Read the latest blog story from the Forest Preserve District, and connect to nature in DuPage.
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.
August 6, 2018
Protecting the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly
Working on the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly Project over the past several years has been a fascinating experience for me.
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 3, 2018
Helping the Hine's Emerald Dragonfly
Being a parent is one of the most difficult — but most rewarding — jobs I have ever had.
You watch your children grow from someone in need of constant attention and care until,...
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
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 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 6, 2018
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 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...
May 21, 2018
Spring at a wildlife rehabilitation center means daily arrivals of baby animals. At Willowbrook Wildlife Center, our patient load skyrockets in the spring and summer months....
May 18, 2018
Musseling to Maintain Healthy Habitats
Maintaining healthy habitats is important, otherwise we wouldn’t spend time and money doing so. Like an automobile or a house, in addition to simple maintenance, sometimes we need...
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
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...
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 16, 2018
Solutions to Common Garden Challenges
Gardening with native plants has many rewards, but it can also pose some challenges. The beautiful flowers may attract pollinators, but they may also attract unwanted critters,...
