Hidden Oaks Nature Center

06/21/2026

Meet one of the friendly faces who will greet you when you visit Hidden Oaks Nature Center!

Suzy Lyttle has known since she was a young child that the job she has now is the job she wanted. As a kid, she didn’t know if the job even existed, but she was undeterred.

06/20/2026

Badgers are related to weasels, so it's no surprise that they are exceptional diggers. They are built for their burrowing lifestyle, with long front claws and partially webbed front feet to help them dig and scoop dirt.

The American badger isn't as well-known as many of the other mammals that call Will County home, but these fascinating creatures are exceptional diggers that are known to work alongside coyotes to hunt. 

06/18/2026

Improperly disposed of fishing line is a major problem in nature, often injuring or killing wildlife that gets entangled in it. Amy Tavolino and her husband, Jerry, are on the front lines fighting the problem as volunteers with the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors.

A gosling tangled in fishing line got a second chance thanks to wildlife rescue volunteers.

06/18/2026

Can you hook a winner at our annual Kids Fishing Derby? Kids ages 5 to 15 are invited to spend the morning fishing along at the shore at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm to see if they can snag a winner. All kids will get a free container of nightcrawlers plus a giveaway and a sweet treat, and prizes and trophies will be awarded for the largest fish in three age groups: 5-8; 9-12; and 13-15.

Kids Fishing Derby
When: Saturday, June 27. Session 1: 7 to 9 a.m. Session 2: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Hidden Lakes Trout Farm at Hidden Oaks Preserve
Registration required. Same-day registration available if openings remain.

6/27/2026: Calling all kids! See if you can reel in a prize at our annual Kids Fishing Derby.

06/14/2026

Not all clouds are naturally occurring. Some are condensation trails that develop when planes with jet engines pass overhead.

Those long, thin clouds trailing behind airplanes are called contrails, and here's a look at the science behind them.

06/12/2026

Would your dad love nothing more than spending part of his Father's Day fishing? Then make a family trip to Hidden Lakes Trout Farm to honor Dad on his special day. All dads can get a free giveaway from the Tackle Box, and fishing poles will be available to borrow at no charge.

Father's Day Appreciation
When: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 21
Where: Hidden Lakes Trout Farm at Hidden Oaks Preserve

6/21/2026: Dads are invited to visit the Tackle Box on Father's Day for a well-deserved giveaway.

06/11/2026

Fun fact: There are jellyfish living in Illinois waterways!

Jellyfish in Illinois? They do exist, although they're so small you might never notice them.

06/11/2026

We're keeping Hidden Lakes Trout Farm open late for some nighttime fishing. Here's your chance to see if the fish really do bite more after the sun sets. Join us for a fun evening fishing under the stars!

Fishing Under the Stars
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 20
Where: Hidden Lakes Trout Farm at Hidden Oaks Preserve

6/20/2026: We are keeping the gates open late for nighttime fishing at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm!

06/08/2026

Have you seen any lightning bugs yet this summer?

Lightning bugs are a summer tradition, and there's plenty about these insects that is fascinating. 

06/06/2026

Program coordinator introduces us to one of nature's oddballs.