News Release
Forest Preserve District To Receive $600,000 Grant From Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant will support improvements at Greene Valley
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been awarded a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant from the state of Illinois to fund significant improvements at Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville.
The grant, part of a statewide initiative supporting 100 local parks projects, was announced earlier this week by Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
“Since I became governor, it’s been my mission to build stronger, healthier communities across Illinois,” said Governor Pritzker. “Through the OSLAD program, we’re bringing that vision to life by awarding over $55.2 million to local park projects, expanding green spaces and creating new recreational opportunities for all.”
Established in 1986 by the Illinois General Assembly, OSLAD is a cost-sharing program that supports communities in acquiring and developing land for parks and outdoor recreation. One of Illinois’ most popular grant programs, OSLAD has provided $640 million in funding since its inception.
Forest Preserve District President Daniel Hebreard expressed his gratitude for the grant. “We sincerely thank the IDNR for their commitment to enhancing open spaces across Illinois and for supporting projects here in DuPage County, where access to nature is deeply valued by our residents. We look forward to breaking ground on the grant-funded improvements at Greene Valley in 2026.”
The OSLAD grant will help fund several key projects outlined in the preserve’s master plan adopted in April 2023. These projects include relocating the entrance drive, enhancing picnic shelters, adding a canoe and kayak launch, installing flush restrooms to replace latrines, and realigning trails. A highlight of the improvements will be a new patio near the historic Greene Barn, which will provide an enhanced visitor experience at the historic site.
The Greene Valley project also secured an additional $100,000 in grant funding earlier this year through the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has previously benefited from OSLAD funding, most recently at Willowbrook Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn for trail and natural area upgrades.
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. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter and Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok pages.