Riverview Farmstead Preserve

08/30/2026

Don’t fret when you see this scary worm web on a tree. Those are Fall Webworm Moth Caterpillars just doing their thing!

08/26/2026

Step back in time for some old-fashioned fall fun on the farm! Explore the historic limestone house and red barn, meet the farm animals, try traditional farm chores, make butter, check out antique tractors and enjoy a bounce house, crafts and live bluegrass music from Rochambeau.

Plus, snap some fall photos, shop local vendors and grab a bite from Smokin Z’ BBQ, Kona Ice or Tapville Social. There’s fun for the whole family!

Fall on the Farm
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
Where: Riverview Farmstead Preserve

9/19/2026: Join us for some old-fashioned fun on the farm at historic Riverview Farmstead Preserve.

08/23/2026

Painted turtles are the most common turtles in North America and can be found throughout the United States! Named for their bright red and yellow markings, these colorful turtles spend most of their time in shallow waters with plenty of plants, but you’ll often spot them basking on logs and rocks. Young turtles tend to eat small aquatic animals, while adults eat more plants.

(Photo courtesy of Laurie Lasseter)

08/16/2026

The monarchs you’re seeing right now are truly special. Part of a “super generation,” these remarkable butterflies can live up to eight times longer than other monarchs and travel as far as 3,000 miles to their wintering grounds in Mexico. Along the way, they use environmental cues like shorter days and cooler temperatures to guide their journey. Nature never stops amazing us!

(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)

08/09/2026

The hummingbirds are on the move! Ruby-throated hummingbirds begin their journey south in late July and early August, so you may notice fewer familiar faces at your feeders or even some new visitors passing through. Keep those feeders clean and filled with fresh nectar to give these tiny travelers a reliable place to refuel along their journey.

(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)

08/02/2026

A milestone for conservation and sustainable agriculture.

The Forest Preserve District recently celebrated its first certified organic crop harvested on District land at Jackson Creek Preserve.

Organic farming helps improve soil health, protect water quality and prepare the land for future restoration while supporting responsible stewardship for generations to come.

(Photo by Anthony Schalk)

07/26/2026

Every piece of litter left behind has an impact.

Plastic can remain in the environment for hundreds of years. Discarded fishing line can entangle birds, turtles and other wildlife. Cigarette butts leach harmful chemicals into our soil and waterways. Illegal dumping pollutes habitats and creates hazards for both people and animals.

The good news? This is a problem we can all help solve.

✔️ Pack out everything you bring in.
✔️ Recycle fishing line in designated collection bins.
✔️ Dispose of ci******es properly.
✔️ Never dump trash or unwanted items in natural areas.

Our forests, prairies and waterways can’t clean themselves. Help protect the wildlife that calls them home by leaving every preserve cleaner than you found it.

Take only memories. Leave only footprints.

(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)

07/19/2026

Animal tails stories continue! Here are some facts about fox tails.

07/12/2026

This egret may be hunting for food, however it is impossible to know what as they are not very picky when it comes to food.

Aside from fish, they eat other aquatic animals, small mammals, amphibians, birds and insects.

Which means this guy could be looking for anything. What do we think this egret is hunting?

(Photo courtesy of Laurie Lasseter)