Read the latest blog story from the Forest Preserve District, and connect to nature in DuPage.
April 16, 2021
Reminder Not to Harvest Plants in the Preserves
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
As more plants and mushrooms emerge in the spring, it’s a good time to remind visitors not to harvest things — especially wild leeks and mushrooms — from DuPage forest preserves.
April 9, 2021
Partnership Mussels Into Chicago River
The DuPage Forest Preserve District recently embarked on a new and unique partnership with Urban Rivers, a nonprofit organization based in Chicago with a mission to transform city...
March 17, 2021
The Hidden History of Winfield Mounds
With the passage of time, nature disguises the land’s cultural legacy, covering the marks of human impact and often protecting the past with brush and vegetation, but this can...
March 10, 2021
As we celebrate International Solar Appreciation Day on Thursday, March 10, let’s look at the many ways we benefit from the sun and how we can harness its energy to help create...
March 1, 2021
Meet Some of the District's Wonder Women 2021
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Women’s History Month is a great time to reflect on the hard work and dedication of women in all walks of life. We’d like you to meet some of the women who work at the DuPage...
January 28, 2021
Bird of the Year: the Pileated Woodpecker
They are master excavators, noisy borers and the basis for a cartoon character. And now the pileated woodpecker has been chosen as the 2021 bird of the year by the American...
January 20, 2021
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Go nuts over squirrels on National Squirrel Appreciation Day!
Held annually on Jan. 21 — in the middle of winter when food sources may be scarce — this unofficial holiday was...
December 11, 2020
The events of 2020 have been a great lesson for many aspects of my life. At the top of the list, I have gained an even greater appreciation for the work I do to help the natural...
October 15, 2020
When the sweaters come out and the kids are back at school, you know it’s time for another sure sign of the season: fall colors. You also know that you need go no farther than...
October 1, 2020
Now that fall’s officially here, we’re starting to see the first signs of color in our forest preserves. So it’s only natural that people want to know what to expect in the way of...
September 29, 2020
Celebrate the Mighty Oak in OAKtober
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
It’s fall and that means trees will soon be showing their colors. Who can resist a stroll on a crisp fall afternoon to gaze at nature’s colorful changes?
September 14, 2020
Relocating Fish to a New Spring Brook
Restoration of Spring Brook as it flows through Blackwell Forest Preserve includes building a new stream channel and removing a dam to provide better habitat and a gentler slope...
September 9, 2020
Bee Informed About Native Bees
Did you know Illinois is home to more than 500 species of native bees?
August 28, 2020
Blanding's Yearlings Released in DuPage Preserves
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
With perpetual smiles on their faces, Blanding’s turtle yearlings raised by DuPage Forest Preserve District partners were recently released in DuPage forest preserves.
August 26, 2020
Keep Away! Hogweed, Hemlock and Parsnip
Many plants have amazing adaptations that protect them from being eaten or destroyed by other organisms. That’s good for them but can be bad for people who come in contact with...
August 13, 2020
Have you ever seen something fluttering in the air that looks like a cigar with wings? Is it a bat? Is it a bird? It’s likely a chimney swift.
August 4, 2020
Barred Owl Soars to Freedom with Help from Willowbrook
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
A barred owl injured after being struck by a vehicle was one of many birds released on a recent sunny day at McDowell Grove Forest Preserve after being treated at Willowbrook...
July 30, 2020
Red Fox Finds Freedom After Treatment at Willowbrook
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
A red fox treated at Willowbrook Wildlife Center for mange regained his freedom after being released recently at McDowell Grove Forest Preserve in Naperville.
July 22, 2020
Where the Native Wild Things Are
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Somewhere, in a relatively small section of Blackwell Forest Preserve nestled along Mack Road, lies a special place where native plants grow.
