Nature's Storytellers

A Blog About Nature in Our DuPage Forest Preserves

The Sweet Story of Honey Bees

on 8/8/22 9:55 AM By | Jennifer Rydzewski | 0 Comments | Insider Locations Take 5 Wildlife Nature
Honeybees are arguably the most well-known pollinator, but did you know that honeybees are not even native to North America? Apis mellifera, the domesticated European honey bee, originated in Europe but is now common around the world — and for good reason. These hardworking bees are the only insect to create a product used by humans — honey. How sweet is that?
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Hidden History of the East Farm Barn

on 8/1/22 9:05 AM By | Wayne Zaininger | 0 Comments | Insider Locations horse History
Looking at the east side of St. James Farm today, visitors might not fully appreciate the transformation it has gone through over the years. Let’s turn back the clock to the early 1900s, when this locale was a private family farm, to get a better view of its past.
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A Moment for Millipedes

on 7/26/22 1:15 PM By | Jennifer Rydzewski | 0 Comments | Insider Locations Take 5 Wildlife Nature
The next time you hit the trails at a DuPage forest preserve, keep an eye out for the North American millipede, Narceus americanus, also called the “iron worm” for its armored appearance.
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Celebrate the Sounds of Summer

The warm, lazy days of summer are a great time to enjoy the sounds of nature in the preserves, and research shows that pleasant natural sounds are good for your health. They help lower blood pressure, improve cognitive performance and even reduce pain.
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Hidden History of the Baker House

on 6/30/22 3:41 PM By | Keith McClow | 0 Comments | Insider Locations History
It’s hard to fathom the connections a little old house on St. Charles Road has to the history of DuPage County, Illinois and the nation.
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Top 5 Picks for the Perfect Picnic

The warm weather and long days of summer invite people to be outdoors, and what better way to enjoy the outdoors than by having a picnic.
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Hidden History of McDowell Grove

on 5/25/22 7:32 AM By | Jordan Countryman | 0 Comments | Insider Locations History
Sometimes the history of a DuPage forest preserve is simply forgotten, but other times it is purposely kept secret. In the 1940s, McDowell Grove Forest Preserve in Naperville played more than one clandestine role, sparking rumors that evolved into legends.
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6 Easy Tips for Successful Composting

on 5/20/22 8:40 AM By | Derek Gronlund | 0 Comments | Insider Conservation Nature Living green
Composting at home is one of the easiest ways you can make a positive impact on the environment and your garden.
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DuPage Forest Police Get Improved Eye in the Sky

on 5/6/22 9:47 AM By | Forest Preserve District of DuPage County | 0 Comments | Insider police
DuPage Forest Police have added a second, more powerful drone to the police force to help improve response and recovery time in the DuPage Forest Preserve District’s more than 60 forest preserves.
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Hidden History: Burlington Park as Chicago's Recreation Destination

on 4/20/22 7:39 AM By | Dennis Buck | 0 Comments | Insider Locations History
Railroads were crucial to the development of the United States, sparking economic and industrial expansion all around them and carrying people and goods across the country. One of the area’s most famous railroads also played an important part in the development of DuPage County’s park system.
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Dying Easter Eggs in the 1890s

on 4/15/22 12:43 PM By | Wayne Hill | 0 Comments | Insider Locations Plants Nature native plant History
Natural dyes were used in a variety of ways in a colorful Victorian life in the 1890s.
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Bald Eagle Released After Treatment at Willowbrook

A juvenile bald eagle flew to freedom recently after being treated for lead poisoning at Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn.
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Perk Up Your Parkway with Native Plants

Planting native plants in your parkway is a great way to help people appreciate native plants by growing them in your parkway for all to enjoy. And it helps pollinators too!
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Great Horned Owlet Reunited with Family

A great horned owlet was reunited with its family thanks to DuPage Forest Preserve District forestry workers and Willowbrook Wildlife Center.
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Hidden History of Mammoth Spring Icehouse

on 3/25/22 4:52 PM By | Dave Andrusyk | 0 Comments | Insider Locations History
If you look closely while walking along the Night Heron Trail at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook, you can find a little piece of history.
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'On Your Left' and Other Trail Tips

on 3/23/22 12:40 PM By | Forest Preserve District of DuPage County | 0 Comments | Insider Trails Recreation
DuPage forest preserve trails are popular with all kinds of visitors: some on foot, some on wheels and others on horseback.
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Snowy Owl Soars to Freedom After Treatment at Willowbrook

An injured snowy owl soared to freedom this week after being treated for rodenticide poisoning at Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn.
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Meet Some of the District's Wonder Women 2022

Women’s History Month is a great time to reflect on the hard work, dedication achievements of women in all walks of life. We’d like to introduce you to some of the amazing women who work at the DuPage Forest Preserve District.
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Best Winter Hikes

on 2/25/22 2:25 PM By | Sarah Rosenberg | 0 Comments | Insider Trails Health and wellness Recreation Take 5 Nature
Winter is a great time to go exploring in the DuPage forest preserves.
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Hidden History of Dunham's Equine Legacy

on 2/24/22 9:49 AM By | Jordan Countryman | 0 Comments | Insider Locations History
Most people know that “in 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” But did you know that in 1893 Christopher Columbus took a train to Dunham Forest Preserve in Wayne?
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