Isle a la Cache Museum/Preserve

09/16/2025

Many people aren't aware pelicans make regular appearances in Will County, because the American white pelicans are the lesser-known cousins of brown pelicans, which live along the ocean and gulf coast in the southern United States.

One of the most anticipated events among birders each spring and fall is the arrival of the American white pelicans, and now is the time you'll once again start seeing these birds along the waterways in the area.

09/12/2025

Amy McNeil is a program coordinator at Isle a la Cache Museum/Preserve and working there was on her radar since she was in elementary school, when she attended a field trip at the museum. That day left quite an impression on her and McNeil keeps that day in the back of her mind, knowing she has the same potential to leave such a lasting impact during field trips or other programs.

Our Meet Our Trailblazers series highlights Forest Preserve District employees who do the work to protect, preserve and enhance your connection with the outdoors. Our trailblazers make it possible for you to be your own trailblazer.

09/02/2025

Eastern gray squirrel babies, called kits, start life completely helpless. They’re born blind, deaf and without fur, relying entirely on their mother for warmth and food.

For about 8 to 10 weeks, kits stay safe in the nest while they grow. Their eyes open around 3 to 4 weeks, and fur begins to cover their tiny bodies. During this time, they begin to explore solid foods but continue nursing until they are about 10 weeks old.

Most squirrel mothers have two litters each year, usually with 2 to 4 kits in each. The young squirrels learn important survival skills by watching their mother, including how to climb trees, find food and avoid predators.

By around 12 weeks old, kits are ready to leave the nest and start life on their own.

(Photo courtesy of Jennifer Radwan)

08/29/2025

Step into history at Isle a la Cache! Meet voyageurs and settlers, try your hand at packing a canoe, trading goods and exploring the wilderness during this Living History Encounter.

Living History Encounter: A Voyageur's Life
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7
Where: Isle a la Cache Museum

9/7/2025: Do you think you have what it takes to be a voyageur? Come see for yourself at our Living History Encounter.

08/27/2025

Beavers are environmental heroes when it comes to preventing forest fires. Learn how beavers influence the landscape and in turn help make land less flammable in a Zoom presentation by Dr. Emily Fairfax, an assistant professor of geography at the University of Minnesota.

Smokey the Beaver (Zoom webinar)
When: 6:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4
Where: Virtually via Zoom

9/4/2025: Smokey the Bear? Find out why it might rightly be Smokey the Beaver in this virtual presentation!

08/26/2025

But wait! Most insects do not have very long life cycles. How are they able to travel such distances back and forth? The answer is generational migration.

Birds migrate, bats migrate, creatures of the oceans migrate, but did you know insects also migrate? Not all insects migrate, but a few of our local species head south for winter.

08/20/2025

Bird brain? Think again.
Don't mess with a crow.

Crows are highly sociable and among the most intelligent animals around, but they don't have the best reputation.

08/18/2025

Step inside history at Isle a la Cache Museum. Explore the 18th-century Traders Cabin, peek inside the replica Native American longhouse and learn about the Potawatomi and French fur traders who once called this area home. At our Museum Campus Days, visitors can enjoy self-guided exploration during normal operating hours.

Museum Campus Day
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23
Where: Isle a la Cache Museum

8/23/2025: If you’ve never visited Isle a la Cache Museum, take advantage of this opportunity to see what’s going on in our 18th-century Traders Cabin and peek inside the Native American longhouse.

08/12/2025

No matter what color a red fox is, there is one easy to way to know if a fox is a red fox. Simply look at its tail. A red fox will have white fur at the end of its tail, no matter what color the rest of their fur is. Gray foxes will never have a white tip on their tails. Instead, the tips of their tails are always black.

Illinois is home to red and gray foxes. While red foxes are usually rusty red, their color can vary, but they always have a white-tipped tail.Gray foxes have black-tipped tails and can climb trees. Red foxes are larger, with longer legs and slit-shaped eyes. Both species are omnivores, eat rodents,....

08/09/2025

Beat the heat and get creative! Hang out with a naturalist and chat about all things nature while making your own one-of-a-kind collage inspired by the outdoors. All materials will be provided. Just bring your imagination to create!

Collages and Conversations
When: 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug.17
Where: Isle a la Cache Museum

8/17/2025: Hang out with a naturalist and chat about all things nature while making a collage.

08/07/2025

In a world full of screens, Willy’s Wild Files is your child’s passport to adventure, wonder and wild discoveries!

This fun, nature-packed monthly newsletter is designed to spark kids’ curiosity about the world outside their window. Each issue is brimming with fascinating animal facts, hands-on nature challenges, outdoor activity ideas and inspiring stories that encourage kids to explore, observe and protect our planet.

Whether you live in the city, suburbs or countryside, your kids will see nature in a whole new way.

Sign up today and watch your child’s imagination — and appreciation for nature — grow wild!

Stay up to date on the happenings in Will County's forest preserves by subscribing to our digital newsletters.

08/05/2025

The pollinator garden out here is bursting with color and life! Wild bergamot, purple coneflower and more are in full bloom, drawing in a steady stream of buzzing visitors.

(Photos by Glenn P. Knoblock)