Forest Preserve District of  DuPage County

3 S 580 Naperville Road,
Wheaton, IL 60187-8761
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5000,
Wheaton, IL 60189-5000
e-mail: forest@dupageforest.com
(630) 933-7200

History
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County was established in 1915 when voters cast ballots to protect against the removal of woodlands. For the first year of operation, $8,000 was appropriated to create, manage and maintain the new forest preserve. County supervisors who governed the District spent the next two years working out operating details for the fifth county forest preserve district in the country. In 1917, the first tax levy was made and the first preserve land was purchased: 79 acres in Oak Brook, called York Woods. Today, the Forest Preserve District owns and manages more than 23,000 acres and has an annual budget of more than $175 million. Each year, more than 1.5 million people visit the Forest Preserve District's 600+ acres of shimmering lakes, 60 miles of river and streams, and over 80 miles of trails that offer scenic views and many fun ways to enjoy your leisure time.

Educational Programs
The District's four special facilities (Danada Equestrian Center, Fullersburg Woods Environmental Education Center, Kline Creek Farm and Willowbrook Wildlife Center) conduct a variety of educational programs throughout the year, ranging from cross-country ski tours to programs that explore how wild animals survive in our urban environment. A listing of all District programs and special events is published in our quarterly publication, The DuPage Conservationist. The District also publishes teachers guides, which describe many of the programs available for school groups as well as teacher workshops and self-guided programs. All programs are open to the public and reservations may be necessary as group size is limited. For more information on public or school group programs, call the phone number listed under the facility you wish to visit. Click here for more information on the District's educational programs.