Isle a la Cache Museum/Preserve

01/15/2025

Winter is a great time for bird watching, and you can watch the birds from the warmth and comfort of Isle a la Cache Museum's library from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and grab a comfortable spot while watching birds come and go from our stocked feeders.

1/22/2025: Birdwatch with hot, fresh-brewed, bird-friendly coffee from the comfort of the Isle a la Cache library.

01/14/2025

It's time to hit the trails, find some new places to explore and win some cool prizes with our Be a Trailblazer campaign.

The Forest Preserve District has a new challenge for the new year: Be a Trailblazer! More than $10,000 in prizes will be awarded randomly to lucky participants as they complete a wide variety of nature-themed missions in four seasonal sessions.

01/14/2025

Have you been to the preserve recently? There's something magical about it when it's covered in snow. 📸: Jenna Krukowski

01/09/2025

They are highly adapted to cold climates.

Snowy owls are a prized find among bird-watchers, because the beautiful birds are a sight to behold set against a wintry backdrop.

01/02/2025

January is National Hobby Month, and you can celebrating with us at this crafting program on Saturday, Jan. 11. Participants can make their own mini animal habitat in an Altoids tin. All materials are provided. Two sessions are available; registration is required.

1/11/2024: Celebrate National Hobby Month by crafting a handheld habitat in an Altoids tin! 

12/30/2024

Just a little game of hide and squeak! Can you see me?

📸: Joe Viola

Find out by answering these 10 questions.

12/27/2024

Did you know there’s a bug that loves winter? The winter stonefly thrives when temperatures drop, making it a fascinating reminder of how life finds a way — even in the coldest months!

While most insects aren't active during the coldest time of year, the winter stonefly is a notable exception. These insects thrive in the frigid air and icy waters of winter.

12/23/2024

Start 2025 like it's 1759 and experience the French-Canadian fur trader lifestyle with us at our Bonne Année celebration from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. Registration is required.

1/4/2025: Ring in the New Year French-Canadian fur trader style with stories and games of Illinois Country.

12/20/2024

There’s something undeniably enchanting about snow. It blankets the world in a quiet, sparkling stillness turning the familiar into something magical. So, bundle up, step outside and let yourself be swept away by its beauty.

📷: Suzy Lyttle

The view out here! ⬇️

12/19/2024

Teens are invited to spend some time learning to connect with nature while being calm and quiet amongst the trees in this program from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28. After learning some tips, the group will walk the trail for guided mindful activities.

12/28/2024: Join an interpretive naturalist to learn this simple Japanese method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees. 

12/12/2024

Sip coffee from inside the warm Isle a la Cache library while watching the birds eat at our outdoor bird-feeding station in our Birds and Beans program from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 22. Registration is required.

12/22/2024: Spend the morning birdwatching from the comfort of the Isle a la Cache library.

12/10/2024

Do you enjoy creating great visitor experiences and keeping things running smoothly? As the Facility Office Manager (Part-Time) at Isle a la Cache Museum, you'll support daily operations, assist educational staff and represent the district with professionalism. Greet visitors, issue permits and handle calls to ensure every interaction is positive. This is a part-time role (18–24 hours/week).

Apply here >>> https://tinyurl.com/3d7hbydr.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County is accepting resumes for a part-time Facility Office Manager at Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville.

12/03/2024

When you catch your reflection and realize you're antlerly adorable. 🦌👅 (Photo courtesy of Joe Viola)

Learn more about deer and what you can do if they are causing problems around your property.

11/29/2024

Shop now at OutsiderThreads.com! 🎁 🎄 🎅

The Forest Preserve District of Will County is a government organization in Illinois focusing on land preservation and restoration, outdoor recreation, and environmental education.

11/25/2024

Take a piece of the Isle home! The museum offers families a delightful way to remember their visit with unique, affordable souvenirs.

What’s in store?

✅Nature-themed earrings by Jabebo, crafted in the USA from recycled cereal boxes.
✅Handmade turtle trinkets and crochet critters from Ecuador, supporting sea turtle conservation through The Turtleman Foundation.
✅Classic toys like harmonicas, kaleidoscopes, wooden yo-yos and beautifully carved animal pens.

“These treasures are designed to help families create lasting memories of their time at Isle a la Cache,” says Janet Zavoral, the museum’s facility office manager.

Stop by and find the perfect keepsake during your visit!

Three Forest Preserve visitor center gift shops are stocked with unique items that would be perfect as presents or stocking stuffers this holiday season. Check out the items at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Isle a la Cache Museum and Plum Creek Nature Center. 

11/18/2024

Barred owls are fascinating birds with unique behaviors and characteristics. The name "barred" comes from the horizontal bars across their chest and vertical streaks on their belly. They are quite vocal and often engage in "duets" during courtship or territory defense. Mates typically bond for life and raise their young together.

📷: Joe Viola

Many owls are masters of camouflage, far more often heard than seen.

11/15/2024

Forget boughs of holly! Join us for an informative program about milkweed and then make an ornament from a milkweed pod to deck out your home for the holidays in this program from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23.

11/23/2024: Learn some fun and interesting facts about the plant and its importance to the monarch butterfly then get artsy while turning a milkweed pod into a festive ornament. 

11/12/2024

The prairies we see today are largely restored, the result of untold hours of planning and work in the field, but if you know where to look you can still find small pockets of prairie that look much like they did before European settlers first arrived in the area.

Many Will County preserves include remnant prairies, but a few in particular serve as interesting examples because of why they have been left mostly undisturbed through the years.