Catching Nature

August 31, 2021

Artist Paints His Vision of Nature

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

After working for 45 years as an architect, Ratindra Das took up painting in retirement. He’s now a nationally known artist, educator and juror who travels the world leading...

August 10, 2021

Man Finds Peace Among Horses, Nature

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

When Lazaro Lara is struggling with something — be it his physical, emotional, psychological health or even social well-being, working with the Danada horses as a volunteer is his...

July 20, 2021

Couple Explores History in Preserves

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Brian and Joyce Ostberg are interested in all things history — natural history, pre-history, and general history. In autumn 2020, they started a YouTube channel, dubbed BeHistoric...

July 7, 2021

Exploring Nature Has Many Rewards for Family

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Growing up, Nick Papineau got well-acquainted with nature thanks to his parents, who took him hiking, camping and hunting. The COVID-19 pandemic last year prompted Papineau to...

June 21, 2021

Nature Puts Life in Perspective for Man

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Nature helps put life in perspective for Melvin Godson and provides a way to disconnect from technology and daily stresses. It also helped him get through the pandemic.

June 10, 2021

Teen Birder Gives Back to Preserves

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Alex DeBear is a 16-year-old birder from Naperville. He has a deep love for all things nature related, including photography, citizen science and creating art with natural...

May 26, 2021

Nature Keeps Couple Physically, Mentally Active

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Nature and the outdoors help Rick and Lisa Hootman keep mentally, physically and socially active. They like hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, reading and attending academic...

March 25, 2021

Woman Finds Peace in Nature

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Rita Guill credits her mother with instilling a love of nature in her. She and her husband, John, are carrying on that tradition with their kids: Nathaniel (18), Aidan (17),...

March 11, 2021

Man Captures Beauty of Nature

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Henry Kim is a lifelong DuPage County resident who has found many ways to connect to nature.

February 23, 2021

Scientist Explores Nature in Detail

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Andrew Hipp enjoys being outside, canoeing, biking and exploring.