Read the latest blog story from the Forest Preserve District, and connect to nature in DuPage.
March 9, 2021
Owl's Story Tugs at Donor's Heartstrings
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Sandy Youngstrom of Naperville is a wildlife enthusiast who not only enjoys bringing birds, insects and mammals to her own backyard but also supporting wild animals in her...
February 24, 2021
“Never forget the trail, look ever for the track in the snow; it is the priceless, unimpeachable record of the creature's life and thought, in the oldest writing known on the...
February 19, 2021
The Hidden History of Hidden Lake
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Relics of the former lives of DuPage forest preserves are often hidden in plain sight, but without context they have no meaning.
February 5, 2021
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Valentine’s Day is a day we celebrate relationships but even more than that, it is a day to celebrate love.
January 20, 2021
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Go nuts over squirrels on National Squirrel Appreciation Day!
Held annually on Jan. 21 — in the middle of winter when food sources may be scarce — this unofficial holiday was...
December 15, 2020
Start a New Chapter with Mayslake Book Club
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Explore nature, art and history as it relates to the natural world with Mayslake's “Nature Art & Culture Peabody’s Pages Book Club Three-Part Discussion,” which starts its second...
December 2, 2020
As the Seasons Change: A Soil Opera
Soil. Mud. Dirt. Earth. That stuff on the ground that’s always been there and always looks pretty much the same. Not too much happening down there, right? Wrong.
October 27, 2020
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.
October 15, 2020
When the sweaters come out and the kids are back at school, you know it’s time for another sure sign of the season: fall colors. You also know that you need go no farther than...
October 1, 2020
Now that fall’s officially here, we’re starting to see the first signs of color in our forest preserves. So it’s only natural that people want to know what to expect in the way of...
September 29, 2020
Celebrate the Mighty Oak in OAKtober
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
It’s fall and that means trees will soon be showing their colors. Who can resist a stroll on a crisp fall afternoon to gaze at nature’s colorful changes?
September 24, 2020
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 9, 2020
Bee Informed About Native Bees
Did you know Illinois is home to more than 500 species of native bees?
August 26, 2020
Keep Away! Hogweed, Hemlock and Parsnip
Many plants have amazing adaptations that protect them from being eaten or destroyed by other organisms. That’s good for them but can be bad for people who come in contact with...
August 18, 2020
Five Ways to Relax in DuPage Forest Preserves
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 13, 2020
Have you ever seen something fluttering in the air that looks like a cigar with wings? Is it a bat? Is it a bird? It’s likely a chimney swift.
August 11, 2020
A Decade of Studying the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly
Populations of the Baltimore checkerspot butterfly have grown from little more than 100 to 1,000 in the more than 10 years DuPage Forest Preserve District ecologists have been...
August 4, 2020
A lot of people are looking for fun things to do outdoors close to home. If you haven’t already, why not try fishing?
July 30, 2020
Red Fox Finds Freedom After Treatment at Willowbrook
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
A red fox treated at Willowbrook Wildlife Center for mange regained his freedom after being released recently at McDowell Grove Forest Preserve in Naperville.
July 22, 2020
Attracting Swallowtails to Your Garden
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Swallowtail butterflies are some of the largest, showiest butterflies found in Illinois. A visit from one in your garden is always a welcome delight.
