Will County Forest Preserve Cancels Programs, Closes Centers

WILL COUNTY, IL — The Forest Preserve District of Will County has announced it is canceling all programs and workdays through Friday, April 3, and closing all but one visitor center due to health concerns related to the new coronavirus.

The preserve said 16 public programs will be canceled, including the Pelican Watch set for Saturday at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon. A workday scheduled for Sunday, March 22, at Hickory Creek Preserve – LaPorte Road Access in Mokena also is canceled.

The visitor center buildings that are scheduled to close starting at noon, Friday, March 13, are:

• Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon.
• Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville.
• Monee Reservoir, Monee Township.
• Plum Creek Nature Center, Crete Township.

Forest preserves, trails and all six dog parks will remain open, the preserve said. However, members of the public are being advised to use their best judgment when considering a visit to a dog park. State and federal health officials are warning people to avoid gatherings and to keep a social distance from others to prevent the spread of the disease.

All of these actions are being taken to help reduce a possible spike in COVID-19 cases, similar to those seen in other countries affected by the virus, which would overwhelm health care providers and facilities, said Ralph Schultz, the Forest Preserve's chief operating officer.

"We want to do our best for the community at large," Schultz said in a release. "The health of the public and our staff is our primary concern in taking these measures. We don't want to be a part of the problem, but instead want to be a part of the solution."

Monee Reservoir will be open for shoreline fishing only, and the concession stand will be closed through April 3, which means bait and rentals will not be available until the site reopens. The vestibule at the Forest Preserve's police headquarters will also remain open so people can pay tickets between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Ticket payments also can be mailed to: Forest Preserve Police, 22606 S. Cherry Hill Road, Joliet, 60434.