Read the latest blog story from the Forest Preserve District, and connect to nature in DuPage.
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 9, 2019
Bald Eagle Reunited with its Family
A female bald eagle was returned to her home and family after 21 days of TLC at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s Willowbrook Wildlife Center.
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 30, 2019
Grounds Management Roads Crew Paves the Way to Our Preserves
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
They’re faster than falling snow, more powerful than a pothole, and able to clean a blocked storm sewer in a single bound.
They’re the superheroes of the Grounds Management Roads...
August 21, 2019
Summer is a busy time in DuPage County, but many of the area’s busiest residents are so small they almost go unnoticed, even though they’re performing one of the most important...
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...
August 2, 2019
Start Your Day with Yoga on the Lawn
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Yoga. It’s the oldest new thing around these days and for good reason.
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 19, 2019
Help Wanted Spotting Rare Bumble Bee
In ecology, timing is everything. While some organisms can be easily found through much of the growing season, others can only be seen for a short time and have peak viewing times...
July 9, 2019
A New Way to Help Patrol Preserves
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
DuPage Forest Preserve Police have a new partner to help them patrol the preserves – an all-terrain vehicle.
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 24, 2019
Taking Time to Remember our Wildlife
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
When you join the Willowbrook Wildlife Center family of staff and volunteers, you sign on to the commitment and service that goes with providing animal care to injured and...
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...
June 13, 2019
Kids Catch Fun and Fish at Just for Kids Fishing Derby
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Approximately 309 young anglers participated in the 33rd annual Just for Kids Fishing Derby at Blackwell Forest Preserve’s Silver Lake on June 9.
June 12, 2019
Citizen Scientists Wanted to Help Track Water Levels at Four Preserve Lakes
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
We need your help! Our ecology staff is looking for citizen scientists to help track water levels at several DuPage forest preserve lakes as part of the international Lake...
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...
