The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Board of Commissioners has approved a $151 million budget for calendar year 2026, a 5% increase over the amended 2025 budget of $143.7 million. The budget provides spending authority for operations, capital improvements, and long-term strategic initiatives across the District’s 60 forest preserves. 

Of the total budget, $69.6 million will support capital projects designed to enhance facilities, improve infrastructure, and restore natural areas. Operating budgets remain at status quo levels. 

Revenues will decrease in 2026 as several grants conclude and the Maple Meadows Golf Preserve temporarily closes for scheduled improvements. Overall expenditures are projected to rise 5%, driven primarily by capital work. 

“This budget ensures we can maintain daily operations while investing in projects that improve visitor experiences and protect our natural resources,” said interim director of Finance Brian Kuszewski. “It reflects careful financial planning and clear direction from the Board of Commissioners.” 

The 2026 budget supports several major initiatives across the preserves, including:

•  Construction of the new Grounds and Natural Resources Management and Maintenance Campus in West Chicago

• Course and infrastructure improvements at Maple Meadows Golf Preserve in Wood Dale

• Interior restoration work at Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook

• Land acquisition to preserve and expand open space countywide

• Habitat restoration at Springbrook Prairie (Naperville), Egermann Woods (Lisle), Fischer Woods (Bensenville), and Hickory Grove (Lisle) forest preserves

• Trail, parking lot, and roadway improvements throughout the Forest Preserve District

“These investments continue the strong momentum our community supported through the referendum,” said Forest Preserve District President Daniel Hebreard. “We’re making improvements that benefit both people and wildlife and strengthen our preserves for generations to come.” 

The budget follows a six-month planning and review process that began in spring 2025. The District published the proposed line-item budget on Nov. 14 and held a public hearing on Dec. 9. The plan incorporates the 2025 tax levy the board authorized in November.

For more information about the Forest Preserve District’s annual budgets and financial reports, visit dupageforest.org and select “About Us” and “Transparency Portal.”