Read the latest blog story from the Forest Preserve District, and connect to nature in DuPage.
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 27, 2020
Wildlife Myths: Can Frogs Give You Warts?
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Many of us have been discouraged from getting a closer look at a frog by someone claiming that handling a frog can give you warts.
July 22, 2020
Attracting Swallowtails to Your Garden
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Swallowtail butterflies are some of the largest, showiest butterflies found in Illinois. A visit from one in your garden is always a welcome delight.
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.
July 15, 2020
The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) probably won’t win any popularity contests based on its looks.
July 8, 2020
Do Only Female Mosquitoes Bite?
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Many people are surprised to learn that only female mosquitos bite animals and humans.
July 1, 2020
Much like birds, sunfish like bluegill and bass are busy building nests in DuPage forest lakes in preparation for their growing families.
June 24, 2020
Many DuPage County birdwatchers participate in a “Birding Big Day,” where they try to observe as many species of birds as possible in one day within a determined geographical...
June 17, 2020
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
“Nature is to be found in her entirety nowhere more than in her smallest creatures.”~ Pliny the Elder
June 15, 2020
If you want to make the most of your time in DuPage forest preserves, mark your calendar for Tuesday, June 21, 2022.
May 14, 2020
Smoothing the Way for Smooth Green Snakes
Meet the smooth green snake (Opheodrys vernalis), a brilliant green, relatively small non-venomous snake that we’d like to see more of in DuPage County.
May 8, 2020
Can't You Take Just One More? No, and Here's Why
Every facility that cares for animals has to make tough decisions all the time: What type of animals should they treat? How many? Do they have the staff and skill to treat them?...
May 4, 2020
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
There are so many things that make moms special — they go the extra mile for their kids, know just what they need, and are fierce protectors of their wee ones.
April 30, 2020
Planting native plants in our yards and gardens is gaining popularity for good reasons.
April 17, 2020
Best Native Shrubs for Your Yard
With winter slowly fading and signs of spring arriving daily, gardeners are getting the itch.
April 9, 2020
Slow Down on Spring Cleaning in Your Garden
With the recent warm weather and native plants starting to emerge from their winter slumber, folks may be eager to do some spring cleaning in their gardens.
April 1, 2020
When Waterfowl Run Afoul with Nests
Every spring and summer, Willowbrook Wildlife Center admits hundreds of orphaned young birds. We give as much care as is humanly possible, but the best parent for a bird is always...
March 27, 2020
DuPage Forest Preserve District's Wonder Women
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’d like to tip our hat to the women who work at the DuPage Forest Preserve District.
March 24, 2020
Willowbrook Staff Reunite Owl Family
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
A great horned owlet was reunited with its family in a North Aurora tree after it fell out of its nest.
March 18, 2020
For many years, Spring Brook — as it flows through Blackwell Forest Preserve — has been channelized. That is, water flowed within a straight, narrow channel, which led to erosion...
