Messenger Woods Nature Preserve

05/06/2026

Northern harriers have a different hunting style than most other raptors, which typically perch high above and scan below for prey. Harriers hunt in flight, sometimes flying as low as 10 feet above the ground while scanning for a meal.

A raptor soaring low over a grassland could be a northern harrier — a hawk that looks and acts a little like an owl.

04/30/2026

Tree burls are large, woody growths on a tree's trunk. They can grow quite large — up to 3 feet in diameter — which sometimes gives them a distinct appearance of being something else entirely.

04/23/2026

The contest showcases the beauty of Will County preserves and the flora and fauna they protect. Photos from past contests have included birds in flight, colorful flowers in bloom, mammals in all of their splendor, visually breathtaking landscapes and the tiniest of insects.

The Preserve the Moment photo contest is sponsored by The Nature Foundation of Will County.

2/1/2026-12/31/2026: Calling all amateur shutterbugs! Your photos from the preserves could win you the top prize, or one of the monthly prizes, in our Preserve the Moment photo contest.

04/16/2026

What’s happening out here? Improvements are coming to Messenger Woods! A $377,766 project will include the removal and reconstruction of the entrance drive from Bruce Road to the first parking lot, along with required restoration and mitigation.

Construction is expected to begin in early summer and wrap up by the end of the year.

Because Messenger Woods is a protected state nature preserve, this project required careful planning and permitting to ensure the work is done responsibly.

The Forest Preserve District Board has approved several projects that will expand trails, improve access and strengthen regional connectivity in 2026. The work includes roadway reconstruction, trail extensions and new partnerships with local communities.

03/31/2026

The oldest Will County forest preserve is getting bigger! Thanks to our latest acquisition, 105.7733 acres of open space has been added to Messenger Woods Nature Preserve. The land contains remnant woodlands and agricultural land that buffers the existing nature preserve.

This acquisition is part of the 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program. The $4.18 million purchase was funded through a $50 million general obligation bond approved by the Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners in June 2024. The Capital Improvement Plan allocates $25 million to land preservation, $12 million to regional and local trail connections and new access areas, and $13 million to habitat restoration.

03/19/2026

Many migratory birds give us hope that spring is near when they arrive back on their breeding grounds even before winter has given its last hurrah.

A look at some of our feathered friends you may start seeing return, if you haven't already

03/12/2026

Retaining their leaves through winter may also be a way for the deciduous trees to compete with their evergreen neighbors in areas where the soil lacks sufficient nutrients.

In the fall, the changing of the seasons means deciduous trees shed their leaves. But not all deciduous trees seem to get the memo when it comes to losing their leaves.

03/05/2026

During their migrations, the cranes typically fly 200 miles to 300 miles each day, clocking speeds of 25 mph to 35 mph.

It's peak migration season for sandhill cranes, so don't be surprised if you hear their loud, bugling call overhead.

02/26/2026

Did you know ticks can be active at any time when ground temperatures are at least 45 degrees?

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you need to be aware of ticks and how to help prevent tick bites ad tick-borne illnesses.

02/19/2026

Calling all amateur shutterbugs! Your photos from the preserves could win you the top prize, or one of the monthly prizes, in our Preserve the Moment photo contest.

2/1/2026-12/31/2026: Calling all amateur shutterbugs! Your photos from the preserves could win you the top prize, or one of the monthly prizes, in our Preserve the Moment photo contest.

02/12/2026

Romance isn’t necessarily just a human thing. In our prairies, wetlands and woodlands, several bird species are known for lifelong bonds, graceful courtship dances and devoted parenting.

Romance isn’t just a human thing. In our prairies, wetlands and woodlands, several bird species are known for lifelong bonds, graceful courtship dances, and devoted parenting.