Read the latest blog story from the Forest Preserve District, and connect to nature in DuPage.
September 6, 2018
Monarch Butterflies Start Long Migration
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Late summer and early fall is a peak time for monarch activity as they prepare for the long migration south to the forests of central Mexico. It’s also a great time to view them...
August 28, 2018
Routine Physical for Willowbrook's Resident Bobcat
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
A routine annual physical is anything but when your patient is a 30-pound bobcat.
August 20, 2018
Training With Willowbrook Wildlife
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
For 62 years Willowbrook Wildlife Center has been known for rehabilitating native wildlife and providing education programs for people of all ages throughout DuPage County.
August 15, 2018
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Summer is a beautiful time in the preserves. But it can still be a struggle to find time to get to your favorite forest preserve, even though research shows that 20 minutes...
August 9, 2018
Ranger Helps an Entangled Turtle
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Forest Preserve District Ranger Austen Doherty answered the call when a visitor at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve reported an injured turtle along the Salt Creek shoreline.
August 6, 2018
Protecting the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly
Working on the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly Project over the past several years has been a fascinating experience for me.
July 30, 2018
Bright Flashes of Orange in Local Trees
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Despite their bright orange plumage, Baltimore orioles may not be easy to spot. These relatives of yellow-headed and red-wing blackbirds prefer high branches in densely wooded...
July 16, 2018
Fireflies are a Summer Delight
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
The twilight twinkles of fireflies, or lightning bugs, is one of the sure signs of summer. Most of us have fond memories of spending warm summer nights chasing them. Fireflies are...
July 3, 2018
Helping the Hine's Emerald Dragonfly
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,...
June 25, 2018
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Ah, summer in DuPage County. Time to get reacquainted with the incredible array of plants and wildlife that call the forest preserves home. Sure, the thought of a few of them...
June 20, 2018
Butterflying in the Forest Preserves
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
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...
June 6, 2018
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
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...
May 21, 2018
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....
May 7, 2018
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
We all have different sources of inspiration. Sometimes you just have to like something a little before you’ll try it. Other times you have to kick the tires and thoroughly...
May 1, 2018
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Twice a year, DuPage County’s forest preserves play host to hundreds of thousands of weary travelers: migrating birds looking for places to fuel up as they move between their...
April 30, 2018
The Tangled Relationships in a Garden
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
The relationship between milkweed and monarchs is well known and well documented. Monarch butterflies feed on the nectar in milkweed flowers, collecting pollen before transferring...
April 27, 2018
New Equipment a Lifesaver for Willowbrook Patients
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
An injured herring gull received prompt treatment for lead poisoning thanks to a new lead analysis machine that Willowbrook Wildlife Center was able to purchase because of...
April 24, 2018
The Welcome Return of Hummingbirds
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
The return of ruby-throated hummingbirds to DuPage County is another sure sign of spring. These amazing birds can fly up to 60 miles per hour and flap their wings 40 ‒ 80 times...
April 17, 2018
Making Friends in the Birding Circle
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
The start of spring welcomes thousands of migrating birds to the DuPage forest preserves and greater Chicago area. It’s also the season for birding enthusiasts to get outdoors to...
April 16, 2018
Solutions to Common Garden Challenges
Gardening with native plants has many rewards, but it can also pose some challenges. The beautiful flowers may attract pollinators, but they may also attract unwanted critters,...
