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The Nature Foundation of Will County’s Plein Air Painting Fundraiser Date: Sunday, August 30 Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fee: $50.00 Age: Ages 21 and older. Contact: 815-722-2022 Location: Goodenow Grove, Meadowlark Shelter Event details Whether you paint regularly or want a little guidance from professional artist, DON’T miss this! We’re partnering with Crete Creative to help you connect with nature (and each other) through art. Leave inspired by the stunning scenery and beautiful wildlife. Thanks to our sponsor, Earthrise Energy, we'll provide everything you need to have a great experience painting outdoors in the open air! Registration includes all painting supplies and light refreshments, including adult beverages. Registration ends Thursday, August 27.

(Photo by Anthony Schalk) Cast a line, spend some time on the water, enjoy the solitude of nature or gather with friends and family at Monee Reservoir. The Nature Foundation of Will County is proud to direct its investments to help enhance the site. The Nature Foundation’s support helps make Monee Reservoir a popular destination for visitors all year long, said Heather Van Zyl, the Forest Preserve District’s facility supervisor at Monee Reservoir. “It really helps fast track some of our dreams,” Heather said of the Foundation’s support. “We have big ideas, but big ideas take time and money, so it’s really great when we can find projects that align with the goals of the Foundation, which I feel is really representing some community goals.” With a 46-acre lake at the forefront, Monee Reservoir shines in the summertime. It’s among the Forest Preserve’s premier fishing destinations, and is also the only spot in the Will County preserves with a full selection of boat rentals — canoes, kayaks, rowboats - even pedalboats. Guests can launch their own boats, too! “It’s a great place to have a first-time experience or a weekly experience and be able to try some new things,” Heather said. In addition to the lake, the site includes a 1.66-mile natural surface trail that leads people to some of the quieter corners of the preserve, including wetlands and areas of prairies lined with woodlands. Visitors might be surprised by the amount of wildlife they see along the trail. Heather said they’ve seen herons, egrets, muskrats and even a couple of river otters. The lake is a great place to see migrating ducks and other waterfowl that only visit during the winter. Grab a seat on any of the benches across the preserve to enjoy the scenery and tranquility of the site. Some benches are even available to commemorate special people or occasions through the Bench Donation Program. In 2025, a shade structure was installed next to the visitor center for guests to get a break from the sun. The project, which was funded with a $50,000 gift from Earthrise Energy, was complemented this year with accessible tables and landscaping surrounding the area. Heather said the addition of the shade structure helps the space feel more complete and inviting, and allows people to linger and enjoy the preserve for longer. The covered patio also helps creates a more enjoyable setting for public programs at Monee Reservoir. “I think it really sends a message that the building is a place to visit and a spot where people belong,” she said. Inside the visitor center, people can access the concession stand and relax while enjoying the view of the busy bird feeders right outside the windows. Heather said they also supply a number of games and crafts for kids. With all the amenities the preserve provides, plus easy access to recreation and nature, Monee Reservoir is a popular spot for gatherings big and small at the site’s picnic grove and two picnic shelters. The site features the Forest Preserve’s largest shelter, Bluegill Hill, which can accommodate up to 200 people. The preserve is a frequent stopping point for road cyclists in the area, and we provided funds to install a bike repair station for cyclists to perform quick fixes and adjustments on their pitstops at the preserve. The Forest Preserve’s annual National Night Out celebration is held at Monee Reservoir to promote police-community partnerships. The Forest Preserve Police Department invites officers from nearby agencies and other organizations to attend this family-friendly event. We’ll be there! Stop by for an up close look at emergency vehicles, take a kayak out on the water, participate in fun activities, enjoy snacks and more at this year’s, National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

From left to right are Forest Preserve Commissioner Dawn Bullock, Deputy Executive Director Adam Oestmann, Board President Judy Ogalla, Foundation Executive Director Tara Neff, Forest Preserve Board Vice President Destinee Ortiz, Commissioner Julie Berkowicz, Executive Director Tracy Chapman and Commissioner Elnalyn Costa. (Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock) From wetland restoration to a water bottle filling station, The Nature Foundation of Will County’s donations to the Forest Preserve District of Will County continue to enhance the preserves and visitor experiences. Foundation Executive Director Tara Neff presented a check for $104,500 to the Forest Preserve Board at its July 9 meeting. The donation will support the following projects and programs: $50,000 from the Foundation’s wetland restoration fund for wetland and upland buffer restoration work at Hickory Creek Preserve. $40,000 from the Citgo Caring For Our Coast program for Romeoville Prairie Nature Preserve restoration work. $10,000 from a ComEd Green Region program grant for work at Dellwood Park West and Lockport Prairie East Preserve. $1,000 from the Will County Land Use Department’s Resource Recovery and Energy Division to install a water bottle refill station and drinking fountain at Sugar Creek Preserve. $3,500 for booklets and hiking medallions for the Woods Walk challenge, which begins Sept. 1. The preserves provide physical and mental health benefits to visitors, Neff said. But they also protect the environment. Forest preserves protect biodiversity, store carbon to regulate the climate, filter stormwater to prevent flooding and improve air quality. “Protecting (the preserves) isn’t just about beauty,” Neff said. “It’s about safeguarding the very systems that keep us healthy.”