June 15, 2020
If you want to make the most of your time in DuPage forest preserves, mark your calendar for Tuesday, June 21, 2022.
DuPage Forest Blog
Read the latest blog story from the Forest Preserve District, and connect to nature in DuPage.
Nature (4)
May 14, 2020
Smoothing the Way for Smooth Green Snakes
Meet the smooth green snake (Opheodrys vernalis), a brilliant green, relatively small non-venomous snake that we’d like to see more of in DuPage County.
May 8, 2020
Can't You Take Just One More? No, and Here's Why
Every facility that cares for animals has to make tough decisions all the time: What type of animals should they treat? How many? Do they have the staff and skill to treat them?...
May 4, 2020
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
There are so many things that make moms special — they go the extra mile for their kids, know just what they need, and are fierce protectors of their wee ones.
April 30, 2020
Planting native plants in our yards and gardens is gaining popularity for good reasons.
April 17, 2020
Best Native Shrubs for Your Yard
With winter slowly fading and signs of spring arriving daily, gardeners are getting the itch.
April 9, 2020
Slow Down on Spring Cleaning in Your Garden
With the recent warm weather and native plants starting to emerge from their winter slumber, folks may be eager to do some spring cleaning in their gardens.
April 1, 2020
When Waterfowl Run Afoul with Nests
Every spring and summer, Willowbrook Wildlife Center admits hundreds of orphaned young birds. We give as much care as is humanly possible, but the best parent for a bird is always...
February 20, 2020
Get Healthy With Forest Therapy
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Looking for new ways to improve wellness and promote relaxation this winter? Try forest therapy! Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, forest therapy involves taking...
January 16, 2020
Ecologists Shed Light on Issues Facing Oaks
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Trail users at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve will soon see more forest through the trees along the southern portion of the preserve’s Green Heron trail.
December 18, 2019
Birding in Blustery Winter Pays Off
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Savvy birders know that the coldest months can be some of the hottest times for backyard birding. You can attract birds to your yard by providing them with food, water and...
November 20, 2019
Autumn is a time to enjoy the crispness of the weather and the colors of the trees. The yellow, red and orange colors of the oaks, maples and hickories paint a beautiful...
November 15, 2019
What is that loud, bugling call high in the sky? It's sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) on their fall migration! (Hear samples of their distinct calls on Cornell University's ...
October 28, 2019
Garden Blooms at Mayslake from Worker's Creativity
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Mayslake Peabody Estate is now home to a garden that blooms year-round, thanks to creativity, recycling and automotive paint.
October 17, 2019
Scientists Search for Clues to Grassland Bird Habitats
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
More than a dozen ecologists from local conservation agencies toured the 1,800-acre Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville recently to explore and learn more about the...
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 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...
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 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!