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Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

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The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County improves the quality of life for all DuPage County residents. Its 26,000 acres of woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and waterways contribute to cleaner air and water, help with flood control, create vital habitats for wildlife, and provide safe spaces where people can boost their physical and mental health. More than 5.5 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 175 miles of trails, seven education centers, and scores of programs each year.

November 7, 2019

DuPage Forest Police Get an Eye in the Sky

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

DuPage Forest Preserve Police are adding a thermal-imaging drone to the police force to help improve response and recovery time in the Forest Preserve District’s more than 60...

October 28, 2019

Garden Blooms at Mayslake from Worker's Creativity

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Mayslake Peabody Estate is now home to a garden that blooms year-round, thanks to creativity, recycling and automotive paint.

October 22, 2019

Pelican Reunited with Birds of the Same Feather

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

An injured American white pelican is back on track to fly south with its feathered friends after being treated at Willowbrook Wildlife Center and released near a flock of pelicans...

October 17, 2019

Scientists Search for Clues to Grassland Bird Habitats

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

More than a dozen ecologists from local conservation agencies toured the 1,800-acre Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville recently to explore and learn more about the...

October 9, 2019

Great Horned Owl Returned to its Home at Kline Creek Farm

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Duane Marski was walking the grounds of Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago recently when he noticed a large bird walking on a back road near the orchards.

September 13, 2019

A Model of a Thriving 1920s Poultry Operation

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Millionaire coal baron Francis Stuyvesant Peabody is well known for his Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, but few know that he also owned a farm on the sprawling grounds of...

September 6, 2019

Blanding's Hatchlings Raised by Shedd Aquarium Released in DuPage Preserves

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Like proud new parents, staff from the Shedd Aquarium released 23 Blanding’s turtle hatchlings in DuPage forest preserves this week.

August 30, 2019

Grounds Management Roads Crew Paves the Way to Our Preserves

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

They’re faster than falling snow, more powerful than a pothole, and able to clean a blocked storm sewer in a single bound.

They’re the superheroes of the Grounds Management Roads...

August 12, 2019

Feeding Habits of Daring Dragonflies

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Dragonflies – while the origin of their name is a mystery, it is an appropriate description of these voracious predators. Both the aquatic nymphs and the flying adults are some of...

August 5, 2019

Restoring More of the Great Prairie

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

The 358-acre West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve in West Chicago is one of northeastern Illinois’ premier natural areas, containing more than 600 species of native plants and...

August 2, 2019

Start Your Day with Yoga on the Lawn

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Yoga. It’s the oldest new thing around these days and for good reason.

July 30, 2019

Unexpected Garden Delights

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

You expect to encounter native plants and wildlife when you visit DuPage forest preserves, but you don’t expect to find amazing gardens abloom in gorgeous flowers.

July 9, 2019

A New Way to Help Patrol Preserves

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

DuPage Forest Preserve Police have a new partner to help them patrol the preserves – an all-terrain vehicle.

July 1, 2019

A Fish Tale to Remember

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

By David KoldoffI’m a fisherman and I’m not lying when I tell you: There’s a 42-inch northern pike lurking in Silver Lake at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville!

June 24, 2019

Taking Time to Remember our Wildlife

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

When you join the Willowbrook Wildlife Center family of staff and volunteers, you sign on to the commitment and service that goes with providing animal care to injured and...

June 18, 2019

If Trees Could Talk

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Think of your favorite wildlife — white-tailed deer, woodpeckers, white-footed mice, nuthatches, owls, squirrels. In one way or another they all depend on oak trees for food or...

June 13, 2019

Kids Catch Fun and Fish at Just for Kids Fishing Derby

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Approximately 309 young anglers participated in the 33rd annual Just for Kids Fishing Derby at Blackwell Forest Preserve’s Silver Lake on June 9.

June 12, 2019

Citizen Scientists Wanted to Help Track Water Levels at Four Preserve Lakes

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

We need your help! Our ecology staff is looking for citizen scientists to help track water levels at several DuPage forest preserve lakes as part of the international Lake...

May 8, 2019

Special Needs Individuals Enjoy Outdoor Adventure at St. James Farm

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

More than 600 special needs individuals ages 3 to 30 connected to nature through a variety of fun activities at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s Special Needs...

May 8, 2019

District Honors Men Who Saved Drowning Man at Silver Lake

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Ramon Garchitorena is able to fish another day thanks to the heroic efforts of three other anglers on Silver Lake at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville.

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