Isle a la Cache Museum/Preserve

01/05/2026

Did you know eagles start preparing for nesting season even before winter officially begins? Between one and three months before laying eggs, the pair will begin working on their nests, Journey North reports. In northern Illinois, this typically begins in November or December. Eagles reuse their nests from year to year but still do work on them each year, adding new material to freshen them up. Both the male and female work to construct or maintain the nest. By late February, it's time to lay the eggs.

(Photo courtesy of Joe Viola)

Winter might seem like an odd time for laying eggs, but it's the perfect timeline for bald eagles. 

01/02/2026

Wintertime often means snow. The white winter landscape is beautiful, but it is also revealing. Did you leave shoe prints as you stepped outside? Now there’s evidence that humans were outside enjoying the snow! Who else is out and active in the cold? Let’s uncover the answer by studying animal tracks.

Winter snow reveals signs of animal activity through fresh tracks. The best time to spot them is after a recent snowfall, especially overnight. Look in parks, yards, or along trails and observe the size, shape, and path of the prints. Clues may point to deer, squirrels, or ducks. Even without snow,....

12/29/2025

The Forest Preserve District's 2026 calendar of events has been announced and its full of fun ways to tap into the exciting world of nature.

The Forest Preserve District has announced its 2026 calendar of events, inviting residents to start planning a year of nature-inspired fun. With festivals, exhibits and outdoor adventures planned across all seasons, now is the time to mark your calendars.

12/26/2025

Isle a la Cache offers engaging activities designed to help kids connect with nature through play and discovery.

12/26/2025

Ring in 2026 with the French traditions of Illinois Country at our annual Bonne Année celebration. We'll play games, hear stories, dance and enjoy warm drinks and king's cake, and everyone will make a vintage craft to take home.

Bonne Année
When: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3
Where: Isle a la Cache Museum

1/3/2026: Celebrate the New Year with French traditions of Illinois Country at Isle a la Cache Museum.

12/24/2025

Be a Trailblazer is back in 2026 with four seasonal sessions packed with outdoor missions, big prizes and brand new collectible pins.

Complete nature themed challenges for a chance to win part of a $15,000 plus prize pool.

New this year, participants can level up from Trailblazer Rookie to Trailblazer Master, earning a mailed achievement pin at every stage.

The 2026 Be a Trailblazer experience kicks off on Jan. 1. Complete nature-themed missions throughout the year for a chance to win items from a $15,000 prize pool and obtain collectible pins awarded for achievement. Side benefits include better health, family bonding and more friendships!

12/22/2025

The Foundation supported “The State of Water: Our Most Valuable Resource” exhibit at Four Rivers, which runs through Jan. 7, as well as the fabrication and installation of interpretive signs at Riverview Farmstead Preserve, Joliet Iron Works Historic Site and Isle a la Cache Museum.

The Nature Foundation of Will County's quarterly donation to the Forest Preserve District totaled $50,125. The donation coincides with the foundation’s year-end fundraising effort.

12/19/2025

The more you know: Fox squirrels have rusty colored fur mixed with black, giving them an overall reddish-brown appearance. The fur on their bellies and ears and along the edges of their tails is lighter and looks more rusty in appearance.

(Photo courtesy of Laurie’s Trail)

The sight of a squirrel zipping up, down and all around our trees and forests is a familiar one to most people, but the zany antics of these critters can be the work of one of two species: fox squirrels or gray squirrels. Learn the difference between them.

12/15/2025

In most instances, coyotes want to avoid human interaction. But should a situation present itself, there are some things humans can do to ward off any problems with these wild canines.

As the weather turns colder and leaves fall off the trees, coyotes may be more visible in late fall as young males seek new turf and food availability declines. But there are ways you can still live in harmony with the state's largest carnivore.

12/13/2025

Isle a la Cache carries a variety of small, unique items that make ideal stocking stuffers or quick holiday gifts, said facility supervisor Jen Guest. The selection includes stickers, nature-themed buttons, small toys, ornaments and earrings. A standout this season is a collection of mugs, stickers and greeting cards featuring artwork by Native American artists, giving shoppers a distinctive gift option.

Forest Preserve visitor centers are stocked with unique items for the holidays. Each shop highlights gifts with local, handmade or mission-driven roots.

12/12/2025

As you scurry through the final days of Christmas shopping this year, consider shopping at the Forest Preserve District visitor center gift shops for unique items. Forest Preserve visitor centers are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. So, head on out to a site near you to peruse the gift shop offerings.

Forest Preserve visitor centers are stocked with unique items for the holidays. Each shop highlights gifts with local, handmade or mission-driven roots.

12/10/2025

Find your calm and reconnect with nature through a gentle guided forest experience. Join an interpretive naturalist to learn simple mindfulness techniques before heading onto the trail for peaceful grounding activities among the trees. Two sessions are available, so you can choose the one that fits your schedule.

Forest Bathing for Adults
When: Saturday, Dec. 20. Sessions will be offered from 10:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Where: Isle a la Cache Museum

12/20/2025: Relax and reconnect with nature with this simple Japanese method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees.