Project Purpose

The development of individual forest preserve master plans was identified as an important initiative in the 2019 districtwide master plan. Master plans for each preserve will improve the quality of future projects and ensure support from the public, the District’s board of commissioners, and staff. The plans will also increase grant opportunities, assist with the budget process, and help prioritize and phase potential work.

The master planning process can be broken down into five phases:

• Phase 1: Information Gathering — Collect data, conduct site visits, and gather board, staff, and public input
• Phase 2: Analysis & Goal Development — Analyze site conditions and define goals and objectives
• Phase 3: Master Plan Development — Create draft plans, cost estimates, and potential project phasing and identify potential grant opportunities
• Phase 4: Plan Review & Refinement — Review draft with board, staff, and public; refine plans
• Phase 5: Final Plan Delivery — Finalize the plan document and obtain board approval

Once complete, each forest preserve master plan will include maps and cost estimates for all proposed improvements.

Public Input

There will be several opportunities for public input throughout the master planning process. Brief online surveys will be offered at different stages and shared on this webpage when available. Each survey will be open for approximately one month and promoted at the preserve with QR codes for easy access.

A public meeting will also be held at Forest Preserve District headquarters at Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton. The meeting date will be posted on this webpage once it is confirmed and is anticipated for June 2026.

Background

In 1919, Francis Stuyvesant Peabody commissioned Chicago architect Benjamin Marshall to design a Tudor Revival-style mansion now known as Mayslake Hall. After Peabody’s death in 1922, his family sold the estate to the Franciscan Province of the Sacred Heart, Order of Friars Minor, which used the property as a retreat house. Over time, portions of the estate were sold, and in 1993 the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County purchased the remaining 90 acres, including Mayslake Hall and the adjacent Portiuncula Chapel.

Today, the preserve features 13 acres of wetlands, 9 acres of lakes and ponds, and 15 acres of savanna and restored prairie. Mayslake is a popular preserve with a 1-mile trail, fishing, picnic areas, and an off-leash dog area. The Mayslake Peabody Estate includes Mayslake Hall and Portiuncula Chapel.

Status

The master plan is currently in the information-gathering phase. After public input meetings are complete and online survey responses are collected, the District will compile the information and begin the analysis and goal development phase.

A draft master plan is anticipated in winter 2026 for review by the Board of Commissioners, staff, and the public, with final adoption by the board expected in late winter 2027. 

Questions?

Contact Matt Adams,  preserve project manager, at 630-871-6424 or madams@dupageforest.org