Read the latest blog story from the Forest Preserve District, and connect to nature in DuPage.
June 20, 2018
Butterflying in the Forest Preserves
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Watching butterflies in DuPage forest preserves is a favorite summer pastime for some insect enthusiasts. But even the lesser experienced bug lover in you can find butterflying a...
June 6, 2018
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
In the natural world, we know that mom is usually boss when it comes to raising babies. And in many species, it is the mom who does most of the work on her own. However, there are...
May 21, 2018
Spring at a wildlife rehabilitation center means daily arrivals of baby animals. At Willowbrook Wildlife Center, our patient load skyrockets in the spring and summer months....
May 14, 2018
Avoid Introducing Invasive Plants to Your Landscape
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Many nurseries and garden centers unknowingly sell invasive landscape plants to unsuspecting consumers. These invasives can escape from your yard and wreak havoc on natural areas...
May 1, 2018
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Twice a year, DuPage County’s forest preserves play host to hundreds of thousands of weary travelers: migrating birds looking for places to fuel up as they move between their...
April 30, 2018
The Tangled Relationships in a Garden
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
The relationship between milkweed and monarchs is well known and well documented. Monarch butterflies feed on the nectar in milkweed flowers, collecting pollen before transferring...
April 24, 2018
The Welcome Return of Hummingbirds
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
The return of ruby-throated hummingbirds to DuPage County is another sure sign of spring. These amazing birds can fly up to 60 miles per hour and flap their wings 40 ‒ 80 times...
April 16, 2018
Solutions to Common Garden Challenges
Gardening with native plants has many rewards, but it can also pose some challenges. The beautiful flowers may attract pollinators, but they may also attract unwanted critters,...
April 5, 2018
Ribbit! April is National Frog Month
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Celebrate National Frog Month in April by getting to know some of the frogs and toads of DuPage County. Amphibians are excellent biological indicators of the wider health of...
April 3, 2018
It’s a perennial question that comes up every planting season: Does it really matter if you plant a full-sun plant in the shade or a shade plant in a sunny spot? Well, it does if...
March 20, 2018
Attracting Wildlife to Your Backyard
When people ask me how to attract birds, bees, and butterflies to their backyard, my answer always begins with planting native plants. What do I mean by native plants? A plant is...
March 14, 2018
Reasons To Go Native With Landscaping
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
As the days grow longer and the temperatures grow warmer, you may be thinking about your how you would like to landscape your garden this growing season. This is the perfect time...
January 23, 2018
Where Do Insects Go in Winter?
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Insects are ever present through the growing season, from butterflies and bees flying between flowers to crickets and cicadas with their unique calls. Every year they seem to...
December 20, 2017
Winter is Hooting Season for Owls
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Just as you’re drifting off to sleep and snuggled up tight on a cold January night, you hear “Who’s awake? Me, too.” It’s the call of a great horned owl, a nocturnal bird of prey...
December 4, 2017
Wildlife Deterrents for Your Home Over Winter
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Early December is one of the most wonderful times of the year. Cold and windy days have arrived, leaves have fallen and we’re busy prepping for the many holiday festivities ahead.
November 8, 2017
A Walk in the Woods with Our Four-Legged Friends
Strolling through a forest preserve is great; walking with a best friend through a forest preserve is the best. I have a few best friends, but when I want to walk alone but not...
September 13, 2017
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Asters might very well be the forest preserves’ forgotten flowers. People spend summer gazing at coneflowers, black-eyed Susans and other bright bloomers, but when fall arrives...
September 13, 2017
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
In my 22 years with the Forest Preserve District, some of my most cherished memories come from time spent away from my desk and along the prescription burn line. Prescription...
September 12, 2017
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
When people talk about the spectacular fall colors in DuPage County’s forest preserves, many times they are referring to areas with maple trees. The trees’ yellow, orange and red...
