Since 1925, the Forest Preserve District has worked to preserve and restore Kane County's natural areas, improve wildlife habitat, and enhance the quality of life for all Kane County residents. We invite you to visit the forest preserves and enjoy a quiet walk, embark on a camping weekend, picnic with friends and family, learn about nature, bird watch, fish, golf, ride, volunteer, or simply experience the wonder of our more than 23,000 acres of woodlands, wetlands and prairies. No matter the time of year, there's plenty to see and do in your Kane County forest preserves!
Hours: Preserves are open every day, sunrise to sunset. | Trails: Trails are currently OPEN for equestrian use. | Report an Issue: See a problem in the preserves? Report an Issue. | Spanish Version: View this site using Google Translate: Versión en español
Carpentersville Dam Removal: Watch the time-lapse video of progress to date, on our
Carpentersville Dam page.
2024 Land Acquisition & Improvement Referendum: The Forest Preserve Commission voted in July to place a referendum on the ballot to increase the Forest Preserve District's limiting rate.
Find out more on our
Referendum Information page.
Click green buttons below for more Referendum information:
In case you missed the Forest Preserve District's Public Information Meeting on Sept. 24, we're presenting at the following meetings open to the public:
- League of Women Voters of Central Kane County Voters' Forum, Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 6:30 p.m. The Voters' Forum is at Batavia City Hall, 100 N. Island Ave., Batavia. The Voters' Forum will also be broadcast on BATV.
- The Conservation Foundation and Kane Neighbors for Open Space, Clean Water & Clean Air virtual meeting: Thursday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m.The public is invited to learn more about the referendum and there will also be an opportunity to ask questions. To attend The Conservation Foundation/Kane Neighbors for Open Space, Clean Water & Clean Air virtual meeting, you must register to attend.
For a full list, see the
Referendum Information page. To request a possible presentation for your community group, email us
here.
2024 Progress Report: The Forest Preserve District has now fully invested or committed the bond proceeds from the 2017 Land Acquisition & Preserve Improvement Referendum. We're proud to present the full 2024 Progress Report and the abbreviated Executive Summary.
2024 Annual Report: Check out some of our highlights from last year in our
2024 Annual Report!
