DuPage Forest Blog

Wolf Spider: Friend or Foe?

This year has been challenging for all of us, even our native wildlife. In early August, a young raccoon was found almost lifeless and covered in oil inside a restaurant grease...

October 27, 2020

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

Celebrate the Mighty Oak in OAKtober

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

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

Relocating Fish to a New Spring Brook

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 14, 2020

Scott Meister

Restoration of Spring Brook as it flows through Blackwell Forest Preserve includes building a new stream channel and removing a dam to provide better habitat and a gentler slope...

September 9, 2020

Bee Informed About Native Bees

Colt Inspires Volunteer's Artwork

Did you know Illinois is home to more than 500 species of native bees?

September 3, 2020

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

Blanding's Yearlings Released in DuPage Preserves

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 28, 2020

Keep Away! Hogweed, Hemlock and Parsnip

With perpetual smiles on their faces, Blanding’s turtle yearlings raised by DuPage Forest Preserve District partners were recently released in DuPage forest preserves.

August 26, 2020

Five Ways to Relax in DuPage Forest Preserves

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

High-Flying Chimney Swifts

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

A Decade of Studying the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly

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

Tom Velat

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

Barred Owl Soars to Freedom with Help from Willowbrook

A barred owl injured after being struck by a vehicle was one of many birds released on a recent sunny day at McDowell Grove Forest Preserve after being treated at Willowbrook...

August 4, 2020

Get Hooked on Fishing

Red Fox Finds Freedom After Treatment at Willowbrook

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

Wildlife Myths: Can Frogs Give You Warts?

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 27, 2020

Attracting Swallowtails to Your Garden

Many of us have been discouraged from getting a closer look at a frog by someone claiming that handling a frog can give you warts.

July 22, 2020