Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

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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.

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 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.

June 17, 2020

The Power of Pollinators

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

“Nature is to be found in her entirety nowhere more than in her smallest creatures.”~ Pliny the Elder

May 4, 2020

Best Wildlife Moms

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.

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 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 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

Unexpected Garden Delights

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 1, 2019

A Fish Tale to Remember

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!

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 DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center in Glen Ellyn. Animals become much more active this time of year, so we tend to see a lot more animals brought...

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