Fall 2021 Conservationist

News & Notes

Financial Health

Board of Commissioners Meetings

For the safety of visitors as well as staff, until further notice, all Board of Commissioners meetings will be online only. You can link directly to live streaming video from the Forest Preserve District’s Facebook page at facebook.com/dupageforest and from dupageforest.org.

Details on how to submit public comments or watch recordings of previous meetings and links to agendas and minutes are under “Our Board.”

Normally, commission meetings are at 8 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month; planning sessions, 8 a.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays. At both the board hears public comments and staff reports, discusses business, and votes on agenda items.

Giving the Gift of Nature

Looking for a gift for that someone who has everything? Want an easy way to pay for DuPage forest preserve summer camps? Then get a Forest Preserve District gift card!
Use the cards to pay for programs and camps; reserve picnic shelters and campsites; rent canoes, kayaks, or boats; or buy cool swag. You can buy cards through Visitor Services at 630-933-7248 or forest@dupageforest.org. Interested in golf? Get gift cards good at all three Forest Preserve District courses at DuPageGolf.com.

2022 Annual Permits on Sale Dec. 1

Annual permits for private boating, archery, off-leash dog areas and model crafts go on sale Wednesday, Dec. 1 at dupageforest.org under “Registration & Permits.”

Permits will also be available at Forest Preserve District headquarters, 3S580 Naperville Road in Wheaton, Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Dog lovers can buy off-leash permits at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St. in Oak Brook, Monday – Friday noon – 3 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Questions? Call Visitor Services weekdays 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 630-933-7248 or use our convenient online chat at dupageforest.org.

Because Deer Don’t Look Both Ways

A deer can run in front of your car anytime, but the risk goes up in fall, when these animals have one thing on their minds: finding mates. Because they’re not concerned about you, it’s up to you to watch for them.

• Be careful at dawn and dusk, when deer are most active and visibility is poor. Odds are higher along woods, fields, fencerows and rivers.
• Watch for deer-crossing signs. Agencies post them in areas that have had multiple accidents.
• Slow down when approaching deer. They may bolt or quickly change direction without warning.
• Deer often travel in groups, so if you see one, be ready for more.
• Don’t swerve into oncoming traffic to avoid deer. Slow to a stop, wait and flash your headlights.
• If you have passengers, make sure they’re on deer patrol, too.
• If you hit a deer, don’t try to move it. Call law enforcement instead..

Many Thanks

The Forest Preserve District thanks the donors who contributed to its efforts May 1 – Aug. 31. To learn how your financial support can benefit the District, visit dupageforest.org/friends. To give to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Friends of the Forest Preserve District, visit dupageforestgiving.org/donate.

Gifts of Note
Dr. Richard Pena and Ms. Edith Podrazik
$1,000 — Willowbrook Wildlife Center

Gifts of Note to the Friends of the Forest Preserve District
Estate of Theodore Utchen
$10,000 — Mayslake Peabody Estate

Friends of Tom Fahey
$3,000 — The Preserve at Oak Meadows

Gary Schreiber
$2,641.67 — Mayslake Peabody Estate

Family of Krystyna Lewandowska
$1,500 — Pratt’s Wayne Woods

Ann McGill and Kate Welborn
$1,500 — Willowbrook Wildlife Center

Mr. and Mrs. Eric Simmons
$1,250 — Willowbrook Wildlife Center

Domtar Inc.
$1,000 — Adopt a Blanding’s Turtle

The Richard Laurence Parish Foundation
$1,000 — Greatest needs

Bruce and Martha Sanders
$1,000 — Willowbrook Wildlife Center

DocuSign
$925 — Volunteer Services

Charmaine Cyza
$750 — Willowbrook Wildlife Center

Karen DeToro
$750 — Mayslake Peabody Estate

Brandi Apostolos
$500 — Willowbrook Wildlife Center

Vivian Grant
$500 — Greatest needs

Kathy Isoda
$500 — St. James Farm

Larry Larson
$500 — Adopt a Blanding’s Turtle, greatest needs, Mayslake Peabody Estate and Willowbrook Wildlife Center

Kathleen Murphy
$500 — Kline Creek Farm in memory of Carl Hoppe

Tom Schutz
$500 — Springbrook Prairie