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DuPage Forest Blog

Read the latest blog story from the Forest Preserve District, and connect to nature in DuPage.

Take 5

August 8, 2022

The Sweet Story of Honey Bees

Jennifer Rydzewski

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,...

July 26, 2022

A Moment for Millipedes

Jennifer Rydzewski

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...

February 25, 2022

Best Winter Hikes

Sarah Rosenberg

Winter is a great time to go exploring in the DuPage forest preserves.

December 10, 2021

Native Landscaping: Start Planning Now

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

It may be wintertime, but now is the time to start planning your garden for next year. It may not seem like it now, but spring will be here before you know it, making this a great...

December 2, 2021

Preserve Visitor Trends in Pandemic Times

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

A surge in visitors and use of DuPage forest preserves that started during the pandemic is showing no signs of slowing down.

September 27, 2021

Celebrate OAKtober!

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

OAKtober is Illinois’ monthlong celebration of oak trees and the things that make them great. We love oaks here at the DuPage Forest Preserve District, so we’re thrilled to be a...

April 20, 2021

The Hidden History of Fullersburg Woods

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

When you visit a DuPage forest preserve to connect with nature, you don’t often consider its history and how it came to be developed as a preserve.

March 25, 2021

Stressed Out? We've Got Just the Thing

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Still recovering from 2020? If you’re like most people, the stress of the pandemic, working from home and e-learning has taken its toll.

January 19, 2021

Mayslake Art Exhibit "Double Vision: Cooperative Art"

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but what about art? It too is subject to interpretation, as two artistic groups from Mayslake Peabody Estate prove in their...

November 24, 2020

What Do Bees Do in the Winter?

Charlie Linnell and Duane Marski

One of the more frequent questions we beekeepers are asked is “What do bees do in the winter?”

November 17, 2020

Six Hiking Essentials

Dave Andrusyk

Whether you’re new to hiking or a regular walker on DuPage forest preserve’s 166 miles of trails, there are at least 6 essentials you should bring with you every time you head out...

October 27, 2020

Wolf Spider: Friend or Foe?

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Ranging in size from half an inch to over two inches, these large, hairy spiders may be the fuel of nightmares for some people. 

September 24, 2020

It's for the Birds

Keriann Dubina

Do you like birds and wish you knew more about them? There are a few simple steps you can take to welcome birds in to your backyard and begin to identify them.

September 2, 2020

Walking in the Rain

Dave Andrusyk

Have you ever planned a hiking trip at a DuPage forest preserve, only to find out that the sunny nice day you were planning has turned into a grey, rainy day?

August 18, 2020

Five Ways to Relax in DuPage Forest Preserves

Dave Andrusyk

With everything that’s happening in the world, it helps to find ways to take time for ourselves and relax. And it’s good for you!

August 4, 2020

Get Hooked on Fishing

Keriann Dubina

A lot of people are looking for fun things to do outdoors close to home. If you haven’t already, why not try fishing?

March 17, 2020

Turning to Nature in a Time of Turmoil

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Many of us are staying in our homes as the COVID-19 global pandemic has led to quarantines, closures and social distancing.

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...

December 10, 2019

Christmas Traditions

Dennis Buck

For centuries, many cultures have decorated their homes and temples with evergreen boughs as symbols of life and renewal. Even so, the Christmas tree is an instantly recognizable...

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.

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