Forest Preserve District Annual Report 2015 ‒ 2016

2015 – 2016 Year in Review

From the President Throughout 2015, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s centennial year, we celebrated the many ways we’ve been able to connect people to nature over the past 100 years. Our on-going efforts continue to build on this proud heritage of conservation, preservation, restoration, and excellent community service that focus on our commitment to financial stewardship and sustainability.

Strategic plans are helping us better define our direction and prioritize our goals.

For example, our plan to overhaul District operations led to 51 employees taking voluntary early retirement in 2015. Slightly less than half were replaced. We had a reduction in staff of 28 employees, which resulted in a total savings of more than $2 million in annual compensation costs.

Thanks to the support, professionalism and teamwork of our staff members,

Contact Us

we realigned responsibilities to create a more efficient, streamlined environment.

By Phone (630) 933-7200

DuPage taxpayers and community members are benefitting from other efforts as well.

On the Web dupageforest.org Via Email forest@dupageforest.org On Facebook facebook.com/dupageforest

Working with other agencies allows us to pursue projects such as improvements at Oak Meadows Golf Preserve, our largest capital improvement effort in recent history. We’re integrating new technology and now have a 24/7 online reservation system to improve operating efficiencies and public access and reduce costs. We’ve also restructured portions of our debt to take advantage of low interest rates.

Working together, our staff, volunteers, partners, supporters and board work to conserve the natural areas and resources entrusted to our care to make our county’s forest preserves – and life in DuPage County – the best they can be.

Joseph F. Cantore President, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

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Table of Contents 2 From the President 4 Who We Are 6 Guiding Principles 8 Connecting People to Nature 14 Conservation Efforts 16 Celebrating a Century 18 Working Together 22 Financial Sustainability Cover photo Š Mark Baldwin

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Who We Are Our Vision The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is a nationally recognized conservation agency that envisions a community in which all citizens share a connection with nature and an appreciation for cultural history

Our Mission To acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure and recreation of DuPage County’s citizens

Our Purpose To acquire, preserve, protect and restore the natural resources in DuPage County while providing opportunities for people to connect with nature

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Board of Commissioners President

Joseph F. Cantore, Oak Brook

Commissioners

Marsha Murphy, Addison — District 1 Jeffrey Redick, Elmhurst — District 2 Linda Painter, Hinsdale — District 3 Tim Whelan, Wheaton — District 4 Mary Lou Wehrli, Naperville — District 5 Al Murphy, West Chicago — District 6

Places to Visit Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Headquarters 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton, IL 60189 (630) 933-7200 Danada Equestrian Center 3S507 Naperville Road Wheaton, IL 60189 (630) 668-6012 Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 850-8110

Kline Creek Farm 1N600 County Farm Road West Chicago, IL 60185 (630) 876-5900

Green Meadows Golf Course 18W201 W. 63rd St. Westmont, IL 60559 (630) 810-5330

Mayslake Peabody Estate 1717 W. 31st St. Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 206-9566

Maple Meadows Golf Course 272 S. Addison Road Wood Dale, IL 60191 (630) 616-8424

Willowbrook Wildlife Center 525 S. Park Blvd.

Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

Oak Meadows Golf Preserve 900 N. Wood Dale Road Addison, IL 60101 (630) 595-0071

Michael Hullihan became executive director of the Forest Preserve District in August 2015. His public- and private-sector experience includes seven years as public works director and village engineer for the village of Oak Brook and time as vice president of Gannett Fleming, a global company focused on infrastructure solutions.

Hullihan is also a retired lieutenant colonel with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be part of this winning team,” said Hullihan. “I’m looking forward to working for an organization with first-class facilities and natural areas and a team of professionals from many different disciplines.”

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Guiding Principles

The Forest Preserve District is committed to

STEWARDSHIP

revitalizing the county’s natural areas and providing better

The District serves as a responsible steward of the

ways for people to access and experience them.

financial and natural resources that have been entrusted to it by the citizens of DuPage County. We adhere to the principle of excellence in all we do, and our actions are guided by a basic respect for nature, one another and the communities we serve.

SUSTAINABILITY The District values sustainability from an organizational and environmental perspective. To ensure its long-term ability to continue its mission, the District is guided by a commitment to financial and operational sustainability.

The District is also committed to the responsible and sustainable preservation and use of the natural lands, 6

Š Mark Baldwin

INNOVATION As a leader in our field we seek innovative ways to integrate new technology, engage our public, respond to changing needs and advance our mission and vision.

EMPOWERMENT We will provide a supportive working environment that waterways, plant and animal life under its protection for

respects and relies upon each individual’s expertise, skills

current and future generations.

and diversity while encouraging teamwork, creativity and professional development.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT We strive to continuously engage the communities

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

and individuals we serve in an ongoing dialogue and

We seek to honor and represent the growing diversity within

partnership to improve our relationships and foster

our community in our practices, programs and services,

greater trust and collaboration around common goals.

communications and the accessibility of our preserves.

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Connecting People to Nature DuPage County residents value the health and

related activities from their computers, tablets or mobile

social benefits nature and natural areas provide, and the

devices by visiting dupageforest.org and clicking “Register.�

District is dedicated to improving and expanding the places and experiences forest preserves offer so close to home.

ONLINE REGISTRATION AND RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE 24/7 In late 2015 the District established an online registration system, giving visitors a convenient way to sign up for archery, fishing, hiking, paddling, nature and volunteer programs day or night. They can also use the site to make camping and picnic reservations up to 12 months in advance; purchase permits for off-leash dog areas, private boats and model crafts; and manage all of their nature8

ST. JAMES FARM OPENS NEW 2-MILE TRAIL A new 2-mile crushed limestone trail now connects visitors at St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville with the Illinois Prairie Path. The trail circles the main

and eastern areas of the farm, following historic alignments and tree-lined promenades, which minimizes habitat disturbances while creating scenic outdoor experiences and easier access to many features of the preserve.

A $200,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration for the Recreational Trails Program Resources) funded part of the construction.

HAWK HOLLOW ADDS OFF-LEASH DOG AREA

The trail is one of several planned public-access

Dog owners with valid District permits gained an expansive

improvements for St. James Farm. In 2012 the District

new off-leash dog area in September 2015 at Hawk Hollow

completed a new entrance and 100-car parking lot off

Forest Preserve in Bartlett. Located at Stearns Road and

Winfield Road, and in 2013 it added a welcome plaza.

Bittersweet Drive, the 34-acre area has a 59-car parking

By late 2017 the east side of the preserve will have sewer

lot, a 29.2-acre area with 1.2 miles of limestone trails, 2.1

and water lines and the north side will have a 1-mile trail

acres for dogs of all sizes, and almost a full acre just for dogs

near Spring Brook.

under 25 pounds. All of the areas are fenced.

(administered by the Illinois Department of Natural

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A key feature of the new facility is its rotating activity fields, which allow the District to close one area to give the turf a rest while keeping a second area open for use.

The off-leash area was part of the 2012 cooperative agreement between the District and CN, which allowed the railway and transportation company to use 5 acres at Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve in Wayne for track improvements in exchange for roughly $3.1 million in

came from the Friends of the Forest Preserve District of

forest preserve habitat and recreational improvements.

DuPage County. District bonds and planning, construction and development monies funded the balance.

MAYSLAKE HALL ADDS COURTYARD TO RESTORATION SUCCESS LIST

A beloved cultural and historical gem of DuPage

In 2015 Mayslake Hall at Mayslake Peabody Estate in

through the arts. Updates over the past few years have

Oak Brook received $720,000 in restoration work on

helped make the space available for educational and

the rear courtyard and breakfast porch area. The project

cultural programming, corporate retreats, meetings, and

restored the exterior brickwork to a recessed, or “raked,”

special events.

mortar-joint finish; replaced barge boards and 21 second-

The building was commissioned in 1919 by Francis

story windows; repaired the chimney, stucco, copper

Stuyvesant Peabody; renowned Chicago architect

scuppers and downspouts; and replaced limestone lintels.

Benjamin H. Marshall designed the Tudor Revival-style

The Mayslake Hall Restoration Society contributed

mansion. The Forest Preserve District purchased the

more than $100,000 to the project. More than $28,000

property in 1993.

County, Mayslake Hall introduces people to nature

STRUCTURAL REPAIRS UNDERWAY AT GRAUE MILL The first phase of maintenance and structural repairs are underway at the 163-year-old Graue Mill and Museum at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook. When completed near the end of 2016, the project will make the mill more resilient to future floods by tuck-pointing and stabilizing the foundation walls, portions of the millrace and basement floor and by adding a moisture-control barrier to the exterior. In addition, contractors will move components of the electrical system from the basement, reinforce portions of the basement floor and pour new foundation supports for the mill’s wooden gear works.

The District awarded a $576,190 contract for this work. The nonprofit DuPage Graue Mill Corporation, which operates the mill for the District, agreed to fund 10

$25,000 in repairs to the mill and jib crane assemblies,

the construction of a native wildlife recovery building, the

which will allow milling demonstrations to resume.

expansion and renovation of an existing support building,

In 2013 inspections of the mill found several areas of

and the creation of a 99-car permeable paver parking lot.

concern. A significant flood that same year contributed preserve the mill and ensure the long-term stability of the

WAYFINDING SIGNS IMPROVE NAVIGATION AT WATERFALL GLEN

structure. The District hopes to fund a second phase of

In fall 2015 the District installed 19 new wayfinding

improvements at a later date.

posts and 19 mileage markers along 9.5 miles of trails at

The only operating gristmill in the Chicago

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien.

area, Graue Mill is also one of the area’s remaining

The District developed the

authenticated Underground Railroad “stations.” It was

new navigational sign system

listed in the National Register of Historic Places in

using comments it received via

May 1975 and recognized in 1981 as an Illinois Historic

online and trailside surveys and

Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the American

open houses from more than

Society of Mechanical Engineers. It is the only gristmill

1,100 hikers, joggers, bikers,

so designated on a national or local level.

bird-watchers and other visitors.

to further deterioration. The resulting repairs will

The four-sided posts have trail

WILDLIFE CENTER WINS AWARD FOR LANDSCAPING

names and directional arrows

Improvements at Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen

lots, forest preserve features and

Ellyn earned the District the 2015 Vivian Ball Landscape

connecting trails.

Award from the village of Glen Ellyn. Updates included

Fullersburg Woods Forest

as well as distances to parking

Preserve in Oak Brook, Danada and Herrick Lake forest preserves in Wheaton, and St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville are scheduled to receive the updated posts and markers in fall 2016.

EAGLE SCOUT HELPS STOCK TWO DISTRICT LAKES WITH HYBRID BLUEGILL Thanks to the efforts of Naperville Eagle Scout Quinn Draz, more than 3,800 hybrid bluegill found new homes in the 19-acre Herrick Lake at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton and the catch-and-release Sand Pond at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville.

Working with Forest Preserve District ecologists, Draz started “Funds for Fish,” a campaign to raise $5,000 to introduce the bluegills to forest preserve waters to attract 11

young anglers. The hybrid grows quickly but tends to spawn infrequently. This means the fish are less likely to overpopulate lakes but more likely to grow into trophy-size catches.

Draz launched the campaign to honor his mentor, District ecologist Don LaBrose, who passed away in 2012.

LaBrose, himself an Eagle Scout, helped Draz plan his Eagle Scout project, which created 30 submersible fish habitats and 18 fishing-line collection stations for DuPage County forest preserves.

Draz received more than $5,600 in “Funds for Fish” contributions from more than 50 donors, including the Riverside Fishing Club, DuPage Rivers Fly Tyers, the Illinois Smallmouth Alliance, and family members and friends of both Draz and LaBrose.

RESIDENTS EMBRACE “FOREST FITNESS WALKS” A recent Stanford University study revealed walking through nature physically changes the way blood flows to the brain and makes people feel more attentive and happier. “Forest Fitness Walks” led by Fullersburg Woods naturalist Dave Andrusyk have been helping DuPage 12

County residents reap the documented benefits of nature walks for six years.

“Forest Fitness Walks” offer residents a unique way to access and experience nature. Andrusyk leads walkers along District forest preserve trails once a week and points out sights of interests and wildlife such as birds, deer, squirrels, muskrats and coyotes. He challenges participants with increasingly longer routes to help them build endurance. He also varies the trails so participants see new scenery. In the recent fall and spring sessions, 336 participated and hiked 1,448 total miles.

of students with mobility or other impairments, and

Fall hikes occur October through mid-December

volunteers from Com Ed and the School Association

while spring hikes take place April through early June.

for Special Education in DuPage County assisted

Most walks have been scheduled on Monday mornings; a

with activities.

special 10-mile walk ends each session.

MODEL AIRFIELD OPENS AT PRATT’S WAYNE WOODS The District opened its relocated model airfield at Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve in Wayne with an open house and “fun fly” event in July 2015.

Located on Stearns Road across the street from James “Pate” Philip State Park, the airfield features a 40-car parking lot, 300-foot asphalt runway, 23-acre overfly zone and 4-acre mowed turf area.

RANGERS AND NATURALISTS HOST “SPECIAL NEEDS OUTDOOR EDUCATION DAY” About 500 students from nearly 50 DuPage County schools participated in “Special Needs Outdoor Education Day” in May 2016 at St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Children kayaked, fished, rode tractor-drawn wagons and enjoyed rare close looks at some of the wildlife that call the forest preserves home, including a native fox snake.

The District’s Community Services & Education department tailored the experiences to meet the needs 13

Conservation Efforts No matter what you call them – natural

to use heavy equipment without disturbing the soil.

areas, open spaces, prairies, woodlands, wetlands –

By removing these specific types of trees and shrubs,

large stretches of undeveloped land are what most people

more sunlight will be able to reach the soil, a huge benefit

think about when they think of DuPage County’s

for oaks, hickories, hazelnuts, ironwoods and a variety of

forest preserves.

wildflowers. When completed, the project will also give

BABCOCK GROVE AT CHURCHILL WOODS FOREST PRESERVE

visitors impressive shows of springtime wildflowers and views of the adjacent Churchill Prairie Nature Preserve.

degraded 25-acre Babcock Grove woodland at Churchill

DUNHAM FOREST PRESERVE WETLAND AND PRAIRIE

Woods Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn by removing

From a former plot of farmland, the District is creating

invasive, nonnative brush, such as honeysuckle and

212 acres of prairies and wetlands at Dunham Forest

buckthorn, as well as select, overcrowding weedy native

Preserve in Wayne. Plans also call for installing a scenic

trees, such as box elder and cherry. Completing this type

overlook, trail and parking lot.

of work in winter when the ground is frozen allows crews

Several partners are working with the District to

Over the winter 2016 the District began to restore the

create the area. The DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference along with the Chicago Metro Planning Agency and the Illinois Department of Transportation are providing approximately $1.35 million in Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grant funding to build public access improvements. In addition, 135 acres of prairie will be funded and maintained by the Wayne Area Conservancy; 11 acres of wetlands are being mitigated by CN, the railway and transportation 14

Š Mike Shimer

It also earned “100 Best Fleets in North America� honors for the fourth year in a row in a contest sponsored

by American City & Country Magazine. The District was company; and 27 acres of wetlands are being funded

the only conservation agency to make the Top 50 list.

by DuPage County Stormwater Management. Such a

Both awards programs honor top public-sector fleets at

partnership is a cost-effective way to restore natural

the municipal, county, state and federal levels.

habitat and connect people to nature in responsible ways.

The District fleet stands out for its variety of

Wetland restoration will happen in phases. Old drain

vehicles and for its focus on alternative fuels. In-house

tiles in this former farm field will be disabled to improve

crews maintain standard passenger vehicles as well as

hydrology. District crews will then seed in and plant

specialized equipment such as mowers and tractors.

native wetland species and begin intensive maintenance

Nearly all use hybrid technology or run on alternate fuels

efforts to keep goals on track for both hydrology and

such as compressed natural gas, liquid propane gas, E-8

vegetative quality.

and biodiesel. Using these alternatives has lowered fuel expenditures, reduced tailpipe emissions and lengthened

TOP 50 FLEET AWARD

vehicle lifespans.

Once again, the District was recognized for operating its fleet in an environmentally friendly and cost-efficient manner. For the second year in a row it was named one of the top 50 fleets in the nation by Government Fleet Magazine and the American Public Works Association.

The awards program, sponsored by Ford Motor Company, recognizes operations performing at a high level, particularly in fleet leadership, competitiveness and efficiency, planning for the future, and overcoming challenges.

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Celebrating a Century Throughout 2015 the District marked its 100th

Mallard Lake, Pratt’s Wayne Woods, Danada and Herrick

birthday with special programs to help residents enjoy

Lake. A group of community volunteers collaborated

their favorite pastimes and get outside and into the forest

with the District to establish the trail, which also offers

preserves for their daily dose of nature.

5-, 10- and 15-mile loops.

Eleven new informational signs highlight historical

CLUES LEAD FOREST PRESERVE FANS ON MEDALLION SEARCH

locations along the way, from the Civilian Conservation

On June 7, 2015, the Forest Preserve District officially

Oak Brook and the discovery of a 13,000-year-old woolly

turned 100 and celebrated the milestone with a once-in-

mammoth skeleton at Blackwell Forest Preserve in

a-century event. The District

Warrenville to the reason the county’s second-largest forest

challenged visitors to get

preserve, which is in Darien, is called Waterfall Glen.

Corps’ effects on Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in

their daily dose of nature hidden in six preserves that

“BIO BLITZ” AND THE “CENTENNIAL NATURE FEST”

were good for running shoes,

On June 26, 2015, the Forest Preserve District kicked off

bikes, a fly-fishing package

its first-ever “Bio Blitz.” Over 24 hours, more than 130

and $2,500. Sleuths followed daily clues posted online

professional and citizen scientists supported by dozens of

and in the Daily Herald and discovered all six.

District employees and volunteers found and identified

by searching for medallions

more than 950 different kinds of plants, animals, lichen

DISTRICT UNVEILS 100-MILE COMMEMORATIVE TRAIL

and fungi across 3,700 acres in four forest preserves. Of

In July 2015 trail fans celebrated the debut of the

mosses were previously unobserved in DuPage County,

commemorative DuPage Forest Preserves Century Trail,

including some special finds.

those, 39 invertebrates, six lichens, 13 fungi and two

a 100-mile loop comprised of existing trails in 33 forest preserves, including Blackwell, McDowell Grove, Greene Valley, Waterfall Glen, Fullersburg Woods, York Woods,

• Two mosses likely new to Illinois (Bryum argentium mutucum and Ptychostomum bimum) • Two lichens not recorded in northeastern Illinois in more than 120 years (Arthothelium hallii and A. taediosum) • A butterfly on the state list of species in greatest need of conservation, the Dion skipper (Euphyes dion) • Several species of beetles and fungi previously unknown in DuPage County forest preserves

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© Mark Baldwin

• A parasitoid fly never before recorded in Illinois

Gold Sponsors Navistar

(Pteromicra similis Steyskal)

Daily Herald Media Group

• Sightings of the state-endangered black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) and osprey

Silver Sponsors

(Padion haliaetus)

Cabela’s

• Sightings of nine state-imperiled dragonfly and

Case IH, a brand of CNH Industrial

damselfly species

Chapman and Cutler LLP “Bio Blitz” wrapped up on June 27 as the District

Hoving Pit Stop

hosted its “Centennial Nature Fest” at St. James Farm

Wheaton Bank & Trust and Great Lakes Advisors, LLC

Forest Preserve in Warrenville, which welcomed an

Wight & Company

estimated 1,900 visitors. The District and 20 outside organizations offered more than 40 hands-on, nature-

Bronze Sponsors

related activities and chances to meet scientists as they

Robert W. Baird & Co.

brought in their “Bio Blitz” findings. Visitors learned

The Conservation Foundation

about biodiversity; met live frogs, turtles, snakes, birds

Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd.

and bats; and worked side-by-side with entomologists

Engineering Resource Associates, Inc.

from The Field Museum and Purdue University.

MCA Corporation Opal Enterprises Inc.

CENTENNIAL SPONSORS

Spraying Systems Co.

Thanks to the generous support of these sponsors, the Forest

Timothy Financial Counsel, Inc.

Preserve District organized events and provided prizes,

V3 Companies, Ltd.

crafts, children’s activities and refreshments for thousands of

Wills Burke Kelsey Associates, Ltd.

visitors at events throughout its celebratory year.

© Wayne Lampa

© Julie Kulak

Pleurotus pulmonarius

Dion skipper (Euphyes dion)

Ptychostomum bimum 17

Working Together The Forest Preserve District relies on the

adhering to its mission. In 2015 and 2016 the Board

strong partnerships it has formed with municipal,

of Commissioners approved several intergovernmental

county and state agencies to ensure it can provide

agreements that benefited forest preserve visitors and

the best amenities for DuPage County residents while

neighbors alike.

DuPage County • Wetland mitigation at Oak Meadows Golf Preserve • Emergency telephone system services • North Central DuPage Regional Trail pedestrian bridge over County Farm Road connecting Mallard Lake and Hawk Hollow forest preserves • Projects and proposals for storage and maintenance of GIS data

CREEK RESTORATION AT ST. JAMES PRESERVE IN WARRENVILLE In fall 2015, more than 3,200 feet of creek restoration was completed on Spring Brook, a tributary of the West Branch of the DuPage River. The restoration area falls within the St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville.

Depending on funding, a second phase of Spring Brook’s restoration at Blackwell Forest Preserve may begin in 2017 or 2018.

The District and other conservation-minded agencies, homeowners and volunteers have worked to restore

meandering streams such as this and rebuild wetlands in order to improve stormwater management and water quality and also to enhance the quality of lives in DuPage County.

Reconfiguring the creek involved adding twists and turns to

slow its flow and to reduce erosion not only in the preserve but also downstream. The creek bed now contains gravel, cobble and boulders to offer habitat for fish, microinvertebrates, mussels and other wildlife. Shallow stretches allow water to overflow the banks during heavy rains and move into a restored floodplain. Old drainage-tile channels have been disrupted to allow the former fields to hold water as wetlands again. As a result, the District can store more stormwater and provide valuable refuge for Wilson’s snipes, spotted sandpipers, Virginia rails, soras and other wetland species.

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DISTRICT PARTNERS TO PROP UP POLLINATORS Without animal pollinators, about 80 percent of the planet’s 250,000 species of flowering plants could not produce seeds or fruits. As a result, the District is

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

committed to helping conserve and protect butterflies,

and Bartlett Park District

bees and other imperiled pollinator species. For years

Leasing, management and use of James “Pate”

its ecologists and volunteers have collected and spread

Philip State Park

seeds from several different kinds of milkweeds throughout the preserves. (Milkweed plants are the sole

Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, DuPage County

food source for monarch caterpillars.) More recently the

Stormwater Management, The Wetlands Initiative,

District has started to grow plants vital to other types of

WBK Engineering, LLC, The Conservation Foundation

butterflies and to avoid the use of products containing

and DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup

“neonicotinoids,” which are

Restoration of Spring Brook at St. James Farm

known to be harmful to flower-

Forest Preserve

visiting insects.

City of Warrenville

In 2016 the District joined

gardeners, municipalities and

Design, funding, implementation and maintenance of

other partners to roll out

trail improvements at Mack Road, Warrenville Grove

the red carpet to welcome

Forest Preserve and Maple Hill and a water-main

monarch butterflies to DuPage

system along Mack Road at Blackwell Forest Preserve

County by becoming a part of

© Glenn Perricone

the DuPage Monarch Project, whose members include

Village of Winfield

The Conservation Foundation, River Prairie Group of

Engineering services for West Branch DuPage River

the Sierra Club and Greater DuPage Wild Ones. As

Trail development from Winfield Mounds near

part of this collaboration, the District is distributing

Township Street to West DuPage Woods forest preserves

seed packets containing rose milkweed, New England aster, wild bergamot, foxglove beardtongue, yellow

Winfield Township Road District

coneflower, black-eyed Susan, stiff goldenrod and little

Signs along West Branch DuPage River Trail from

bluestem, an effort it began in 2015 when it handed

Winfield Mounds to West DuPage Woods forest preserves

out thousands of packets of milkweed seeds.

The District is also forging new partnerships and

has pledged $40,000 toward the Fox Valley Monarch

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Corridor Project’s National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

In addition to cooperating through intergovernmental

grant request, which is being coordinated by The

agreements, the Forest Preserve District regularly

Conservation Foundation. If awarded, the grant will

collaborates with scores of organizations on projects from

help increase the availability of insect host plants and

large-scale habitat restorations to programs that give

sources of nectar on 50 acres at Night Heron Marsh

homeowners tips on how to support the forest preserves

Forest Preserve in Aurora, which is within the Fox River

in their own backyards. Partners include municipalities,

Valley corridor.

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park districts, townships and county departments as well as agencies on the state and federal level. Several recent partners and project descriptions include: Chicago Bird Collision Monitors Migrant bird rehabilitation College of DuPage WDCB 90.9 FM “Wild Things” radio program

GIFTS Mayslake Peabody Estate Individual Contributors $28,600 through the Friends of the Forest Preserve District for the restoration of the rear courtyard Willowbrook Wildlife Center Exelon

$10,000 through the Friends of the Forest Preserve

The Conservation Foundation, River Prairie Group of

District for the sandhill crane exhibit and animal care

the Sierra Club and Greater DuPage Wild Ones

and rehabilitation

DuPage Monarch Project Blackwell and Herrick Lake Forest Preserves Lincoln Park Zoo Amphibian research Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Brookfield Zoo, Wheaton Park District Cosley Zoo and St. Charles Park District Hickory Knolls Discovery Center Blanding’s turtle recovery project School District 41 Problem-Based Learning Program Monarchs and milkweeds initiative University of Illinois Smallmouth bass research

Eagle Scout Quinn Draz, DuPage River Fly Tyers, Illinois Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, Illinois Smallmouth Alliance, Riverside Fishing Club and Individual Contributors

$5,600 through the Friends of the Forest Preserve District for “Funds for Fish” for the release of 3,800 hybrid bluegill in memory of District ecologist Don LaBrose Ranger-Led Programs Rotary Club of Elmhurst, Sierra Club River Prairie Group and Individual Contributors $8,304 through the Friends of the Forest Preserve

Village of Glen Ellyn “Year of the Monarch” collaboration

District for a programming trailer to support Districtwide ranger-led recreational programs

FRIENDS OF THE FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF DUPAGE COUNTY Since its founding in 2013, the Friends of the Forest Preserve of DuPage County has strived to help advance the vision of the District through philanthropic endeavors. As a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit support group, it accepts tax-deductible gifts for priority projects, favorite forest preserves or areas where help is needed most.

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KLINE CREEK FARM VOLUNTEER NAMED BEEKEEPER OF THE YEAR In 2015 devoted District volunteer Dr. Lawrence DuBose was named Beekeeper of the Year by the Illinois State Beekeeper Association. DuBose volunteers at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago and has been beekeeping since 1933.

The association selected DuBose for his lifelong interest in beekeeping and his tireless efforts to teach the public about the crucial role that honeybees play in agriculture. He helped establish the beekeeping program at Kline Creek Farm more than 30 years ago and donated $100,000 in 2010 to help construct the farm’s honey house. As a result, visitors today can learn about honeybees, pollination and environmental responsibility, and purchase honey volunteers process and package on site. Additionally, the farm’s “Busy as a Bee” program allows youth groups to meet a beekeeper, examine a hive and learn the roles of the bees inside.

VOLUNTEERS The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County could not

many new experiences to forest preserve visitors. During

offer many of its popular events and services without its

the 2014 – 2015 fiscal year, District volunteers donated

dedicated corps of volunteers. These individuals maintain

57,900 hours. That’s more than six and a half years’ worth

the momentum of long-standing programs and also bring

of contributions in just 365 days.

VOLUNTEERS’ CONTRIBUTIONS

Long-Term Volunteer Program Hours Volunteers Groups Danada Equestrian Center

13,627:11 83

7

Education & Research

159:30 7

—

Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center

1,331:33 61

1

Kline Creek Farm

9,064:17 94

—

Mayslake Peabody Estate

1,867:47 69

2

Natural Resources

6,786:23 226

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St. James Farm

1,735:00 64

25

Trail Patrol

2,878:15 67

—

Volunteer Ranger Experience

837:09 35

12

Willowbrook Wildlife Center

18,898:39 233

1

Special Event

723:23 110

4

TOTAL VALUE

$1,588,901.76

Based on Independent Sector’s Value of Volunteer Time

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Financial Sustainability For the 28th consecutive year, the nonprofit

recognized the District’s comprehensive annual financial

Government Finance Officers Association awarded the

report for fiscal year 2013 – 2014.

Forest Preserve District its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The association

GRANTS

developed the program to encourage agencies

Many agencies awarded grants to the Forest Preserve

and professionals who are its members to “prepare

District in 2015 and 2016, including those featured

comprehensive annual financial reports that evidence the

below. Some of these are multiyear grants, so the District

spirit of transparency and full disclosure.” The 2015 award

may not receive all funds in any given year.

Illinois Department of Transportation, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and Federal

REFINANCED DEBT SAVES $6.5 MILLION In 2015 the District took advantage of low interest rates to complete refinancing of some of its financial debt. The result is a $6.5 million savings over 10 years, which will be passed on to DuPage taxpayers in the form of lower taxes over the next several years. During the refinancing process, Standard and Poor’s reaffirmed the District’s AAA financial rating, which is a point of pride for the District.

Highway Association $1.5 million for the North Central DuPage Regional Trail connection at Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve $777,000 for West Branch DuPage River Trail development from Blackwell to West DuPage Woods forest preserves U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administered by the Illinois EPA Illinois Clean Diesel Grant Program $23,387.50 for the conversion of five light-duty trucks to compressed natural gas

22

FISCAL YEAR 2014 – 2015 PROPERTY TAX ALLOCATION

REVENUES

While nearly three-quarters of a DuPage County

During the fiscal year, the combined revenues of the

homeowner’s tax bill goes to support schools,

District’s governmental and proprietary funds totaled

just 2 cents of every dollar paid funds all of the

$69,449,956.

services the Forest Preserve District provides.

Taxes 78%

During the tax year the homeowner of a house with a market value of $300,000 paid $169 to

Unrestricted Investment Earnings 8.2%

the District in property taxes.

Charges for Services 6.4% G rants & Contributions 4.2% Other 3.2%

© Mark Baldwin

EXPENDITURES The combined expenses of governmental and proprietary funds totaled $56,125,834.

C onservation & Recreation 48.9%

School Districts 73.36%

General Government 18.1%

Cities & Villages 9.74% Fire & Other 5.47%

Long-term Debt 17.2%

Park Districts 5.09% County Government 2.63%

Business-type Activities 6.5%

Forest Preserve District 2.07%

Public Safety 6.4%

Townships 1.67%

CONTRIBUTIONS

P ublic Works 2.9%

Illinois State Toll Highway Authority

The District and DuPage County taxpayers have

Up to $2,000,000 for the restoration of Spring Brook at

benefitted from funding from the following organizations.

St. James Farm Forest Preserve

DuPage County Stormwater Management

McCormick Foundation Trust

$2,603,000 for stormwater management and wetland

$250,000 for the restoration of Spring Brook at

mitigation at Oak Meadows Golf Preserve

St. James Farm Forest Preserve

DuPage River Salt Creek Work Group $2,250,000 for dam removal and stream enhancements at Oak Meadows Golf Preserve 23

P.O. Box 5000 Wheaton, IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 dupageforest.org

please deliver to current resident

© Mark Baldwin

NATURE BY THE NUMBERS Nearly

26,000

acres

60 145 30 13%

© Manuel Diaz

forest preserves

miles of trails

© Glenn Perricone

lakes and ponds

of DuPage County’s land are forest preserves

3,471 4.2 Hundreds

species of plants and animals

million annual visitors

of nature programs

each year

42 8,956 557 695

camps for kids and teens, ages 4 –14

off-leash dog area permits sold

boating permits

picnic shelter reservations made