Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County improves the quality of life for all DuPage County residents. Its 26,000 acres of woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and waterways contribute to cleaner air and water, help with flood control, create vital habitats for wildlife, and provide safe spaces where people can boost their physical and mental health. More than 5.5 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 175 miles of trails, seven education centers, and scores of programs each year.

December 6, 2018

Naperville Woman Finds Peace on the Prairie

Janet LawrenceNature explorer, volunteerI live in Naperville with my husband and have three young adult kids. My youngest just started his freshman year at college, so we are new...

November 30, 2018

Dog Drives Man's Connection to Nature

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Since childhood, Kevin Keller has always been drawn to the outdoors, through photography, fishing, plants and gardening and weather watching.

November 19, 2018

Naperville Teen Lands Trophy with Pastime

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Carter Wijangco began fishing with his grandfather in Iowa when he was five years old.

November 15, 2018

How Nature Helped One Woman Find Herself

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Katherine HowardNature Whisperer

I grew up in Idaho and Alaska, so nature has always been up close and personal for me. My favorite childhood memories are entwined with...

November 8, 2018

Kline Creek Farm Volunteer Brings History to Life

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Linda Frey loves history, so it’s no surprise to find her volunteering at our 1890s living history farm, Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago.

October 26, 2018

Greene Valley Hawkwatch Group a Dedicated Flock

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

They argue with each other, have spirited debates and freeze their tails off, but they keep coming back for more.

October 18, 2018

Girl Power Conquers 60+ Forest Preserves

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Julie NelsonNaperville Mom and nature lover

My daughters — Olivia, 16 and Hannah, 14 — were about halfway through summer, and I felt we were in a rut. It seemed like each day they...

October 2, 2018

Man Creates Masterpiece at Mayslake

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Not many people can claim kinship with a piece of land, but Mayslake steward Conrad Fialkowski may be one of those people. He has been working tirelessly for more than 30 years to...

September 26, 2018

Woman Finds Way to Connect with, Help Wildlife at Willowbrook

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Vanessa Gallt always wanted to work with animals, and she found the perfect outlet as an animal care volunteer at the District’s Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn. She...

August 28, 2018

Man Follows Passion for Nature into Forest Preserves

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Larry BrousilVolunteer, outdoor enthusiast

I'm a project manager for Allstate and pretty much sit at my desk most of the day, so I try to get outdoors as much as possible. My...