The Nature Foundation of Will County has been awarded a $10,000 grant to fund restoration work that will protect globally rare and endangered plant species and enhance habitat for vital pollinators. The grant will fund habitat restoration work on 59 acres at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Lockport Prairie East Preserve and the adjacent Dellwood Park West, which is owned and managed by the Lockport Township Park District. It was awarded by the Green Region Grant program, which aims to help northern Illinois communities plan, expand and restore open spaces. It is administered through a partnership between ComEd and Openlands. Both Lockport Prairie East and Dellwood Park West are home to rare dolomite prairie habitat and several endangered and rare plant species only grow in this specific habitat, said Chris Hanley, restoration ecologist for the Forest Preserve District. The restoration work will help support leafy prairie clover (Dalea foliosa), which is federally and state endangered, and slender sandwort (Minuartia patula) which is state endangered. The site also supports a variety of pollinating insects. In 2024, a federally endangered insect was spotted at Lockport Prairie East, the first time the species had been spotted in the Will County preserves in many decades. The discovery underscores the importance of controlling and removing invasive species to support the diverse native plant species that make this such a high-quality natural area. The grant will fund herbicide treatments and prescribed fire to remove invasive plants, Chris said. The final step of the project is supplemental seeding. Work began this year and will continue through winter 2027. “Funding from grant programs such as these is extremely helpful and important to the work we do,” Chris said. “They help to ensure we are protecting our highest quality and most sensitive natural areas and allow us to expand our management footprint.” Because Lockport Prairie East and Dellwood Park West are contiguous, the site is treated as one project area. Restoration work is completed under a cooperative agreement with the Lockport Township Park District, with the Forest Preserve overseeing land management and the Park District providing financial support. “This collaboration is key to protecting the federally listed species that make Lockport Prairie East and Dellwood Park West their home,” Chris said. The Forest Preserve District received Green Region Grants twice previously. In 2018, it received the grant for tallgrass prairie restoration at Prairie Bluff Preserve, and in 2014 the grant funded trail and habitat enhancements at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve. Through grants such as these, The Nature Foundation helps the Forest Preserve District stretch its dollars — and its impact. These additional funds help the Forest Preserve protect these high-quality natural areas for future generations to enjoy.

(Photo by Anthony Schalk) 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 every season. Situated on the far east side of Will County, the preserve is a go-to destination to enjoy nature and learn more about it, a task made easy at the nature center. The trails and nature center are open year-round. There’s actually more to do when the weather turns cold, said Heather Van Zyl, the Forest Preserve District’s facility supervisor. The large hill outside the nature center becomes a hotspot for sledding after a good snowfall, and when the mercury drops low enough, visitors can even ice skate on Snapper Pond. Ever wonder what you might do at the preserve or nature center during the winter? Heather says, “The same things we do now but in warmer clothes.” Visitors are encouraged to visit often to take advantage of the free programs, events and exhibits and to enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons. “I hope that people who come to Plum Creek are able to meet their goal, whether that’s recreating or education or just finding a safe, peaceful place.” She said some people pop in for just a few minutes to get a map or a trail recommendation while others linger a bit, to check out the exhibits or relax in the bird observation area. Our support helps the nature center in several ways. First, the bird observation area serves as an exhibit space, and the Foundation often provides financial support to bring traveling exhibits to the site. “That’s always an amazing opportunity because it brings different people to us for different reasons,” Heather said. The Foundation also provides financial resources to enhance the outdoor bird-feeding area, which improves birding opportunities throughout the year. We help expand educational opportunities for students who visit the site for field trips. Staff use funds we provide to purchase high-quality, youth-friendly equipment such as binoculars, and even launched a new field trip on birding, a program teachers requested. The Foundation also contributes to help care for the nature center’s three animal ambassadors, Penny the ball python, Lilo the box turtle and Bluey the blue-tongued skink, “our most popular coworkers,” Heather joked. The preserve itself is special in a lot of ways. Prior to the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s purchase of the land in the 1970s it served as a Scout camp. In 2025, the District added nearly 500 acres to the preserve, a parcel they had been interested in acquiring since the 1970s. Today, at 1,411 acres, it is the District’s second largest preserve. Only Hickory Creek Preserve covers more acreage. Multiple trails crisscross the land, plus the preserve provides access to the Plum Creek Greenway Trail, which passes right behind the nature center. Across its expansive acreage, the habitat is varied, including woodlands, prairies, wetlands and more, said Jessica Quinn, the Forest Preserve District’s natural resource management coordinator. The diverse habitat supports several species, including endangered and threatened animal and plant species as well as species of greatest conservation need. The Forest Preserve District has been conducting large-scale land management at Goodenow Grove for more than a decade, Jessica said. “Because Jan Heideman included The Nature Foundation in her estate plans, we can contribute funds to help accelerate the ecological improvements at Goodenow Grove,” said Tara Neff, The Nature Foundation’s executive director. The Nature Foundation offers opportunities for residents to leave their own lasting mark on the preserve through its commemorative tree and bench program, which offers benches for adoption at preserves including Goodenow Grove. We enhance and accelerate the Forest Preserve District’s preservation, conservation, education, and recreation goals through philanthropy. You can help. Make your gift today!

(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.

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.”

(Photo by Meghan McMahon) The Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Hidden Oaks Preserve in Bolingbrook offers numerous indoor and outdoor opportunities to learn about, explore and connect with nature. The Nature Foundation of Will County is proud to support the programs and activities that enhance visitor experiences. Our support is felt across the Preserve campus, which is home to the nature center and Hidden Lakes Trout Farm and connects to Whalon Lake by a foot path. Inside the Hidden Oaks Nature Center, visitors can learn about wildlife that lives in Illinois and beyond by interacting with its resident reptiles and amphibians. Outside, a bird-feeding station bustles with birds as well as a few visitors of the furry variety. “We’ve provided funds for Forest Preserve staff to purchase STEM/STEAM educational supplies and equipment that can be used for field trips and public programs and interpretive and informational signs and other amenities that enhance the visitor experiences at Hidden Oaks,” said Tara Neff, executive director of The Nature Foundation. We also secured funds from the Vulcan Materials Company Foundation to install native plant gardens near the nature center and to stock fish in advance of the popular fishing derbies at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm. “Collectively, this support helps take the visitor experience to the next level,” said Angie Opiola, Hidden Oaks facility supervisor. “These tangibles provide the link or pathways into the hearts of the visitors,” she said. “These opportunities are made possible by The Nature Foundation and its generous donors,” she added. Hidden Oaks is the Forest Preserve District’s newest nature center, having been acquired from the Bolingbrook Park District in 2022. The commitment to the community began even before the nature center underwent extensive renovations, closing it to the public from winter 2024 to spring 2025. From the start, Angie said Forest Preserve staff opened a dialogue with the community about what they like about the nature center and what improvements they would like to see. In the early days, they also hosted art exhibits with local groups and collaborated with the village, Park District and The Conservation Foundation on events and programs. “We wanted to be a friendly, familiar face to families and community members,” Angie said. “It was important to us that they consider us an asset and a valuable resource within the neighborhood.” Hosting art exhibits remains a constant at the nature center, and we recently invited donors to a special VIP reception with artist Elizabeth Schnura, whose oil paintings are on display in the “Big Helpers: Mutualism Magnified” exhibit through July 19. During the reception, Liz talked about her paintings and her process as well as how she is inspired by all the things she sees in nature. Afterward, she mingled with donors and guests as they explored the exhibit and the nature center. Bob and Caroline Lewis were among those in attendance, thrilled at the opportunity to see another Forest Preserve art exhibit and hear directly from the artist about her work. The Lewises have lived near Whalon Lake since before it was a forest preserve, and Bob, a Forest Preserve volunteer, has walked their dogs at Whalon Lake and Hidden Oaks for decades. “We like participating in the events that they have here, especially the arts,” Bob said. Giving people many reasons to visit the Preserve is all part of the plan. Whether people come to check out the latest exhibit, spend time watching the animal ambassadors or spend the day fishing, staff engage people in different ways to help them foster reverence and respect for the natural world. “You learn by playing and doing and trying on and touching,” Angie said. “By the time you are done, you are exhausted but full of knowledge you may not have been aware of.” Keeping visitors engaged and connected is just one of the ways our impact is felt around Hidden Oaks. With our support, they can purchase the materials and supplies that allow people to have new, ever-changing experiences — and keep coming back. “We love when we hook people,” Angie said. “So many of our patrons are returning customers who cannot get enough of us. The nature center is always fresh and new with no shortage of new natural discoveries to explore.” Up next, continuing its commitment to bringing fresh and new exhibits to the nature center, the Forest Preserve is opening, “Hummingbirds in Motion: Zarinelli Art,” on August 1. It shows the work of local artist and actor Jeff C. Zarinelli, whose painting technique captures the essence of life through old masters’ techniques. We hope you’ll take the opportunity to visit the preserve and check it out!

Fishing derbies have become a time-honored tradition at the Forest Preserve District of Will County, and The Nature Foundation of Will County helps support the summertime fun thanks to its continued partnership with the Vulcan Materials Company Foundation. This year, Vulcan Materials Company Foundation provided $6,000 to stock fish prior to each of the three derbies scheduled at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm at Hidden Oaks Preserve. The season opened with an adult fishing derby in May, and a kid’s fishing derby was held in June. The final Summer Sendoff fishing derby for all ages will be held on Saturday, September 19. Financial support from the Vulcan Foundation fits with the company’s focus on bolstering environmental and civic projects that support environmental stewardship; education; arts and culture; civic and community; and health and human services organizations, said Rose Moffett, community relations coordinator for the company. “We focus our support on programs and partnerships that help communities thrive,” Rose said, adding that the Foundation has contributed more than $16 million to such organizations over the past five years. The investment from Vulcan Materials ensures the popular fishing derbies are fruitful for anglers of all ages. Stocking the ponds is imperative for the popular fishing spot, said Angie Opiola, the facility supervisor at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm. “Hidden Lakes is comprised of relatively shallow manmade ponds, and the fishing pressure we see is tremendous,” she said, explaining why stocking is necessary for successful derbies. Vulcan Materials, the United States’ largest producer of construction aggregates, operates a plant in Bolingbrook that is adjacent to Hidden Oaks Preserve and Whalon Lake. Rose said supporting neighbors such as the Forest Preserve is core to “the Vulcan Way — doing the right thing, the right way, at the right time.” “We value supporting organizations that make a positive impact on the community,” Rose said. “Being an active, engaged corporate citizen and a good neighbor is how we operate.” The $6,000 provided for this year’s fishing derbies is just the most recent donation in the relationship between The Nature Foundation and Vulcan Materials Company Foundation. Last year, Vulcan provided $5,000 to install native plants gardens with interpretive signs at Hidden Oaks Nature Center and previous support helped install benches and other amenities at Whalon Lake. Angie said support The Nature Foundation brings to the District from partners like Vulcan Materials is a bonus because it enhances opportunities and experiences for visitors. At the fishing derbies, that means the $5 entry fee includes bait, giveaways and snacks for all anglers plus the chance to win prizes by reeling in one of the biggest fish caught. “It allows us to do more with our dollars,” Angie said. “People are always so grateful.” The Nature Foundation supports the District’s preservation, conservation, education and recreation priorities and you can, too! Make your tax-deductible gift today.

Forest Preserve Board President Judy Ogalla (left) and Forest Preserve Executive Director Tracy Chapman (right) present Scott Mortensen with his 2025 Volunteer of the Year award. (Photo by Anthony Schalk) Supporting the Forest Preserve District’s volunteer services program is one of the many ways The Nature Foundation of Will County helps give people more of what they love about the preserves. In 2025, volunteers donated more than 12,750 hours of service to the Forest Preserve, allowing the District to expand its habitat restoration efforts and connect with more people through educational and recreational programs and events. In addition to helping with corporate workdays and securing funds for volunteer supplies, we provide volunteer site stewards with grants through our Restore Will County program. Since 2017, we have awarded nearly $30,000 through the program. This year, three grants were awarded. Site steward Scott Mortensen received $500 to purchase supplies and equipment he needs for restoration work at Hickory Creek Preserve, site steward John Fuqua received $500 to purchase native seed for the restoration work he’s conducting at Hammel Woods and the Forest Preserve District’s natural resource management crews received $2,000 to support various volunteer restoration projects. Scott, who was named the Forest Preserve’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year, has been a volunteer since 2000. As a site steward, his focus has been to control invasive species like honeysuckle and autumn olive as well as some buckthorn. He said he will use his Restore Will County grant to purchase chainsaw chains, bars and gloves to help “free the oaks” by removing small trees growing under large oaks so they have more space to grow. “The Restore Will County grant greatly helps stewards with the cost of equipment, equipment repairs, PPE (personal protective equipment) and supplies we need to accomplish our tasks,” Scott said. Scott is one of a dozen volunteer site stewards. These dedicated volunteers generally perform at least 40 hours a year to their projects at preserves across the county, said Julie Bozzo, recreation crew leader and volunteer liaison for the Forest Preserve District. “The dedication of site stewards is an incredible asset. We are fortunate to own the vast amount of land that we do, but our crew and contractors only have so much bandwidth,” Julie said. “Being able to ask site stewards to handle smaller projects in high-propriety areas increases the amount of restoration effort being made in our preserves. In doing so, many stewards also interact with the public and help spread the word about the important work that we do.” Julie will use the Forest Preserve District’s grant to purchase native seed to spread in areas where volunteers conduct restoration work. She is also encouraging more volunteers to get trained to support the District’s prescribed burn program, and hopes to replenish essential supplies like fire gloves and personal protective equipment. “In 2025, volunteers donated 2,200 hours of work to the natural resource management team. They helped the Forest Preserve District do more, made it fun, and kept it safe. They are all our partners in protecting nature and we are happy to support their work,” said Tara Neff, executive director of the Foundation. The Forest Preserve District offers a huge range of volunteer opportunities throughout the year. You can help them accomplish more by volunteering as much or as little as you like. Learn how to get involved here.

Pictured from left to right are Forest Preserve Executive Director Tracy Chapman, Forest Preserve Board President Judy Ogalla, Foundation Executive Director Tara Neff, and Forest Preserve and Foundation board members Julie Berkowicz and Dawn Bullock. (Photo by Anthony Schalk) The Nature Foundation of Will County donated $55,545 to the Forest Preserve District of Will County on May 14 to support preserve restoration, public programs, exhibits and visitor amenities across Will County. Foundation Executive Director Tara Neff presented the check to the Forest Preserve District’s Board of Commissioners at its May 14 meeting. “The Nature Foundation works all year long to bring funds and friends to the Forest Preserve District to supplement the budget,” Neff said. “We write grants, secure funds that are sometimes only available to 501(c)(3) organizations and can offer charitable tax benefits to our donors.” The donation included funds from the Foundation’s year-end fundraising campaign, business sponsorships, philanthropic organizations and corporate volunteer groups. The year-end fundraising campaign raised: $8,000 for Adirondack chairs, hat shop supplies and exhibit equipment for Isle a la Cache Museum $8,000 for signs at Hidden Oaks Preserve $2,000 for the Forest Preserve’s natural resource management crews for volunteer workdays; funding is provided through the Foundation's Restore Will County grant program. $3,525 for exhibit rental deposits at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center Business sponsorships included $11,500 from Old National Bank for the Fun & Food Trucks series and from Vulcan Materials Company for fishing derbies at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm. The Sgt. Thomas M. Gilbert Memorial Foundation contributed $4,150 for equipment and supplies for environmental education and public programs at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Corporate groups also contributed $3,108 and volunteer hours through Neuco, Target Corporation and Goldman Sachs. The Foundation also received $15,270 from the estate of Jan Heideman to help fund restoration work at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve in Crete Township. This was the final installment of the gift. “Her estate plan provided a total of over $300,000 to take care of a place she loved,” Neff said.“Her gift provided conservation with an extra $25,000 a year for about 14 years.”

(Photo by Anthony Schalk) The Forest Preserve District of Will County is dedicated to connecting people with nature, but at a few select preserves, it’s the region’s cultural history that is at the forefront. One such preserve, Isle a la Cache, includes the Forest Preserve District’s only museum. The Nature Foundation of Will County funds Forest Preserve projects and initiatives that protect nature, inspire discovery and bring people and nature together, and the Isle a la Cache campus in Romeoville is no exception. In fact, since 2015, The Nature Foundation has provided almost $85,000 in financial support to add a pollinator garden and make other facility improvements; fund exhibits; add to archival collections and storage; provide equipment and supplies for nature education; and provide animal care for their state-endangered Blanding’s turtles as well as a hybrid box turtle. “Because of that support, we’re able to create more engaging exhibits and continue improving the space in ways that feel meaningful and welcoming to our guests,” said Jen Guest, the facility supervisor at Isle a la Cache Museum. The museum, which is always free to visitors, focuses on the cultural and natural history of the Des Plaines River locally, with an emphasis on the 18th-century French voyageurs and Potawatomi who traded in the area. “The river has always been a hub of human activity,” Jen said of the museum’s focus on the Des Plaines River. “Before we had roads, this was basically the highway to get anywhere.” Recognizing its significance to both Will County’s cultural and natural history, the Forest Preserve District acquired the property in the 1980s and converted a restaurant/pub into what is the Isle a la Cache Museum today, said Forest Preserve District Executive Director Tracy Chapman. “This geographic and cultural importance, including its ties to French fur traders and Indigenous Peoples, made it a valuable property to preserve,” Tracy said. Because Isle a la Cache is the Forest Preserve District’s only museum, it adds another layer to how staff connect with visitors, Jen said. While other Forest Preserve visitor centers primarily help people connect with the natural world, staff at Isle a la Cache get to build on that by weaving in different perspectives. “We tend to lean into storytelling, helping visitors understand not just the landscape, but the people connected to it, like the Potawatomi,” Jen said. The museum’s permanent exhibits include interpretive panels about the site and region’s history as well as interactive elements, and it typically hosts several new exhibitions throughout the year, often with financial support from The Nature Fondation of Will County. Exhibits we are sponsoring in 2026 include the “I Am Not a Costume!” Story Exhibit, which ended April 12; the “Our Storytellers” basket weaving exhibit, which opens July 1; and “The Stick” traveling exhibition, which opens Sept. 23. “The museum is set up for play and exploration so you can engage with the exhibits in a more interactive way,” Jen said. Because the site is rich in both natural and cultural resources, it allows the Forest Preserve to broaden its focus and offer new opportunities to the public, Tracy said. “This specialized focus aligns directly with the District’s mission to protect and enhance both natural and cultural resources for the benefit of current and future generations,” Tracy said. “As a result, the museum serves as an important educational resource that broadens the District’s interpretive offerings beyond natural history alone.” This year, Isle a la Cache Museum was included in the state’s Passport to Illinois program that commemorates America’s 250th anniversary. Passport to Illinois encourages people to visit more than 60 monuments, museums, memorials, parks and historic markers across Illinois to learn about the people, places and events that uplift the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence: equality, freedom and the pursuit of happiness. As part of the initiative, people can pick up a passport from participating sites, including Isle a la Cache Museum, or download one online and then document the sites they visit. Jen hopes that being part of the Passport to Illinois program will introduce the museum to new people and showcase all it has to offer to those who might not have otherwise discovered it. “I think it really speaks to how unique the site is,” she said. “You have this combination of cultural history, especially the fur trade and Native American connections, along with a really beautiful natural setting along the Des Plaines River. It’s not something you find everywhere, especially in an area like this.” We encourage you to stop by the museum to see this special and significant part of Will County’s natural and cultural heritage.

Ellen Green poses in front of her Wild Birds Unlimited store in Joliet. (Photo by Anthony Schalk) If you ask Ellen Green why she supports and serves The Nature Foundation of Will County, she’ll tell you it wouldn’t make sense not to. Ellen, of Bolingbrook, joined the Foundation’s Board as its newest member in 2025, but she was no stranger to our work, having become acquainted with the Foundation through the years in a few ways. She co-owns the Wild Birds Unlimited shop in Joliet with her mother and has been a vendor at our native plant sales and the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s events. More importantly, though, Ellen and her family are big supporters of the Forest Preserve District. “My family personally enjoys what the Forest Preserve has to offer, and a lot of what the Forest Preserve has to offer is in direct relation to The Nature Foundation because they help provide that,” she said. “Being a part of that is really cool for me.” Ellen said she, her husband and their two sons enjoy fishing at Whalon Lake and Hidden Oaks Preserve and hiking and exploring the outdoors in general. As a kid, she was in Girl Scouts, and she values the foundation those experiences provided for developing a lifelong curiosity about nature and love for the outdoors. “Being around nature has always been a thing for me. It’s always been a part of who I am, what I do,” she said. “I’m a big animal lover, from the littles to the bigs.” Birds and birding are the focus of her professional life, and they are a personal passion as well. Ellen said her love for birds began as a child, when she helped her grandmother fill their bird feeders. For her, that love never died.  She hopes everyone finds something in nature they look at with the same wide-eyed wonder they had as children. We support the Forest Preserve District’s programs and initiatives that protect nature, inspire discovery and bring people and nature together – which ties in nicely with her work at Wild Birds Unlimited. She wants what’s best for birds and is committed to supporting organizations that educate people about their importance for healthy habitats and ecosystems. For her efforts to protect bird populations through education and conservation, Ellen was awarded Wild Birds Unlimited’s Save the Song Birds Hero award in her first year of owning the shop. “For me, it just made sense that I spend more time working with organizations that directly provide habitat and manage habitat and education because that’s huge here at the store too,” she said. “I think one of the most beautiful things about our customers is how much they genuinely care. They genuinely care about the birds, they genuinely care about the squirrels, they genuinely care about the insects that are in their yard.” Ellen loves that birds are often a gateway for people to grow in their love and appreciation for nature and all it offers. “You can really awaken a sleeping giant just by taking them on a bird walk,” she said. As the Foundation’s newest board member, she said she’s just getting her feet wet but is eager to bring her energy and enthusiasm to the organization. She sits on the fundraising committee and is excited to grow in that role because it suits her and her strengths. “I’m not afraid to reach out to people,” she said. “One door closes, but there’s going to be five more doors I can open. I’m not afraid to do the work.” Since joining the board, Ellen has learned more about the Foundation’s mission and goals and now that she’s learned the ropes, is ready to roll up her sleeves - she has a lot to give. “I have tons of ideas and tons of drive to do things,” she said. “I am just an overflowing pot of energy.” We are so grateful to have Ellen, a natural collaborator and dedicated supporter, on our Board and look forward to putting her positive energy to good use.

(Photo by Lydia Pond) The Nature Foundation of Will County is helping expand outdoor learning opportunities at the Forest Preserve District’s Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbroo k, thanks to generous support from Sgt. Tommy’s Kids . “For the past four years, we’ve received support from the Sgt. Thomas M. Gilbert Memorial Foundation to help scale up youth programs and activities at the Forest Preserve District’s newly acquired nature center,” said Tara Neff, executive director of the Nature Foundation. “Through 2026, that support totals $15,850.” Sgt. Tommy’s Kids was founded in honor of Sgt. Thomas M. Gilbert, a fallen U.S. Marine from Downers Grove. From an early age, Tommy loved being outside, exploring nature, and he wanted all children to have the same opportunities he did. Their mission—to promote youth appreciation and education of the outdoors and to encourage kids to be active in nature—aligns with our core pillars. “Sgt. Tommy’s Kids funding came to Hidden Oaks at the perfect time,” said Suzy Lyttle, the nature center’s program coordinator. “As a new facility, we were starting fresh with almost everything. Creating starter kits for field trips, in-school programs, and public programs has been exciting, but also a financial challenge.” Our support enabled Hidden Oaks staff to purchase the tools and materials needed to begin offering field trips for schools and homeschool students in 2025 . The equipment also supports hands-on activities such as pond dipping, bug hunts, and snowshoeing, as well as a new program, Winging It! Birding 101 . In the program, students learn about bird adaptations and birding as a hobby before putting their new skills to the test on a guided birding hike. Providing each child with their own equipment is essential for creating hands-on and interactive experiences. “Kids love having a new tool to use, and they don’t necessarily want the toy version or the ‘kid’ version,” Suzy said. “If it’s the real deal that biologists use, that’s even cooler.” Encouraging children to spend time outdoors offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. And, the more time kids spend outside, the more comfortable and confident they become in natural settings. “Nature can be overwhelming for kids—it can be dirty, hot, cold, or windy,” Suzy said. “But learning how to adapt is important. Dress for the weather and be okay with being just a little uncomfortable.” Unplugging from technology can be uncomfortable, too. That’s why we support Forest Preserve District programs that inspire discovery. By partnering with organizations like Sgt. Tommy’s Kids, we hope more children and families get outside—and fall in love with nature.

We are proud to sponsor the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s popular Be a Trailblazer campaign to help connect people to everything the District has to offer — from programs and recreational opportunities to conservation efforts that protect land and improve ecosystems. “They’ll use our $7,500 gift to promote and incentivize participation in the campaign,” said Tara Neff, The Nature Foundation’s executive director. We treated participants to coffee, cocoa and cookies at Hickory Creek Junction so they could share feedback with District staff, swap stories and hit the trails to complete missions. An Campbell of Romeoville wore a sweatshirt she made to show people she meets on her adventures that she’s a Trailblazer.  She walks to achieve her health goals and the campaign keeps her motivated to get outside and explore the preserves. “I don't particularly like walking in cold weather, but I am competitive and am hooked since these challenges come with prizes,” she said, adding that she has walked at least 2 miles a day since September. Before participating in the challenges, An spent most of her time in the preserves close to her home. Now, she can’t wait to revisit the new places she’s discovered. Chad Merda, head of digital marketing strategy/engagement for the Forest Preserve District says they are well on their way to surpassing last year’s total of 2,000 participants. “It’s important to us to continue to attract new people of all age groups, particularly families with young children,” he said. “Studies show it’s important to expose children to nature early on if you want them to develop a lifelong appreciation of the outdoors, and the Trailblazer experience can help do that.” Elyse Bryla of Lemont says the memorable experiences she has with her kids make Be a Trailblazer special.  During their New Year’s Day hike along the Veterans Memorial Trail they stopped to watch a beaver – then saw a bald eagle flying just over their heads. “The looks on the boys' faces were pure awe. They were silent for a handful of seconds just watching the eagle soar over the river and land in a tree across from us, and then they started laughing and bouncing up and down with joy and excitement,” Elyse said. “It was amazing to see, and my heart felt so full that we got to share that moment.” This is the fourth year the Forest Preserve District has offered a digital scavenger hunt using the Goosechase app.  2026 marks the second year it’s been offered as Be A Trailblazer, an iteration that encourages participants to visit the preserves on their own schedules. “We’ve heard from people that they really enjoy the casual format, where it’s not a competition but they can do as much or as little as they want,” Chad said. “That’s really part of our goal, making this as enticing to as many people as we can so they can engage and interact with the Forest Preserve District how they want.” For Elyse, the missions add a sense of purpose and accomplishment. “My boys love the challenge of finding the spots and seeing who can find the most on the mission,” Elyse said. “We all feel restored after spending the time outside and have really enjoyed getting to preserves we may not have known about.” If you’re not already blazing a trail through the preserves, what are you waiting for?  It’s easy to join!  Download the Goosechase app and search for Be a Trailblazer or use join code JYBKK4.  See you in the preserves!