Isle a la Cache Museum/Preserve

11/10/2025

“In order for me to grow personally and professionally, I feel like I have to step on the edge of what scares me,” she said. “And so, this race is the one thing that frightens me in a weird way. But I crave it so much because I want to grow into being a better human, a better friend, better family member and coworker, and I’m just so fortunate that this trail can provide that for me.”

What began as a casual walk on a Forest Preserve trail turned into a journey of strength and self-discovery. Jenny Dinelli of Braidwood is now training at Kankakee Sands Preserve for a 125-mile trail race inspired by the place she calls her “gift.”

11/08/2025

During the Silurian Period, large parts of the Earth were covered by shallow, tropical seas. Known as the Silurian Sea, these waters were home to rich marine ecosystems and some of the earliest known coral reef structures in the geologic record.

Bonus tidbit: Fossils of ancient sea life such as corals, crinoids, and brachiopods can still be found today in regions like the Midwest, where these warm seas once flowed.

Don't miss this fascinating exhibit — on display now >>> https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/news/fossil-exhibit-transports-visitors-to-prehistoric-will-county.

(Photos by Anthony Schalk)

11/07/2025

In Illinois, they can be found in the northern part of the state year-round, and some of these owls from the northern edges of the territory may also winter in the southern half of the state. They are thought to be more common than known because of their secretive nature.

Northern saw-whet owls are a little different than the prototypical owl. For starters, they're only about the size of a robin, making them one of the smallest owl species in the world.

11/05/2025

Log in virtually via Zoom for a deep dive into the world of the fossils left behind by the Silurian Sea with paleontologist Donald G. Mikulic. Intrigued? Make a plan to visit the "Souvenirs of the Silurian Sea" exhibit on display at Isle a la Cache Museum through Nov. 30.

Silurian Trilobite Souvenirs
When: 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13
Where: Online via Zoom. Link sent upon registration

11/13/2025: Join us virtually for a fascinating look at the fossils left behind by the Silurian Sea that was once right here in Will County.

11/03/2025

These plants pose serious threats to Illinois' natural areas because they don't occur here naturally and can spread rapidly once introduced, causing harm to ecosystems.

Nine new plant species have been added to Illinois' Exotic Weeds Act. 

11/01/2025

History will come to life when you visit Isle a la Cache to watch live weapon demonstrations from Alexander Hamilton’s New York Provincial Company of Artillery and meet voyageurs and settlers who helped shape the 18th-century frontier. The program is part of Isle a Cache's Living History Encounters, which aim to showcase the history of Illinois Country in an interactive way.

Living History Encounter: 18th-century Weaponry
When: Noon to p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9
Where: Isle a la Cache Museum

11/9/2025: Hear history go boom as you learn about weaponry of the 18th century at our Living History Encounter.

10/31/2025

Geese are easily noticeable flying overhead, both because of their honking call and their recognizable V formation. That identifiable formation is actually a rather successful energy-saving strategy. Birds flying in the formation expend far less energy flying than they would flying alone. In fact, studies have shown that geese flying in their recognizable V formation expend only half as much energy as they would flying alone or in another configuration.

The energy savings is the same phenomenon achieved when jets fly in formation, which uses less fuel than flying singly. When in formation, a bird — or jet — benefits from lift by flying in the updraft created by the birds in front of it.

The bird at the front of the V does not benefit from the energy savings like the other birds do, so the front bird will switch places and allow another bird to take the lead when it gets tired, according to the museum. Canada geese aren't the only birds that fly in V formation. It's common among waterfowl, including many species of ducks, geese, pelicans and swans.

(Photo courtesy of Laurie’s Trail)

Get the lowdown on Canada geese, one of our most common and widespread birds.

10/30/2025

Discover how fascinating objects and curious collections evolved into the museums we know today. Join a naturalist for an engaging discussion then share your own unique item such as a fossil, rock or seashell and tell its story. Sessions will be offered for both kids and adults.

Stories from the Shelf
When: Saturday, Nov. 8. Adult session from 10:30 a.m. to noon; kids session from 1 to 2 p.m.
Where: Isle a la Cache Museum

10/27/2025

Did you know many owls have screams and calls that could stop you dead in your tracks? Barn owls, in particular, are known for their long, fierce screams that pierce the silence of the night, making them more suitable for a horror movie soundtrack than the soft, soothing sounds of the forest. Screech owls have a song that’s very similar to a horse whinnying, which can be jarring in the dark of night. Other owls, including northern saw-whets, give off guttural songs and calls that might sound more like primates than birds.

10/27/2025

Who says trick-or-treating is just for kids? The museum hosted a Mocktober event on Oct. 16, where participants celebrated the fall season by walking around the museum and preserve, enjoying seasonal mocktails, learning a bit about the isle and ending the night by the bonfire. Thank you to everyone who attended and volunteered to make it such a fun evening!

10/26/2025

“This is a rare opportunity to see prehistoric life up close, not just in textbooks, but through real fossils found right here in Will County,” said Jen Guest, facility supervisor at Isle a la Cache. “It’s a surprising adventure for all ages.”

Discover fossils from Will County’s prehistoric sea at Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville during an exhibit that opens Sept. 3. This free exhibit offers real fossils, hands-on learning and a rare trip through deep time.

10/24/2025

Notice a crisp chill in the air? It's the perfect time to layer up in one of our ultra-cozy hoodies from the Forest Preserve's online store, OutsiderThreads.com!

Perfect for morning coffee runs, weekend hikes or just staying warm around the house, our hoodies are made for comfort and fun style.

The best part? If you spend $50 or more, you get 20% off your order. And all of the proceeds go to The Nature Foundation of Will County. But hurry, the sale ends Oct. 25.

👉 [Shop Now] and stay cozy all autumn long: https://outsiderthreads.com/collections/sweatshirts.