Skip to navigation Skip to content

DuPage Forest Blog

Read the latest blog story from the Forest Preserve District, and connect to nature in DuPage.

February 24, 2021

Tales as Old as Time

Nate Hambel

“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

Nature's Valentines

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

Seven Nutty Squirrel Facts

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

Stephanie Touzalin

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

Six Hiking Essentials

Dave Andrusyk

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

Wolf Spider: Friend or Foe?

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

Fall Color Finds

Dave Andrusyk

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

On With the Show

Scott Kobal

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

It's for the Birds

Keriann Dubina

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

Keriann Dubina

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

Walking in the Rain

Dave Andrusyk

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

Dave Andrusyk

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

Dave Andrusyk

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

High-Flying Chimney Swifts

Keriann Dubina

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.

Subscribe to Our Blog