Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve

09/14/2026

The Forest Preserve's latest property acquisition means 126 acres of open space in Custer Township will be preserved. The land, to be known as Horse Creek Preserve — Kang Woodland, was purchased as part of the Forest Preserve's $50 million 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program, which has dedicated funds for acquisition, restoration and preserve improvements.

“The property has the potential to support an internal trail system and associated amenities while also providing an opportunity to extend the Wauponsee Glacial Trail south of Route 113," said Colleen Novander, the Forest Preserve District’s director of planning and land preservation. "Ultimately, we envision this property serving as an important southern access point and connection to the broader trail network.”

126-acre acquisition protects wildlife habitat and future trail opportunities in Custer Township.

09/10/2026

Does this critter look familiar? You won't find a coati roaming around Illinois, but it may remind you of another animal that does.

Get to the know the coati — an animal that might remind you of another mammal we see here in Illinois.

09/07/2026

Bats are amazing creatures. Here are just some of the reasons why.

09/03/2026

Meet a few of the animals that really stand out when it comes to blending in.

Many animals rely on their coloring to help them avoid detection.

08/31/2026

Many animals shed their skin, including us humans. Snakes are unique, though, because they shed their skin all at once. They shed their skin for a few reasons. Sometimes it simply doesn't fit anymore, or it has become worn out.

Snakes are unique in that they shed their skin whole, a process called ecdysis. But why do they do this differently than other animals?

08/27/2026

Insects are everywhere at this time of year, and if you have a good eye you might see these two masters of camouflage on your outdoor adventures. Here's your chance to learn the difference between walking sticks and praying mantises.

Praying mantis or walking stick? Learn some of the key differences between these well-camouflaged insects.

08/24/2026

There's a lot going on right below our feet, and some of the animals that make their homes underground very rarely show up on this side of the soil. Eastern moles spend 99% of their lives underground!

Eastern moles live secret lives right below our feet, and just because we don't see them doesn't mean we don't know they are around.

08/20/2026

Recognize this beauty? Tell us who you think it is.

08/18/2026

Creature feature: The American bullfrog

Bullfrogs are the largest frog in North America, measuring between 3 ½ inches and 6 inches long and weighing up to 1 pound or more. They can live anywhere with a permanent water source, but they prefer warm, shallow waters.

A bullfrog’s diet changes over the course of its life. As tadpoles, they mostly eat aquatic plants. As adults, bullfrogs are carnivores, feasting on insects and other crustaceans; worms; snakes; tadpoles; baby ducks and bird eggs; and even other bullfrogs.

Fun fact: Bullfrogs are named for their loud call, which is said to sound like a mooing cow or bull. Their loud “jug-o-rum" call can be heard from more than a half-mile away.

08/13/2026

Ospreys live on every continent except Antarctica, and they eat a lot of fish. In fact, their diet is 99% fish. In those rare instances when they aren't eating fish, they will hunt snakes, salamanders, birds and small mammals.

Discover fascinating facts about ospreys, from their fish-catching adaptations and long migrations to how to tell them apart from bald eagles.