Help the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County foster healthy habitats for native plants and animals and create inspiring destinations for visitors at A Night for Nature on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the historic Danada House at Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton.

Hosted by the Forest Preserve District and its nonprofit partner the Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, A Night for Nature will feature small plates, drinks, and dessert; live music by Big Sky Acoustic; and wagon rides through the scenic fall forest preserve.

Tickets for the 21-and-older event are $100 per person and are available at dupageforest.org/friends. The Friends of the Forest Preserve District has set a fundraising goal of $50,000 for the evening.

Guests at A Night for Nature and those unable to attend can participate in a silent auction featuring nature-based experiences that will bring friends together in our forest preserves. Silent auction registration will open Sept. 12 at dupageforest.org/friends. Auction packages include:

• A tour of the native plant nursery at Blackwell Forest Preserve
• A ride-along with a District ranger at one of the county’s most popular preserves
• An opportunity to witness a rehabilitated animal release with wildlife experts
• A horse-drawn wagon ride through the historic Danada Forest Preserve
• Group opportunities to experience archery, kayaking, and birding with nature experts

“We’re grateful for the Friends’ continued partnership in helping us restore habitats and protect wildlife across DuPage County’s forest preserves,” said Forest Preserve District President Daniel Hebreard. “Its commitment makes a real difference for both the natural areas we safeguard and the people who enjoy them.”

Friends board member Tom Williams looks forward to the benefit event. “I’m proud to live in DuPage County, where fellow residents understand and appreciate the importance of the Forest Preserve District’s care and attention to ecological restoration and community engagement,” Williams said. “This level of dedication to conservation is worth celebrating. On behalf of the Friends’ board of directors, I welcome anyone with an interest in supporting nature close to home to join us at A Night for Nature.”

The Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County thanks all its supporters and welcomes friends old and new to A Night for Nature. Special thanks to benefit sponsor The Conservation Foundation and Friends’ community partners: Chicago Region Trees Initiative, CNH Industrial Foundation, Domtar, Ecolab Foundation, Edward Jones — Financial Advisor Mike Dyer, Ferrari Plumbing, Friends of Danada, Inc., G. Carl Ball Family Foundation, GreenState Credit Union International, Kerschen Family Fund, Komarek-Hyde-McQueen Foundation, Mary J. Demmon Private Foundation, Molex, Nicor Gas Company, nora fleming, Ranch Spur Charitable Trust, Republic Bank of Chicago, Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation, Inc., Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., Target, Tyndale House Ministries, and Wheaton Bank & Trust.