DuPage Forest Blog | Natural resources

Citizen Scientists Wanted to Help Track Water Levels at Four Preserve Lakes

on 6/12/19 11:29 AM By | Forest Preserve District of DuPage County | 0 Comments | Insider Locations Natural resources Community partnership Volunteer Conservation Nature

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 Observations by Citizen Scientists & Satellites.

Enlisting Crayfish to Help the Hine's Emerald Dragonfly

on 5/29/19 1:17 PM By | Tom Velat | 0 Comments | Insider Natural resources Wildlife Conservation Nature

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 when we tell the story of the federally endangered Hine’s Emerald dragonfly, its habitat, and ways we’ve tried to create more habitat for them in DuPage forest preserves. As you’ll see, the story is at times interesting, complex, tragic, and exciting.

It Takes Heart to Save a Blanding's Turtle

on 2/25/19 2:45 PM By | Dan Thompson | 0 Comments | Insider Natural resources Community partnership Wildlife Conservation Nature

This past Valentine’s Day started out unexpectedly for some zookeepers at Wheaton Park District’s Cosley Zoo when they found a small Blanding’s turtle unconscious in one of the rearing tubs.

A Special Role for a Special Blanding's Turtle

on 2/8/19 3:13 PM By | Forest Preserve District of DuPage County | 0 Comments | Insider Natural resources Community partnership Wildlife Conservation Nature

Meet Shirlee, a rare yellow-colored or “xanthic” Blanding’s turtle now on public display to help spread the word about the plight of the state-endangered Blanding’s turtle. She’s also a great example of how it takes a village to help save these creatures.

Feathered Friends Feel the Freeze: How to Help Birds Survive Winter

on 12/12/18 10:03 AM By | Forest Preserve District of DuPage County | 0 Comments | Insider Locations Natural resources Wildlife Conservation Nature

Although the ground is cold (and possibly covered in snow), winter doesn’t mean hibernation and hiding for all wild animals, especially for some of the more common creatures you’ll see this time of year: the birds.

Tracking the Origins of Invasive Zebra Mussels

on 11/29/18 9:09 AM By | Dan Grigas | 0 Comments | Insider Locations Natural resources Conservation Nature Invasive

Visiting a beautiful lake or pond surrounded by mixed woodlands or sprawling prairie is one of the most serene and relaxing things I can think of doing on any given day. Nothing beats hearing the hum and buzz of surrounding wildlife, feeling the gentle breeze on my face, and looking down upon the refreshing clear water. Wait, what? Pool-clear lake water? That’s not right. Healthy lakes and ponds typically have a slight greenish/brown hue to them, an indication they contain an ample amount of phytoplankton, the base of the food chain. Being too clear is often a sign that something is afoot in that aquatic ecosystem.

Let's Talk Turkey: Fun Tidbits About This Popular Bird

on 11/13/18 11:35 AM By | Forest Preserve District of DuPage County | 0 Comments | Insider Locations Natural resources Wildlife Conservation Nature

For a lot of people, it’s turkey time. There are hand turkeys, turkey trots, turkey bowls and even tofu turkey with all the trimmings. If you hike through the woods at Herrick Lake, Blackwell, Danada or St. James Farm forest preserves, you just may see the real deal.

The Plight of the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee

on 11/6/18 2:20 PM By | Andres Ortega | 0 Comments | Insider Locations Natural resources Plants Conservation Nature

I think it’s just human nature to run in the opposite direction when we see a big black-and-yellow insect flying our way. But when it comes to the rusty patched bumble bee, our reaction to this federally endangered species should lean more toward excitement and compassion.

Saving the Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid

on 10/24/18 2:11 PM By | Forest Preserve District of DuPage County | 0 Comments | Insider Locations Natural resources Plants Conservation Nature

Patience is a virtue, especially if you’re trying to save the federally threatened eastern prairie fringed orchid.

Busy Beavers Prepare for Winter

on 10/16/18 1:56 PM By | Forest Preserve District of DuPage County | 0 Comments | Insider Locations Natural resources Wildlife Conservation Nature

Late fall means slowing down for many species (including people), but beavers are busy repairing their lodges and dams and poking branches and saplings into mud where the woody material, which is their winter food cache, stays fresh, even under ice. They can cut down trees over a foot in diameter.

One-Year Checkup Shows Mussels Are Thriving

on 10/10/18 12:45 PM By | Forest Preserve District of DuPage County | 0 Comments | Insider Locations Natural resources Wildlife Conservation Nature

A one-year checkup on some of the 24,377 freshwater mussels released last fall into the West Branch DuPage River and two tributaries shows they are doing great and growing, according to Jessi DeMartini, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s aquatic research center coordinator.

Duck Race Supports Habitat Restoration

on 9/25/18 1:59 PM By | Forest Preserve District of DuPage County | 0 Comments | Locations Natural resources Community partnership Conservation

Congratulations to Marianne Logsdon, the $500 cash prize winner who entered our rubber-duck race to support restoration at West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve in West Chicago. Her prize-winning pintail crossed the finish line first in a duck race on September 22, 2018 at Spring Brook at St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville.

Protecting the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly

on 8/6/18 11:11 AM By | Tom Velat | 0 Comments | Insider Locations Natural resources Wildlife Conservation Nature

Working on the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly Project over the past several years has been a fascinating experience for me.

Helping the Hine's Emerald Dragonfly

on 7/3/18 9:07 AM By | Andres Ortega | 0 Comments | Insider Natural resources Wildlife Conservation Nature

Being a parent is one of the most difficult — but most rewarding — jobs I have ever had. You watch your children grow from someone in need of constant attention and care until, all too sudden, they become independent, self-sufficient young adults. While neither of my children have reached that final stage where they “fly the coop,” I can sense it in the not too distant future. For me, raising the federally endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly at the District’s Urban Stream Research Center — while obviously different — also has many parallels to parenthood.

Butterflying in the Forest Preserves

on 6/20/18 9:08 AM By | Forest Preserve District of DuPage County | 0 Comments | Insider Locations Natural resources Plants Wildlife Conservation

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 rewarding hobby with some patience and a little know-how. If you don't know where to begin, our top 10 observation tips will get you started butterflying this summer in the preserves.

Best Wildlife Dads

on 6/6/18 10:24 AM By | Forest Preserve District of DuPage County | 0 Comments | Insider Natural resources Wildlife Nature

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 some cases where dad plays a huge role and is crucial for the successful raising of young. In honor of Father’s Day, we’re highlighting some of the best wildlife dads in the area.

New McDowell Grove Bridge Reopens

on 6/1/18 12:15 PM By | Forest Preserve District of DuPage County | 0 Comments | Insider Locations Trails Natural resources Recreation Conservation Nature

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County officials celebrated the opening of the new two-lane entrance bridge at McDowell Grove Forest Preserve in Naperville at a May 29 ribbon-cutting ceremony at the preserve on Raymond Drive.

Great American Campout Comes to Greene Valley

on 5/29/18 2:22 PM By | Forest Preserve District of DuPage County | 0 Comments | Insider Natural resources Recreation Take 5 Camping

Campers — beginners and experienced alike — can join the Great American Campout between Saturday, June 23 at 1 p.m. and Sunday, June 24 at 11 a.m. at the youth-group campground at Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville.

Honey of a Plan Lands at Kline Creek Farm

on 5/24/18 1:41 PM By | Forest Preserve District of DuPage County | 0 Comments | Natural resources Community partnership Plants Conservation Nature

A team of sixth graders from Hadley Junior High School in Glen Ellyn visited Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago recently to spread its message about helping save bee populations as part of a class project.

Mistaken Identity

on 5/21/18 12:17 PM By | Stephanie Touzalin | 0 Comments | Insider Natural resources Wildlife Conservation Coyote Rehabilitation

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. Typically it is the baby bunnies, squirrels, ducklings, robin nestlings and raccoons that people are finding, but occasionally we will be surprised with a less common orphan.

Nature's Storytellers

A Blog About Nature in Our DuPage Forest Preserves