The Nature Foundation of Will County

08/25/2026

We help create meaningful nature experiences for visitors of all ages throughout the year at the Forest Preserve District’s Plum Creek Nature Center. Our support brings traveling exhibits to the nature center and enhances the outdoor bird-feeding station to expand birding opportunities. We strengthen outdoor programs and field trip experiences by providing funds for staff to select and purchase high-quality, youth-friendly equipment such as binoculars and dip nets. We also help take care of Plum Creek’s three popular animal ambassadors: Penny the ball python, Lilo the box turtle and Bluey the blue-tongued skink.

There’s no wrong time of year to visit the Forest Preserve District’s Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve and Plum Creek Nature Center, and The Nature Foundation of Will County is proud to support this year-round destination where visitors of all ages can have meaningful nature experiences throughout...

08/21/2026

What’s blooming now: Tall coreopsis is bringing bright yellow blooms to prairies! This Illinois native can grow several feet tall, with yellow, daisy-like flowers rising above the surrounding vegetation. Its flowers provide an important source of nectar and pollen for native bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Tall coreopsis continues to benefit wildlife after its flowers fade. Its seeds provide food for birds, and like other native prairie plants, it contributes to a diverse and healthy ecosystem. Look for tall coreopsis blooming in sunny prairies and other open natural areas this month!

(Photos by Anthony Schalk)

08/17/2026

Whether you’re an experienced painter or just ready to try something new, don’t miss this outdoor art experience! Thanks to Earthrise Energy, we’ll provide everything you need to paint in the open air. Registration includes all painting supplies, light refreshments and adult beverages.

Registration ends Thursday, August 27.

We’re partnering with Crete Creative to help you connect with nature (and each other) through art.

08/14/2026

If you spot a butterfly that shimmers blue in the summer sunlight, it might be a red-spotted purple.

Despite its name, this butterfly is mostly black, with shimmering blue on its wings and orange-red spots that are especially noticeable on the underside. It's often mistaken for a swallowtail, but unlike swallowtails, it doesn't have the long tails on its wings.

Red-spotted purples are commonly found along woodland trails and forest edges, where they feed on tree sap, overripe fruit and occasionally flower nectar. Their caterpillars depend on native trees — especially black cherry — to complete their life cycle, showing just how important healthy forests are for butterflies.

(Photos by Glenn P. Knoblock)

08/11/2026

“I worked hard to capture this photo, but not as hard as these bees,” she said. “They are so valuable and precious. Now my 4-year-old son is learning how valuable honeybees and bumblebees are to our planet.”

Nancy "Gaby" Valladolid snapped July's winning shot at Isle a la Cache preserve. The contest continues through Dec. 31.

08/06/2026

Did a flash of brilliant blue catch your eye? It might have been an indigo bunting. Male indigo buntings are among our most colorful summer residents. Their brilliant blue feathers shimmer in the sunlight as they sing from the tops of shrubs, young trees and fence posts along prairies and woodland edges. These small songbirds spend the summer raising their young before migrating to Central and South America for the winter. They depend on healthy habitats with native plants that provide seeds for adults and insects to feed their chicks.

08/05/2026

The good news? Getting started is easier than you might think. If you've been wanting to try kayaking, Monee Reservoir is the perfect place to begin. Its calm waters are ideal for first-time paddlers, and kayak rentals are available, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure.

08/04/2026

Summer's not over yet! Stop by the Forest Preserve’s final Fun & Food Trucks event at Forked Creek Preserve – Forsythe Woods on Friday, Aug. 7, from 5-8 p.m. This fun-filled evening offers great food, live music by Zach Foster and family fun. The Grill's Tacos and Lil' Deb's will be on site for food fare, and you can grab a craft beer from Route 66 Brewing. The first 150 visitors will receive a free double scoop of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, courtesy of Old National Bank! Bring the family, invite your friends and spend a summer evening surrounded by nature, good food and great company. Plus, our donors can stop by our hospitality tent for complimentary snacks and beverages – just let us know you’re attending. 😉 See you there >>> https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/event-calendar/fun-food-trucks-forked-creek-2026.

07/31/2026

One of Illinois' most stunning native wildflowers is putting on a show. Cardinal flower produces scarlet-red blooms from midsummer into early fall, brightening wetlands and other moist habitats throughout our region. These striking flowers aren't just beautiful — they're an important nectar source for ruby-throated hummingbirds and late-season butterflies. Their long, tubular blooms are perfectly shaped for hummingbirds, making it one of their favorite native plants.