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Anglers hoping to make a big splash at the annual Hidden Lakes Trout Farm fishing derbies will get some help reeling in the big one thanks to The Nature Foundation with funds received from Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund.

The nature center, which was acquired by the Forest Preserve District of Will County in 2022, closed to the public in early 2024 to undergo a $2 million renovation designed to make the site a hub for education and exploration in northern Will County.

Since 2017, The Nature Foundation of Will County has awarded $25,347 in Restore Will County grants to help fund restoration work as part of the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s commitment to land stewardship.

Funding helps the Forest Preserve District of Will County preserve and protect natural resources and create more recreational opportunities.

District will use funds for a variety of initiatives From left to right are Foundation Executive Director Tara Neff, Forest Preserve...

Enhancements to bird-feeding stations at visitor centers are made possible with funding from The Nature Foundation.

The Legacy Society was established in 2020 as a way for you to plan a gift that aligns with your personal values and planing needs.

When you give to The Nature Foundation of Will County, your dollars stay here in your community, funding projects that directly benefit you.

A planting day was made possible thanks to a corporate partnership with Pembina Pipeline Corp.

The new antique equipment, a 1939 Model B John Deere tractor and wooden grain wagon, will be added to the collection at Riverview Farmstead.

Funding helps pay for a variety of Forest Preserve District of Will County initiatives.

The goal of the bus scholarship program is to remove barriers high-poverty schools face in offering outdoor field trip experiences.

In its first 10 years, the Nature Foundation of Will County has provided $1.85 million in funding to support Forest Preserve initiatives.

The Forest Preserve’s Teacher Appreciation program is supported by a $3,000 grant from Oneok, an energy company operating in Will County.

The award was given at the National Association for Interpretation’s Heartland Region at an award ceremony this spring. 

The Restore Will County grant program helps volunteers and their restoration projects in the preserves.

Unplanned bike repairs and adjustments have become a little easier along some Forest Preserve trails.

More than 1,000 people embarked on a Goosechase in 2023 through the Forest Preserve’s Take It Outside campaign, funded by the Foundation.

The Nature Foundation of Will County presented a donation check in the amount of $39,950 to the Forest Preserve District’s Board.

The Nature Foundation of Will County routinely provides funding to allow the visitor centers to host world-class exhibitions.