Bob and Diane Miller, fellow nature enthusiasts and supporters through the Friends of the Forest Preserve District, appreciate the health-and-wellness benefits associated with time spent in nature. The couple frequent James “Pate” Philip State Park in Bartlett and other DuPage forest preserves to exercise, watch wildlife, and enjoy each other’s company. Their experiences at the preserves have not only supported their active lifestyles but also strengthened their devotion to one another.
"Diane and I have been big fans of the Forest Preserve District ever since we moved to DuPage County,” says Bob. “We first walked the paths at Philip State Park and enjoyed the sights, including deer, snakes, frogs, turtles, and crayfish. We also saw a variety of birds, including osprey, double-breasted cormorants, and belted kingfishers. It was a birder’s heaven!
“Our enjoyment took a new direction when we took up running and training at the ‘Pate.’ In more than one dozen years of running between us, we’ve logged over 1,000 miles at the park,” he says. “That includes my first ultramarathon on a hot summer day!
“While I have many wonderful experiences from visiting the preserves, one of the most memorable was a time I was training for a marathon and running on a trail. A large buck joined me and ran alongside for some 20 – 30 yards!
“When the weather turned cold and snowy, we expanded our preserve fun by snowshoes. Today, we enjoy snowshoeing the picturesque allées at St. James Farm; walking and running the 10-mile-loop trail at Waterfall Glen; kayaking at Herrick Lake; and visiting the beautiful horses at Danada.
“One of Diane’s favorite places to visit is Kline Creek Farm. She loves visiting the farm so much that I dedicated a bench just outside its farmhouse as a tribute to our commitment and love for one another,” he says. “I gave her that bench in 2023 as a Christmas present.”
Diane loved that first tribute and the intent behind it, and Bob found himself presenting her with another bench in 2024. This time, however, he gifted her one at Philip State Park that meant so much to both. “I had that bench inscribed with a quote from Winnie the Pooh, which we included in our marriage vows. It reads, ‘If you live to be 100, I want to live to be 100 minus one day, so I never have to live without you.’
“Although an engraved bench can be given to celebrate the life of a loved one or friend who has passed, I wanted Diane to be able to enjoy the two at her favorite places, especially as we grow old together.
“When my youngest son passed many years ago, we donated a tree in his name. We will visit the tree a couple of times a year. I would expect few others will ever enjoy that tree as much as we do,” he reflects.
“The benches I’ve gifted to Diane can be enjoyed by everyone who visits the ‘Pate’ and Kline Creek Farm. They are in perfect locations for visitors to sit, rest, and enjoy the scenery.
“Whether it be finishing Diane’s half or full marathons, my 100-milers, or our strolls around the preserves hand-in-hand, we just love spending time together,” says Bob. “Doing so outside is a plus.”
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
