The Lake County Forest Preserves District Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the acquisition of 18 acres near the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve to enhance regional conservation efforts.

A playground in Streamwood is closed indefinitely after an undisclosed incident damaged its challenge course during the Fourth of July weekend. Other park areas remain open.

Sunrise Beach increases its non-resident entry fees following a surge in popularity due to a "Top Secret Beaches" article, as the Lake Bluff Park District seeks to cover maintenance costs.

Delasol, a 33-year-old Bolivian gray titi monkey, has passed away at the Lincoln Park Zoo, outliving her species' average lifespan by over two decades.

The iconic Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park reopened after being vandalized by anti-war protesters, prompting a temporary closure. The fountain was cleaned and is now fully operational. No arrests have been made yet.

Brookfield Zoo in Chicago debuted koalas Brumby and Willum, marking the first time the zoo has hosted these marsupials, now part of an elite group of U.S. zoos with such residents.

Four peregrine falcon chicks hatched at UIC during graduation, while pro-Palestinian students at Northwestern University walked out of their ceremony in protest.

Chicago's Gage Park Fieldhouse is reopening with facility upgrades after serving as an emergency winter shelter, with summer programs resuming June 10.

New regulations from the Department of Treasury could hinder Illinois corn farmers' prospects of using their crops for sustainable jet fuel production, due to stricter conservation practice requirements.

Chicago prepares for an early cicada emergence, with experts at the Morton Arboretum advising on how to protect young trees with netting and other methods, while warning against the ineffectiveness and ecological harm of insecticides.

Trillions of periodical cicadas are set to emerge across the U.S. in 2024, with residents reporting high noise levels that confuse some into calling the police.

The Cook County Forest Preserves in Palos are undergoing a $10 million restoration, enhancing 1,000 acres with native plants, improved trails, and new signs to combat climate change and boost outdoor recreation.

Chicago Park District opens summer program registration on April 15 for western parks and April 16 for eastern ones, offering diverse activities for all ages from June 10 to August 25.