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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.

May 24, 2018

Honey of a Plan Lands at Kline Creek Farm

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

A team of sixth graders from Hadley Junior High School in Glen Ellyn visited Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago recently to spread its message about helping save bee populations as...

May 14, 2018

Avoid Introducing Invasive Plants to Your Landscape

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Many nurseries and garden centers unknowingly sell invasive landscape plants to unsuspecting consumers. These invasives can escape from your yard and wreak havoc on natural areas...

May 7, 2018

Let's Go Native

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

We all have different sources of inspiration. Sometimes you just have to like something a little before you’ll try it. Other times you have to kick the tires and thoroughly...

May 1, 2018

Forest Jewels

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Twice a year, DuPage County’s forest preserves play host to hundreds of thousands of weary travelers: migrating birds looking for places to fuel up as they move between their...

April 30, 2018

The Tangled Relationships in a Garden

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

The relationship between milkweed and monarchs is well known and well documented. Monarch butterflies feed on the nectar in milkweed flowers, collecting pollen before transferring...

April 27, 2018

New Equipment a Lifesaver for Willowbrook Patients

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

An injured herring gull received prompt treatment for lead poisoning thanks to a new lead analysis machine that Willowbrook Wildlife Center was able to purchase because of...

April 24, 2018

The Welcome Return of Hummingbirds

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

The return of ruby-throated hummingbirds to DuPage County is another sure sign of spring. These amazing birds can fly up to 60 miles per hour and flap their wings 40 ‒ 80 times...

April 17, 2018

Making Friends in the Birding Circle

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

The start of spring welcomes thousands of migrating birds to the DuPage forest preserves and greater Chicago area. It’s also the season for birding enthusiasts to get outdoors to...

April 11, 2018

Forest Fave: Fullersburg Woods and Graue Mill

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Visitors expect to encounter nature and native wildlife at DuPage forest preserves, but it’s a bonus to experience history firsthand as well. Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in...

April 5, 2018

Ribbit! April is National Frog Month

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Celebrate National Frog Month in April by getting to know some of the frogs and toads of DuPage County. Amphibians are excellent biological indicators of the wider health of...

March 26, 2018

Reunited and It Feels So Good

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

March winds can be fierce and the days blustery! It's no wonder, then, our wild, woolied and feathered often take tumbles from treetop nests this time of year.

March 14, 2018

Reasons to Go Native with Landscaping

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

As the days grow longer and the temperatures grow warmer, you may be thinking about your how you would like to landscape your garden this growing season. This is the perfect time...

March 1, 2018

American Woodcock's Wondrous Sky Dance

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

One of the earliest signs of spring is the American Woodcock’s mating dance. Also known as timberdoodles, American Woodcocks return from southern states in mid-March to establish...

February 21, 2018

Winter Seed Sowing

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Every year, the Natural Resource Management crew and volunteers collect seed from more than 200 plant species native to DuPage County. The seed is used in various Forest Preserve...

February 7, 2018

Early Spring Plant Arrivals

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

In romantic news: A study of urban coyotes in Chicago shows that coyotes are loyal to their mates for life and never stray. 

January 23, 2018

Where Do Insects Go in Winter?

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Insects are ever present through the growing season, from butterflies and bees flying between flowers to crickets and cicadas with their unique calls. Every year they seem to...

December 20, 2017

Winter is Hooting Season for Owls

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Just as you’re drifting off to sleep and snuggled up tight on a cold January night, you hear “Who’s awake? Me, too.” It’s the call of a great horned owl, a nocturnal bird of prey...

December 4, 2017

Wildlife Deterrents for Your Home Over Winter

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Early December is one of the most wonderful times of the year. Cold and windy days have arrived, leaves have fallen and we’re busy prepping for the many holiday festivities ahead. 

November 21, 2017

#Take5 and Opt Outside

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

In between the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, don't forget to #take5 and head outdoors with your family to DuPage forest preserves to experience the physical, emotional...

September 15, 2017

Take 5 and Get Happy

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Whether broadcast on cable news, shared on Facebook, or printed in the Conservationist, the word is spreading. Spending time outside — even five minutes — is good for you....

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