Winter 2021 Conservationist

From the President

Happy New Year! As we say hello to 2021 the Forest Preserve District is also welcoming new members to its board and innovative programming to its winter calendar.

On Dec. 6 the Forest Preserve District had three new members join its Board of Commissioners, each with a strong interest in environmental issues. Tina Tyson-Dunne from District 2 is a Forest Preserve District volunteer and certified master naturalist. Jeff Gahris from District 4 has worked with state and federal agencies to implement various Clean Air Act programs and is a former Glen Ellyn environmental commissioner. And Barbara O’Meara from District 5 is a licensed environmental health practitioner and an adjunct biology professor at Waubonsee Community College. We’re excited to welcome all three and to continue our work in support of our agency’s mission for the residents of DuPage.

As we continue to navigate through the world of COVID-19, we look forward to a day when we can again meet in large groups to learn about the county’s great open spaces, their history and ways to experience the preserves. But until we reach that point we’ve put together some small-group and online winter programs to keep us in touch with forest preserve fans. Learn about 1890s crafting with Kline Creek Farm, or join our popular “Peabody’s Pages Book Club.” Look for wildlife with a skilled naturalist, or learn how to ready your garden for native plants. (It’s never too early to think spring!) Our full lineup is online.

Regardless of how you enjoy the preserves, rather online or in person during a wintery stroll on your favorite trail, I hope you’ll continue to find what makes you happy in the new year.

Daniel Hebreard
President, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County