Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve

30/10/2026

Bats in the attic and owls in the trees! These nighttime creatures have long been associated with Halloween, mystery and spooky stories. But there’s more to them than their eerie reputations! Most bats don’t drink blood, and both bats and owls play important roles in nature. The week of Halloween is a perfect time to appreciate these spooky sky dwellers.

(Photo via Adobe Stock)

23/10/2026

Let's learn about the slender glass lizard tails!

22/10/2026

Don't miss our final Trail Club of October! Join us for a morning walk to enjoy the seasonal scenery across the prairie and woodland habitats at Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve. This 2.5-mile walk will be a perfect way to start your day!

Trail Club
When: 8 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28
Where: Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve

10/28/2026: Trail Club is back this fall. October's sessions will be at 8 a.m. Wednesdays at Sand Ridge Savanna.

16/10/2026

Hummingbirds are close to gone from Illinois. However, there could be one or two stragglers. If you are lucky to see one, make sure you say bye because we won’t see them until mid-April or early May.

(Photo courtesy of Sajo-Naik)

15/10/2026

The fall colors are almost at their peak, so join us for a morning walk as part of our fall Trail Club. We'll embrace the beauty of the season while walking the 2.5-mile trail that traverses both woodland and grassland habitats. October's last sessions will be Oct. 21 and 28 at Sand Ridge Savanna before moving to Hammel Woods for Sunday morning walks in November.

Trail Club
When: 8 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 and 28
Where: Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve

10/21/2026: Trail Club is back this fall. October's sessions will be at 8 a.m. Wednesdays at Sand Ridge Savanna.

14/10/2026

Explore some of Will County's hidden gems on a progressive hike through three preserves on the county's south side. The unique flora and fauna in this part of the county is worth exploring, so make an afternoon of it on a naturalist-led hike. The group will start at Evans-Judge Preserve. Participants must provide their own transportation.

Triple Trail Challenge
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25
Where: Starting at Evans-Judge Preserve, then proceeding to Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve and Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve
Registration is required.

10/25/2026: Visit some of the hidden gems of Will County on a progressive hike where we will hike three locations in one afternoon.

09/10/2026

Our fall Trail Club is meeting at Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve in October! Join us Wednesday mornings for a crisp 2.5-mile walk through the beautiful prairie and woodland habitats at the preserve. Embrace the beauty of the season while getting some steps in!

Trail Club: October at Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve
When: 8 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, 21 and 28
Where: Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve

10/14/2026: Trail Club is back this fall. October's sessions will be at 8 a.m. Wednesdays at Sand Ridge Savanna.

09/10/2026

Hear a jackhammer in the woods? It might be a pileated woodpecker!

These striking birds are North America’s largest woodpeckers and are known for their loud drumming. They use their powerful bills to excavate large, rectangular holes in trees while searching for carpenter ants and other insects.

Keep your ears open and you might hear one before you see it!

(Photo Courtesy of Laurie Lasseter)

02/10/2026

Meet one of Illinois’ more elusive wetland birds, the black-crowned night heron!

Unlike heron species you may spot wading during the day, these stocky birds are mostly active after dark, hunting for fish, insects, crayfish, amphibians and more. Listen for their distinctive “quok” call, which may be your first clue one is nearby.

Once common in Illinois, black-crowned night herons are now state endangered and only seen sporadically in the Will County preserves. Protecting wetlands and nesting areas is key to helping these mysterious night hunters thrive.

(Photo courtesy of Paul Wenger)

It's a heron you rarely see — but should know. 

28/09/2026

Our fall Trail Club is moving to Sand Ridge Savanna for October. Join us at 8 a.m. Wednesday mornings throughout the month for a crisp weekly walk to promote fitness, nature and community. Don't miss this chance to experience the season while getting in a workout with a group of likeminded people.

Trail Club
When: 8 to 9 a.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28
Where: Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve (formerly Kankakee Sands Preserve)

10/7/2026: Trail Club is back this fall. October's sessions will be at 8 a.m. Wednesdays at Sand Ridge Savanna.