Let us plan a ranger-lead archery, fishing, kayaking or nature hike program for your group of five to 25 people. Requests are subject to staff availability and current COVID-19 restrictions. Ages and fees vary by program. To schedule yours, complete and submit the form or call 630-933-7247.
Archery
Learn techniques to improve your archery skills with one-on-one instruction. Then, practice hitting targets from a far distance. Equipment provided. $5 per person.
Oct. – March
Monday – Thursday ● 2 – 3:30 p.m.
St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville
April – Sept.
Monday – Thursday ● 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville
Camping
Learn basic camping skills — including how to pitch a tent — and about “leave no trace” principles. $10 per person.
Sept. – Oct. & March – April
Saturday & Sunday ● 10 a.m. – noon
Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville or Churchill Woods Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn
Fishing Techniques
Choose a fish species — bass, carp, catfish, muskie or northern pike — to fish. Then, learn about lures and advanced fishing tactics before fishing for your trophy fish on open water or under the ice. $5 per person.
Year-round
Bass at Hidden Lake Forest Preserve in Downers Grove
Carp or catfish at Songbird Slough Forest Preserve in Itasca
Muskie at Mallard Lake Forest Preserve in Bloomingdale
Northern pike at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville
Kayaking
Learn basic or advanced kayaking strokes and techniques. $20 per person.
May – Sept.
Monday – Friday ● 10 a.m. – noon
Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton
Ranger Guided Hikes
Climb to one of the highest hills in DuPage County just as the sun sets to learn about creatures of the night. Then, take a ranger-led hike through a forest preserve. $5 per person.
Sept. – Nov. & March – May
Monday – Friday ● 1.5-hour program
Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville or Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville
Prescribed Burns
Learn about prescribed burns to manage habitat in our forest preserves. Explore the equipment and tools used by our burn crews and how wind, humidity and fuel moisture affect prescribed burns. $10 per person.
Oct. – Dec. & Feb. – March
9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton
3S580 Naperville Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
630-933-7200
forest@dupageforest.org
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Forest Preserve District is committed to making its facilities accessible to all visitors. Contact 630-933-7683 or TTY 800-526-0857.