The Conservationist | Summer 2012

t he

Conse nserr vationist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Summer 2012

from the president Greetings! One of the features included in each summer issue of this publication is a recap of the previous fiscal year, and as president of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, I’m pleased to introduce yet another annual report filled with highlights from a year’s worth of conservation-, education- and recreation-related efforts.

And speaking of impressive endeavors, I’m also happy to extend on behalf of the District our congratulations to The Conservation Foundation on its 40th anniversary. Local business and community leaders established the group in 1972; back then it was the Forest Foundation of DuPage County. The names of some of its founders should be familiar to forest preserve enthusiasts: William B. Greene, who donated his family’s 260-acre homestead to the foundation in 1973, land that is now part of Greene Valley Forest Preserve; Paul Butler, who in 1975 sold 35 acres at a bargain price to the foundation, land that is now the Paul Butler Nature Area within Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve; and Brooks McCormick, who sold the Forest Preserve District his 607-acre St. James Farm in 2000.

The foundation supported the Forest Preserve District exclusively until 1988, at which time it changed its name and expanded its assistance to other local forest preserve and conservation agencies. Since then, The Conservation Foundation has helped numerous land-preservation efforts, including the District’s two successful referendums in 1997 and 2006. Today, it hosts annual DuPage River cleanup events in our county’s forest preserves, and soon it will be working with the District to develop a DuPage County Open Space Master Plan to identify the county’s remaining natural areas and linkages that might someday serve as additional public open spaces.

So hats off to all of The Conservation Foundation’s employees, volunteers and supporters. We at the Forest Preserve District greatly appreciate your support and applaud your continued efforts.

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS President D. “Dewey” Pierotti Jr., Addison Commissioners Marsha Murphy, Addison — District 1 Joseph F. Cantore, Oakbrook Terrace — District 2 Linda Painter, Hinsdale — District 3 Michael Formento, Glen Ellyn — District 4 Carl Schultz, Aurora — District 5 Roger G. Kotecki, Warrenville — District 6

BOARD MEETINGS For schedules and agendas, visit dupageforest.org.

I THE CONSERVATIONIST Summer 2012, Vol. 48, No. 3 Interim Editor Beth Schirott Associate Editor Jayne Bohner Editorial Assistants Johanna Biedron Audra Mason Bonnet Bonnie Olszewski Graphic Designer Deanna Eichenauer

I FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF DU PAGE COUNTY P.O. Box 5000, Wheaton, IL 60189 (630) 933-7200, TTY (800) 526-0857 dupageforest.org

D. “Dewey” Pierotti Jr. President, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Subscriptions to The Conservationist, a Forest Preserve District of DuPage County quarterly publication, are free for DuPage County residents and $5 per year for nonresidents.

To subscribe, call (630) 933-7085 or email forest@dupageforest.org.

© Manuel Diaz

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cont e n t s Vol. 48, No. 3 | Summer 2012

© C. Nadeau/VIREO

4 News & Notes 6 The Power of Pollinators 6

8 Summer Calendar 18 Animal Anglers 20 Explore 22 Directory

© Paul Wray, Iowa State University

© Dan Kaiser, www.flickr.com/photos/dhkaiser

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23 Map Plus Annual Report Fiscal Year 2010 – 2011 On the cover: Ruby-throated hummingbird © C. Nadeau/VIREO

OUR Mission 18

To acquire and hold lands for the purpose of preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure and recreation of DuPage County citizens

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news & notes SPONSORSHIP AND EXHIBIT OPPORTUNITIES The District offers several ways for businesses to broadcast their support of DuPage County’s communities, families and forest preserves through event sponsorships.

We are currently seeking sponsors for “Family Day at Mayslake” in Oak Brook on Aug. 11 and the “Danada Fall Festival” in Wheaton on Oct. 14. Visit dupageforestgiving.org/eventsponsorships for a complete list of events and benefits, and contact the Office of Fundraising and Development at (630) 871-6400 or fundraising@dupageforest.org with any additional questions.

IDNR STOCKS TAGGED BASS The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has stocked the West Branch of the DuPage River with 100 tagged smallmouth bass. The mature fish will help ecologists gauge the success of restoration work along the river and ways to improve fishing in urban streams. Any angler who catches a tagged fish should call the IDNR at (630) 553-0164 with the catch’s tag number, length, date and location and then release the fish for further study.

FULLERSBURG WOODS BRIDGE UPDATE This summer, construction will begin at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook on a new Salt Creek bridge. As a result, part of the preserve and select trails east of the visitor center and creek will be closed until early 2013. For details on this project and others, visit dupageforest.org, and click on “District News” and “Plans and Projects.”

STAY UPDATED YOUR WAY Sign up today for Forest Preserve District updates on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr. (Look for DuPageForest on Twitter and YouTube.) Plus, enjoy The Conservationist 24/7 at dupageforest.org.

If you prefer to read The Conservationist online, email forest@dupageforest.org, and have your mailed copy discontinued.

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DISTRICT WELCOMES NEW STATE NATURE PRESERVES The Illinois Nature Preserves Commission recently dedicated five DuPage County forest preserve sites as Illinois nature preserves: the 48-acre west grove of Meacham Grove in Bloomingdale, the 256-acre Brewster Creek Marsh at Pratt’s Wayne Woods in Wayne, the 111-acre Swift Prairie in Addison, the 76-acre Des Plaines Riverway in Burr Ridge and a 38-acre buffer on the southeast side of West Chicago Prairie in West Chicago. These designations provide an added layer of protection for these high-quality natural areas by restricting future land use to preserve natural conditions.

GETTING ONLINE ON THE GO The District has a new way to connect to online forest preserve information right where you need it most. Visitors with smartphones can now scan QR codes at information kiosks to reach the weekly online Outdoor Report for the latest on wildlife sightings, fishing catches, nature news and more.

DISTRICT WELCOMES FIRST “GRANDTURTLE” VEHICLE FLEET RECEIVES TOP 100 HONOR The District’s fleet made its first appearance in Government Fleet magazine’s “100 Best Fleets in North America,” which recognizes peakperforming operations from among the nation’s 38,000 registered fleets. Criteria include the use of technology and information, creativity in addressing challenges, staff development, best practices and resource stewardship.

The magazine will reveal its “Top 20 Best Fleets” and rankings of the top 100 at the Government Fleet Expo in Denver, Colo.

In May the District’s Blanding’s Turtle Recovery Program welcomed its first second-generation turtle. The female that produced the 0.3-ounce hatchling was itself hatched from one of the program’s clutches in 2001. Each spring ecologists use radio telemetry to locate adult females. Any hatchlings they produce spend their first year at the District’s Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn and their second at various partner agencies. Since 1996 the program has reared and released over 1,000 turtles and has seen hatchling success rates increase from 60 to 90 percent.

© Whitney Cranshaw, Bugwood.org

MANY Thanks The Forest Preserve District thanks the following donors who contributed to its efforts between Feb. 15 and June 1.

TREATMENT FOR ZEBRA MUSSELS AT DEEP QUARRY This summer the District will participate in a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant-funded field trial to treat invasive zebra mussels in open-water systems. Contractors will treat Deep Quarry Lake at West Branch Forest Preserve in Bartlett with Zequanox, which is derived from the dead cells of a naturally occurring bacterium.

Zequanox is approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and has no known ill effects on fish, humans or wildlife other than filterfeeding zebra mussels. It is already an accepted treatment for closed-water systems, such as water-treatment plants.

PUBLIC Meetings Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners meetings and planning sessions are open to the public and are held at District headquarters at 3S580 Naperville Road in Wheaton.

Schedules and agendas are available in advance on the District’s website, dupageforest.org. Commission meetings normally take place the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 9 a.m. Planning sessions normally take place the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 9 a.m. At both, the board hears comments from the public and reports from staff and discusses District business; at commission meetings, the board also votes on agenda items.

Business Event Sponsors AM 560 WIND Anonymous Area Restroom Solutions Bob Campbell Photography Brookfield Zoo Bugle Newspapers Cabela’s Cantigny Park Carol Stream Animal Hospital Cedarberry Inn Chapman and Cutler, LLP Charles Ifergan Salon Chiro One Wellness Christopher Burke Engineering, Ltd. College of DuPage – WDCB Public Radio Country Inn and Suites Current Dog Training Day and Robert, PC DePAW University Canine Campus, Inc. Dunkin Donuts DuPage Framing Center Eagle Academy of Martial Arts Edward Jones Investments Equestrian Fiesta Troupe Farmers Insurance Group – Agency Point Chicago First Folio Theatre Flexi USA, Inc. FloorOpedics, Inc. GameWorks Gould Farms Grand Geneva Resort Haute Pony Hey and Associates, Inc. Hickory River Smokehouse Hinckley Springs Hollywood Casino Hyatt Lodge McDonald’s Campus Improv Olympic Kathleen Habbley Illustration Dr. Kelly Kirtland, D.D.S.

Knight Engineers and Architects, Inc. Kuhn, Mitchell, Moss, Mork and Lechowicz, LLC Lagunitas Brewing Company Ashley Lewis Lynfred Winery Scott MacKay – 95.9 The River Marriott Oak Brook MB Financial Bank Meijer Midwest Cyclery Midwest Renegades Equestrian Drill Team Mike Shimer Photography Mt. Pulaski Products, LLC Museum of Contemporary Art Naperville Area Humane Society Naperville Dog Magazine Navistar, Inc. North Central College Olympia Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Paradise 4 Paws Patch Pheasant Run Resort The Pound Bakery PURE Compounding Pharmacy The Riding Store Robert W. Baird and Co. Roseland Draperies and Interiors Santa’s Village Azoosment Park Shedd Aquarium Smashburger Summit Chiropractic Tails Magazine Tom and Eddie’s True Cuisine, Ltd. Two Crazy Bakers’ Cupcake Corp.

Uncle Bub’s Award Winning BBQ U.S. Cellular

Vertical Endeavors Climbing Facility Village Links of Glen Ellyn Walmart Wayne DuPage Horse Trials, Inc. WERV The River 95.9 FM Westin Lombard Yorktown Center Wet Nose Wheaton Bank and Trust Wight & Company Wills Burke Kelsey Associates, Ltd. Windy City Ice Cream Wing Stop/Wings of Roselle, LLC Wintrust Wealth Management Yelp Gifts of Note Oberweiler Foundation $16,000 – Two courtesy shuttles The Binky Foundation $5,000 – Duck Day enclosure at Willowbrook Wildlife Center Wallace Hastings $5,000 – Mayslake Peabody Estate Bellavia Foundation $1,750 – Outdoor Explorers Summer Camp Donohue/Morgan Families $1,500 – Tree at Herrick Lake in memory of Ann C. Morgan Gabriel Family $1,500 – Log bench at Pratt’s Wayne Woods in memory of Erik Reed Gabriel Ania J. Routbort $1,500 – Log bench at Waterfall Glen in memory of Jules Routbort Tony and Patricia Neff $1,000 – Willowbrook Wildlife Center d u p a g e f o re s t . o r g

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Ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)

The Power of Pollinators

by NIKK I DAH LIN, N ATURALIS T, MAYSLA KE P EAB ODY ESTATE

“Nature is to be found in her entirety nowhere more than in her smallest creatures.” Pliny the Elder

W

ho hasn’t been told that it’s the

little things in life that matter? This timehonored adage relates to many situations but is never more relevant than when applied to the vital but often underappreciated role of animal pollinators. Our very existence, after all, depends on these tiny creatures.

About 75 percent of the planet’s 250,000 species of flowering plants could not produce seeds or fruits without animal pollinators. In fact, researchers estimate that one in every three bites of food we eat exists because of them.

Without their services, there would be no apples, pears, melons, kiwis, cranberries, blueberries, potatoes, squash, nuts, shade-grown coffees or — Are you sitting down? — chocolates! If a bowl of gruel sounds tasty, that’s no problem because most grasses and grains are pollinated by the wind.

It’s a story that began millions of years ago when one of nature’s most extraordinary partnerships evolved, one that bridged the worlds of plants and animals. Stationary plants began producing sweet, energy-rich nectar and proteinpacked pollen, which lured mobile animals. As these accidental tourists fed on the nectar, the pollen, which carries a plant’s genetic information, stuck to their bodies and legs.

When the animals visited other flowers of the same species, some of this excess baggage dropped off, fertilizing the plants, which then produced seeds and fruits. And flowering plants didn’t stop there. In a process called “pollination syndrome,” they evolved other features — colors, patterns, scents, shapes,

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The Conservationist

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structures and bloom times — to attract specific partners.

There are about 200,000 different kinds of pollinators.

A thousand of them are birds and bats and other small mammals. Ruby-throated hummingbirds, high-energy fliers with long beaks, pollinate nectar-rich tubular blooms, such as cardinal flowers, jewelweed, wild bergamot and columbine.

Most of the credit, though, belongs to insects — bees, beetles, butterflies, moths and flies.

Bees are our primary pollinators, and as anyone who’s seen “The Bee Movie” knows, they haven’t had a day off in 27 million years! Honeybees, which originated in Europe, are indispensable to agriculture, but carpenter bees, bumblebees and our 4,000 other native species are responsible for the majority of our flowering plants. Long-tongued bees prefer tubular flowers, such as foxglove beard tongue, a native member of the snapdragon family. Short-tongued bees look for sunflowers and other species with shallow florets. All bees, though, have a fondness for white, purple and yellow and can see ultraviolet. Plants such as common cinquefoil take advantage of that last fact by displaying ultraviolet markings that direct bees toward their nectar-filled centers.

There are over 25,000 species of beetles in North America, so you’re likely to see a few pollinating your flowers. Beetles rely on their sense of smell to find food and places to lay their eggs. They are enticed by strong fruity or decaying scents.

Clumsy fliers, they look for reliable landing pads of large flat flowers or flower clusters, such as goldenrod and spicebush.

Butterflies are probably our most appreciated pollinators.

Plant milkweed or other brightly colored blooms with large landing pads in a sunny basking spot, and they will comply.

Their strawlike proboscises can reach into even the longest

© Susan Ellis, Bugwood.org

© Steve Clarke, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

>

Honeybee (Apis mellifera)

>

Locust borer (Megacyllene robiniae)

© Therese Davis

>

Eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)

Drone fly (Eristalis tenax)

>

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nectar spurs. At night, their cousins, the moths, take over, flying to pale pink, green and white flowers with strong scents. Some play quite impressive roles. The sphinx moth, for instance, is the only insect that pollinates the federally threatened eastern prairie fringed orchid.

And finally, put the fly swatter down! Flies and mosquitoes, an abundant and diverse group, are some of the world’s best pollinators. Flies are among the earliest pollinators to emerge when warm weather arrives, so they’re paired with the earliest blooming flowers, such as skunk cabbage and papaw. These plants lure flies with dark red, putrid-smelling flowers that mimic carrion, where the insects normally lay their eggs. Flies are responsible for pollinating herbs like coriander, caraway and fennel as well as onions, carrots and mangoes. And while it might not fit your ideal pollinator profile, the tiny midge fly pollinates the small white flowers of the cocoa tree, which gives us chocolate.

Animal pollinators are of critical importance. Agricultural crops that rely on them would be fruitless if they disappeared.

Native flowers, trees and shrubs that depend on them to develop seeds and berries — critical sources of food for wildlife — would be bare. Loss of habitat, pesticides and disease are stressors to these tiny titans, but simple changes can fortunately help. As you’re planning your garden, think about pollinator preferences, and choose native species with a variety of shapes, colors, scents and bloom times. And don’t forget that perfect lawns and gardens are not necessarily perfect habitats. Pollinators rely on dandelions and clovers as much as the flowers you plant, and chemicals that target “pests” eliminate beneficial insects, too. Remember, it’s the little things in life that are, in fact, essential to it. •

© C. Nadeau/VIREO

Pandorus sphinx (Eumorpha pandorus)

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summer calendar See pages 10 through 17 for program descriptions.

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July 1 Celebrating the Fourth 3 Fishing Clinic for Kids 7 Archery for All Ages Fireflies

23 Compass Class 101 25 Archery for Active Adults

9 Kayaking Basics 10 Volunteer Native-Plant-Nursery Workday

26 Fishing for Carp Volunteer Native-Plant-Nursery Workday

12 Archery for All Ages

27 Fishing Clinic for Beginners

14 Bookbinding Workshop St. James Farm Caboose Tours Volunteer Restoration Workday

28 Forest Preserve District Auction St. James Farm Caboose Tours

15 St. James Farm Caboose Tours

29 Archery for All Ages St. James Farm Caboose Tours

16 Fishing Clinic for Beginners 18 Archery for Beginners 20 Fishing 101

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21 Snakes at Sundown St. James Farm Walking Tours Volunteer Restoration Workday

The Conservationist

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31 Exploring Watercolors Begins Paddle With a Ranger

August 1 Archery for Kids Ride the Trails 5 Archery for All Ages 8 Archery for Beginners Volunteer Native-Plant-Nursery Workday 9 Archery for All Ages 10 Fishing Clinic for Beginners Geocaching Adventure 11 Family Day at Mayslake Field Exploration St. James Farm Caboose Tours Volunteer Restoration Workday 12 St. James Farm Caboose Tours

September 1 Country Fair 2 Country Fair 5 Archery for Beginners 7 Fishing Flowing Waters FullersBird Fridays 8 Archery for All Ages Day of Volunteering St. James Farm Caboose Tours Volunteer Restoration Workday 9 St. James Farm Caboose Tours 10 Forest Fitness Walk Ropes for Scouts

13 Compass Class 101

11 Kayaking Basics Volunteer Native-Plant-Nursery Workday

14 Fishing for Catfish

12 Archery for Active Adults

17 Catching and Cooking Catfish FullersBird Fridays

13 Kayaking for Active Adults

18 Archery for All Ages Blackwell Archery Area and Urban Stream Research Center Opening Weekend St. James Farm Walking Tours Volunteer Native-Plant-Nursery Workday Volunteer Restoration Workday 19 Blackwell Archery Area and Urban Stream Research Center Opening Weekend Fishing off the Beaten Path

14 Fishing Clinic for Beginners FullersBird Fridays 15 St. James Farm Walking Tours Volunteer Restoration Workday 16 Geocaching at Greene Valley 17 Forest Fitness Walk 19 Archery for Beginners Early Birders

20 Kayaking Basics

21 FullersBird Fridays

24 Cooking Carp Fishing for Bass FullersBird Fridays

22 Archery for All Ages St. James Farm Caboose Tours Volunteer Native-Plant-Nursery Workday Volunteer Restoration Workday Winfield Mounds Hike

25 Paddle With a Ranger St. James Farm Caboose Tours Volunteer Restoration Workday 26 St. James Farm Caboose Tours

23 St. James Farm Caboose Tours Volunteer Restoration Workday

27 Archery for Active Adults

24 Compass Class 101 Forest Fitness Walk

29 Archery for Adults Nature Nuts for Preschoolers Begins

26 Archery for Active Adults

31 FullersBird Fridays Once in a Blue Moon

27 “Nature Calls: Answer and Volunteer!”

Q-and-A Session 28 FullersBird Fridays 29 Early Birders Mayslake at Night Volunteer Restoration Workday When Darkness Falls

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summer calendar

© David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org

Archery for Active Adults Try your hand at archery at some of DuPage County’s most scenic preserves. Equipment provided. Ages 50 and up. Free.

Registration begins two weeks prior. Call (630) 933-7248.

1890s Living Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago (630) 876-5900 Registration is not required for these free programs.

BLACKSMITHING DEMONSTRATIONS Stop by the wagon shed to see the blacksmith repair equipment and demonstrate the tools and techniques of the trade. Demonstrations ongoing.

Through Sept. 29 Saturdays 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

MEET THE BEEKEEPERS Learn about beekeeping equipment and the important role that bees play in our food supply. Ask the beekeepers your questions about honey and bees.

Through Sept. 30 Sundays 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

CHILDREN’S FARM CHORES Kids, learn firsthand how 1890s children helped around the house and farm. On Mondays, help with mom’s chores; on Thursdays, dad’s.

Through Aug. 30 Mondays and Thursdays at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.

CHILDREN’S STORY HOUR Spread a blanket on the ground, and enjoy an hour of popular children’s stories from the 1890s.

Through Aug. 27 Mondays at 10 a.m.

KEEPING COOL HOUSE TOURS From iceboxes to swimsuits to frozen watermelon on the front porch, discover the ways farmers beat the heat without electricity.

Aug. 2 – 31 Thursdays – Mondays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the hour

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Jul 25 Aug 27 Sep 12 Sep 26

6 – 7:30 p.m.

5:30 – 7 p.m.

10 – 11:30 a.m.

5 – 6:30 p.m.

St. James Farm Blackwell Churchill Woods Blackwell

Archery for Adults Learn the history and basic techniques of archery at this adults-only clinic. Equipment provided. Ages 18 and up.

Free. Registration begins Aug. 15. Call (630) 933-7248.

Aug 29

6 – 7:30 p.m.

Churchill Woods

Archery for All Ages Learn basic archery techniques. Equipment provided. Ages 7 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration begins two weeks prior. Call (630) 933-7248.

Jul 7 Jul 12 Jul 29 Aug 5 Aug 9 Aug 18 Sep 8 Sep 22

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

10 –11:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

10 –11:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

2 – 3:30 p.m.

2 – 3:30 p.m.

Greene Valley Churchill Woods Greene Valley Greene Valley Churchill Woods Greene Valley Greene Valley Greene Valley

Archery for Beginners Discover the history of this classic sport, and learn about equipment and shooting techniques. Equipment provided.

Ages 7 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration begins two weeks prior. Call (630) 933-7248.

Jul 18 Aug 8 Sep 5 Sep 19

6 6 5 5

– – – –

7:30 7:30 6:30 6:30

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

St. James Farm St. James Farm Blackwell Blackwell

Archery for Kids Kids, learn basic archery techniques. Equipment provided.

Ages 7 – 17 with an adult. Free. Registration begins July 18.

Call (630) 933-7248.

Aug 1

6 – 7:30 p.m.

St. James Farm

Blackwell Archery Area and Urban Stream Research Center Opening Weekend Join us for a weekend of fun as we celebrate two diverse additions to Blackwell Forest Preserve. The archery area features three distinct ranges and also includes a trailhead, 50-person shelter, 3-acre picnic area and wheelchairaccessible fishing pier along Sand Pond. The nearby research center — the only one of its kind in Illinois — is an innovative hub for ecologists working to reintroduce nongame fish and mussels to local waters.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Be part of the celebration as we officially open Blackwell’s newest features. All ages; under 18 with an adult. Free.

Registration not required. Call (630) 933-7246.

Aug 18

9 a.m.

Blackwell

Archery Open House Introduce your family to this popular sport. Learn about the history of archery and the different types of equipment.

Then, try some of the basics with a certified instructor.

Equipment provided. All ages; under 18 with an adult. Free.

Registration not required. Call (630) 933-7248.

Aug 18

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Blackwell

Bookbinding Workshop Learn to construct simple book structures to use with journals, sketchbooks and small photo albums. Adults only. $40 per person. To register, call (630) 206-9566.

Jul 14

12:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Mayslake

Catching and Cooking Catfish Learn tips and tricks for catching and handling “Mr. Whiskers” during this hands-on clinic. Then, enjoy a catfish dinner. All ages; under 16 with an adult. $10 per person ages 13 and up; $5 ages 5 – 12. Registration begins Aug. 3. Call (630) 933-7248.

Aug 17

7 – 9 p.m.

Herrick Lake

Celebrating the Fourth Experience one of the country’s first holidays through 1890s games, music and speeches, including the reading of the Declaration of Independence. Bring a picnic, and help make ice cream. Ceremony begins at 2:30 p.m. All ages. Free.

Registration not required. Call (630) 876-5900.

Jun 30 Jul 1

1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Kline Creek Farm Kline Creek Farm

Fishing Open House Enjoy catch-and-release fishing along the shores of Sand Pond.

Equipment and bait provided. All ages; under 16 with an adult. Free. Registration not required. Call (630) 933-7248.

Aug 18

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Blackwell

Archery Fun Shoot Sign up for this tournament for novices, which has awards for the top three competitors. Bring your own equipment; no crossbows. Ages 7 and up; under 18 with an adult. $5 per person. Registration begins Aug. 6. Call (630) 933-7248.

Aug 19

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Blackwell

Urban Stream Research Center Tours Learn about DuPage County’s waterways, explore aquatic and floodplain restoration programs, and discover how you can help local water quality while taking a guided tour of this pioneering center. Tours ongoing 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

All ages; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration not required. Call (630) 933-7227.

Aug 18 Aug 19

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Blackwell Blackwell

Canoe, Kayak and Rowboat Rentals Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton Rentals are available weekends through the end of September and daily through Labor Day. For details, call (630) 933-7248.

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summer calendar

Compass Class 101

Cooking Carp

Learn one of the oldest survival skills, how to use a compass; then, complete a compass course. Ages 7 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration begins two weeks prior.

Call (630) 933-7248.

Learn how to properly fillet and prepare this unique fish.

Ages 7 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration begins Aug. 10. Call (630) 933-7248.

Jul 23 Aug 13 Sep 24

7 – 8 p.m.

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Blackwell Blackwell Blackwell

Aug 24

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Herrick Lake

Country Fair Experience an old-fashioned fair from the county’s agricultural past, including blue ribbons, games, entertainment, antique equipment, the Tent of Wonders, Professor Marvel’s Amazing Flea Circus and more.

Activities ongoing. All ages. Free. Registration not required. Call (630) 876-5900.

Sep 1 Sep 2

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Kline Creek Farm Kline Creek Farm

Day of Volunteering

Cultural Events Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook mayslakepeabody.com FIRST FOLIO THEATRE PRESENTS “MERCHANT OF VENICE” Enjoy Shakespeare under the stars at this complex tale of hatred, love, revenge and betrayal set in 16th-century Venice. Tickets $26 – 37. For tickets, call (630) 986-8067, or visit firstfolio.org.

July 11 – Aug. 19 Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 8:15 – 10 p.m.

WATERCOLOR ART EXHIBIT Enjoy an exhibit of Mayslake Hall-inspired watercolor art.

Free. Call (630) 206-9566 for details.

Sept. 13 – Nov. 10 Mondays – Fridays 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

RESTORATION-IN-PROGRESS TOURS Learn about the past — and future — of this historic 1920s Tudor Revival-style mansion. $5 per person.

Registration required for group tours. Call (630) 206-9588.

Wednesdays (except July 4) at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Saturdays at 9:30, 10, 11 and 11:30 a.m.

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Join families from around DuPage County at a special workday to honor the memory of 9/11. Ages 6 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. To register, call (630) 933-7681 at least five business days in advance; groups of five or more must call 10 business days in advance.

Sep 8

9 a.m. – noon

St. James Farm

Early Birders Join a naturalist-led walk through the woods, and look for fall migrants. Ages 11 – 17. Free. Registration begins Sept. 15. Call (630) 850-8110.

Sep 29

8 – 10 a.m.

Fullersburg Woods

Exploring Watercolors During this six-part class for intermediate and advanced painters, explore and enhance your artistic style while enjoying watercolor painting in a beautiful and relaxed setting. Adults only. $125 per person. To register, call (630) 206-9566.

Jul 31 – Sep 11 Tuesdays (except Sep 4)

10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Mayslake

FISCAL YEAR 2010 – 2011 OUR MISSION To acquire and hold lands for the purpose of preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure and recreation of DuPage County citizens

Board of Commissioners July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011 President D. “Dewey” Pierotti Jr., Addison Commissioners District 1 Marsha Murphy, Addison District 2 Joseph F. Cantore, Oakbrook Terrace District 3 Linda Painter, Hinsdale District 4 Michael Formento, Glen Ellyn District 5 Carl Schultz, Aurora District 6 Roger G. Kotecki, Warrenville

A Message From the President Dear Forest Preserve Enthusiast: Stop me on any given day, and I’ll be glad to tell you why I think our forest preserves are some of DuPage County’s most valuable assets.

They give us places to relax and play and to experience nature on the simplest and the grandest scales, and during fiscal year 2010 – 2011, we learned they give us places to lead healthier lives, too.

County Health Rankings and Roadmaps named DuPage the second healthiest county in the state to live, learn, work and play, and I’m convinced it was due in no small part to our 25,000 acres of award-winning forest preserves. In trails alone we have over 145 miles, and as one Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study noted, trails mean more active lifestyles for the people who live near them. Add to those trails 60 different forest preserves, 30 lakes, 45 miles of rivers, five education centers, and hundreds of programs for children and adults alike, and the outlets for outdoor experiences increase exponentially.

As you read through the following pages, which highlight some of the ways the District worked to improve those experiences for DuPage County residents during fiscal year 2010 – 2011, I hope that you, like me, will find your own favorite reasons for making our county’s forest preserves an important part of your life, too.

Best wishes,

Executive Director Brent Manning Forest Preserve District of DuPage County P.O. Box 5000 • Wheaton, IL 60189 (630) 933-7200 • dupageforest.org

D. “Dewey” Pierotti Jr. President, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

d u p a g e f o re s t . o r g

xx

© Joshua Mayer

Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchids

Salt Creek Greenway Trail

During the fiscal year, ecologists documented federally threatened eastern prairie fringed orchids at a third DuPage County forest preserve. The population of the eastern prairie fringed orchid once numbered nearly 100 plants at this particular forest preserve but has since declined due to habitat degradation and competition from invasive species. Counts as low as two plants were recorded in 1981, and the species had not been seen at the preserve at all since 1984.

Ecologists believe that a variety of factors resulted in the plant’s germination and flowering, including recent grant-funded efforts to control reed canary grass, prescribed burns, winter brush mowing, the collection and dispersal of associated seeds in the area, and above-average precipitation for the previous two springs.

After more than a decade of planning, the 32-mile Salt Creek Greenway Trail officially opened to the public in September 2010.

The trail, which runs through 12 communities from Busse Woods Forest Preserve in Elk Grove Village to Brookfield Zoo, passes through Salt Creek Marsh, Salt Creek Park, Cricket Creek, York Woods and Fullersburg Woods forest preserves and along Oak Meadows Golf Course and links with the Illinois Prairie Path. The trail not only promotes the historic waterway but also enhances the natural environment by expanding and improving habitat and hydrology and providing a protective buffer zone along the creek.

The District received a Project of the Year Award — Transportation from the American Public Works Association and a Special Achievement Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies for its involvement with the project.

Existing Rehabilitation Enclosures

Rain Garden/ Native Landscape

oulev

ard

FEATURED FIVE

Park B

Creek Walk Upgraded Service Building Staff Living Area Wall Rain Rehabilitation Garden Clinic Entry Plaza Visitors Center

Rain Garden/ Native Landscape

Expanded Parking with Permeable Paving

East Trails and Animal Exhibits

Rain Garden Deck/Terrace Tree Sky Walk House

Cistern Education Deck Picnic Grove

xx

Outdoor Play Area

Animal Exhibits

Orientation Node

Gardens

Stream Enhancements

Pond Enhancements

| Summer 2012 The Conservationist Bird Enclosures “Bird Nest”

Glen Crest Creek

The Honey House at Kline Creek Farm In November 2010 the District hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its 700-squarefoot honey-processing house at Kline Creek Farm. The building, which meets all county and state health codes, provides a place where staff and volunteers can turn the 500 to 1,200 pounds of honey the farm’s 100,000 honeybees produce yearly into raw honey, comb honey, pure beeswax and beeswax candles to sell in the Timber Ridge Visitor Center gift shop. It also serves as a site for educational programs that explain the role that honeybees play in food production and how people can create habitat for honeybees in their own backyards.

Willowbrook Wildlife Center Master Plan In March 2011 the Forest Preserve District’s Board of Commissioners approved the master plan for Willowbrook Wildlife Center, the District’s native-wildlife rehabilitation and education center, and the surrounding 48-acre forest preserve. The plan includes improving and expanding the existing building and parking lot, reconfiguring and replacing the outdoor exhibit area, restoring wetlands along Glen Crest Creek, and enlarging animal enclosures. It also incorporates features to reuse rainwater runoff and educate visitors about green initiatives. The estimated cost of the improvements in 2011 dollars is between $16.9 million and $21.1 million.

BY THE NUMBERS • 4.3 million visitors • 2.6 million page views at dupageforest.org • $1.8 million in time and effort donated by 4,109 one-time and 913 long-term volunteers over 88,000 hours

• 650,000 page views at dupagegolf.com • 500,000 swings taken at the Oak Meadows Golf Course practice range

• $359,000 market value of 1,000 pounds of collected native seeds

• $87,913 raised from 350 items sold to 227 bidders at the surplus auction, an increase of more than $29,000 over last year’s sales total

• 86,000 rounds of golf at the three District courses

Restored River at Churchill Woods In 2011 the Forest Preserve District, DuPage County Stormwater Management and the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup embarked on a major endeavor to remove the longstanding dam on the East Branch of the DuPage River at Churchill Woods Forest Preserve and restore the historical river channel.

Studies had shown that the dam was causing sediment to accumulate upstream. It was also lowering oxygen levels in the water and preventing fish from moving upstream. To increase dissolved oxygen and improve river habitat, crews installed riffles upstream of the dam. As water rushes around the partially submerged rocks, oxygen bubbles form and then dissolve into the water column. The rocks also serve as habitat for aquatic insects and small fish that prefer the swift current.

The removal of the dam also allowed crews to lower water levels along this stretch of river.

Part of the upstream pool was kept in place, though, to preserve existing islands. Newly exposed sediment created 22 acres of floodplain and wetland habitats, expanding nesting sites for waterfowl and foraging areas for egrets and herons from nearby rookeries.

The addition of native vegetation throughout these areas will help prevent erosion. Ecologists expect that the transition from submerged sediment to exposed floodplain will further increase the amount of dissolved oxygen in the section of the river by reducing the overall demand. Surveys have already shown an increase in desirable species of nongame fish.

• $30,000 raised for the District’s educational programs at the fifth annual “Native-Plant Sale” at Mayslake Peabody Estate

• 14,478 permits, including 10,458 off-leash dog area, 1,523 family camping, 915 picnic and 522 private boating

• 11,000 equestrian fans at the “Danada Fall Festival”

• 10,300 visitors at the scenic overlook at Greene Valley for picnicking, bird watching and sailplane flying and for over 20 programs, including archery, geocaching, star gazing and backpacking

• 6,173 inner tubes rented at Mount Hoy at Blackwell Forest Preserve during 24 days of operation

• 4,344 fair enthusiasts at Kline Creek Farm’s third annual “Country Fair” with Professor Marvel’s Flea Circus, two-time world-champion gun spinner Garret Popek, Professor MacRae’s Tent of Wonders, horse-drawn hayrides, pie judging, games and demonstrations

• 2,600 at Kline Creek Farm’s “Corn Harvest,” which filled the corncribs that kept the livestock fed through winter

• 2,000 visitors at the “Camp DuPage” exhibit at the five-day “America’s Outdoor Show” in Rosemont featuring a kidfriendly fishing hole and campsite

• 1,920 acres treated with restorative prescription burns

• 1,215 visitors at “Go Green! A Celebration of Conservation” at Fullersburg Woods with family-friendly activities and exhibits on how to be “green”

• 900 visitors and their four-legged friends at the annual “Ruff ’n It” event at Greene Valley, which raised $1,450 in donations

• 800 guests at the 10th annual “Wonders of Winter” at Mayslake, which featured ice-fishing, snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, birds of prey and 1890s ice-cutting demonstrations

• 500 guests at Willowbrook Wildlife Center’s “Talons and Claus” enjoying visits with Santa, crafts, horse-drawn hayrides and visits with the education raptors

• 438 anglers at the 25th annual “Just for Kids Fishing Derby”

• 300 percent increase in the number of Twitter followers and 68 percent increase in Facebook fans

• 300 attendees at “Family Day at Mayslake” creating pieces of art and learning about native snakes and turtles, bicycle safety, archery, and fishing

• 231 runners at the “GO! Get Outside!

5K Run and Walk” at Fullersburg Woods, which raised $6,800

• 200 junior golfers from six states at the Illinois Junior Golf Association’s two-day DuPage Junior Classic hosted simultaneously at Oak Meadows and Maple Meadows golf courses

• 178 children at the third annual “Trout Fishing for Kids” at Wood Dale Grove

• 134 new acres, including 41.4 acres of valuable floodplain and wetlands at West Chicago Prairie; 12.4 acres of woods, wetlands, floodplain and a small Sawmill Creek tributary at Waterfall Glen; 34 acres at Medinah Wetlands; and 2 acres of floodplains, wetlands and woodlands at Timber Ridge

• 119 anglers at the inaugural “Hard-Water Classic Ice-Fishing Tournament” at Mallard Lake

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY Funds

Revenues

Expenditures

The Forest Preserve District uses funds to report on its financial position and the results of its operations. Fund accounting is designed to demonstrate legal compliance and to aid financial management by segregating transactions related to certain functions and activities. Funds are classified into two categories: governmental and proprietary. Governmental funds are used to account for all or most of the District’s general activities, such as land acquisition, capital development, servicing of general bonded debt and general operations.

Proprietary funds are used to account for business-type activities and receive a significant portion of their funding from user charges.

The combined revenues of the governmental and proprietary funds totaled $69,453,862.

The combined expenses of the governmental and proprietary funds totaled $58,848,451.

5.0% Grants & Contributions

5.6% Public Safety

3.9% Other 5.9% Public Works

6.6% Charges for Services 10.0% Unrestricted Investment Earnings

9.3% Business-Type Activities

74.5% Taxes

41.7% Conservation & Recreation

14.7% General Government 22.8% Interest on Long-Term Debt

Tax Levy Rates $1,000 assessed valuation 0.20

.1797

.1742 .1654 .1534

0.15

.1419

.1358 .1271

.1321

.1303 .1187

.1206 .1217

0.10 1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

State law requires that the Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners approves the tax levy by the first Monday in December. The 2009 tax levy, which funded the fiscal year 2010 – 2011 budget, was adopted Nov. 17, 2009. The 2010 tax levy, which funds the fiscal year 2011 – 2012 budget, was adopted Nov. 23, 2010.

Property tax bills are mailed by DuPage County in May and are due in two equal installments on June 1 and Sept. 1.

MILESTONE DONATIONS & SPONSORSHIPS $25,000 and over Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley Dr. Lawrence A. DuBose Peabody Energy Wayne Area Conservancy Foundation $10,000 – $24,999 Anonymous (2) $5,000 – $9,999 Wallace Hastings Mario Contreras Equestrian Fiesta Troupe Midwest Renegades Equestrian Drill Team Navistar, Inc. Uncle Bub's Award Winning BBQ

Unilever Foodsolutions/Chicago Wilderness WERV The River 95.9 FM $1,000 – $4,999 Anonymous (2) Mary and Harold Bamford, III Commissioner Joseph Cantore Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. Comcast Foundation/DuPage Community Foundation Eagle Academy of Martial Arts Steven and Julie Fixler Gift of Carl Foundation Jean P. and Dorothy Haberichter Hollywood Boulevard and Hollywood Palms Cinemas Illinois Solar Tour

Commissioner Roger Kotecki Kuhn, Mitchell, Moss, Mork and Lechowicz, LLC McDonald's Corporation McGraw Hill Higher Education Mt. Pulaski Products, LLC Oak Brook Historical Society Pace Suburban Bus REI Spraying Systems Co. City of Warrenville WCCQ Your Hometown Country 98.3 FM Whole Foods Market Wight & Company Wintrust Wealth Management

Family Day at Mayslake

Fishing Flowing Waters

Enjoy a day of activities for the whole family, including archery, fishing, arts and crafts, the exploration of Mayslake Hall, and more. Activities ongoing. All ages. Free.

Registration not required. Call (630) 206-9566.

Learn techniques for fishing in rivers and streams at this intermediate-level clinic. Ages 12 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration begins Aug. 24.

Call (630) 933-7248.

Aug 11

Sep 7

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Mayslake

5 – 7 p.m.

Fullersburg Woods

Field Exploration

Fishing for Bass

Observe birds, butterflies and wildflowers in bloom. Ages 8 and up; under 14 with an adult. Free. Groups of 10 or more must register. Call (630) 293-1627.

Check out some of the most effective bass lures on the market, and try them on one of the county’s best bass lakes.

Ages 12 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration begins Aug. 10. Call (630) 933-7248.

Aug 11

8 – 11 a.m.

West Chicago Prairie

Aug 24

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Meacham Grove

Fireflies Learn how to identify and replicate the signals of three species of fireflies, and hear traditional American Indian tales during an interpretive hike. Flashlights and insect repellant recommended. Ages 6 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration not required. Call (630) 206-9581.

Jul 7

7:30 – 9 p.m.

Fishing for Carp Learn how to pursue one of the most overlooked yet entertaining fish to catch. Ages 8 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration begins July 12. Call (630) 933-7248.

Jul 26

6 – 8 p.m.

Spring Creek Reservoir

Blackwell

Fishing 101 Learn the basics of fishing through indoor instruction and hands-on experience. Adults only. Free. Registration begins July 6. Call (630) 933-7248.

Jul 20

4 – 6 p.m.

Mayslake

Fishing Clinic for Beginners Learn fish ecology and identification as well as techniques and regulations. Ages 6 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free.

Registration begins two weeks prior. Call (630) 933-7248.

Jul 16 Jul 27 Aug 10 Sep 14

6 6 6 5

– – – –

8 8 8 7

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

St. James Farm Herrick Lake Herrick Lake Blackwell

Fishing Clinic for Kids Kids, learn about different kinds of fish, the best ways to catch them and rules you need to remember. Ages 6 – 17 with an adult. Free. Registration begins June 19. Call (630) 933-7248.

Jul 3

6 – 8 p.m.

Mayslake

Family Camping Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville The family campground is open weekends and holidays through Sept. 30 and daily June 29 through July 8.

Nature programs are offered throughout the season.

For permits and information, call (630) 933-7248.

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summer calendar

© Manuel Diaz

Fishing for Catfish

Forest Preserve District Auction

Pick up tips for catching one of North America’s favorite game fish at this hands-on clinic. Ages 8 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration begins July 31. Call (630) 933-7248.

Shop the District’s annual sale of surplus, unclaimed and police-confiscated items. Viewing begins at 7 a.m. Vehicles and power equipment will be sold after 11 a.m. For a list of items and rules and regulations, visit dupageforestauction.com, or call (630) 580-7100.

Aug 14

6 – 8 p.m.

Songbird Slough

Fishing off the Beaten Path Take a hike, and go fish! Join a ranger for a 2-mile hike with fishing along the way. Ages 12 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration begins Aug. 6. Call (630) 933-7248.

Aug 19

8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Waterfall Glen

Forest Fitness Walk Join a naturalist for a brisk weekly walk, and enjoy some healthy exercise as you take in the wonders of the woods.

Adults only. Free. To register, call (630) 850-8110.

Sep 10 Sep 17 Sep 24

8:30 – 10 a.m.

8:30 – 10 a.m.

8:30 – 10 a.m.

Fullersburg Woods Songbird Slough Springbrook Prairie

Jul 28

8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Churchill Woods/Fleet Services

FullersBird Fridays Join these naturalist-led hikes, and see how the diversity of birds in a forest preserve changes from summer to fall.

Adults only. $6 per person per hike; 10-program pass $40.

To register, call (630) 850-8110.

Aug 17 Aug 24 Aug 31 Sep 7 Sep 14 Sep 21 Sep 28

7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30

– – – – – – –

9:30 9:30 9:30 9:30 9:30 9:30 9:30

a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m.

Fullersburg Fullersburg Fullersburg Fullersburg Fullersburg Fullersburg Fullersburg

Woods Woods Woods Woods Woods Woods Woods

Geocaching Adventure Learn how to operate a GPS unit; then, embark on a high-tech family-oriented treasure hunt. Ages 5 and up; under 16 with an adult. Free. Registration begins July 28.

Call (630) 933-7248.

Aug 10

10 – 11:30 a.m.

Churchill Woods

Geocaching at Greene Valley Try a popular treasure-hunting activity from one of the highest points in DuPage County. Ages 5 and up; under 16 with an adult. Free. Registration begins Sept. 4.

Call (630) 933-7248.

Golfing Forest Preserve District golf courses are open through late November. Outings and leagues are available at these three distinct facilities for golfers of all abilities.

For details and specials, visit dupagegolf.com.

Oak Meadows Golf Course, Addison, (630) 595-0071 18 Holes & Practice Facility Maple Meadows Golf Course, Wood Dale, (630) 616-8424 27 Holes Green Meadows Golf Course, Westmont, (630) 810-5330 9 Holes

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The Conservationist

| Summer 2012

Sep 16

2 – 3:30 p.m.

Greene Valley

Kayaking Basics Learn the basics of kayaking, including parts of the boat and paddling strokes. Equipment provided. Ages 14 and up; under 18 with an adult. $20 per person. Registration begins two weeks prior. Call (630) 933-7248.

Jul 9 Aug 20 Sep 11

6 – 8 p.m.

5 – 7 p.m.

4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Herrick Lake Herrick Lake Hidden Lake

Kayaking for Active Adults

Once in a Blue Moon

Try your hand at kayaking after learning basic techniques, watercraft safety and preserve information. Equipment provided. Ages 50 and up. $20 per person. Registration begins Aug. 30. Call (630) 933-7248.

Celebrate the blue moon, learn facts and legends about our nearest celestial neighbor, and make a dream catcher. Ages 6 and up; under 15 with an adult. $5 per person; $10 per family. To register, call (630) 850-8110.

Sep 13

Aug 31

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Hidden Lake

7 – 9 p.m.

Greene Valley

Mayslake at Night

Paddle With a Ranger

Experience nighttime sights and sounds while exploring the woods, lakeshore and grounds around Mayslake Hall. Ages 6 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration begins Sept. 12. Call (630) 206-9581.

Bring your own kayak or canoe, and join a ranger for a paddle. Ages 12 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free.

Registration begins two weeks prior. Call (630) 933-7248.

Sep 29

7:30 – 9 p.m.

Mayslake

Jul 31 Aug 25

10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon

Fullersburg Woods Hidden Lake

Historic Country Estate St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville

“Nature Calls: Answer and Volunteer!”

Q-and-A Session Get details about the Forest Preserve District’s volunteer programs. Ask questions, and decide which option fits your interests and schedule. Ages 8 and up; under 14 with an adult. Free. Registration not required. Call (630) 933-7681.

Sep 27

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Danada/Headquarters

Nature Nuts for Preschoolers Introduce your child to science, nature and fun through this seven-part class. Discover a new theme each week through a hike, story and project. Ages 4 – 6. $70 per child.

Registration begins July 1. Call (630) 850-8110.

Aug 29 – Oct 10 Wednesdays

10 – 11:30 a.m.

Fullersburg Woods

Explore this diverse forest preserve from its historic dairy and equestrian buildings to its sculptures and other art.

St. James Farm is open daily through November from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset.

QUAIL-WAGON TOURS Enjoy a 30-minute guided quail-wagon ride, and learn about the natural and cultural history of St. James Farm along the way. $5 per person ages 13 – 54; $4 ages 55 and up; $2 ages 5 – 12; under 5 free. Registration not required. Call (630) 933-7248.

Through Nov. 28 Saturdays and Sundays (except Sept. 1 and 2 and Nov. 24 and 25) 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Wednesdays (except July 4) 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

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summer calendar

Ride the Trails

St. James Farm Caboose Tours

Tour several forest preserves during this 15- to 20-mile ranger-led bike ride along the Salt Creek Greenway Trail.

Ages 12 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration begins July 18. Call (630) 933-7248.

Take a 30- to 45-minute tour of the 1906 Chicago Burlington & Quincy caboose. Learn about the history of the CA&E Railroad, its connection to St. James Farm and the life of the conductor and brakeman. Tours begin on the hour. All ages; under 13 with an adult. $2 per person ages 13 and up; $1 ages 5 – 12; under 5 free. Registration not required. Call (630) 933-7248.

Aug 1

9 a.m. – noon

Salt Creek Park

Ropes for Scouts Scouts, work toward merit badges by learning about different types of rope, how to whip and fuse them and how to tie basic knots. Scouts ages 8 – 12 with an adult. Free.

Registration begins Aug. 27. Call (630) 933-7248.

Sep 10

5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Blackwell

Snakes at Sundown Spend a fun evening exploring the fascinating world of snakes during games, crafts, a pizza dinner and, of course, lots of lovely — and some not-so-lovely — snakes. All ages; under 16 with an adult. $30 per parent-child pair; $10 each additional person. Registration begins June 21. Call (630) 942-6200.

Jul 21

5 – 8:30 p.m.

Jul 14 Jul 15 Jul 28 Jul 29 Aug 11 Aug 12 Aug 25 Aug 26 Sep 8 Sep 9 Sep 22 Sep 23

11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11

a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m.

– – – – – – – – – – – –

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

St. St. St. St. St. St. St. St. St. St. St. St.

James James James James James James James James James James James James

Farm Farm Farm Farm Farm Farm Farm Farm Farm Farm Farm Farm

Willowbrook

Horse-Drawn Hayrides Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton Take a 30-minute ride through the prairies and woodlands of Danada Forest Preserve, and learn about the features of this historic preserve. $5 per person ages 13 and up; $2 ages 5 – 12; under 5 free. Groups of 15 or more are encouraged to reserve private hayrides.

Call (630) 668-6012.

Sept. 8 – Nov. 4 (except Oct. 13 and 14) Saturdays and Sundays Noon – 3:45 p.m.

16

The Conservationist

| Summer 2012

St. James Farm Walking Tours Learn about the natural and cultural history of St. James Farm during a leisurely 1-mile guided walk. All ages; under 13 with an adult. Free. Registration not required. Call (630) 933-7248.

Jul 21 Aug 18 Sep 15

1:30 – 3 p.m.

1:30 – 3 p.m.

1:30 – 3 p.m.

St. James Farm St. James Farm St. James Farm

Volunteer Native-Plant-Nursery Workday

When Darkness Falls

Help the District’s Habitat Improvement Program by lending a hand at the nursery. Weed and water plant beds, or collect and clean seed. Ages 12 and up; under 16 with an adult. Free. To register, call (630) 933-7681 at least five business days in advance; groups of five or more must call 10 business days in advance.

Hike through the dark woods with a ranger, and discover what it’s like to use your senses like a nocturnal predator.

Ages 6 and up; under 16 with an adult. Free. Registration begins Sept. 17. Call (630) 933-7248.

Jul 10 Jul 26 Aug 8 Aug 18 Sep 11 Sep 22

Winfield Mounds Hike

8 8 8 8 8 8

– – – – – –

11 11 11 11 11 11

a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m.

Blackwell/Grounds Blackwell/Grounds Blackwell/Grounds Blackwell/Grounds Blackwell/Grounds Blackwell/Grounds

& & & & & &

Resources Resources Resources Resources Resources Resources

Complex Complex Complex Complex Complex Complex

Sep 29

7 – 9 p.m.

Waterfall Glen

Join a naturalist-led hike to the only known prehistoric American Indian mounds in DuPage County. Ages 12 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration begins Sept. 8. Call (630) 942-6200.

Sep 22

10 a.m. – noon

Winfield Mounds

Volunteer Restoration Workday Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or collecting seed. Ages 8 and up; under 14 with an adult. Free. To register, call (630) 933-7681 at least five business days in advance; groups of five or more must call 10 business days in advance.

Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 21 Jul 21 Aug 11 Aug 11 Aug 18 Aug 25 Sep 8 Sep 8 Sep 15 Sep 22 Sep 23 Sep 29 Sep 29

8 – 10:30 a.m.

9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon 8 – 10:30 a.m.

9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Lyman Woods Springbrook Prairie Churchill Woods Springbrook Prairie Lyman Woods Springbrook Prairie Churchill Woods Springbrook Prairie Churchill Woods Fullersburg Woods Springbrook Prairie Springbrook Prairie Springbrook Prairie Springbrook Prairie Danada

Ages 8 and up; under 14 with an adult. Free. Groups of 10 or more must register. Call (630) 293-1627.

Jul 21 Sep 8 Sep 23

8 – 11 a.m.

9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon

West Chicago Prairie West Chicago Prairie West Chicago Prairie

Scenic Overlook Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville The overlook is open Saturdays and Sundays through October from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., weather permitting.

Due to Illinois Environmental Protection Agency activities, however, it may be closed during these times without advanced notice. For additional information, call (630) 792-2100.

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American mink (Neovison vison)

© Jason Idzerda

Animal Anglers

by K EVIN LUBY , NATU RALIS T, WILLOWBROO K WILDLIF E CEN TER

P

erhaps one of the greatest attractions

© Tom & Pat Leeson

of DuPage County is its lakes and rivers. Depending on the season, you may see hundreds of anglers along the forest preserves’ shorelines. But although fishing in DuPage is a pleasant pastime for many humans, for several Illinois birds, mammals and reptiles, it’s a matter of life and death.

The methods different species use to catch fish are as varied as the contents of any angler’s tackle box, but they’ve all been tested and proven over time. After all, fish-eating animals that can’t catch fish can’t pass their genes on to future generations.

>

Raccoon (Procyon lotor)

18

The Conservationist

| Summer 2012

The most well-known mammal with a taste for fish is likely the raccoon, although it’s difficult to find anything that a raccoon won’t eat. As anyone with a koi pond may tell you, raccoons love small shallow fishing spots. They are good swimmers, but because their fur isn’t waterproof, they tend to get weighed down. If a healthy fish escapes into deeper water in the wild, such as in a lake or river, a raccoon doesn’t stand much chance in catching it.

Another fairly common fish-eating mammal is the American mink, a member of the weasel family. They’re about the size of domestic ferrets and have rich brown fur broken only by inconspicuous patches of white on their chins. Unlike, say, plant-eating beavers, mink are not 100 percent adapted for life in the water. Their hind legs are only partly webbed, and they don’t have great underwater vision.

As a result, they rarely hunt and catch fish underwater and are more likely to exploit fish cornered in shallower waters.

Illinois is experiencing the return of another member of the weasel family and one of nature’s renowned anglers, the North American river otter. (In an interesting arrangement, Illinois traded some of its numerous wild turkeys to Kentucky, which in exchange purchased otters from Louisiana for reintroduction into Illinois waterways.)

Though still a rare sight in northern Illinois and not yet officially residents of DuPage County, otters are worth noting because of their efficient fishing technique: They chase down

© Dan Kaiser, www.flickr.com/photos/dhkaiser

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North American river otter (Lontra canadensis)

fish underwater and grab them with their teeth. Among North America’s fur-bearing animals, it’s a feat surpassed in efficiency only by seals and sea lions.

When it comes to fishing from the air, the osprey is champion for out-and-out drama. A pair has been nesting at James “Pate” Philip State Park in Bartlett, but you’re more likely to see these anglers in midspring or early fall as they migrate. Once this raptor sizes up a potential meal, it hovers, folds its wings and plunges into the water talons first. If lucky, it emerges with fish in clutch and feathers soaking wet. Recovery from this feat can be laborious, though. The bird must flap its wings on the water until it clears the surface and then, once flying, shake the water from its feathers midflight to lighten itself to gain altitude. While flying, the osprey turns the fish so it points headfirst toward the direction of flight, making it more aerodynamic.

To some, the belted kingfisher’s techniques make it a pintsized version of the osprey, but it’s no raptor. In fact, it’s the only bird of its kind in North America, although it has many characteristics of other species. Its flashy bluish gray feathers and wild crest make it somewhat like a blue jay, but its bill is more like a crow’s. And like a hummingbird, its small legs and feet disappear into its underside when perched, which is often near or above water on a branch or utility wire, where it scouts out swimming fish below. Once it spots a meal, it dives into the water, stabbing its catch with its beak. It may

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

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Belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)

© Stan Tekiela

© Stan Tekiela

© Brian Tang

Common merganser (Mergus merganser)

also scoop out food in flight, hovering midair like an osprey before dropping like a bomb into the water. When successful, it flies to a place where it can swallow its catch whole. Birders can spot kingfishers in DuPage year-round if there’s open water, quite regularly near spots where they consistently find fish.

If the osprey and kingfisher are the air bombers of DuPage, then hooded and common mergansers are the submarines. Both have long, narrow bright red saw-toothedged bills. With hard rearward kicks of their webbed feet, these ducks dive headfirst and can swim underwater quite a way before emerging. They can eat amazingly large fish and have been spotted with tails sticking out of their bills. They digest food quickly, so they can eat large quantities in short order as well.

And then there are the herons and egrets. Both are graceful and usually slow-moving except when using sudden thrusts of their sharp bills to spear their food. They’ll swallow small prey immediately but may beat or stab larger fish into a state of motionlessness before swallowing.

There are a lot of creatures out there that fish, but anglers with tackle boxes should take note that none focus specifically on the kinds most people like to catch, species such as bass, bluegill, crappie, pike, walleye, catfish or trout.

That means we can have our favorite fishing holes and share them with these amazing animal anglers, too. • d u p a g e f o re s t . o r g

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explore

Greene Valley Forest Preserve

South of the Big Red Barn

by DANIEL HEBREARD, OFFICE OF LAND MANAGEMENT

6 T

rips, family parties and baseball can

keep you busy this time of year, but if you have time to step out and enjoy one of DuPage County’s great open spaces, head south of the big red barn on Hobson Road in Naperville and into Greene Valley Forest Preserve.

One of the main reasons people visit Greene Valley is to hit the trails. The preserve has almost 9 miles for hiking, biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing, and trail segments and loops make it easy to pick a 1-mile walking trip or a longer bike ride. For more extended treks, the north and south ends of the Greene Trail connect with the Southern DuPage County Regional Trail, a mix of on- and off-street routes that links with Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville to the west and Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien to the southeast. But of course it’s the trails within Greene Valley that lead to the preserve’s best features.

At the north end of the Greene Trail is the landmark red barn. The Greene family established its farmstead here in the 1840s, and parts of the barn date back to the family’s dairy operations. Today, the District is working to stabilize the barn as part of its commitment to maintain the exterior of the long-standing structure.

South of the barn are scattered tables and lots of space for spreading out a picnic blanket. For larger gatherings, such as showers, birthdays, anniversaries or family reunions, the two reservable shelters can each accommodate up to 100. From the same parking lot, dog owners with valid District permits can access the 16-acre off-leash dog area, one of the District’s largest fenced-in areas, which also has a special section for pups less than 25 pounds.

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The Conservationist

| Summer 2012

In the southwest corner of the preserve near the start of the Thunderbird Spur Trail, youth groups can spend the night at one of 10 campsites. The campground, which is only available to recognized, nonprofit groups and their accompanying leaders, has hosted local Scout council outings with 300 to 400 campers in one weekend! For camping and any other Greene Valley activities that require permits or reservations, call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248.

At the south end of the Greene Trail, a short bridge crosses the East Branch of the DuPage River. Anglers can fish the river for largemouth bass, crappie and a variety of sunfish or can try their luck at the pond at 83rd Street. Either way, the best point of entry is from the parking lot on Greene Road south of 79th Street. From there, a 0.25-mile hike east along the trail leads to the river; a short hike south from the river takes you to the pond.

From the same parking lot, you can hike, bike or drive to the top of Greene Valley’s scenic overlook, which is open, weather permitting, Saturday and Sunday May through October from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. At 880 feet above sea level and roughly 190 feet above the surrounding landscape, it’s the second-highest point in the county. (The hill at Mallard Lake Forest Preserve in Bloomingdale is taller.) On a clear day you can see the Chicago skyline. In addition to the great views, this retired landfill provides energy for thousands of area homes from the methane it produces. Because of Illinois Environmental Protection Agency work related to the landfill, though, it may be closed during its regularly scheduled hours without advanced notice.

© William Ciesla, Forest Health Management Int’l., Bugwood.org

© David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org

Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)

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Culver’s root (Veronicastrum virginicum)

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At the top of the overlook, there’s a spotting scope, a few picnic tables and a place for visitors with valid District permits to fly their nonpowered model gliders and sailplanes.

Forest Preserve District staff members are on hand to answer questions and help visitors better enjoy their outings; and through September, rangers and naturalists lead archery, geocaching and hiking programs — some after dark. In fall, the overlook is the site of the DuPage Birding Club’s Hawk Watch program, which gathers valuable data on migrating birds. Make sure to stop up top and check the information board for upcoming programs!

Perhaps one of the best reasons to visit Greene Valley, though, is for its 1,441 acres of outdoor beauty. A large part of the Main Trail south of 79th Street, for instance, loops through Pond Woods, a 56-acre high-quality woodland of native oaks, hickories and walnuts and a 1.5-acre pond that provides important breeding sites for amphibians. North of 79th are meadowlands with compass plant, big bluestem and Culver’s root and Hinterlong Woods, where you’ll find woodland sunflower, wood avens, purple Joe pye weed and white snakeroot. For those looking to learn more about Greene Valley’s plant life, the Caruso Trail, which is home to an aged oak woodland with jack-in-the-pulpits, wild geraniums and wingstems, offers the District’s Tree Trek, a self-guided activity that helps visitors identify the bark, seeds and leaves of 12 native trees. Combined, Greene Valley’s 900 native plant and animal species make it one of DuPage County’s most diverse forest preserves — and worth your while this summer to head south of the big red barn. •

© Dr. John Hilty

© Paul Wray, Iowa State University, Bugwood.org

Wood avens (Geum canadense)

White oak (Quercus alba)

Oak Spur Trail

Scenic Overlook Thunderbird Spur Trail Caruso Trail

Hawk Trail

For a detailed map of Greene Valley, visit dupageforest.org.

d u p a g e f o re s t . o r g

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directory EDUCATION Centers DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 3S507 Naperville Road Wheaton, IL 60189 (630) 668-6012 The center’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed on Saturday, Sunday and select holidays.

GENERAL Contacts

GOLF Courses

HEADQUARTERS

GREEN MEADOWS GOLF COURSE 18W201 W. 63rd St. Westmont, IL 60559 (630) 810-5330

Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton, IL 60189 The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The office is closed on Saturday, Sunday and select holidays.

Mailing Address P.O. Box 5000 Wheaton, IL 60189

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF COURSE 272 S. Addison Road Wood Dale, IL 60191 (630) 616-8424 OAK MEADOWS GOLF COURSE 900 N. Wood Dale Road Addison, IL 60101 (630) 595-0071

Website dupageforest.org

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 850-8110 The center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on select holidays.

KLINE CREEK FARM 1N600 County Farm Road West Chicago, IL 60185 (630) 876-5900 The farm is open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Tuesday, Wednesday and select holidays.

Main Number (630) 933-7200

MAYSLAKE PEABODY ESTATE 1717 W. 31st St. Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 206-9566

TTY (800) 526-0857

The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events.

THE CONSERVATIONIST SUBSCRIPTION LINE (630) 933-7085

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER 525 S. Park Blvd.

Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

Email Address forest@dupageforest.org

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (630) 871-6400 LAW ENFORCEMENT (630) 933-7240 THE OUTDOOR REPORT (630) 871-6422 VISITOR SERVICES (630) 933-7248 VOLUNTEER SERVICES (630) 933-7681 22

The Conservationist

| Summer 2012

PRESERVE Hours Most forest preserves are open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset.

ACCESSIBILITY Individuals with accessibility needs or concerns should contact the District’s ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit.

The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are closed on select holidays.

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PA I D Carol Stream, IL Permit No. 96

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

please deliver to current resident

t he

Conse nser vationist ionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Summer 2012

G dupageforest.org

Good things happen when you ride off into the sunset.

Danada Forest Preserve, Wheaton