Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

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.

Heads up, folks! Contractors will be boring holes in the shoreline around Herrick Lake on Sept. 29 at Herrick Lake Fores...
09/28/2026

Heads up, folks! Contractors will be boring holes in the shoreline around Herrick Lake on Sept. 29 at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve. Sections of the Lake Trail may be inaccessible while work is being conducted. Thank you for your patience!

Original Post 9/28/26: Attention, an active algal bloom has been identified at Silver Lake at Blackwell Forest Preserve....
09/28/2026

Original Post 9/28/26: Attention, an active algal bloom has been identified at Silver Lake at Blackwell Forest Preserve.

Blooms are a common natural phenomenon, but have the potential to quickly turn harmful in warm weather and produce toxins which can make pets, children and people with weak immune systems sick if they ingest or inhale water that has algae present.

Harmful algal blooms can look like spilled blue, green, or brown paint on the surface of the water. Because it’s not possible to tell whether a bloom is producing toxins just by looking, we encourage the public to take the following precautions whenever a bloom is present:

• Avoid touching the water or algae.
• Keep pets away from the water.
• Wash skin or fur thoroughly if contact occurs.

Staff will continue to visually inspect water conditions and warning signs will remain on site while the bloom is occurring.

Learn more about harmful algal blooms on our website: https://www.dupageforest.org/https/www.dupageforest.org/what-we-do/news/important-updates/harmful-aglal-blooms

"Love is like a butterfly, a rare and gentle thing." – Dolly Parton
09/28/2026

"Love is like a butterfly, a rare and gentle thing." – Dolly Parton

🚧 Heads up, folks! The Springbrook Prairie off-leash dog area parking lot will be closed Sept. 28 and 29 for sealcoating...
09/25/2026

🚧 Heads up, folks! The Springbrook Prairie off-leash dog area parking lot will be closed Sept. 28 and 29 for sealcoating. Alternative parking is available on the west side of Plainfield-Naperville Road. As always, work is weather-dependent. Thanks for your patience!

Enjoy the last bits of fun in the sun at Blackwell Forest Preserve! Certain recreational amenities are closing for the 2...
09/24/2026

Enjoy the last bits of fun in the sun at Blackwell Forest Preserve! Certain recreational amenities are closing for the 2026 season soon.

🚣‍♀️ Boat rentals are available weekends only through Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Rentals end one hour before closing.)

⛺️ The Blackwell Family Campground is open on weekends through Oct. 12.

Plan your visit https://www.dupageforest.org/things-to-do/recreational-activities

🚧 Heads up, folks! On Sept. 24 & 25, the Fullerton Ave. parking lot and Loop trail at Cricket Creek Forest Preserve will...
09/23/2026

🚧 Heads up, folks! On Sept. 24 & 25, the Fullerton Ave. parking lot and Loop trail at Cricket Creek Forest Preserve will be closed for sealcoating. As always, work is weather dependent. Thank you for your patience!

09/22/2026

⛔️ Heads up, folks! Beginning Sept. 24, a section of trail at the south end of Cricket Creek will be closed for construction of the City of Elmhurst’s pedestrian bridge over Route 83. The trail is expected to remain closed through the end of the year.

Don't blame the goldenrod for causing your hay fever. Many mistakenly attribute seasonal allergies to goldenrod, but rag...
09/21/2026

Don't blame the goldenrod for causing your hay fever. Many mistakenly attribute seasonal allergies to goldenrod, but ragweed is the more likely culprit. Know the differences between these two late-season bloomers:

Goldenrod – Large pollen that is manually spread by pollinators from yellow flower clusters.

Ragweed – Small pollen that is easily spread by the wind from green flower clusters.

Both provide food for hungry pollinators and other wildlife, so enjoy the color they add to the landscape — but maybe pack some tissues on your next hike.

🚧 Heads up, folks! Trail barrier replacement will begin along the Regional Trail between Warrenville and Ferry Rds. at M...
09/21/2026

🚧 Heads up, folks! Trail barrier replacement will begin along the Regional Trail between Warrenville and Ferry Rds. at McDowell Grove Monday September 21st. Crews will be on site for 3 - 5 days from 7:00am - 3:30pm. As always, work is weather dependent. Thank you for your patience!

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

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Forest Preserve District of DuPage County posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share