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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.

September 24, 2018

Donations Fund St. James Farm Fountain Restoration

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

The granite and marble horse trough fountain at St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville has been restored to its original beauty thanks to private donations made to the ...

September 18, 2018

Forest Fave: Willowbrook Butterfly Garden

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

When Willowbrook Wildlife Center site manager Sandy Fejt needs a break from caring for injured native wildlife at the center, she doesn’t have to look far. One of Sandy’s favorite...

September 12, 2018

Geese-Free, Thanks to a Border Collie Named Louie

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

It’s 5 a.m. at The Preserve at Oak Meadows — the Forest Preserve District’s signature golf course — and Louie the border collie is on patrol for nuisance geese. His head is...

September 11, 2018

Small Mammals Busy Preparing for Colder Weather

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

While many small mammals and bats are putting on fat in fall to prepare for a long, cold winter hibernation, many are not. For the most part, our common small mammals -- the...

September 6, 2018

Monarch Butterflies Start Long Migration

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Late summer and early fall is a peak time for monarch activity as they prepare for the long migration south to the forests of central Mexico. It’s also a great time to view them...

August 28, 2018

Routine Physical for Willowbrook's Resident Bobcat

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

A routine annual physical is anything but when your patient is a 30-pound bobcat.

August 20, 2018

Training With Willowbrook Wildlife

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

For 62 years Willowbrook Wildlife Center has been known for rehabilitating native wildlife and providing education programs for people of all ages throughout DuPage County. 

August 15, 2018

Lunch Break Loops

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Summer is a beautiful time in the preserves. But it can still be a struggle to find time to get to your favorite forest preserve, even though research shows that 20 minutes...

August 9, 2018

Ranger Helps an Entangled Turtle

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Forest Preserve District Ranger Austen Doherty answered the call when a visitor at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve reported an injured turtle along the Salt Creek shoreline.

July 30, 2018

Bright Flashes of Orange in Local Trees

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Despite their bright orange plumage, Baltimore orioles may not be easy to spot. These relatives of yellow-headed and red-wing blackbirds prefer high branches in densely wooded...

July 16, 2018

Fireflies are a Summer Delight

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

The twilight twinkles of fireflies, or lightning bugs, is one of the sure signs of summer. Most of us have fond memories of spending warm summer nights chasing them. Fireflies are...

July 9, 2018

Kline Creek Farm Helps Save Heritage Milking Shorthorn Cattle

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

In the 19th century, the Milking Shorthorn cow was one of the most popular and common breeds in the United States. Today, it is a rare and endangered breed, with just 245...

July 2, 2018

Beyond the Riding Lesson at Danada

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Animal lovers, curiosity seekers, horse enthusiasts and those visitors in-between can get up close to our horse herd at “Horsin Around” on July 21 from noon to 4 p.m. at the ...

June 25, 2018

Get to Know Nature's Nasties

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Ah, summer in DuPage County. Time to get reacquainted with the incredible array of plants and wildlife that call the forest preserves home. Sure, the thought of a few of them...

June 21, 2018

Forest Fave: Meacham Grove

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

When ranger Sarah Rosenberg needs to reconnect with nature, she stops at Meacham Grove Forest Preserve in Bloomingdale. She especially loves the excellent hiking trails at the...

June 20, 2018

Butterflying in the Forest Preserves

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Watching butterflies in DuPage forest preserves is a favorite summer pastime for some insect enthusiasts. But even the lesser experienced bug lover in you can find butterflying a...

June 14, 2018

Young Anglers Catch Fun at Just for Kids Fishing Derby

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Approximately 308 young anglers participated in the 32nd annual Just for Kids Fishing Derby at Blackwell Forest Preserve’s Silver Lake on June 10. 

June 6, 2018

Best Wildlife Dads

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

In the natural world, we know that mom is usually boss when it comes to raising babies. And in many species, it is the mom who does most of the work on her own. However, there are...

June 4, 2018

Trail Segment Connects Two Counties

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

The Forest Preserve Districts of DuPage and Will opened a 1.25-mile trail connecting Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville to Whalon Lake Forest Preserve in Bolingbrook on...

June 1, 2018

New McDowell Grove Bridge Reopens

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County officials celebrated the opening of the new two-lane entrance bridge at McDowell Grove Forest Preserve in Naperville at a May 29...

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