Lake County Forest Preserves has a challenge – head to the trails to participate in the Hike Lake County program while enjoying fall breezes and autumn colors.

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A man and son out for a hike.
Forest Preserve Bilingual Hike, Cleanup Event for Latino Conservation Week

Jul 13, 2022

Celebrate Latino Conservation Week with the Forest Preserve District of Will County by taking part in a Bilingual Hike and Cleanup event on Saturday, July 23.

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A hiking trail
Guided Nature Hikes Offer a Sneak-Peek at Spring

Mar 31, 2022 ● By Sheryl DeVore

As the natural world re-awakens in April, local forest preserves offer guided hikes for the public to witness the signs of a new season and get some exercise.

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A wintery forest scene
Have a Nordic New Year

Dec 30, 2021

The Forest Preserve District of Will County will present three programs that tap into the Scandinavian traditions of embracing and enhancing the outdoors, regardless of the weather.

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Milkweed pods starting to open
Discovering Nature in November

Oct 29, 2021 ● By Sheryl DeVore

November can seem gloomy as flowers and leaves turn brown and drop to the ground. But there’s plenty to see, enjoy and learn from nature in gratitude and joy this month in the Chicago area.

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Conversation: The Start of Climate Action

Oct 31, 2019

No icebreakers were necessary. The artists and scientists gathered on a warm, late-summer day at Indiana Dunes National Park were eager to dive in. They met, learned about each other’s work, hiked and talked.

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January 2025 Issue

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January 2025 Natural Awakenings Chicago cover
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