April 16, 2025
Volunteer Quietly Leads for Nature in DuPage
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Read the latest blog story from the Forest Preserve District, and connect to nature in DuPage.
April 16, 2025
Volunteer Quietly Leads for Nature in DuPage
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
February 10, 2025
How the Outdoors Ignited Health and Devotion
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
September 30, 2024
How Mother Nature's Mentor Inspired My Scout Project and Much More
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
In this guest post, Amelia Votava reflects about how Judy Grey, a volunteer steward with the Forest Preserve District, not only helped to mentor her understanding about a...
September 17, 2024
DuPage Forest Preserves Are Safe Places Preserved for You!
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
DuPage County forest preserves are not only beautiful places preserved for you but also safe places thanks to the dedicated officers of the Forest Preserve District’s police force.
February 2, 2023
Valentine’s Day and Courtship on an 1890s Farm
Valentine's Day had already gained popularity with American school children by the early 1880s, and many of the traditions from the time we still hold true today.
November 17, 2022
Candy confections were a sweet part of historic holiday farm life. In 1895, both the Sears and Roebuck Co. and Montgomery Ward Co. catalogs had candy departments where families...
August 8, 2022
Honeybees are arguably the most well-known pollinator, but did you know that honeybees are not even native to North America? Apis mellifera, the domesticated European honey bee,...
August 1, 2022
Hidden History of the East Farm Barn
Looking at the east side of St. James Farm today, visitors might not fully appreciate the transformation it has gone through over the years. Let’s turn back the clock to the early...
July 26, 2022
The next time you hit the trails at a DuPage forest preserve, keep an eye out for the North American millipede, Narceus americanus, also called the “iron worm” for its armored...
July 6, 2022
Celebrate the Sounds of Summer
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
The warm, lazy days of summer are a great time to enjoy the sounds of nature in the preserves, and research shows that pleasant natural sounds are good for your health. They help...
June 30, 2022
Hidden History of the Baker House
It’s hard to fathom the connections a little old house on St. Charles Road has to the history of DuPage County, Illinois and the nation.
June 10, 2022
Top 5 Picks for the Perfect Picnic
Glenn Perricone and Jennifer Rydzewski
The warm weather and long days of summer invite people to be outdoors, and what better way to enjoy the outdoors than by having a picnic.
May 25, 2022
Hidden History of McDowell Grove
Sometimes the history of a DuPage forest preserve is simply forgotten, but other times it is purposely kept secret. In the 1940s, McDowell Grove Forest Preserve in Naperville...
May 20, 2022
6 Easy Tips for Successful Composting
Composting at home is one of the easiest ways you can make a positive impact on the environment and your garden.
May 6, 2022
DuPage Forest Police Get Improved Eye in the Sky
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
DuPage Forest Police have added a second, more powerful drone to the police force to help improve response and recovery time in the DuPage Forest Preserve District’s more than 60...
April 20, 2022
Hidden History: Burlington Park as Chicago's Recreation Destination
Railroads were crucial to the development of the United States, sparking economic and industrial expansion all around them and carrying people and goods across the country. One of...
April 15, 2022
Dyeing Easter Eggs in the 1890s
Natural dyes were used in a variety of ways in a colorful Victorian life in the 1890s.
April 6, 2022
Bald Eagle Released After Treatment at Willowbrook
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
A juvenile bald eagle flew to freedom recently after being treated for lead poisoning at Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn.
April 1, 2022
Perk Up Your Parkway with Native Plants
Planting native plants in your parkway is a great way to help people appreciate native plants by growing them in your parkway for all to enjoy. And it helps pollinators too!
March 30, 2022
Great Horned Owlet Reunited with Family
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
A great horned owlet was reunited with its family thanks to DuPage Forest Preserve District forestry workers and Willowbrook Wildlife Center.
March 25, 2022
Hidden History of Mammoth Spring Icehouse
If you look closely while walking along the Night Heron Trail at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook, you can find a little piece of history.
March 23, 2022
'On Your Left' and Other Trail Tips
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
DuPage forest preserve trails are popular with all kinds of visitors: some on foot, some on wheels and others on horseback.
March 17, 2022
Snowy Owl Soars to Freedom After Treatment at Willowbrook
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
An injured snowy owl soared to freedom this week after being treated for rodenticide poisoning at Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn.
March 1, 2022
Meet Some of the District's Wonder Women 2022
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Women’s History Month is a great time to reflect on the hard work, dedication achievements of women in all walks of life. We’d like to introduce you to some of the amazing women...
February 24, 2022
Hidden History of Dunham's Equine Legacy
Most people know that “in 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” But did you know that in 1893 Christopher Columbus took a train to Dunham Forest Preserve in Wayne?
February 11, 2022
Eagle Reunited with Mate After Poisoning
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
An injured bald eagle has been reunited with its mate this week thanks to a concerned resident, a group of volunteers and Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn.
February 7, 2022
Stayin' Alive: How Wildlife Survive Winter
Animals in northern Illinois must face the harsh reality of cold blustery winters that leave them vulnerable to exposure and starvation.
January 24, 2022
District's Freshwater Mussels Help 3 Waterways
Ecologists at the DuPage Forest Preserve District’s Urban Stream Research Center successfully propagated and released 495 freshwater mussels in three different watersheds in 2021.
January 20, 2022
Each winter, DuPage County and northern Illinois receive two visitors from the north who use this area as their warmer wintering grounds. One may think that sounds crazy, calling...
January 12, 2022
Hidden History of the Blackwell Mammoth
It started like a normal day for Gary Jones, a heavy equipment operator for the DuPage Forest Preserve District.
January 7, 2022
Birds Take Wing Again Thanks to Willowbrook
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
A great horned owl, two red-tailed hawks and two Cooper’s hawks soared to freedom again this week after being treated for injuries at Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn.
December 10, 2021
Native Landscaping: Start Planning Now
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
It may be wintertime, but now is the time to start planning your garden for next year. It may not seem like it now, but spring will be here before you know it, making this a great...
November 23, 2021
The Hidden History of Ancient Artifacts
People have lived in DuPage County for thousands of years, so it’s no surprise that some of the tools and objects they used are still being found in many DuPage forest preserves.
November 19, 2021
Snow Plowing and Trail Grooming in the Preserves
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
DuPage forest preserves are a magical sight to behold after a freshly fallen snow. We know many of you can’t wait to get out there to see the magnificent beauty, but sometimes...
October 26, 2021
Hidden History of Waterfall Glen's Lincoln Park Nursery
Many people visiting the city of Chicago spend time in Lincoln Park, but few know the connection that DuPage Forest Preserve District’s Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien...
October 13, 2021
Carrying on the Legacy of the Heritage Shorthorn
Since acquiring its first Heritage Milking Shorthorn cow, Liberty, in 2018, Kline Creek Farm’s herd of Heritage Milking Shorthorn cattle has been growing. The farm now has four...
October 12, 2021
Nature's Tricks Are a Nature Lover's Treat
Wildlife have long embodied the spirit of Halloween using tricks, treats, and costumes. These strategies are essential for wild animals to survive, find food, and attract mates.
October 6, 2021
Hidden History of the Steeplechase
What happens when you combine a love of horses with a passion for philanthropy? At St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville in the 1980s and 1990s, it resulted in an annual...
October 5, 2021
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Looking for some “spooktacular” fun in October? Look no further than DuPage forest preserves!
From haunted hikes and wagon rides to pumpkin stories and rhymes for little ones, w...
October 1, 2021
Bosnian Students Visit Urban Stream Research Center
A group of 17 Bosnian high school students recently took part in an aquatic ecology program at the Forest Preserve District’s Urban Stream Research Center at Blackwell Forest...
September 27, 2021
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
OAKtober is Illinois’ monthlong celebration of oak trees and the things that make them great. We love oaks here at the DuPage Forest Preserve District, so we’re thrilled to be a...
August 30, 2021
Why Art Matters to Saving Monarch Butterflies
DuPage Monarch Project is a collaboration of four local environmental organizations, each contributing essential resources of science, education, community organizing and public...
August 23, 2021
A Gateway to History, Golf and a Healthy Environment
When an 11-year-old Randy Cochran snuck into Salt Creek at night to pilfer lost golf balls at the private Elmhurst Country Club in Addison more than 50 years ago, he never...
July 21, 2021
Hidden History of the Chicago, Aurora & Elgin Railroad
Wayne Zaininger and Jordan Countryman
Imagine commuting to Chicago by train in the morning only to discover without warning that same afternoon that your Metra line had closed and would never operate again.
July 7, 2021
Moths sometimes seem like the forgotten cousins of butterflies. While butterflies may be some of the most well-known insects in the world, there are many more species of moths.
July 1, 2021
Donor's Matching Gift Supports the Blanding's Turtle
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Corporate-matching programs are attractive to many Friends of the Forest Preserve District donors and others who contribute to nonprofit foundations. T
June 14, 2021
Hidden History of Hidden Lake Bridge
On a breezy May afternoon, I stood on an old bridge that spans the East Branch DuPage River at Hidden Lake Forest Preserve in Downers Grove, talking to people as they crossed the...
June 2, 2021
Hidden History of Glacial Ridge
Churchill Woods Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn is one of the DuPage Forest Preserve District’s most popular forest preserves.
May 20, 2021
Harmful blue-green algae blooms have become an all-too-common occurrence on some forest preserve lakes lately.
May 10, 2021
More Love for Monarch Butterflies
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
The DuPage Forest Preserve District board of commissioners is pledging to support the Illinois Monarch Project, a public and private sector partnership whose goal is to add 150...
April 23, 2021
Setting the Stage for Restoration
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
This winter, the Forest Preserve District began restoration of Belleau Woods Forest Preserve in Wheaton with donor funds dedicated by the Friends of the Forest Preserve District.
April 20, 2021
The Hidden History of Fullersburg Woods
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
When you visit a DuPage forest preserve to connect with nature, you don’t often consider its history and how it came to be developed as a preserve.
April 16, 2021
Reminder Not to Harvest Plants in the Preserves
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
As more plants and mushrooms emerge in the spring, it’s a good time to remind visitors not to harvest things — especially wild leeks and mushrooms — from DuPage forest preserves.
April 9, 2021
Partnership Mussels Into Chicago River
The DuPage Forest Preserve District recently embarked on a new and unique partnership with Urban Rivers, a nonprofit organization based in Chicago with a mission to transform city...
March 31, 2021
The warmer weather brings more people outside after a long, cold winter. But they’re not the only ones that emerge with the warmer temperatures.
March 25, 2021
Stressed Out? We've Got Just the Thing
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Still recovering from 2020? If you’re like most people, the stress of the pandemic, working from home and e-learning has taken its toll.
March 17, 2021
The Hidden History of Winfield Mounds
With the passage of time, nature disguises the land’s cultural legacy, covering the marks of human impact and often protecting the past with brush and vegetation, but this can...
March 10, 2021
As we celebrate International Solar Appreciation Day on Thursday, March 10, let’s look at the many ways we benefit from the sun and how we can harness its energy to help create...
March 9, 2021
Owl's Story Tugs at Donor's Heartstrings
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Sandy Youngstrom of Naperville is a wildlife enthusiast who not only enjoys bringing birds, insects and mammals to her own backyard but also supporting wild animals in her...
February 24, 2021
“Never forget the trail, look ever for the track in the snow; it is the priceless, unimpeachable record of the creature's life and thought, in the oldest writing known on the...
February 19, 2021
The Hidden History of Hidden Lake
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Relics of the former lives of DuPage forest preserves are often hidden in plain sight, but without context they have no meaning.
February 5, 2021
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Valentine’s Day is a day we celebrate relationships but even more than that, it is a day to celebrate love.
January 20, 2021
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Go nuts over squirrels on National Squirrel Appreciation Day!
Held annually on Jan. 21 — in the middle of winter when food sources may be scarce — this unofficial holiday was...
January 6, 2021
Engineer Devises System to Stop Zebra Mussel Spread
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
A longtime battle to keep invasive zebra mussels in the West Branch Forest Preserve’s Deep Quarry Lake in Bartlett from spreading to the adjacent West Branch DuPage River took an...
December 15, 2020
Start a New Chapter with Mayslake Book Club
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Explore nature, art and history as it relates to the natural world with Mayslake's “Nature Art & Culture Peabody’s Pages Book Club Three-Part Discussion,” which starts its second...
December 2, 2020
As the Seasons Change: A Soil Opera
Soil. Mud. Dirt. Earth. That stuff on the ground that’s always been there and always looks pretty much the same. Not too much happening down there, right? Wrong.
November 24, 2020
What Do Bees Do in the Winter?
Charlie Linnell and Duane Marski
One of the more frequent questions we beekeepers are asked is “What do bees do in the winter?”
November 17, 2020
Whether you’re new to hiking or a regular walker on DuPage forest preserve’s 166 miles of trails, there are at least 6 essentials you should bring with you every time you head out...
October 27, 2020
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Ranging in size from half an inch to over two inches, these large, hairy spiders may be the fuel of nightmares for some people.
October 15, 2020
When the sweaters come out and the kids are back at school, you know it’s time for another sure sign of the season: fall colors. You also know that you need go no farther than...
October 1, 2020
Now that fall’s officially here, we’re starting to see the first signs of color in our forest preserves. So it’s only natural that people want to know what to expect in the way of...
September 29, 2020
Celebrate the Mighty Oak in OAKtober
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
It’s fall and that means trees will soon be showing their colors. Who can resist a stroll on a crisp fall afternoon to gaze at nature’s colorful changes?
September 24, 2020
Do you like birds and wish you knew more about them? There are a few simple steps you can take to welcome birds in to your backyard and begin to identify them.
September 9, 2020
Bee Informed About Native Bees
Did you know Illinois is home to more than 500 species of native bees?
September 3, 2020
Colt Inspires Volunteer's Artwork
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
The birth of a newborn — a foal, that is —inspired Danada Equestrian Center volunteer Deb Yatka to pick up her pencils and begin to sketch — something she hasn’t done for many...
September 2, 2020
Have you ever planned a hiking trip at a DuPage forest preserve, only to find out that the sunny nice day you were planning has turned into a grey, rainy day?
August 26, 2020
Keep Away! Hogweed, Hemlock and Parsnip
Many plants have amazing adaptations that protect them from being eaten or destroyed by other organisms. That’s good for them but can be bad for people who come in contact with...
August 18, 2020
Five Ways to Relax in DuPage Forest Preserves
With everything that’s happening in the world, it helps to find ways to take time for ourselves and relax. And it’s good for you!
August 13, 2020
Have you ever seen something fluttering in the air that looks like a cigar with wings? Is it a bat? Is it a bird? It’s likely a chimney swift.
August 11, 2020
A Decade of Studying the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly
Populations of the Baltimore checkerspot butterfly have grown from little more than 100 to 1,000 in the more than 10 years DuPage Forest Preserve District ecologists have been...
August 4, 2020
A lot of people are looking for fun things to do outdoors close to home. If you haven’t already, why not try fishing?
July 30, 2020
Red Fox Finds Freedom After Treatment at Willowbrook
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
A red fox treated at Willowbrook Wildlife Center for mange regained his freedom after being released recently at McDowell Grove Forest Preserve in Naperville.
July 22, 2020
Attracting Swallowtails to Your Garden
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Swallowtail butterflies are some of the largest, showiest butterflies found in Illinois. A visit from one in your garden is always a welcome delight.
July 22, 2020
Where the Native Wild Things Are
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Somewhere, in a relatively small section of Blackwell Forest Preserve nestled along Mack Road, lies a special place where native plants grow.
July 15, 2020
The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) probably won’t win any popularity contests based on its looks.
July 8, 2020
Do Only Female Mosquitoes Bite?
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Many people are surprised to learn that only female mosquitos bite animals and humans.
July 1, 2020
Much like birds, sunfish like bluegill and bass are busy building nests in DuPage forest lakes in preparation for their growing families.
June 24, 2020
Many DuPage County birdwatchers participate in a “Birding Big Day,” where they try to observe as many species of birds as possible in one day within a determined geographical...
June 17, 2020
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
“Nature is to be found in her entirety nowhere more than in her smallest creatures.”~ Pliny the Elder
June 15, 2020
If you want to make the most of your time in DuPage forest preserves, mark your calendar for Tuesday, June 21, 2022.
May 14, 2020
Smoothing the Way for Smooth Green Snakes
Meet the smooth green snake (Opheodrys vernalis), a brilliant green, relatively small non-venomous snake that we’d like to see more of in DuPage County.
May 8, 2020
Can't You Take Just One More? No, and Here's Why
Every facility that cares for animals has to make tough decisions all the time: What type of animals should they treat? How many? Do they have the staff and skill to treat them?...
May 4, 2020
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
There are so many things that make moms special — they go the extra mile for their kids, know just what they need, and are fierce protectors of their wee ones.
April 30, 2020
Planting native plants in our yards and gardens is gaining popularity for good reasons.
April 17, 2020
Best Native Shrubs for Your Yard
With winter slowly fading and signs of spring arriving daily, gardeners are getting the itch.
April 9, 2020
Slow Down on Spring Cleaning in Your Garden
With the recent warm weather and native plants starting to emerge from their winter slumber, folks may be eager to do some spring cleaning in their gardens.
April 1, 2020
When Waterfowl Run Afoul with Nests
Every spring and summer, Willowbrook Wildlife Center admits hundreds of orphaned young birds. We give as much care as is humanly possible, but the best parent for a bird is always...
March 9, 2020
Women's Vote Helped Win the Case for DuPage Forest Preserves
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
More than 100 years ago, women played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.
March 5, 2020
Donors' Gift Brings Horses to Danada Equestrian Center
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Danada Equestrian Center recently welcomed two new additions to the herd, Percheron-quarter horses named Daisy (age 6) and Babe (age 5). The two mares’ arrival to the center were...
February 20, 2020
Get Healthy With Forest Therapy
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Looking for new ways to improve wellness and promote relaxation this winter? Try forest therapy! Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, forest therapy involves taking...
January 16, 2020
Ecologists Shed Light on Issues Facing Oaks
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Trail users at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve will soon see more forest through the trees along the southern portion of the preserve’s Green Heron trail.
December 18, 2019
Birding in Blustery Winter Pays Off
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Savvy birders know that the coldest months can be some of the hottest times for backyard birding. You can attract birds to your yard by providing them with food, water and...
November 20, 2019
Autumn is a time to enjoy the crispness of the weather and the colors of the trees. The yellow, red and orange colors of the oaks, maples and hickories paint a beautiful...
November 15, 2019
What is that loud, bugling call high in the sky? It's sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) on their fall migration! (Hear samples of their distinct calls on Cornell University's ...
November 7, 2019
DuPage Forest Police Get an Eye in the Sky
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
DuPage Forest Preserve Police are adding a thermal-imaging drone to the police force to help improve response and recovery time in the Forest Preserve District’s more than 60...
October 28, 2019
Garden Blooms at Mayslake from Worker's Creativity
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Mayslake Peabody Estate is now home to a garden that blooms year-round, thanks to creativity, recycling and automotive paint.
October 17, 2019
Scientists Search for Clues to Grassland Bird Habitats
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
More than a dozen ecologists from local conservation agencies toured the 1,800-acre Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville recently to explore and learn more about the...
September 13, 2019
A Model of a Thriving 1920s Poultry Operation
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Millionaire coal baron Francis Stuyvesant Peabody is well known for his Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, but few know that he also owned a farm on the sprawling grounds of...
September 6, 2019
Blanding's Hatchlings Raised by Shedd Aquarium Released in DuPage Preserves
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Like proud new parents, staff from the Shedd Aquarium released 23 Blanding’s turtle hatchlings in DuPage forest preserves this week.
August 12, 2019
Feeding Habits of Daring Dragonflies
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Dragonflies – while the origin of their name is a mystery, it is an appropriate description of these voracious predators. Both the aquatic nymphs and the flying adults are some of...
August 5, 2019
Restoring More of the Great Prairie
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
The 358-acre West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve in West Chicago is one of northeastern Illinois’ premier natural areas, containing more than 600 species of native plants and...
July 30, 2019
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
You expect to encounter native plants and wildlife when you visit DuPage forest preserves, but you don’t expect to find amazing gardens abloom in gorgeous flowers.
July 24, 2019
While out birding at Blackwell Forest Preserve the other day, a very curious pair of trail users caught up to me and inquired about all the brown ducks on the water. What species...
July 1, 2019
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
By David KoldoffI’m a fisherman and I’m not lying when I tell you: There’s a 42-inch northern pike lurking in Silver Lake at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville!
June 18, 2019
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Think of your favorite wildlife — white-tailed deer, woodpeckers, white-footed mice, nuthatches, owls, squirrels. In one way or another they all depend on oak trees for food or...
May 29, 2019
Enlisting Crayfish to Help the Hine's Emerald Dragonfly
Whenever we tell stories about nature, they can be very interesting but can get quite complex when you look at how many of the pieces are interconnected. This is what happens...
May 23, 2019
Protect Yourself from Ticks While Outdoors
We need to talk. It’s going to be awkward, it’s a subject we’d all like to avoid, but it’s best for everyone if we just put it out there: ticks are all around you.
May 15, 2019
Part 6: Replacing Finial Newel Posts
The farmhouse at Kline Creek Farm is 130 years old and has been repaired many times. The Kline family updated it over the years as styles changed, and when it passed down to their...
May 8, 2019
Special Needs Individuals Enjoy Outdoor Adventure at St. James Farm
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
More than 600 special needs individuals ages 3 to 30 connected to nature through a variety of fun activities at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s Special Needs...
May 8, 2019
District Honors Men Who Saved Drowning Man at Silver Lake
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Ramon Garchitorena is able to fish another day thanks to the heroic efforts of three other anglers on Silver Lake at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville.
May 7, 2019
Willowbrook Baby Season: Eastern Cottontails
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Spring is in full swing here at Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn! Animals become much more active this time of year, so we tend to see a lot more animals brought to our...
April 30, 2019
Handling Spring Encounters with Nesting Geese
It’s that time of year when encounters escalate between people and aggressive Canada geese trying to protect their nests and families. But there are some simple ways for both to...
April 24, 2019
Spring Woodland Wildflower Guide
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Of all the seasonal blooms, spring wildflowers seem to capture our hearts and attention the most, likely because they’re the first we see after months of drab landscapes. Most...
April 17, 2019
Keeping up with housecleaning is always a challenge. Finding time to clean, having the right tools and getting everyone else out of the house are all helpful. It is no different...
April 2, 2019
Contain Your Love of Gardening
I know many folks who are interested in growing native plants but feel they can’t because they don’t have a yard or room in their yard to grow them.
March 20, 2019
Points to Ponder Before Raising Monarch Caterpillars
Full disclosure: I’ve always liked insects. As a child I found them intensely interesting and spent hours just watching them walk, feed and fly. As an adult I came to realize...
March 8, 2019
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Just a few native woodland wildflowers emerge in March: Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) and sharp-lobed hepatica (Hepatica acutiloba) are among them.
January 23, 2019
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
For local gardeners, winter’s a time to take stock of what did well during the previous year and to look forward to the coming crop of plant catalogs in the mail. But in DuPage...
January 15, 2019
How to Keep Pets Safe from Coyotes
It’s always heartbreaking to hear about encounters between pet dogs and coyotes. We want to remind folks of some simple ways to keep their pets safe from the native wildlife that...
January 3, 2019
Part 4: The Dining Room Oilcloth
The oilcloth on the dining room floor at Kline Creek Farm's farmhouse museum could be easily overlooked. In fact, we planned it that way. It is meant to fit in as just one more...
December 17, 2018
After the last leaves fall and the cold winds start to blow, winter settles across DuPage County. Ground squirrels and woodchucks hunker down in underground burrows.
December 12, 2018
Feathered Friends Feel the Freeze: How to Help Birds Survive Winter
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Although the ground is cold (and possibly covered in snow), winter doesn’t mean hibernation and hiding for all wild animals, especially for some of the more common creatures...
December 5, 2018
Once we had the wood-burning stove in the works, our next project was to restore our pump organ at the 1880s farmhouse museum at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago. I knew it had...
November 13, 2018
Let's Talk Turkey: Fun Tidbits About This Popular Bird
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
For a lot of people, it’s turkey time. There are hand turkeys, turkey trots, turkey bowls and even tofu turkey with all the trimmings. If you hike through the woods at Herrick Lake
November 6, 2018
The Plight of the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee
I think it’s just human nature to run in the opposite direction when we see a big black-and-yellow insect flying our way. But when it comes to the rusty patched bumble bee, our...
October 30, 2018
Part 2: The Kitchen Wood-Burning Stove
The first project we tackled was replacing the production kitchen wood-burning stove in our remodeling project at Kline Creek Farm’s 1880s farmhouse museum.
October 25, 2018
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Cooler temperatures, fewer bugs and amazing colors make this time of year perfect for outdoor outings. An informal survey of Forest Preserve District of DuPage County employees —...
October 24, 2018
Saving the Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Patience is a virtue, especially if you’re trying to save the federally threatened eastern prairie fringed orchid.
October 16, 2018
Busy Beavers Prepare for Winter
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Late fall means slowing down for many species (including people), but beavers are busy repairing their lodges and dams and poking branches and saplings into mud where the woody...
October 11, 2018
An Ugly Little Stinker: The Stink Bug That Wants Inside
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
It’s that time of year. The leaves are turning. The daylight hours are waning. And, yes. Dozens — maybe even hundreds — of brown marmorated stink bugs are gathering in numbers at...
October 4, 2018
Remodeling an 1880s Farmhouse Museum
As I listen to an ad on the radio telling me that my home is getting dingy and tired and could really use some sprucing up, I cannot help but think of the challenges of...
September 12, 2018
Geese-Free, Thanks to a Border Collie Named Louie
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
It’s 5 a.m. at The Preserve at Oak Meadows — the Forest Preserve District’s signature golf course — and Louie the border collie is on patrol for nuisance geese. His head is...
September 11, 2018
Small Mammals Busy Preparing for Colder Weather
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
While many small mammals and bats are putting on fat in fall to prepare for a long, cold winter hibernation, many are not. For the most part, our common small mammals -- the...
September 6, 2018
Monarch Butterflies Start Long Migration
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Late summer and early fall is a peak time for monarch activity as they prepare for the long migration south to the forests of central Mexico. It’s also a great time to view them...
August 20, 2018
Training With Willowbrook Wildlife
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
For 62 years Willowbrook Wildlife Center has been known for rehabilitating native wildlife and providing education programs for people of all ages throughout DuPage County.
August 15, 2018
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Summer is a beautiful time in the preserves. But it can still be a struggle to find time to get to your favorite forest preserve, even though research shows that 20 minutes...
August 6, 2018
Protecting the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly
Working on the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly Project over the past several years has been a fascinating experience for me.
July 30, 2018
Bright Flashes of Orange in Local Trees
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Despite their bright orange plumage, Baltimore orioles may not be easy to spot. These relatives of yellow-headed and red-wing blackbirds prefer high branches in densely wooded...
July 16, 2018
Fireflies are a Summer Delight
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
The twilight twinkles of fireflies, or lightning bugs, is one of the sure signs of summer. Most of us have fond memories of spending warm summer nights chasing them. Fireflies are...
July 3, 2018
Helping the Hine's Emerald Dragonfly
Being a parent is one of the most difficult — but most rewarding — jobs I have ever had.
You watch your children grow from someone in need of constant attention and care until,...
June 25, 2018
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Ah, summer in DuPage County. Time to get reacquainted with the incredible array of plants and wildlife that call the forest preserves home. Sure, the thought of a few of them...
June 21, 2018
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
When ranger Sarah Rosenberg needs to reconnect with nature, she stops at Meacham Grove Forest Preserve in Bloomingdale. She especially loves the excellent hiking trails at the...
June 20, 2018
Butterflying in the Forest Preserves
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Watching butterflies in DuPage forest preserves is a favorite summer pastime for some insect enthusiasts. But even the lesser experienced bug lover in you can find butterflying a...
June 6, 2018
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
In the natural world, we know that mom is usually boss when it comes to raising babies. And in many species, it is the mom who does most of the work on her own. However, there are...
May 21, 2018
Spring at a wildlife rehabilitation center means daily arrivals of baby animals. At Willowbrook Wildlife Center, our patient load skyrockets in the spring and summer months....
May 14, 2018
Avoid Introducing Invasive Plants to Your Landscape
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Many nurseries and garden centers unknowingly sell invasive landscape plants to unsuspecting consumers. These invasives can escape from your yard and wreak havoc on natural areas...
May 1, 2018
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Twice a year, DuPage County’s forest preserves play host to hundreds of thousands of weary travelers: migrating birds looking for places to fuel up as they move between their...
April 30, 2018
The Tangled Relationships in a Garden
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
The relationship between milkweed and monarchs is well known and well documented. Monarch butterflies feed on the nectar in milkweed flowers, collecting pollen before transferring...
April 24, 2018
The Welcome Return of Hummingbirds
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
The return of ruby-throated hummingbirds to DuPage County is another sure sign of spring. These amazing birds can fly up to 60 miles per hour and flap their wings 40 ‒ 80 times...
April 16, 2018
Solutions to Common Garden Challenges
Gardening with native plants has many rewards, but it can also pose some challenges. The beautiful flowers may attract pollinators, but they may also attract unwanted critters,...
April 5, 2018
Ribbit! April is National Frog Month
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Celebrate National Frog Month in April by getting to know some of the frogs and toads of DuPage County. Amphibians are excellent biological indicators of the wider health of...
April 3, 2018
It’s a perennial question that comes up every planting season: Does it really matter if you plant a full-sun plant in the shade or a shade plant in a sunny spot? Well, it does if...
March 20, 2018
Attracting Wildlife to Your Backyard
When people ask me how to attract birds, bees and butterflies to their backyard, my answer always begins with planting native plants. What do I mean by native plants? A plant is...
March 14, 2018
Reasons to Go Native with Landscaping
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
As the days grow longer and the temperatures grow warmer, you may be thinking about your how you would like to landscape your garden this growing season. This is the perfect time...
January 23, 2018
Where Do Insects Go in Winter?
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Insects are ever present through the growing season, from butterflies and bees flying between flowers to crickets and cicadas with their unique calls. Every year they seem to...
December 20, 2017
Winter is Hooting Season for Owls
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Just as you’re drifting off to sleep and snuggled up tight on a cold January night, you hear “Who’s awake? Me, too.” It’s the call of a great horned owl, a nocturnal bird of prey...
December 4, 2017
Wildlife Deterrents for Your Home Over Winter
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Early December is one of the most wonderful times of the year. Cold and windy days have arrived, leaves have fallen and we’re busy prepping for the many holiday festivities ahead.
November 8, 2017
A Walk in the Woods with Our Four-Legged Friends
Strolling through a forest preserve is great; walking with a best friend through a forest preserve is the best. I have a few best friends, but when I want to walk alone but not...
September 13, 2017
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Asters might very well be the forest preserves’ forgotten flowers. People spend summer gazing at coneflowers, black-eyed Susans and other bright bloomers, but when fall arrives...
September 13, 2017
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
In my 22 years with the Forest Preserve District, some of my most cherished memories come from time spent away from my desk and along the prescription burn line. Prescription...
September 12, 2017
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
When people talk about the spectacular fall colors in DuPage County’s forest preserves, many times they are referring to areas with maple trees. The trees’ yellow, orange and red...