Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County improves the quality of life for all DuPage County residents. Its 26,000 acres of woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and waterways contribute to cleaner air and water, help with flood control, create vital habitats for wildlife, and provide safe spaces where people can boost their physical and mental health. More than 5.5 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 175 miles of trails, seven education centers, and scores of programs each year.

April 16, 2025

Volunteer Quietly Leads for Nature in DuPage

The Forest Preserve District is honored to have dedicated volunteers who serve our agency in many ways. That’s why this National Volunteer Week from April 20 – 26, we are...

February 10, 2025

How the Outdoors Ignited Health and Devotion

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Many of us have stories about why or how we've come to love nature. The Millers' is just one of those stories.

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.

April 4, 2024

Preparing New Plants for the Cicada Summer

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

With all the buzz about the periodical cicada emergence this summer, many are wondering if they need to protect their plants at home.

October 6, 2022

Pop, Pop, Pop, Popcorn!

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Popcorn is an American story and is the world’s first cultivated corn. Corn planted in the plowed prairies of the Midwestern soil of Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, and southern...

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...

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 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.

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 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 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.

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 15, 2021

Join Our New Winter Adventure Series

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

As the lakes freeze and the ground turns white, we’ll be adding a flurry of outdoor fun to our winter program lineup!

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...

December 2, 2021

Preserve Visitor Trends in Pandemic Times

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

A surge in visitors and use of DuPage forest preserves that started during the pandemic is showing no signs of slowing down.

November 23, 2021

We're Thankful For Our Volunteers

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has one of the most diverse volunteer programs in the area, offering more than 50 unique opportunities in 11 programs.

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...

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Subscribe to Our Blog