Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

Visiting the Preserves During Phase 4

(Last updated 6/30/20)

All preserves are open one hour after sunrise to sunset.

More changes coming soon! Stay tuned for the latest updates.

Other News to Know 

• Willowbrook Wildlife Center has reached capacity and is not accepting                      hatchling or nestling songbirds, baby squirrels, raccoons, cottontails, and                    waterfowl (geese and ducks). It is still accepting all native adults and babies of          other species. See Willowbrook's webpage for more information and details.
• Reservations are now being taken for the Blackwell family campground, which          reopens on Friday, July 10. The campground will be open Friday and Saturday nights through Sept. 30. Reserve your campsite now online or call Visitor Services at 630-933-7248. See our COVID camping guidelines (PDF).
  
  Please note: Campground gates and the surrounding forest preserve close at              sunset and no outside visitors will be allowed. Bathrooms/sinks will be available          but shower facilities will remain closed. 

When Using Trails and Open Spaces

The Forest Preserve District actively promotes compliance with the governor’s executive order and encourages visitors to follow these recommendations while visiting DuPage forest preserves:

• Stay home if you're sick or have been near someone who's sick.
• Practice safe social distancing and stay at least 6 feet away from the next person. (Forest preserve limestone trails are 8 to 10 feet wide.) If this is not possible, move to another location.
• Follow all CDC best practices, including wearing cloth face coverings in public settings.
• Make sure other visitors know you're near if they can't see you. (A simple "passing from behind" works.) Stay at least 6 feet away as you pass.
• Do not gather in groups or meet with friends in the preserves. No group runs, hikes or rides.
• Don't touch things others might also touch, such as signs, benches or shelters.
• Note that all forest preserve restrooms are closed and water fountains are off, and time your visits accordingly.
• Visit only with members of your household.
• Keep dogs on a leash in preserves and on trails.
• Clean up your trash  

All visitors must follow Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommended COVID-19 prevention strategies. Forest Preserve District police will monitor attendance, and close preserves if it appears that the public health goals for increased social distancing goals are being compromised due to crowds, or if the State of Illinois orders that further distancing measures be taken.

Consult your local and state ordinances and guidelines for the most up-to-date recommendations on park and trail use.

Other District Services and Facilities

Visitor Services

The Visitor Services Center at Forest Preserve headquarters is closed to walk-in visits until further notice. However, permit requests, registrations, and all other inquiries can be processed:

• Online at dupageforest.org
• By phone during regular business hours at 630-933-7248
• By email at permits@dupageforest.org
  
  

Forest Preserve District Headquarters

The headquarters building is closed to the public.

Police Department

The Police Department continues to serve the public and protect our preserves, but some in-person administrative services are limited at this time.

• To speak to an on-duty command officer, call 630-933-7240.
• For general questions or concerns, email police@dupageforest.org.
• For general records questions, email Lt. Shelli Jandura at sjandura@dupageforest.org.
• To obtain personal property currently being held by our department, email Lt. Shelli Jandura at sjandura@dupageforest.org to schedule an appointment.

Danada Equestrian Center

The grounds and surrounding forest preserve around Danada Equestrian Center are open. The Danada barn and buildings remain closed until further notice. Visitors should refrain from touching the animals.   

Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center

The visitor center is closed. The surrounding forest preserve is open. Graue Mill and Museum will remain closed through the end of 2020. For information on how to purchase their cornmeal, visit the Graue Mill & Museum Facebook page.

Kline Creek Farm

The grounds of Kline Creek Farm and the surrounding Timber Ridge Forest Preserve are open. The visitor center and buildings on the farm remain closed. The grounds of Kline Creek Farm are open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The grounds remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. The surrounding Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is open daily one hour after sunrise until sunset.

Mayslake Peabody Estate

The hall is closed. The grounds and surrounding forest preserve are open.

St. James Farm

All buildings, including the indoor riding arena, are closed. The grounds and surrounding forest preserve are open.

Willowbrook Wildlife Center

Willowbrook's visitor center, outdoor exhibit and nature trails, and forest preserve surrounding the center are closed to allow staff to safely provide core animal-care services.

Willowbrook Wildlife Center has reached capacity and is not accepting                                 hatchling or nestling songbirds, baby squirrels, raccoons, cottontails, and                               waterfowl (geese and ducks). It is still accepting all native adults and babies of                     other species. See Willowbrook's webpage for more information and details.

Willowbrook continues to accept wildlife patients 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., but call 630-942-6200 first for no-contact curbside drop-offs. We are limiting the number of spring babies we take in because we are working with minimum staff and volunteers. Check our webpage to see the latest intake limitations if any. 

Blackwell Forest Preserve

The forest preserve and all trails are open.

Danada House

The Danada House is closed to the public. All events with attendees of 5 or greater are canceled. A representative from the Danada House will be reaching out to the organizers of the impacted reservations.