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...
DuPage Forest Blog
Read the latest blog story from the Forest Preserve District, and connect to nature in DuPage.
Wildlife (4)
February 3, 2020
Rare Northern Goshawk Released from Willowbrook
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
A spirited juvenile northern goshawk eagerly regained its freedom Thursday after being nursed back to health at Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn.
December 23, 2019
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Thanks to the dedicated staff at the Forest Preserve District’s Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn, a now-healthy short-eared owl has made its way back home in the wild in...
December 18, 2019
Birding in Blustery Winter Pays Off
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Savvy birders know that the coldest months can be some of the hottest times for backyard birding. You can attract birds to your yard by providing them with food, water and...
November 20, 2019
Autumn is a time to enjoy the crispness of the weather and the colors of the trees. The yellow, red and orange colors of the oaks, maples and hickories paint a beautiful...
November 15, 2019
What is that loud, bugling call high in the sky? It's sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) on their fall migration! (Hear samples of their distinct calls on Cornell University's ...
October 22, 2019
Pelican Reunited with Birds of the Same Feather
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
An injured American white pelican is back on track to fly south with its feathered friends after being treated at Willowbrook Wildlife Center and released near a flock of pelicans...
October 17, 2019
Scientists Search for Clues to Grassland Bird Habitats
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
More than a dozen ecologists from local conservation agencies toured the 1,800-acre Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville recently to explore and learn more about the...
October 9, 2019
Great Horned Owl Returned to its Home at Kline Creek Farm
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Duane Marski was walking the grounds of Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago recently when he noticed a large bird walking on a back road near the orchards.
September 9, 2019
Bald Eagle Reunited with its Family
A female bald eagle was returned to her home and family after 21 days of TLC at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s Willowbrook Wildlife Center.
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 21, 2019
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...
July 24, 2019
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
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 1, 2019
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
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...
May 29, 2019
Enlisting Crayfish to Help the Hine's Emerald Dragonfly
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
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.