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Friends of the Forest Preserve District

Be a Friend to Your DuPage Forest Preserves

The Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing ways to help care for DuPage forest preserves.

Every year gifts from numerous individuals, companies, and organizations help the Forest Preserve District carry out its mission to maintain nearly 26,000 acres, over 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, 31 lakes, and seven education centers.

We are grateful you’re reflecting on the forest preserves and your experiences by connecting a gift to a preserve, project, or program that’s had an effect on you. 

Friends Programs & Events

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Native Plant Presale

May 16 ⋅ 4 – 7 p.m.

Mayslake Peabody Estate

Ticket sales for the Native Plant Presale open on April 1 online. Only 300 tickets — or 100 per hour — are available to shop before the Native Plant Sale opens to the general public!

Choose What Your Donation Supports

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Greatest Needs in Forest Preserves

Your gift will support habitat restoration, wildlife preservation, and environmental sustainability.

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Willowbrook Wildlife Center Campaign

Your gift will advance wildlife rehabilitation, purchase medical equipment, and enhance education. 

Make a Gift

With your tax-deductible donation of $100 or more, you'll become a part of the Ambassadors Circle, which offers recognition (if desired) and forest preserve experiences based on your level of support.

The Friends accepts financial and in-kind donations from individuals, corporations and groups that support DuPage forest preserves, programs and projects. 

Levels of Support

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Individual donor's gifts at $2,500 or more are afforded our Community Partner benefits.

Your Impact to Benefit the Forest Preserve District

Where Your Gifts Made a Difference in 2023

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Ways to Give

Your generosity sustains DuPage forest preserves and inspires the work we do to make them extraordinary places to visit. 

Methods

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Gifts in Memory or Tribute

Honor a friend or loved one when you make a gift to the Friends of the Forest Preserve District. 

Memorials or Tributes

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Leaving Your Abundance to Nature

The Friends invites you to leave your own meaningful mark on the DuPage forest preserves by including the foundation in your will. You can change your bequest or trust designation at any time.

If you are interested in a planned gift, we'd advise you to speak to your personal tax and financial advisor and potentially your legal counsel about its benefits. 

Types of Planned Gifts

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Our Board of Directors & Staff

The Friends of the Forest Preserve District is governed by a volunteer board of directors. These individuals are leaders in our DuPage community and support the Forest Preserve District's mission. 

Board of Directors

Chair Bob Watt

Vice Chair Mike Dyer

Treasurer Ashley Guest

Secretary Joseph Suchecki

Ex-Officio Member Jeff Gahris

Member Diane Addante

Member Brian Battle

Member Penny Chanez

Member Larry Larson

Member Carl Schultz

Member David Stang

Member Jeanette Wells

Staff

Executive Director Jeannine Kannegiesser

Our Finances & Governance

Charity Navigator Four-Star Rating
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Be Our Partner

Our community partners program is designed for organizations, clubs, and businesses interested in giving back and enhancing the quality of life for all DuPage residents. Align your mission and values with recognition opportunities based on your level of generosity. 

With Special Thanks to Our Partners

G. Carl Ball Family Foundation
BNSF Railway Foundation
Chicago Fire

CNH Industrial
ComEd/Exelon 
Mary J. Demmon Private Foundation
DocuSign

Domtar
DuPage Birding Club
DuPage Foundation

Ecolab Foundation
Edward Jones — Financial Advisor: Mike Dyer

Giving DuPage            
Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation
Navistar, Inc.
Nicor
PowerForward DuPage
Rice Lake Square

V3 Companies, Ltd.
Wheaton Bank & Trust

Adopt a Blanding's Turtle

Adopt a Blanding’s turtle,  and your donation will help provide care for a hatchling born as part of the Forest Preserve District’s head-start program. 

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Stay Connected With the Friends

Facebook

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Instagram

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E-Newsletter

Subscribe

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"I give back to the Forest Preserve District, because I love nature. Other people can donate to the Friends of the Forest Preserve District for the same reasons I do: To make certain that nature is maintained, accessible, and here for future generations."

Larry Larson
Naperville

Friends of the Forest Preserve District

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Our Mission

To advance the vision of the Forest Preserve District through philanthropic endeavors

Over 1,000

Annual Donors

Over 550

Ambassador Circle Donors

Over 20+

Community Partners

General Info

Partnership & Philanthropy
Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
3S580 Naperville Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
630-871-6400
fundraising@dupageforest.org

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