Forked Creek Preserve

06/16/2026

Rain, rain go away, as the old saying goes. But we need the rain, so you may need to have a few tricks up your sleeve to keep yourself entertained on those rainy days when the great outdoors doesn't feel very hospitable.

When the rain simply won't go away, head inside to play. The Forest Preserve District's four year-round visitor centers all offer an escape from Mother Nature when she is sending you a clear message to stay indoors.

06/09/2026

Oyster mushrooms may look harmless, but they have a surprisingly carnivorous side.

06/02/2026

While the Forest Preserve will work to protect the creek, the mussels also will be improving the water quality for aquatic life by acting as natural filters. They draw in water through siphon tubes, removing nutrients, microscopic organisms and pollutants before releasing cleaner water back into the stream.

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.

04/28/2026

If you’re looking to lighten your chore list this spring, cross mowing your lawn off your to-do list, at least for the month of May. Why? For the bees.

Participating in No Mow May isn't just a way to cut down on your yardwork for a month. You'll be helping bees and other essential insects too.

04/24/2026

Can you name this ?

04/21/2026

If the movie "Snakes on a Plane" was enough to keep you up at night, it may be alarming to learn there are snakes in the world that are capable of flying on their own, moving from tree to tree in the forest without ever touching the ground.

Forget "Snakes on a Plane." There are snakes in Asia that can fly without any help from an aircraft.

03/24/2026

Before you pull out the chainsaw and pruning tools, you might want to give your trees a good once-over to ensure they aren't housing any active squirrel or bird nests.

The trees may still be dormant at this time of year, but they could still be full of life. If you're planning to trim or prune your trees, make sure to give them a good once over to check for active squirrel and bird nests.

03/17/2026

Ever notice that bump on an American white pelican’s bill? During breeding season, they grow a temporary “horn” to attract a mate, and then shed it when the season ends.

(Photo courtesy of Joe Viola)

American white pelicans make their presence known in Will County twice a year, so get to know more about these biannual visitors in our creature feature.

03/10/2026

Males will start performing this "sky dance" right around the time they arrive and will continue through most of the spring.

Now is the time to see American woodcocks out in the preserves, and there's a lot to love about these birds — from the males' elaborate courtship ritual to their cute nicknames.

03/03/2026

Historically, barred owls have lived across much of the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. More recently, they have begun to expand their range into the Pacific Northwest. They don't migrate and usually stay very close to their home territory. Look and listen for them in mature woodlands. It is believed that they prefer old forests because the food supply is more diverse and there are more available nesting cavities in old tree trunks.

(Photo courtesy of Chad Morsch)

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