Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

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Forest Preserve District of DuPage County We are a nationally recognized conservation agency that connects people to nature. Programs at six centers serve over 80,000 participants each year.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County owns and manages more than 60+ forest preserves made up of 26,000 acres of prairies, woodlands and wetlands. Each year, more than 6.2 million visitors enjoy the 166 miles of trails and preserves that offer a variety of scenic views and leisure activities.

🎃🔨 Don't trash it — smash it! Mark your calendar for the annual SCARCE Pumpkin Smash!✅ Help keep unwanted pumpkins out o...
10/21/2026

🎃🔨 Don't trash it — smash it! Mark your calendar for the annual SCARCE Pumpkin Smash!

✅ Help keep unwanted pumpkins out of our forest preserves by bringing them to a local collection site for composting.

❎ Dumped pumpkins are harmful because they can smother native plants and upset soil conditions in our habitats.

Compost your pumpkins at home, or find a Pumpkin Smash event near you using the link in the comments.

10/20/2026

Seasonal trout stockings give local anglers a unique chance to catch fish they normally wouldn’t find in DuPage County waters. Every spring and fall, we work with regional fish farms to source healthy trout for recreational fishing opportunities across the preserves.

We also stock forage fish throughout the year to support the overall health of our aquatic ecosystems. These fish help strengthen the food base for game fish and improve ecological balance in each water body.

Some stockings benefit recreation. Others support ecology. Sometimes they accomplish both.

Halloween is almost here! Do you have your costume ready? Perhaps you can take inspiration from the Halloween Pennant. D...
10/19/2026

Halloween is almost here! Do you have your costume ready? Perhaps you can take inspiration from the Halloween Pennant.

Despite its festive name, this dragonfly is commonly seen during the summer months around lakes. Its orange-and-black wing coloration is the true inspiration behind its name. Who says you can't dress spooky all year long?

As carnivores, Halloween Pennants eat mosquitos and other small insects. Forget the skeleton decorations — try scaring your trick-or-treaters with this fearsome flying predator!

10/16/2026

We’re out at Pickerel Lake in Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve releasing rainbow trout into the water. Trout are just one of ten game fish species we stock across DuPage’s recreational lakes and Pickerel Lake is one of about 30 spots where anglers can put their skills to the test.

To keep our fisheries healthy, we also stock forage fish that help support a thriving ecosystem. Want to explore our full stocking history or learn more about fishing our lakes? Visit: https://www.dupageforest.org/things-to-do/recreational-activities/fishing

🎣 Friendly reminders for anglers:
• Anyone 16+ needs a valid fishing license.
• If you plan to harvest trout, you’ll also need an inland trout stamp to support conservation and habitat management.

Share what you’re catching! Use the link in the comments to send us your photos.

Have you recently received a postcard from aQity Research & Insights asking for your thoughts on the Forest Preserve Dis...
10/15/2026

Have you recently received a postcard from aQity Research & Insights asking for your thoughts on the Forest Preserve District? If so, please take the time to complete the online survey. We really want to hear what you have to say!

Didn't get a postcard? No worries! Just keep following us on Facebook, where we'll have a link to our open survey later in the year.

Last week, the District's Urban Stream Research Center staff surveyed the West Branch DuPage River at McDowell Grove For...
10/15/2026

Last week, the District's Urban Stream Research Center staff surveyed the West Branch DuPage River at McDowell Grove Forest Preserve – and their findings highlight just how dynamic our river ecosystems are.

During the survey, 12 species of fish were observed. Surveys like this help us track populations over time and give us valuable insight into the overall health of the river's food web. They also help us identify where fish communities are stable enough to support freshwater mussel populations.

Anglers, we'd love to know what fish you're finding in the District. Share your catches with us using the link in the comments. You might even get featured on our social media 😉

Native redbud trees are a great way to add color to the landscape and support hungry wildlife. They offer vibrant pink f...
10/14/2026

Native redbud trees are a great way to add color to the landscape and support hungry wildlife. They offer vibrant pink flowers in the spring, followed by golden-yellow leaves in the fall. Before you plant it, plan for all four seasons!

Calling all teachers! Are you looking to connect your students with unique educational experiences? Learn about aquatic ...
10/09/2026

Calling all teachers! Are you looking to connect your students with unique educational experiences? Learn about aquatic wildlife, freshwater ecosystems, and regional conservation through our school programs.

💡 Urban Stream Research Center Tour
Grades 4 and up
Call to book or learn more on our website.

View science in action! Learn from our experts about the unique conservation work taking place at the District's Urban Stream Research Center. See where we raise state-endangered Blanding's turtles, the federally endangered Hine's emerald dragonfly, and freshwater mussels.

💡 Bass in the Class Teacher Training
Wednesday, Nov. 4
4 - 6:30 p.m.
Blackwell Forest Preserve
Registration required.

Raise a fish in your classroom to teach students about the relationship between fish, freshwater mussels, and clean water.

Links and details are in the comments.

Hit the trails for a Halloween adventure! 🎃 Guide your way with glowing pumpkins, follow the flickering lanterns, or tak...
10/08/2026

Hit the trails for a Halloween adventure! 🎃 Guide your way with glowing pumpkins, follow the flickering lanterns, or take a ride on a wagon. Programs fill fast! Register using the link in the comments.

Address

3S580 Naperville Road
Wheaton, IL
60189

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+16309337200

Website

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