Man and His Dog Glide on Trails

Sean Seamon
All-Season Nature Lover

I am originally from Minnesota, but work for The Department of Energy at Argonne National Laboratory brought me to the area.

Now I work for a defense contractor on a system that will someday protect helicopters from heat-seeking missiles. My work brings me all over the world, and right now I regularly bounce between San Diego and Edinburgh, Scotland.

Our DuPage forest preserve system is truly world class! I am married with two young daughters. We have a dog (Bella) and a cat. We currently host an au pair from Colombia, and are in the process of interviewing for her replacement as she graduates from the program in 2020. The forest preserves (and our area, in general) are a great pull for candidates interested in experiencing American culture, which makes our selection process so much easier.

When I am not playing with my kids, I train for and participate in bicycle races and play trumpet in the Naperville Municipal Band. I am also an electric vehicle enthusiast, with an electric car and two electric motorcycles (only one of which currently works).

Discovering DuPage Forest Preserves

After my girlfriend (now wife) moved to the area, we purchased bicycles as something to do together. We would ride through the preserves and on the Illinois Prairie Path on our bicycles.

What Brings Him Back Time and Time Again

Since then, my wife and I were married at St. James Farm; we've gotten a dog who needs to use the off-leash parks to stay sane, and we bring our kids to many of the preserves. We’re regular users of the boats at Herrick and Blackwell forest preserves in warmer months, and frequent Kline Creek Farm with the kids. I use the preserves from fall through spring to exercise, whether on a fat bike, skis, or getting pulled by Bella on a scooter. We inherited a tandem recumbent bicycle from my parents, and my wife and I will be using that to tow the kids around the preserves this summer. Look out for 25 feet of bicycle!

Catching the Nature Bug

I can't remember a time when I didn't like being outside. There is a primal joy that comes from being in nature. It is also critical to realizing how we can be both such a small part of the world while also making a huge impact through our actions.

Favorite Thing to Do in the Preserves

My favorite thing to do is bikejoring with Bella on DuPage forest preserve trails. Her athleticism is truly amazing!

How Nature Inspires

Nature puts everything I do into perspective. Nature is a constant reminder that the world existed long before humans, and will exist long after humans. My existence is not any more important than any other living thing on the planet, although I likely have a much larger impact on the future. As W. Edwards Deming puts it, "It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory." We need to take action protect our natural resources for the benefit of those who follow us. It’s our obligation to the generations that follow, and the future we desire for our children is not guaranteed.

Sean Seamon and his dog, Bella, glide along the trails at Danada Forest Preserve.

Advice to Others

I encourage everyone to do things that bring them joy, and to recognize that everyone will find joy in a different ways. More people using the preserves means better resources dedicated to maintaining and improving them. Skiers, don't hate fat bikers. Bikers, don't hate runners/joggers. Equestrians, keep letting my kids say “Hi” to your horse!

Also, cherish looking like an fool. Never cross-country skied before? Try it and be prepared to look like a fool. (If Bella wasn't pulling me, I’d be that fool!) Afraid of someone else seeing you push a bike up a hill because you're too tired to pedal? Every cyclist has been there, so don't be afraid, and wear the effort as a badge of honor! Afraid of falling in the lake while boarding a boat? Decide ahead of time that falling in is the best part of boating.

Stories that are about being wet, dirty, cold, exhausted and uncomfortable are the best stories (when told while dry, clean, warm, refreshed and in the comfort of good company).
After all, you could be a dad pedaling a tandem recumbent bicycle while his wife reads a book behind him and the kids in the trailer in the back are crying because they want to pet the pony we just passed on the trail.

Sean Seamon and his dog, Bella, pause for a photo at Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton.

If you have a fun or unique way of catching nature in our preserves and would like to be featured in a “Catching Nature” blog, please contact Deb Humiston at dhumiston@dupageforest.org.