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DuPage Forest Blog

Read the latest blog story from the Forest Preserve District, and connect to nature in DuPage.

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 21, 2019

Help Wanted: Pollen Patrol

Andres Ortega

Summer is a busy time in DuPage County, but many of the area’s busiest residents are so small they almost go unnoticed, even though they’re performing one of the most important...

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 24, 2019

Birds of a Feather

Glenn Perricone

While out birding at Blackwell Forest Preserve the other day, a very curious pair of trail users caught up to me and inquired about all the brown ducks on the water. What species...

July 19, 2019

Help Wanted Spotting Rare Bumble Bee

Andres Ortega

In ecology, timing is everything. While some organisms can be easily found through much of the growing season, others can only be seen for a short time and have peak viewing times...

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 29, 2019

Enlisting Crayfish to Help the Hine's Emerald Dragonfly

Tom Velat

Whenever we tell stories about nature, they can be very interesting but can get quite complex when you look at how many of the pieces are interconnected. This is what happens...

May 23, 2019

Protect Yourself from Ticks While Outdoors

Andres Ortega

We need to talk. It’s going to be awkward, it’s a subject we’d all like to avoid, but it’s best for everyone if we just put it out there: ticks are all around you.

May 15, 2019

Part 6: Replacing Finial Newel Posts

Keith McClow

The farmhouse at Kline Creek Farm is 130 years old and has been repaired many times. The Kline family updated it over the years as styles changed, and when it passed down to their...

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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