Support DuPage Forest Preserve Habitat Restoration and Wildlife Through A Night for Nature Sept. 15

Benefit returns in person and under the stars at St. James Farm

Help the DuPage Forest Preserve District provide healthy habitats for native plants and animals and inspiring places for visitors by participating in A Night for Nature on Thursday, Sept 15, from 5 to 9 p.m. at St. James Farm in Warrenville.

Hosted by the Forest Preserve District and its nonprofit partner the Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, the fundraiser’s goal is to raise $25,000 for habitat restoration and native wildlife in forest preserves where people connect to nature.

Tickets are $100 per person and go on sale Aug. 1 for the 21-and-older event. Purchase a chance to win $500 by sponsoring a rubber duck for $25. Rubber ducks will race along Spring Brook at St. James Farm on Sept. 16. Only 250 ducks are available, and online sales end Sept. 14 at 4 p.m. The duck race is sponsored by the Wheaton Lions Club.

Photos of the duck race, including an announcement of the winner, will be posted on the Friend’s Facebook page at 6 p.m. on Sept. 16.

A Night for Nature also features a silent auction where guests can bid on unique forest preserve experiences and donated products and services from local businesses. Examples of items that will be available include:

•  Golf experience at DuPage golf preserves, including one hour of personal instruction for one by a Forest Preserve District PGA staff member; one 18-hole round of golf for four with carts at The Preserve at Oak Meadows and Maple Meadows; and one 9-hole round for four with carts at Green Meadows.
  
• Kayaking experience for four with a Forest Preserve District ranger at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton.
  
• A native pollinator kit provided by Natural Communities containing 50 native plants to attract birds, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden.
  
• A four-hour fishing, hiking, and nature experience with a picnic shelter or meeting space reservation at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook.

“A Night for Nature was started in 2018 as a way to encourage support for the District’s wildlife areas and projects that connect people to nature,” said Karyn Charvat, Friends board member and event committee chair. “It is an amazing opportunity to experience one of our beautiful preserves while contributing to a sustainable environment that enhances the quality of life for all DuPage County residents.”

Also starting Sept. 13, the Friends will share stories over four days on the District’s Facebook page about the District’s efforts to conserve the federally endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly, the need for an improved wildlife rehabilitation clinic and visitor center at Willowbrook Wildlife Center, and the return of wildlife to a restored Spring Brook at Blackwell Forest Preserve.

“We are grateful to the Friends for its efforts to help raise funds in support of the Forest Preserve District’s mission to restore habitats and sustain wildlife while providing programs to connect people to nature,” said DuPage Forest Preserve District President Hebreard said.

The Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County thanks community partners and sponsors ComEd, Domtar Paper, Edward Jones financial advisor Mike Dyer, Wheaton Bank & Trust, and The Conservation Foundation.