24
C onse nservat ionist ionist A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010 the

The Conservationist Winter 2010

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Page 1: The Conservationist Winter 2010

CCoonsenserrvvaattionistionistA Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

tthhee

I recently had the opportunity to attend the launch of ldquoFORWARDrdquo a countywide leadership initiative designed to prevent and reverse childhood obesity in DuPage County where 34 percent of kids between the ages of 2 and 18 are overweight or obese At the launch experts in health care social welfare nutrition and transportation presented information on diet lifestyles and environmental conditions that can reverse this trend

Regular exercise reduces the risk not only of obesity but also of heart disease high blood pressure osteoporosis noninsulin-dependent diabetes and certain cancers Exercise is associated with improved mental health including reduced anxiety tension and depression and improved self-esteem and concentration It increases energy levels and stamina and offers better sleep and lower stress levels And the good news is that physical activity does not have to be hard to be healthy

The meeting got me thinking about DuPage County forest preserves and the abundant opportunities for fun free exercise that they provide including several programs in our quarterly ldquoCalendar of Eventsrdquo As a participant in the ldquoCross-Country Skiing for Beginnersrdquo program at Herrick Lake you can burn about 700 calories By helping to maintain the beauty and diversity of an oak savanna or prairie during a three-hour ldquoVolunteer Restoration Workdayrdquo at West Chicago Prairie you can burn more than 600 And if you take your valentine for the ldquoRomantic Night Hikerdquo through Fullersburg Woods you can both burn up to 500 calories

This is the best time of year for you and your family to make a resolution for good health and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is proud to offer several healthy outside experiences With a forest preserve no more than 10 minutes away from any DuPage doorstep I hope to see you in one soon

D ldquoDeweyrdquo Pierotti Jr President Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

President D ldquoDeweyrdquo Pierotti Jr Addison

Commissioners Marsha Murphy Addison mdash District 1

Joseph F Cantore Oakbrook Terrace mdash District 2 Linda Painter Hinsdale mdash District 3

Michael Formento Glen Ellyn mdash District 4 Carl Schultz Aurora mdash District 5

Roger G Kotecki Warrenville mdash District 6

Executive Director Brent Manning

BOARD MEETINGS For schedules and agendas visit

wwwdupageforestorg

I THE CONSERVATIONIST Winter 2010 Vol 46 No 1

Editor William Weidner

Associate Editor Beth Schirott

Editorial Assistants Johanna Biedron

Jayne Bohner Audra Mason Bonnet

Bonnie Olszewski

Graphic Designer Deanna Eichenauer

I FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT

OF DU PAGE COUNTY PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

(630) 933-7200 TTY (800) 526-0857

wwwdupageforestorg

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 e-mail forestdupageforestorg

4 6

16

8

ON

THE

COV

ER H

oarfr

ost o

n co

mm

on m

ilkw

eed

copy T

ony T

anou

ry

copy P

hil M

yers

17

20

contents Vol 46 No 1 | Winter 2010

4 News amp Notes

6 Questions Questions

8 Winter Calendar

16 Trail Talk

17 Snowbirds for Snowbirders

20 Explore

22 Directory

23 Map

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

3wwwdupageforest org

news amp notes WE NEED YOU

Many conservation education and recreation programs throughout the District need your help Here are a few examples of what your gift can provide

$3000 Off-road wheelchair (6 needed)

$800 GPS microchip for tracking endangered species (10 needed)

$500 Archery target (35 needed)

$500 Portable breath analyzer for police officers (18 needed)

$250 Sponsorship of ldquoGo Greenrdquo event at Fullersburg Woods (many needed)

$150 Kline Creek Farm historical outfit (14 needed)

$40 Volunteer litter-removal kit including gloves safety glasses and pick-up tool (many needed)

$20 Cottontail orphan care for two weeks at Willowbrook Wildlife Center (many needed)

Donations of all sizes are welcome and will enhance your forest preserves Please send a tax-deductible donation today in the Naturersquos Gift envelope provided within this issue

BRING THE OUTDOORS IN

Invite a Forest Preserve District speaker to your next meeting and learn the latest about DuPage Countyrsquos forest preserves from ecological restoration projects to innovative hands-on educational programs Speakers are available through April 15 Call (630) 933-7246

TREE-Planting Time As part of the Districtrsquos annual fall tree-planting program forestry crews added over 600 trees and shrubs to forest preserves throughout the county Several new trees at Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville complement the trail realignment along Greene Road and plantings along Naperville Road at Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton will soon serve as a traffic buffer New trees and shrubs will also provide privacy shade wildlife habitat and scenery at recently renovated sites at the Blackwell Family Campground at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville

ONLINE Project Updates Want the latest on improvements at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton or information on the waterway restoration at Churchill Woods Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn Then visit the ldquoPlans and Projectsrdquo page under ldquoDistrict Newsrdquo at wwwdupageforestorg for updates and images of these and other forest preserve projects

SNOWY Frozen Fun Before you put on your mittens and head outdoors visit the ldquoWinter Activitiesrdquo page in the ldquoRecreationrdquo section of the Districtrsquos Web site wwwdupageforestorg Yoursquoll find information on the many ways to enjoy snowy fun like cross-country skiing tubing and ice fishing in the forest preserves

FOLLOW OUR TRACKS ON TWITTER

The Forest Preserve District is now on Twitter Facebook YouTube and Flickr (Look for DuPageForest our abbreviated name on Twitter and YouTube) Sign up for your District updates today

READY To Go Digital Ready to read the latest on DuPage flora fauna and forest preserves online Then call (630) 933-7085 or e-mail forestdupageforestorg and ask to have your mailed copy of The Conservationist discontinued You can enjoy The Conservationist and other great online features 247 at the Districtrsquos Web site wwwdupageforestorg Bookmark it today

4 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

MANY Thanks Thanks to the sponsors who contributed to the success of fall Forest Preserve District events

Danada Fall Festival The Comcast Foundation Uncle Bubrsquos Award Winning BBQ WCCQ ndash FM 983 Robert W Baird amp Co Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital The Daily Herald Purina Mills LLC V3 Companies of Illinois Weaver Boos Consultants Anonymous BlackFinn American Saloon Civiltech Engineering Inc The Cloud Foundation Comfy Bummy Cowart Chiropractic Clinic Cowhey Gudmundson Leder Ltd Dunham Woods Horse Show Engineering Resource Associates Inc ESI Consultants Ltd Family Health and Wellness HDR Engineering JFNew Naper Settlement Nutrilicious Horse and Rider Treats Opal Enterprises Inc Planning Resources Inc Prosekrsquos Greenhouse Panera Bread SEC Group Inc URS Corporation

GO Get Outside 5K RunWalk Deluxe Distance Productions MampM Orthopaedics Fisher Chiropractic and

Integrative Health Brooks Sports The Center for Chiropractic Health Meyer Wire Rejuvenation Therapeutic Massage The Runnerrsquos Soul

A ldquoGREENrdquo WINTER

The District is turning DuPage Countyrsquos white winters ldquogreenrdquo by using liquid and pellet forms of magnesium chloride an environmentally friendly salt alternative to melt ice on roads parking lots and sidewalks To apply the liquid form plow trucks use computer-controlled equipment that accounts for air and ground temperatures to spray the precise amount needed

PUBLIC Meetings Forest Preserve District Board of Commissionersrsquo meetings and planning sessions are open to the public and held at District headquarters at 3S580 Naperville Road in Wheaton Commission meetings normally take place the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 9 am Planning sessions normally take place the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 9 am 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 various items Schedules and agendas for all meetings and sessions are available in advance on the Districtrsquos Web site wwwdupageforestorg

AWARD-WINNING WORK

The District earned the distinction of ldquoOutstanding Civil Engineering Achievement of the Year Under $5 Millionrdquo from the Illinois Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers for its Spring Brook Meander Project which created 2 miles of healthy stream at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville

The Illinois Association of Park Districts presented the District with two ldquoBest of the Bestrdquo awards mdash an ldquoIntergovernmental Cooperation Awardrdquo shared with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Bartlett Park District for management of James ldquoPaterdquo Philip State Park in Bartlett and a second-place ldquoBest Green Practices Awardrdquo for conservation measures IAPD also named Kline Creek Farm volunteer Dr Lawrence DuBose ldquoOutstanding Citizen Volunteer of the Yearrdquo for his contributions to the 1890s farm in West Chicago and recognized Commissioner Michael Formento for 15 years of public service

The fall 2008 issue of The Conservationist won two awards in the 21st-annual Awards for Publication Excellence Competition sponsored by Communications Concepts Inc District ecologist Dan Thompson won an ldquoAward of Excellencerdquo in the category of scientific and environmental writing for the article ldquoOwls A Stealthy Speciesrdquo and the issue as a whole received an ldquoAward of Excellencerdquo in the category of magapaper and newspaper writing

wwwdupageforest org 5

copy J P M

yers

QuestionsQuestions

by JACK MACRAE NATURALIST WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER

lt As a naturalist mdash a person who

studies an arearsquos natural and cultural history and loves talking about it even more mdash Irsquove probably

answered between 10 and 20 thousand questions in my career an average amount for someone in my profession After all questions are a naturalistrsquos bread and butter Irsquove always enjoyed questions and consider them important forms of communication that lead people to higher levels of learning and greater understandings I particularly love the ones that I donrsquot know the answer to because then I get to go home and learn something myself

The majority of questions usually those that start with ldquowhatrdquo ldquowhererdquo or ldquowhenrdquo are easy for an experienced naturalist to answer (The most frequently asked by a wide margin is ldquoWhere are the bathroomsrdquo) During a school program that presented the lives of the Potawatomi Indians who moved into DuPage County in the late 1600s one student asked ldquoWhat did the Indians eatrdquo My answer was a short list of edible plants and animals The response

of wide-eyed squeals of ldquoEwwwwwrdquo and ldquoGrosssssrdquo caused me to solicit my own questions to the group that was clearly accustomed to hunting and gathering food with a shopping cart

ldquoHowrdquo and ldquowhyrdquo questions can be a little more difficult to answer such as ldquoWhy are butterflies prettyrdquo or ldquoWhy are owls meanrdquo or more thought provoking such as ldquoHow do birds know which song to singrdquo That last question led to a discussion on songbirds and the eastern phoebe and its innate ability to sing its melodic ldquofee beerdquo perfectly even when raised in isolation from other phoebes

Some questions directly relate to age Long ago I was working in a local history museum and was showing various Stone Age tools to a group of kindergartners One girl asked ldquoHow did these things get so oldrdquo and I quickly learned that the concept of time is abstract to a 5-year-old

Other questions remind me never to assume that everyone shares the same level of understanding of ecology or nature in general During a wildlife hike at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook I talked about the kinds of animals that lived in the preserve such as deer raccoons foxes owls and hawks One woman asked if we kept the animals in cages When I told her no she followed with a sincere ldquoThen why do they stay here Why donrsquot they run awayrdquo Her questions may have sounded foolish but they gave me a chance to discuss the concept of habitat one area that contains everything an organism needs to survive with the entire group

There is no doubt that DuPage County forest preserves arouse peoplersquos curiosity and questions that ultimately result in a greater understanding of the natural world So the next time you attend a forest preserve program please donrsquot keep your questions to yourself bull

Eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)

Eastern phoebe lt (Sayornis phoebe)

copy G

ary Davis

copy Johnny N Dell Bugw

oodorg

copy Joseph W

eibler

the

fie

ld

omFr

lt

Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana)

lt lt Gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) Fox squirrel

(Sciurus niger)

Q How does that bird know my name A The bird was a gray catbird which is named for its

distinctive call that brings to mind a meowing cat The visitor at Fullersburg Woods was named Erin and she obviously thought the catbird was calling ldquoErrrrrrrin Errrrrinrdquo

Q Do you want to see the piranha I caught A This one is proof that there is no such thing as a silly

question Piranhas are omnivorous fish known for their voracious appetite for meat They live in the Amazon basin but the fish caught by this Herrick Lake angler was in fact a piranha Someone had undoubtedly released it from a home aquarium someone who did not understand the detrimental effect a nonnative species can have on an ecosystem

Q Can you identify an animal for me It looks like Mickey Rooney

A The animal in question was an opossum which has gray or white fur and prominent whiskers and at least to one person superficially resembles the legendary 5-foot-3-inch 89-year-old actor of film television and stage

Q Is that fire real A I can only assume this visitor at Kline Creek Farm in

West Chicago was thinking of the faux fireplaces that people can buy at home-decorator stores The fires in the cooking stoves and at the blacksmith shop at Kline Creek Farm though are the real deal

Q Why can I have a pet gerbil but not a pet squirrel A Gerbils are rodents native to Asia and Africa The

Mongolian variety has been a popular pet in the United

States since the 1950s They can legally be bought and sold in all states except California On the other hand all native tree squirrels are protected by Illinois law and cannot be kept in captivity

Q Did you know there is a penguin at Herrick Lake A The bird in question was not a penguin but the Illinois

state-endangered black-crowned night heron This stocky short-necked heron has a black head and back and a white face breast throat and belly It does bear a slight resemblance to a penguin but you wonrsquot be seeing one in a feature-length documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman any time soon

ltBlack-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)

ltMagellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus)

copy Pam

ela Rasmussen

copy Phil M

yers

7wwwdupageforest org

winter calendar See pages 10 through 15 for program descriptions

26

5

12

19

27

6

13

20

28

7

14

21

29

1

8

15

22

30

2

9

16

23

2431

3

10

17

25

4

11

18

M TW F STS2

9

16

23

3

10

17

24

4

11

18

25

5

12

19

26

6

13

20

27

28

7

14

21

1

8

15

22

M TW F STS

30

2

9

16

23

31

3

10

17

24

4

11

18

25

5

12

19

26

6

13

20

27

28

7

14

21

29

8

15

22

M TW F STS1jan

feb mar

January 2 Volunteer Restoration Workday

3 Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners

9 Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo Volunteer Nature Workday

10 Archery for Kids Ice Fishing for Beginners Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo

16 ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Open House Volunteer Restoration Workday

17 Cast-Iron Cooking Owls of DuPage

21 Ice Harvesting

23 Bread-Baking Class Ice Harvesting Volunteer Nature Workday

24 Bread From the Oven Ice Harvesting Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids

26 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

28 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Ice Harvesting ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session

30 Coyote Tracking Volunteer Nature Workday

31 Volunteer Restoration Workday Winter Layering and Safety

copy Peter Vagt

8 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

wwwdupageforest org 9

February 2 Wake Up Groundhog

6 Wonders of Winter

7 Snowshoeing for Beginners Volunteer Nature Workday

9 Teachersrsquo Class Tracking and Reading Begins

13 Fancywork Day Romantic Night Hike

14 Archery for Beginners Falcons of DuPage

15 Tapping Into Fun

16 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

18 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

20 Collage Workshop Begins Volunteer Nature Workday

21 Ice Fishing for Beginners

23 WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake

24 ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session

27 Backyard Birdhouses Skunk Tracking Volunteer Nature Workday Volunteer Restoration Workday Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal

28 Cast-Iron Cooking

March 6 Cub Scout Adventure From Sap to Syrup

Volunteer Nature Workday

11 WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake

13 Maple Sugaring

14 Maple Sugaring Maple Syrup Sundays Volunteer Restoration Workday Wild Dogs of DuPage

16 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

18 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Spring Night Hike

20 Acappellago Concert Archery for Beginners Volunteer Nature Workday

21 Cub Scout Adventure Makinrsquo Tracks Maple Syrup Sundays Ranger Trek Junior Volunteer Nature Workday

27 Pie-Baking Class Volunteer Nature Workday Volunteer Restoration Workday

28 Pies for Spring

29 April Foolsrsquo Adventure

winter calendar

Acappellago Concert Enjoy the sounds of Acappellago as they perform ldquoEscape to hellip The Light of the Moonrdquo a passionate journey from the romantics of the 19th century through todayrsquos popular and contemporary music $15 per adult $12 per student or senior For tickets call (708) 484-3797 ext 2

Mar 20 730 ndash 930 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

April Foolsrsquo Adventure Enjoy some April Foolsrsquo jokes and go on a search to see what doesnrsquot belong on an 1890s farm Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 29 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm

Archery for Beginners Discover the history of this classic sport and learn about equipment and shooting techniques in an indoor setting Equipment provided Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 14 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Mar 20 11 am ndash 1230 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Archery for Kids Kids learn the history and basic techniques of archery in an indoor setting Equipment provided Ages 7 ndash 10 with an adult Free Registration begins Dec 28 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 10 11 am ndash 1230 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Backyard Birdhouses Be ready to welcome backyard birds this spring Learn about different nesting needs and build a nest box to take home Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult $10 per project To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 27 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 130 ndash 3 pm Fullersburg Woods

Bread-Baking Class Learn how to bake bread the way that it was done in the 1890s and take home a loaf of your creation along with instructions and recipes $25 per person To register call (630) 876-5900

Jan 23 9 am ndash noon Kline Creek Farm Jan 23 1 ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Bread From the Oven See the process of baking bread in a wood-burning oven enjoy the tantalizing aroma and take home recipes Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 24 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half-hour Kline Creek Farm

Cast-Iron Cooking Help prepare a hearty meal over an open campfire and learn tips for cooking with cast iron $10 per person ages 16 and up $5 ages 15 and under Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 17 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Feb 28 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Collage Workshop Explore the fine art of collage as you experiment with simple design concepts and a variety of new techniques during this two-day workshop $185 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 20 amp 27 9 am ndash 4 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

10 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy Phil Myers

Coyote Tracking Locate a coyotersquos trail and follow it through the preserve interpreting the animalrsquos activities as you go Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 15 Call (630) 206-9581

Jan 30 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners Learn the differences between backcountry telemark and touring skis and pick up tips on clothing and trail etiquette Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Dec 21 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 3 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Cub Scout Adventure From Sap to Syrup Cub Scouts learn how sap from maple trees is turned into delicious syrup and taste the syrup served over ice cream $6 per Scout To register call (630) 876-5900

Mar 6 930 am ndash 3 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Cub Scout Adventure Makinrsquo Tracks Cub Scouts learn how to identify the animals that live in certain habitats by observing the signs they leave behind $3 per Scout Registration begins March 7 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 21 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Falcons of DuPage Meet three species of falcons and learn about the natural history of these highly specialized birds of prey Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Jan 31 Call (630) 942-6200

Feb 14 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Fancywork Day See lace making tatting and other handwork demonstrations and receive a pattern for a small purse Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Feb 13 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour Kline Creek Farm

Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Learn about natural and cultural history while exploring different forest preserves Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult $5 per family Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 942-6200

Jan 26 9 ndash 11 am Wayne Grove Jan 28 1 ndash 3 pm Wayne Grove Feb 16 9 ndash 11 am Willowbrook Feb 18 1 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook Mar 16 9 ndash 11 am Greene Valley Mar 18 1 ndash 3 pm Greene Valley

Ice Fishing for Beginners Learn the basics of ice fishing including safety equipment techniques and tips for forest preserve lakes Fishing will follow if conditions permit Equipment and bait provided All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 10 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Feb 21 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides at Danada Equestrian Center Enjoy a sleigh ride through the snow-covered fields and woods of Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton $5 per adult $2 per child ages 5 ndash 12 children under 5 free

Rides are 12 ndash 15 minutes long Hay wagons will be used if there is less than 6 inches of snow For additional details or for groups of 10 or more call (630) 668-6012

Jan 3 ndash Feb 28 Sundays Noon ndash 3 pm

wwwdupageforest org 11

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Ice Harvesting Learn the importance of ice before refrigeration See an exhibit of ice-cutting tools and peek into the icehouse to see how families stored blocks that lasted into summer Weather permitting help cut and transport ice from the lake Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 21 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 23 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 24 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 28 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple Sugaring See how 1890s farm families tapped trees and boiled the collected sap into maple syrup and sugar Then try to tap a tree yourself Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 13 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm Mar 14 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple-Syrup Sundays Get sticky Take a stroll through the woods and discover the secret of turning tree sap into syrup All ages Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 850-8110

Mar 14 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods

Owls of DuPage Find out why people give a hoot about owls and learn about the species that live in DuPage Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Jan 3 Call (630) 942-6200

Jan 17 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Pie-Baking Class Learn the basics of making pies Then bake different recipes in a wood-burning oven and take home your creation $25 per person To register call (630) 876-5900

Mar 27 9 am ndash noon Kline Creek Farm Mar 27 1 ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Pies for Spring Savor the aroma of pies from 1890s cookbooks as they bake in a wood-burning oven and take home recipes for your own kitchen Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 28 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half-hour Kline Creek Farm

Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids Learn how to experience the outdoors through ldquoleave no tracerdquo camping Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 11 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 24 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Ranger Trek Junior Learn about the critters that call the forest preserves home and join a ranger on a hike to explore different habitats Ages 10 and under with an adult Free Registration begins March 8 Call (630) 933-7248

Mar 21 1030 am ndash noon Waterfall Glen

Romantic Night Hike Enjoy a lantern-lit walk with your sweetheart to four scenic bridges over Salt Creek then warm up with hot cocoa around a cozy fire Adults only $10 per couple To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 13 7 ndash 9 pm Fullersburg Woods

12 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Skunk Tracking Follow skunk tracks and try to guess what the little stinker was up to Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Feb 12 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 27 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Open House Discover a variety of opportunities available with the Forest Preserve Districtrsquos nine volunteer programs including Danada Equestrian Center Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center Kline Creek Farm Mayslake Peabody Estate Natural Resource Management St James Farm Trail Patrol Volunteer Ranger Experience and Willowbrook Wildlife Center Registration not required Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 16 10 am ndash 1 pm DanadaHeadquarters one-hour presentation at 11 am

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session Learn about the nine Forest Preserve District volunteer programs in detail Ask questions and decide which option fits your interests and schedule Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 28 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters Feb 24 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters

Snowshoeing for Beginners Learn the basics of snowshoeing and put your new skills to work during a guided hike Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 25 Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 7 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Spring Night Hike Experience a forest preserve after hours when animals are accustomed to going about their activities undisturbed Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins March 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Mar 18 7 ndash 830 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

1890s Living at Kline Creek Farm (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

Jan 2 ndash March 27 (except Jan 30) Saturdays 130 ndash 330 pm

DRESSING FOR WINTER See the undergarments the farm family wore in the 1890s and learn their uses

Jan 7 ndash 25 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

COURTING IN THE 1890S Hear excerpts from love letters written in the late 19th century and learn about the role that a homersquos parlor played in courtship

Feb 11 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

A NICKELrsquoS WORTH Find out what a nickel could buy in the 1890s and how consumer preferences were changing

March 4 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

wwwdupageforest org 13

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Cultural Events at Mayslake Peabody Estate

ART EXHIBIT COLLAGE amp MEMORIES Enjoy an exhibit by the Midwest Collage Society Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

Jan 13 ndash March 4 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

FIRST FOLIO THEATRE PRESENTS ldquoJEEVES IN BLOOMrdquo When lovable Bertie Wooster gets himself into another scrape Jeeves must resign his service and reinvent himself as something other than a gentlemanrsquos gentleman $2830 adult $2325 senior or student For tickets call (630) 986-8067 or visit wwwfirstfolioorg

Jan 30 ndash Feb 28 Wednesday ndash Saturday 8 pm and Sunday 3 pm

THE ALLIANCE OF FINE ART PRESENTS ldquoTHE BEST OF THE BESTrdquo ART SHOW View the finest works of local artists Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

March 22 ndash May 7 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

RESTORATION-IN-PROGRESS TOURS Learn about the past mdash and future mdash of this historic 1920s Tudor-revival-style mansion $5 per person Group tours available Call (630) 206-9566

Wednesdays 11 am amp 1230 pm and Saturdays 930 10 11 amp 1130 am

Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo Lend a hand making sausage and learn the importance of the smokehouse and cured meats in the 1890s Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 9 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm Jan 10 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Tapping Into Fun Find out how maple syrup is made through a story and a hike to tap trees Ages 6 and up with an adult $5 per person To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 15 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 15 1 ndash 230 pm Fullersburg Woods

Teachersrsquo Class Tracking and Reading Teachers explore the parallels between the structure and meanings in written language and those in animal tracks and other objects found in nature during this 12-session course $345 per teacher Registration begins Jan 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 9 ndash 20 and Mar 2 ndash 27 Mayslake Peabody Estate Tue 530 ndash 9 pm Sat 8 am ndash noon

Volunteer Nature Workday Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult 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

Jan 9 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Jan 23 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Jan 30 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Feb 7 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Mar 6 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Mar 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods

14 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Volunteer Restoration Workday Enjoy the outdoors while helping to restore one of DuPage Countyrsquos most diverse prairies by clearing invasive plants or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult Groups of 10 or more must register Call (630) 961-2041

Jan 2 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Jan 16 1 ndash 4 pm West Chicago Prairie Jan 31 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 14 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie

WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake Enjoy an evening of high-quality jazz brought to you by Mayslake Peabody Estate WDCB Public Radio and the PianoForte Foundation Adults only $25 cabaret seating $20 general admission and $16 for seniors over 65 students and groups of seven or more (A $5-per-person docent-led tour of Mayslake Hall will precede the concert at 630 pm) For tickets call (630) 206-9566

Feb 23 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate A premiere of Ryan Cohanrsquos new septet

Mar 11 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate Barry Winograd Quartet

Wake Up Groundhog Learn all about the groundhog through a story game and craft Ages 3 ndash 5 with an adult $5 per child To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 2 1030 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods

Wild Dogs of DuPage Learn the natural history of the wild dogs including foxes and coyotes that make DuPage County home Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Feb 28 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 14 2 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook

Winter Layering and Safety Learn how to keep the whole family mdash even Spot mdash warm and safe from head to toe while enjoying the outdoors All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 18 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 31 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Wonders of Winter Discover the fun of visiting a forest preserve in winter Activities include horse-drawn hayrides ice fishing geocaching snowshoeing and winter crafts Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 6 10 am ndash 1 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal Learn how to put together a successful book proposal Prerequisite Writing a Query Letter Adults only $90 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 27 9 am ndash 3 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Snow Tubing at Mount Hoy at Blackwell Forest Preserve Take a thrilling trip down one of DuPage Countyrsquos highest peaks When more than 3 inches of snow cover Mount Hoy rent a tube and glide down an 800-foot run Only District inner tubes are allowed which cost $4 per tube per day Tube rental ends at 330 pm For updated hours and snow conditions call the 24-hour Outdoor Report at (630) 871-6422

Dec 5 ndash Feb 28 Saturdays and Sundays and Dec 21 ndash 24 Dec 28 ndash Jan 1 Jan 18 and Feb 15 9 am ndash 4 pm

wwwdupageforest org 15

WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)Fact Contrary to popular belief the number of points on a deerrsquos antlers does not relate to the animalrsquos age Instead it reflects the animalrsquos genetics health and diet

COYOTE (Canis latrans)Fact When it comes to eating coyotes arenrsquot picky They mostly eat small mammals but may also dine on birds amphibians insects or even garbage In fall and winter fruits and vegetables are important sources of food for coyotes as well

VIRGINIA OPOSSUM (Didelphis virginiana)Fact Opossum tracks are made up of footprints and marks left by the animalrsquos long hairless tail Its tail is ldquoprehensilerdquo which means it can grab objects like tree branches

BOBCAT (Lynx rufus)Fact Bobcats live in well-defined territories that contain several shelters including their main dens and temporary lodging such as hollow logs and brush piles Ecologists believe these wild felines inhabit two DuPage forest preserves Waterfall Glen in Darien and Greene Valley in Naperville

STRIPED SKUNK (Mephitis mephitis)Fact A skunk can spray up to 15 feet It usually gives a warning by hissing stamping its front feet or waving its tail It may even do a handstand

trail talk

TRACKS amp Facts

copy David Cappaert M

ichigan State University Bugwoodorg

copy Brian Tang

copy Jeanie Klein

TORPOR is a short-term state of reduced

metabolic rate and body temperature that allows an animal to

save energy in cold weather Itrsquos sometimes called ldquotemporary

hibernationrdquo Some DuPage animals including bats and mice

enter torpor in winter when food is scare and itrsquos cold outside

16 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

SNOWBIRDS for Snowbirders

by CHRISTOPHER GUTMANN NATURALIST FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER

Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis)

copy T

ony T

anou

ry

4

3

6

5

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

copy Brian E Sm

allVIREOcopy

R amp S DayVIREO

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy J Schum

acherVIREO

1

2

Have you ever seen a male northern cardinal in the rich early-morning sun with a

backdrop of freshly fallen pure-white snow Have you ever seen a red-tailed hawk perched majestically on a bur oak overseeing its vast wintery kingdom Have you ever seen a mallard and an American black duck swimming side by side and discovered how theyrsquore different If you would like the answer to any of these questions to be ldquoyesrdquo grab a pair of binoculars and head to your nearest DuPage County forest preserve this winter

Yes itrsquos cold but the birding is never easier There are hardly any concealing leaves and the bright colors and dramatic contrasts of many birds become even more conspicuous in the otherwise drab winter landscape True there are fewer species around in winter but that just makes them easier to identify Even a modest-sized forest preserve like Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook can have over 40 species this time of year and the birds are practically begging to be seen The only way it would be easier to find them is if they had blinking neon arrows pointing in their direction

Some people assume that most birds fly south for the winter and while many species do travel as far as South America on their fall journeys for others DuPage County is ldquosouthrdquo The best example of this is the original snowbird the dark-eyed junco Juncos spend their summers in the far

north east and west but in winter you can find these cute gray-and-white sparrow-sized birds in DuPage County foraging low to the ground in small flocks

Other birds thought to fly south never leave the county One example is the American goldfinch Goldfinches are abundant in winter but because the males exchange their trademark bright yellow summer plumage for the femalesrsquo browns and grays many people donrsquot realize theyrsquore still in the neighborhood You can find American goldfinches in their winter ldquoclothesrdquo foraging on the leftover seed heads of dormant wildflowers

Even more surprising than the incognito goldfinch is the famous ldquoharbinger of springrdquo the American robin You can sometimes see this bird in forests foraging by the hundreds for leftover berries in the middle of winter Winter birders should also keep an eye out for the robinrsquos berry-loving cousin the eastern bluebird

There are of course more familiar winter favorites Male northern cardinals sit boldly on shrubs radiating their fire-engineshyred feathers Adorable black-capped chickadees hang upside down on branches calling ldquochick-a-dee-dee-dee-deerdquo to let each other know theyrsquore being watched by a big primate mdash you

A true bird lover will even marvel this time of year at the much-maligned yet stunningly beautiful blue jay Its colors alone

18 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy

G BartleyVIREO 9

copy F K SchleicherVIREO

10

11

7

8

copy Brian Tang

copy R CurtisVIREO

lt 1 Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2 American black duck (Anas rubripes) 3 American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) 4 Hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 5 Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 6 American robin (Turdus migratorius) 7 Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8 Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 9 White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 10 Brown creeper (Certhia americana) 11 Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

make it worth watching but itrsquos also an incredibly intelligent bird with a wide array of fascinating behaviors including mimicry For years there has been a blue jay at Fullersburg Woods that does a dead-on impression of a Cooperrsquos hawk which routinely fools birders Its imitation of a red-tailed hawk is respectable but its red-shouldered-hawk act needs some work

Speaking of blue jays and hawks have you ever heard a small flock of blue jays making a racket in the treetops If you take the time to investigate yoursquoll often find the jays mobbing a hawk or an owl trying to persuade the predator to leave their territory The jays arenrsquot trying to annoy you theyrsquore just telling you that therersquos another incredible bird nearby

Winter birders should remember too to focus on more than just branches Some of the most handsome and interesting species can be found hanging out on trunks As red-bellied downy and hairy woodpeckers hunt for food their reds blacks and whites stand out against the drab browns and grays of the bark White-breasted nuthatches grunt their way down tree trunks head first as they busily wedge seeds into the bark but well-camouflaged brown creepers steadily spiral their way up

If you visit the forest preserves soon after they open itrsquos not uncommon to see a great horned owl wrapping up its nighttime winter hunting or an eastern screech owl perching at the entrance to a tree cavity or wood-duck house as it soaks in a little heat from the sun Use your binoculars to view them from afar though It may look as if their eyes are closed but chances are theyrsquove seen and heard you coming long before yoursquove spotted them If they feel yoursquove gotten too close they will quickly disappear

Last but not least winter is a great time to view waterfowl Many ducks including male wood ducks are in their

brightest plumage and even mallards look stunning on the icy water Always look closely at large flocks of mallards or Canada geese you might notice the luminous irises of a common goldeneye or the comically large bill of a northern shoveler mingling in the crowd

Of course you canrsquot see any of these amazing animals unless you get outside this winter for a snowbird adventure at a DuPage County forest preserve near you bull

FINDING FEATHERED FRIENDS in Forest Preserves 1 Avoid brightly colored clothing Some birds will flush at the

first sight of you The longer it takes them to spot you the better your chances are of getting a good look at them

2 Itrsquos called bird-watching not bird talking Loud noises can scare birds so keep conversation as quiet as possible and turn off cell phones

3 Take your time and slowly scan an area Often birds are silent and will reveal themselves only with subtle movements

4 Leave Fido at home A recent study showed that dog walking in woodlands leads to a 35 percent reduction in bird diversity and a 41 percent reduction in abundance

5 In spring attend ldquoFullersBird Fridaysrdquo at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and ldquoBirding at Willowbrookrdquo at Willowbrook Wildlife Center These naturalist-led bird walks are great for beginning birders

wwwdupageforest org 19

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve explore

More Than Meets the Eye

by JAYNE BOHNER OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

6or many people driving down County Farm Road Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in West Chicago is the home of Kline Creek Farm the Forest

Preserve District of DuPage Countyrsquos 200-acre 1890s living-history farm but the farm is just a part of a remarkable 1148-acre forest preserve

The crops at Kline Creek Farm and a few dozen tillable acres to the north serve as reminders of the arearsquos agricultural roots but within a stretch of land north of the Great Western Trail the Forest Preserve District has converted former fields to more native habitat By removing clay tiles that farmers once installed to drain the soil District ecologists have restored the natural hydrology to the land where they have subsequently planted native wetland species like cattails bulrushes and water plantains In drier areas by removing tree lines that once grew along old fence rows they have created more open grasslands which theyrsquove seeded with flora like big and little bluestem black-eyed Susans lead plant and prairie clover In summer the prairie plants accommodate ground-nesting birds like eastern meadowlarks and savanna sparrows but this time of year they feed American tree sparrows juncos fox sparrows and white-throated sparrows while their stems pods and dried leaves create a natural architecture that displays the seasonrsquos powdery snows

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is also home to a natural savanna Klein Savanna which borders the

F north side of the Illinois Prairie Path just west of Klein Creek Its diversity of plant life makes it one of the highest quality ecosystems in the District Here dormant Allegheny shadblows also known as Allegheny serviceberries wait for spring to trigger their production of fragrant clusters of white flowers and juicy fruits Bare white and bur oaks and shagbark hickories stand over frozen ground that in a few months will erupt with trilliums spring beauties and trout lilies or thaw into ephemeral ponds that will broadcast the sounds of chorus frogs and American toads In summer when foxglove beard tongues and Jacobrsquos ladders bloom the verdant savanna will sing with woodland birds like northern orioles nuthatches black-capped chickadees and scarlet tanagers Winter though promises glimpses of great horned owls which begin nesting in February when the barren landscape makes it easier for adults and fledglings to spot prey

For fans of either the Great Western Trail or the Illinois Prairie Path Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is an ideal starting point Those who want to begin their excursions farther west

often use the small lot on Prince Crossing Road just north of the Great Western Trail (An upland grove east of the parking lot on the south side of the trail is home to a stately white oak roughly 50 inches in diameter 90 feet tall and two to three centuries old) Hikers bikers and cross-country skiers looking for more amenities may instead choose the Kline Creek Farm parking lot on

20 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea)

lt Fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

copy G M

cElroyVIREOcopy

J P Myers

White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

lt Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

North

Quick Look

For a detailed map of Timber Ridge visit wwwdupageforestorg

North Ave

St Charles Rd

Indian Knoll Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Geneva Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Winfield Rd

Kline Creek Farm

Opening Spring 2010

Visitor Center

I llinois P rairie P ath E lgin Spu r

I llinois P rairie P ath G enev a Spu r

G reat W estern T rail

64

Hawthorne Ln

Coun

ty F

arm

Rd

KleinCreek

TimberLake

SpringLake

West BranchDuPage River

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve

KleinSavanna

County Farm Road near the Timber Ridge Visitor Center The centerrsquos drinking fountains and heated restrooms are open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset The interior of the center which houses displays relating to the farmstead and a gift shop is only open during Kline Creek Farmrsquos regular operating hours Thursdays through Mondays from 9 am until 5 pm For information on Kline Creek Farm exhibits educational programs and special events call the farm at (630) 876-5900

The County Farm Road parking lot connects to a 1-mile north-south Forest Preserve District trail that joins the Great Western Trail with the Illinois Prairie Path It also leads to a moderate 05-mile gravel trail that takes anglers to Timber Lake The 17-acre lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet and offers largemouth bass bluegill channel catfish crappie green sunfish carp and black bullheads (A second smaller lake Spring Lake lies in the interior of the forest preserve It boasts being one of only two natural lakes in the county but is inaccessible by trail)

An anticipated addition to Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is a 30-car parking lot on Prince Crossing Road roughly 04 mile north of Geneva Road Opening in spring 2010 the area will give visitors access to a western portion of the preserve via a 075-mile looped trail with two overlooks near the wetland informally known as the Geneva Road Marsh This time of year oases of open water on the marsh are packed with mallards dabbling for seeds and aquatic vegetation but by summer egrets and great blue herons will again be standing in the shallows picking frogs from the white water lilies that will eventually unfurl over the entire marsh bull

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

ltcopy

Joseph Weibler lt

wwwdupageforest org 21

directory

GENERAL Contacts

HEADQUARTERS

Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189

The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm The office is closed on Saturday Sunday and select holidays

Mailing Address PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

Web Site wwwdupageforestorg

E-mail Address forestdupageforestorg

Main Number (630) 933-7200

TTY (800) 526-0857

THE CONSERVATIONIST SUBSCRIPTION LINE (630) 933-7085

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (630) 933-7097

LAW ENFORCEMENT (630) 933-7240

THE OUTDOOR REPORT (630) 871-6422

VISITOR SERVICES (630) 933-7248

VOLUNTEER SERVICES (630) 933-7681

GOLF Clubs

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

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 272 S Addison Road Wood Dale IL 60191 (630) 616-8424

OAK MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 900 N Wood Dale Road Addison IL 60101 (630) 595-1800

copy J P Myers

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 Districtrsquos ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit

EDUCATION Centers

DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 3S503 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189 (630) 668-6012

The centerrsquos office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 430 pm and is closed on select holidays

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook IL 60523 (630) 850-8110

The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm 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 am to 5 pm and is closed on Tuesday Wednesday and select holidays

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

The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER 525 S Park Blvd Glen Ellyn IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and are closed on select holidays

22 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

North

o e e opForest Preserve Property

n d o e e opForest Preserve Property

o eLakePondWaterway

WetWetland

e gEntranceParking

o e Forest Preserve Trail

opo d Proposed Trail

Co County Trail

U ouUS Route

S oState Route

e RInterstate Route

U Unofficial Name

CHICAGOOrsquoHAREINTrsquoL

AIRPORT

THE MORTONARBORETUM

ARGONNENATIONAL

LABORATORY

FERMI NATIONALACCELERATORLABORATORY

DUPAGECOUNTYAIRPORT

CANT GNY

DUPAGECOUNTYCOMPLEX

C a r o l S t r e a m

G l e n d a l eH e i g h t s

A u r o r a

S t C h a r l e s

W a y n e

B a r t l e t t

W e s tC h i c a g o

L o m b a r d

G l e nE l l y n

H a n o v e rP a r k

B l o o m i n g d a l e

A d d i s o n

W h e a t o n

W o o d r i d g e

N a p e r v i l l e

D a r i e n

W i l l o w b r o o k

B u r rR i d g e

H i n s d a l e

W e s t m o n t

C l a r e n d o nH i l l s

O a k B r o o k

D o w n e r sG r o v e

O a k b r o o kT e r r a c e

E l m h u r s t

V i l l aP a r k

E l k G r o v e

W o o d D a l e

B e n s e n v i l l e

R o s e l l e

L i s l e

W a r r e n v i l l e

I t a s c a

W i n f i e l d

I l l inois Prairie Path

Great Western Trai l

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prairie Path

Batavia Spur

Aurora Spur

Aurora

Spur

Elgin Spur

West Branch DuPage River

East BranchDuPage River

Des Plaines River

SaltCreek

SpringbrookCreek

School St

Gro

ve A

ve

Montrose Ave

Rive

r Rd

20

19

83

83

55

53

53

53290

290

355

355

34

34

59

59

64

38

56

88

88

Stearns Rd

Smith Rd

Powis Rd

Pow

is Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Munger Rd

Klei

n Rd

Bart

lett

Rd

Greenbrook Blvd

Cloverdale Rd

Thorn Rd

Cou

nty

Farm

Rd

Schick Rd Schick Rd

Kuhn

Rd

Fair

Oak

s Rd

North Ave

Gar

y A

ve

Schm

ale

Rd

Bu de te Ave

Bloomingdal e Rd

Rose

lle R

d

Gl e

n E l

lyn

R d

Swift

Rd

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd

Grac e St

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd

Add

son Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd

Devon Ave

Prospect Ave

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd

Grand Ave

York Rd

Va Ave

Vill a Ave

Butterfield Rd High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave

Summ

it Ave

West m

ore A ve

Mey

ers

Rd

Highland A

ve

St Charles Rd

Cres

cent Blvd

Mai

n St

M

a in

St

Hill Ave

Pennsylvan a Ave

Harrison St

Main St

St Charles Rd

St Charles Rd

Roosevelt Rd Wes

t St

Geneva Rd

Harrison Ave

Manchester Rd

Jewell Rd

H ghlake Rd

Ind an Kno

Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Washington St

Arbor A

ve

Downs Dr

ndus

tra

Dr

Kres

s R

d

Kautz Rd

Fabyan Pkwy

Batavia Rd

Purnell Rd

Winf

ield

Rd

Mack Rd

Sch a

ffne

r Rd

Weis

brook Rd

Orc

hard

Rd

War

renv

ille R

d

Plamondon Rd

Nap

ervi

lle R

d

Blan

char

d St

Butterfield Rd

Fawell Blvd

Park

Blv

d

Finley Rd

31st St Oakbrook Rd

Midw

est Ave

22nd St Harger Rd

Sprng Rd

York Rd

Spring Rd

Chicago Ave

35th St Cass A

ve

Hig

hlan

d A

ve

Naperville Rd

Leask Ln

Nape

rvil

e Rd

Warrenville Rd

Her

rick

Rd

Wnf

ed

Rd

Bilter Rd

Ferry Rd

Diehl Rd Diehl Rd

Eola

Rd

Raymond Dr

Mill St

Doug as Ave

Jefferson Ave Chicago Ave

Yack

ley

Ave

Col

lege

Rd

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd

Garfield A

ve

Harvester Rd

Em

Rd

Jol et Rd

Cou

nty

Line

Rd

91st St

Madison St

Fairv

iew

Ave

Main St

Ma

n St

75th St

Plainfield Rd

Cass A

ve

87th St Oldfield Rd

Wood w

ard Ave

83rd St

Gre

ene

Rd

75th St

79th St

Hobson Rd

Weh

rli R

d

Nap

er B

lvd

Was

hing

ton

St

Washington St

87th St

Modaff Rd

Gartner Rd

Aurora Ave

New York St

Liberty St

75th St

Rickert Dr

Montgomery Rd 83rd St

Bluff Rd

Cass Ave

Lem

ont R

d

Inter

naiona e Pkwy

River Rd

North Aurora Rd

Irving Park Rd

Gary s M ll Rd

Maple Ave

Circle Ave

Smith Rd

Ger

ber R

d

Med

nah

Rd

M

edi n

ah R

d

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin OrsquoHare

Geneva Rd

Bilter Rd

DuPage Pkwy

Shor

e Rd

Ogden Ave

Book

Rd

Jackson Ave

Pa

nfed-N

aperve Rd

Abbeywood Dr

Ranc

h V

ew D

r

Hobson R

d

Hitcock Ave

Manning Rd

Lem

on

t Rd

Gi bert Ave

Finley

Rd

Adam

s St

Wilson Ave

Park

Blv

d

College Rd

Army Trail Rd

Naper Blvd

Green Tra ls Dr

Ferry Rd

Mor

ton

Rd

Davey Rd

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd

Fron

tena

c Rd

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Des Plaines Pl esRiverwayRi r

e

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands

rsquosWWooW

Du

aynenev

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWo s

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWo s

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes

e

owowvv

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

kHighRidge

Salt Cre k Greenway

Woodd

G

e a

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

Gr enGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

manLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlandsWetlands

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

We tWestBranchBranch

PrattPrattrsquossWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

ayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWo sWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWo sWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakesLakes

Woo sWoods

W renvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoo sWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneV leyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

kHighYorkHighRidgeRidge

Salt Cre kSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

erfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St JamesSt JamesFarmFarm

Des Plaines Des Plaines

294

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt

Page 2: The Conservationist Winter 2010

I recently had the opportunity to attend the launch of ldquoFORWARDrdquo a countywide leadership initiative designed to prevent and reverse childhood obesity in DuPage County where 34 percent of kids between the ages of 2 and 18 are overweight or obese At the launch experts in health care social welfare nutrition and transportation presented information on diet lifestyles and environmental conditions that can reverse this trend

Regular exercise reduces the risk not only of obesity but also of heart disease high blood pressure osteoporosis noninsulin-dependent diabetes and certain cancers Exercise is associated with improved mental health including reduced anxiety tension and depression and improved self-esteem and concentration It increases energy levels and stamina and offers better sleep and lower stress levels And the good news is that physical activity does not have to be hard to be healthy

The meeting got me thinking about DuPage County forest preserves and the abundant opportunities for fun free exercise that they provide including several programs in our quarterly ldquoCalendar of Eventsrdquo As a participant in the ldquoCross-Country Skiing for Beginnersrdquo program at Herrick Lake you can burn about 700 calories By helping to maintain the beauty and diversity of an oak savanna or prairie during a three-hour ldquoVolunteer Restoration Workdayrdquo at West Chicago Prairie you can burn more than 600 And if you take your valentine for the ldquoRomantic Night Hikerdquo through Fullersburg Woods you can both burn up to 500 calories

This is the best time of year for you and your family to make a resolution for good health and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is proud to offer several healthy outside experiences With a forest preserve no more than 10 minutes away from any DuPage doorstep I hope to see you in one soon

D ldquoDeweyrdquo Pierotti Jr President Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

President D ldquoDeweyrdquo Pierotti Jr Addison

Commissioners Marsha Murphy Addison mdash District 1

Joseph F Cantore Oakbrook Terrace mdash District 2 Linda Painter Hinsdale mdash District 3

Michael Formento Glen Ellyn mdash District 4 Carl Schultz Aurora mdash District 5

Roger G Kotecki Warrenville mdash District 6

Executive Director Brent Manning

BOARD MEETINGS For schedules and agendas visit

wwwdupageforestorg

I THE CONSERVATIONIST Winter 2010 Vol 46 No 1

Editor William Weidner

Associate Editor Beth Schirott

Editorial Assistants Johanna Biedron

Jayne Bohner Audra Mason Bonnet

Bonnie Olszewski

Graphic Designer Deanna Eichenauer

I FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT

OF DU PAGE COUNTY PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

(630) 933-7200 TTY (800) 526-0857

wwwdupageforestorg

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 e-mail forestdupageforestorg

4 6

16

8

ON

THE

COV

ER H

oarfr

ost o

n co

mm

on m

ilkw

eed

copy T

ony T

anou

ry

copy P

hil M

yers

17

20

contents Vol 46 No 1 | Winter 2010

4 News amp Notes

6 Questions Questions

8 Winter Calendar

16 Trail Talk

17 Snowbirds for Snowbirders

20 Explore

22 Directory

23 Map

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

3wwwdupageforest org

news amp notes WE NEED YOU

Many conservation education and recreation programs throughout the District need your help Here are a few examples of what your gift can provide

$3000 Off-road wheelchair (6 needed)

$800 GPS microchip for tracking endangered species (10 needed)

$500 Archery target (35 needed)

$500 Portable breath analyzer for police officers (18 needed)

$250 Sponsorship of ldquoGo Greenrdquo event at Fullersburg Woods (many needed)

$150 Kline Creek Farm historical outfit (14 needed)

$40 Volunteer litter-removal kit including gloves safety glasses and pick-up tool (many needed)

$20 Cottontail orphan care for two weeks at Willowbrook Wildlife Center (many needed)

Donations of all sizes are welcome and will enhance your forest preserves Please send a tax-deductible donation today in the Naturersquos Gift envelope provided within this issue

BRING THE OUTDOORS IN

Invite a Forest Preserve District speaker to your next meeting and learn the latest about DuPage Countyrsquos forest preserves from ecological restoration projects to innovative hands-on educational programs Speakers are available through April 15 Call (630) 933-7246

TREE-Planting Time As part of the Districtrsquos annual fall tree-planting program forestry crews added over 600 trees and shrubs to forest preserves throughout the county Several new trees at Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville complement the trail realignment along Greene Road and plantings along Naperville Road at Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton will soon serve as a traffic buffer New trees and shrubs will also provide privacy shade wildlife habitat and scenery at recently renovated sites at the Blackwell Family Campground at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville

ONLINE Project Updates Want the latest on improvements at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton or information on the waterway restoration at Churchill Woods Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn Then visit the ldquoPlans and Projectsrdquo page under ldquoDistrict Newsrdquo at wwwdupageforestorg for updates and images of these and other forest preserve projects

SNOWY Frozen Fun Before you put on your mittens and head outdoors visit the ldquoWinter Activitiesrdquo page in the ldquoRecreationrdquo section of the Districtrsquos Web site wwwdupageforestorg Yoursquoll find information on the many ways to enjoy snowy fun like cross-country skiing tubing and ice fishing in the forest preserves

FOLLOW OUR TRACKS ON TWITTER

The Forest Preserve District is now on Twitter Facebook YouTube and Flickr (Look for DuPageForest our abbreviated name on Twitter and YouTube) Sign up for your District updates today

READY To Go Digital Ready to read the latest on DuPage flora fauna and forest preserves online Then call (630) 933-7085 or e-mail forestdupageforestorg and ask to have your mailed copy of The Conservationist discontinued You can enjoy The Conservationist and other great online features 247 at the Districtrsquos Web site wwwdupageforestorg Bookmark it today

4 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

MANY Thanks Thanks to the sponsors who contributed to the success of fall Forest Preserve District events

Danada Fall Festival The Comcast Foundation Uncle Bubrsquos Award Winning BBQ WCCQ ndash FM 983 Robert W Baird amp Co Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital The Daily Herald Purina Mills LLC V3 Companies of Illinois Weaver Boos Consultants Anonymous BlackFinn American Saloon Civiltech Engineering Inc The Cloud Foundation Comfy Bummy Cowart Chiropractic Clinic Cowhey Gudmundson Leder Ltd Dunham Woods Horse Show Engineering Resource Associates Inc ESI Consultants Ltd Family Health and Wellness HDR Engineering JFNew Naper Settlement Nutrilicious Horse and Rider Treats Opal Enterprises Inc Planning Resources Inc Prosekrsquos Greenhouse Panera Bread SEC Group Inc URS Corporation

GO Get Outside 5K RunWalk Deluxe Distance Productions MampM Orthopaedics Fisher Chiropractic and

Integrative Health Brooks Sports The Center for Chiropractic Health Meyer Wire Rejuvenation Therapeutic Massage The Runnerrsquos Soul

A ldquoGREENrdquo WINTER

The District is turning DuPage Countyrsquos white winters ldquogreenrdquo by using liquid and pellet forms of magnesium chloride an environmentally friendly salt alternative to melt ice on roads parking lots and sidewalks To apply the liquid form plow trucks use computer-controlled equipment that accounts for air and ground temperatures to spray the precise amount needed

PUBLIC Meetings Forest Preserve District Board of Commissionersrsquo meetings and planning sessions are open to the public and held at District headquarters at 3S580 Naperville Road in Wheaton Commission meetings normally take place the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 9 am Planning sessions normally take place the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 9 am 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 various items Schedules and agendas for all meetings and sessions are available in advance on the Districtrsquos Web site wwwdupageforestorg

AWARD-WINNING WORK

The District earned the distinction of ldquoOutstanding Civil Engineering Achievement of the Year Under $5 Millionrdquo from the Illinois Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers for its Spring Brook Meander Project which created 2 miles of healthy stream at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville

The Illinois Association of Park Districts presented the District with two ldquoBest of the Bestrdquo awards mdash an ldquoIntergovernmental Cooperation Awardrdquo shared with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Bartlett Park District for management of James ldquoPaterdquo Philip State Park in Bartlett and a second-place ldquoBest Green Practices Awardrdquo for conservation measures IAPD also named Kline Creek Farm volunteer Dr Lawrence DuBose ldquoOutstanding Citizen Volunteer of the Yearrdquo for his contributions to the 1890s farm in West Chicago and recognized Commissioner Michael Formento for 15 years of public service

The fall 2008 issue of The Conservationist won two awards in the 21st-annual Awards for Publication Excellence Competition sponsored by Communications Concepts Inc District ecologist Dan Thompson won an ldquoAward of Excellencerdquo in the category of scientific and environmental writing for the article ldquoOwls A Stealthy Speciesrdquo and the issue as a whole received an ldquoAward of Excellencerdquo in the category of magapaper and newspaper writing

wwwdupageforest org 5

copy J P M

yers

QuestionsQuestions

by JACK MACRAE NATURALIST WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER

lt As a naturalist mdash a person who

studies an arearsquos natural and cultural history and loves talking about it even more mdash Irsquove probably

answered between 10 and 20 thousand questions in my career an average amount for someone in my profession After all questions are a naturalistrsquos bread and butter Irsquove always enjoyed questions and consider them important forms of communication that lead people to higher levels of learning and greater understandings I particularly love the ones that I donrsquot know the answer to because then I get to go home and learn something myself

The majority of questions usually those that start with ldquowhatrdquo ldquowhererdquo or ldquowhenrdquo are easy for an experienced naturalist to answer (The most frequently asked by a wide margin is ldquoWhere are the bathroomsrdquo) During a school program that presented the lives of the Potawatomi Indians who moved into DuPage County in the late 1600s one student asked ldquoWhat did the Indians eatrdquo My answer was a short list of edible plants and animals The response

of wide-eyed squeals of ldquoEwwwwwrdquo and ldquoGrosssssrdquo caused me to solicit my own questions to the group that was clearly accustomed to hunting and gathering food with a shopping cart

ldquoHowrdquo and ldquowhyrdquo questions can be a little more difficult to answer such as ldquoWhy are butterflies prettyrdquo or ldquoWhy are owls meanrdquo or more thought provoking such as ldquoHow do birds know which song to singrdquo That last question led to a discussion on songbirds and the eastern phoebe and its innate ability to sing its melodic ldquofee beerdquo perfectly even when raised in isolation from other phoebes

Some questions directly relate to age Long ago I was working in a local history museum and was showing various Stone Age tools to a group of kindergartners One girl asked ldquoHow did these things get so oldrdquo and I quickly learned that the concept of time is abstract to a 5-year-old

Other questions remind me never to assume that everyone shares the same level of understanding of ecology or nature in general During a wildlife hike at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook I talked about the kinds of animals that lived in the preserve such as deer raccoons foxes owls and hawks One woman asked if we kept the animals in cages When I told her no she followed with a sincere ldquoThen why do they stay here Why donrsquot they run awayrdquo Her questions may have sounded foolish but they gave me a chance to discuss the concept of habitat one area that contains everything an organism needs to survive with the entire group

There is no doubt that DuPage County forest preserves arouse peoplersquos curiosity and questions that ultimately result in a greater understanding of the natural world So the next time you attend a forest preserve program please donrsquot keep your questions to yourself bull

Eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)

Eastern phoebe lt (Sayornis phoebe)

copy G

ary Davis

copy Johnny N Dell Bugw

oodorg

copy Joseph W

eibler

the

fie

ld

omFr

lt

Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana)

lt lt Gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) Fox squirrel

(Sciurus niger)

Q How does that bird know my name A The bird was a gray catbird which is named for its

distinctive call that brings to mind a meowing cat The visitor at Fullersburg Woods was named Erin and she obviously thought the catbird was calling ldquoErrrrrrrin Errrrrinrdquo

Q Do you want to see the piranha I caught A This one is proof that there is no such thing as a silly

question Piranhas are omnivorous fish known for their voracious appetite for meat They live in the Amazon basin but the fish caught by this Herrick Lake angler was in fact a piranha Someone had undoubtedly released it from a home aquarium someone who did not understand the detrimental effect a nonnative species can have on an ecosystem

Q Can you identify an animal for me It looks like Mickey Rooney

A The animal in question was an opossum which has gray or white fur and prominent whiskers and at least to one person superficially resembles the legendary 5-foot-3-inch 89-year-old actor of film television and stage

Q Is that fire real A I can only assume this visitor at Kline Creek Farm in

West Chicago was thinking of the faux fireplaces that people can buy at home-decorator stores The fires in the cooking stoves and at the blacksmith shop at Kline Creek Farm though are the real deal

Q Why can I have a pet gerbil but not a pet squirrel A Gerbils are rodents native to Asia and Africa The

Mongolian variety has been a popular pet in the United

States since the 1950s They can legally be bought and sold in all states except California On the other hand all native tree squirrels are protected by Illinois law and cannot be kept in captivity

Q Did you know there is a penguin at Herrick Lake A The bird in question was not a penguin but the Illinois

state-endangered black-crowned night heron This stocky short-necked heron has a black head and back and a white face breast throat and belly It does bear a slight resemblance to a penguin but you wonrsquot be seeing one in a feature-length documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman any time soon

ltBlack-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)

ltMagellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus)

copy Pam

ela Rasmussen

copy Phil M

yers

7wwwdupageforest org

winter calendar See pages 10 through 15 for program descriptions

26

5

12

19

27

6

13

20

28

7

14

21

29

1

8

15

22

30

2

9

16

23

2431

3

10

17

25

4

11

18

M TW F STS2

9

16

23

3

10

17

24

4

11

18

25

5

12

19

26

6

13

20

27

28

7

14

21

1

8

15

22

M TW F STS

30

2

9

16

23

31

3

10

17

24

4

11

18

25

5

12

19

26

6

13

20

27

28

7

14

21

29

8

15

22

M TW F STS1jan

feb mar

January 2 Volunteer Restoration Workday

3 Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners

9 Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo Volunteer Nature Workday

10 Archery for Kids Ice Fishing for Beginners Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo

16 ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Open House Volunteer Restoration Workday

17 Cast-Iron Cooking Owls of DuPage

21 Ice Harvesting

23 Bread-Baking Class Ice Harvesting Volunteer Nature Workday

24 Bread From the Oven Ice Harvesting Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids

26 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

28 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Ice Harvesting ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session

30 Coyote Tracking Volunteer Nature Workday

31 Volunteer Restoration Workday Winter Layering and Safety

copy Peter Vagt

8 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

wwwdupageforest org 9

February 2 Wake Up Groundhog

6 Wonders of Winter

7 Snowshoeing for Beginners Volunteer Nature Workday

9 Teachersrsquo Class Tracking and Reading Begins

13 Fancywork Day Romantic Night Hike

14 Archery for Beginners Falcons of DuPage

15 Tapping Into Fun

16 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

18 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

20 Collage Workshop Begins Volunteer Nature Workday

21 Ice Fishing for Beginners

23 WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake

24 ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session

27 Backyard Birdhouses Skunk Tracking Volunteer Nature Workday Volunteer Restoration Workday Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal

28 Cast-Iron Cooking

March 6 Cub Scout Adventure From Sap to Syrup

Volunteer Nature Workday

11 WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake

13 Maple Sugaring

14 Maple Sugaring Maple Syrup Sundays Volunteer Restoration Workday Wild Dogs of DuPage

16 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

18 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Spring Night Hike

20 Acappellago Concert Archery for Beginners Volunteer Nature Workday

21 Cub Scout Adventure Makinrsquo Tracks Maple Syrup Sundays Ranger Trek Junior Volunteer Nature Workday

27 Pie-Baking Class Volunteer Nature Workday Volunteer Restoration Workday

28 Pies for Spring

29 April Foolsrsquo Adventure

winter calendar

Acappellago Concert Enjoy the sounds of Acappellago as they perform ldquoEscape to hellip The Light of the Moonrdquo a passionate journey from the romantics of the 19th century through todayrsquos popular and contemporary music $15 per adult $12 per student or senior For tickets call (708) 484-3797 ext 2

Mar 20 730 ndash 930 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

April Foolsrsquo Adventure Enjoy some April Foolsrsquo jokes and go on a search to see what doesnrsquot belong on an 1890s farm Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 29 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm

Archery for Beginners Discover the history of this classic sport and learn about equipment and shooting techniques in an indoor setting Equipment provided Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 14 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Mar 20 11 am ndash 1230 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Archery for Kids Kids learn the history and basic techniques of archery in an indoor setting Equipment provided Ages 7 ndash 10 with an adult Free Registration begins Dec 28 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 10 11 am ndash 1230 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Backyard Birdhouses Be ready to welcome backyard birds this spring Learn about different nesting needs and build a nest box to take home Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult $10 per project To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 27 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 130 ndash 3 pm Fullersburg Woods

Bread-Baking Class Learn how to bake bread the way that it was done in the 1890s and take home a loaf of your creation along with instructions and recipes $25 per person To register call (630) 876-5900

Jan 23 9 am ndash noon Kline Creek Farm Jan 23 1 ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Bread From the Oven See the process of baking bread in a wood-burning oven enjoy the tantalizing aroma and take home recipes Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 24 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half-hour Kline Creek Farm

Cast-Iron Cooking Help prepare a hearty meal over an open campfire and learn tips for cooking with cast iron $10 per person ages 16 and up $5 ages 15 and under Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 17 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Feb 28 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Collage Workshop Explore the fine art of collage as you experiment with simple design concepts and a variety of new techniques during this two-day workshop $185 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 20 amp 27 9 am ndash 4 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

10 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy Phil Myers

Coyote Tracking Locate a coyotersquos trail and follow it through the preserve interpreting the animalrsquos activities as you go Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 15 Call (630) 206-9581

Jan 30 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners Learn the differences between backcountry telemark and touring skis and pick up tips on clothing and trail etiquette Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Dec 21 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 3 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Cub Scout Adventure From Sap to Syrup Cub Scouts learn how sap from maple trees is turned into delicious syrup and taste the syrup served over ice cream $6 per Scout To register call (630) 876-5900

Mar 6 930 am ndash 3 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Cub Scout Adventure Makinrsquo Tracks Cub Scouts learn how to identify the animals that live in certain habitats by observing the signs they leave behind $3 per Scout Registration begins March 7 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 21 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Falcons of DuPage Meet three species of falcons and learn about the natural history of these highly specialized birds of prey Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Jan 31 Call (630) 942-6200

Feb 14 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Fancywork Day See lace making tatting and other handwork demonstrations and receive a pattern for a small purse Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Feb 13 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour Kline Creek Farm

Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Learn about natural and cultural history while exploring different forest preserves Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult $5 per family Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 942-6200

Jan 26 9 ndash 11 am Wayne Grove Jan 28 1 ndash 3 pm Wayne Grove Feb 16 9 ndash 11 am Willowbrook Feb 18 1 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook Mar 16 9 ndash 11 am Greene Valley Mar 18 1 ndash 3 pm Greene Valley

Ice Fishing for Beginners Learn the basics of ice fishing including safety equipment techniques and tips for forest preserve lakes Fishing will follow if conditions permit Equipment and bait provided All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 10 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Feb 21 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides at Danada Equestrian Center Enjoy a sleigh ride through the snow-covered fields and woods of Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton $5 per adult $2 per child ages 5 ndash 12 children under 5 free

Rides are 12 ndash 15 minutes long Hay wagons will be used if there is less than 6 inches of snow For additional details or for groups of 10 or more call (630) 668-6012

Jan 3 ndash Feb 28 Sundays Noon ndash 3 pm

wwwdupageforest org 11

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Ice Harvesting Learn the importance of ice before refrigeration See an exhibit of ice-cutting tools and peek into the icehouse to see how families stored blocks that lasted into summer Weather permitting help cut and transport ice from the lake Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 21 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 23 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 24 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 28 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple Sugaring See how 1890s farm families tapped trees and boiled the collected sap into maple syrup and sugar Then try to tap a tree yourself Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 13 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm Mar 14 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple-Syrup Sundays Get sticky Take a stroll through the woods and discover the secret of turning tree sap into syrup All ages Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 850-8110

Mar 14 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods

Owls of DuPage Find out why people give a hoot about owls and learn about the species that live in DuPage Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Jan 3 Call (630) 942-6200

Jan 17 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Pie-Baking Class Learn the basics of making pies Then bake different recipes in a wood-burning oven and take home your creation $25 per person To register call (630) 876-5900

Mar 27 9 am ndash noon Kline Creek Farm Mar 27 1 ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Pies for Spring Savor the aroma of pies from 1890s cookbooks as they bake in a wood-burning oven and take home recipes for your own kitchen Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 28 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half-hour Kline Creek Farm

Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids Learn how to experience the outdoors through ldquoleave no tracerdquo camping Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 11 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 24 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Ranger Trek Junior Learn about the critters that call the forest preserves home and join a ranger on a hike to explore different habitats Ages 10 and under with an adult Free Registration begins March 8 Call (630) 933-7248

Mar 21 1030 am ndash noon Waterfall Glen

Romantic Night Hike Enjoy a lantern-lit walk with your sweetheart to four scenic bridges over Salt Creek then warm up with hot cocoa around a cozy fire Adults only $10 per couple To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 13 7 ndash 9 pm Fullersburg Woods

12 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Skunk Tracking Follow skunk tracks and try to guess what the little stinker was up to Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Feb 12 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 27 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Open House Discover a variety of opportunities available with the Forest Preserve Districtrsquos nine volunteer programs including Danada Equestrian Center Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center Kline Creek Farm Mayslake Peabody Estate Natural Resource Management St James Farm Trail Patrol Volunteer Ranger Experience and Willowbrook Wildlife Center Registration not required Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 16 10 am ndash 1 pm DanadaHeadquarters one-hour presentation at 11 am

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session Learn about the nine Forest Preserve District volunteer programs in detail Ask questions and decide which option fits your interests and schedule Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 28 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters Feb 24 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters

Snowshoeing for Beginners Learn the basics of snowshoeing and put your new skills to work during a guided hike Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 25 Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 7 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Spring Night Hike Experience a forest preserve after hours when animals are accustomed to going about their activities undisturbed Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins March 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Mar 18 7 ndash 830 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

1890s Living at Kline Creek Farm (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

Jan 2 ndash March 27 (except Jan 30) Saturdays 130 ndash 330 pm

DRESSING FOR WINTER See the undergarments the farm family wore in the 1890s and learn their uses

Jan 7 ndash 25 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

COURTING IN THE 1890S Hear excerpts from love letters written in the late 19th century and learn about the role that a homersquos parlor played in courtship

Feb 11 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

A NICKELrsquoS WORTH Find out what a nickel could buy in the 1890s and how consumer preferences were changing

March 4 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

wwwdupageforest org 13

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Cultural Events at Mayslake Peabody Estate

ART EXHIBIT COLLAGE amp MEMORIES Enjoy an exhibit by the Midwest Collage Society Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

Jan 13 ndash March 4 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

FIRST FOLIO THEATRE PRESENTS ldquoJEEVES IN BLOOMrdquo When lovable Bertie Wooster gets himself into another scrape Jeeves must resign his service and reinvent himself as something other than a gentlemanrsquos gentleman $2830 adult $2325 senior or student For tickets call (630) 986-8067 or visit wwwfirstfolioorg

Jan 30 ndash Feb 28 Wednesday ndash Saturday 8 pm and Sunday 3 pm

THE ALLIANCE OF FINE ART PRESENTS ldquoTHE BEST OF THE BESTrdquo ART SHOW View the finest works of local artists Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

March 22 ndash May 7 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

RESTORATION-IN-PROGRESS TOURS Learn about the past mdash and future mdash of this historic 1920s Tudor-revival-style mansion $5 per person Group tours available Call (630) 206-9566

Wednesdays 11 am amp 1230 pm and Saturdays 930 10 11 amp 1130 am

Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo Lend a hand making sausage and learn the importance of the smokehouse and cured meats in the 1890s Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 9 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm Jan 10 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Tapping Into Fun Find out how maple syrup is made through a story and a hike to tap trees Ages 6 and up with an adult $5 per person To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 15 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 15 1 ndash 230 pm Fullersburg Woods

Teachersrsquo Class Tracking and Reading Teachers explore the parallels between the structure and meanings in written language and those in animal tracks and other objects found in nature during this 12-session course $345 per teacher Registration begins Jan 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 9 ndash 20 and Mar 2 ndash 27 Mayslake Peabody Estate Tue 530 ndash 9 pm Sat 8 am ndash noon

Volunteer Nature Workday Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult 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

Jan 9 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Jan 23 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Jan 30 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Feb 7 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Mar 6 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Mar 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods

14 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Volunteer Restoration Workday Enjoy the outdoors while helping to restore one of DuPage Countyrsquos most diverse prairies by clearing invasive plants or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult Groups of 10 or more must register Call (630) 961-2041

Jan 2 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Jan 16 1 ndash 4 pm West Chicago Prairie Jan 31 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 14 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie

WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake Enjoy an evening of high-quality jazz brought to you by Mayslake Peabody Estate WDCB Public Radio and the PianoForte Foundation Adults only $25 cabaret seating $20 general admission and $16 for seniors over 65 students and groups of seven or more (A $5-per-person docent-led tour of Mayslake Hall will precede the concert at 630 pm) For tickets call (630) 206-9566

Feb 23 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate A premiere of Ryan Cohanrsquos new septet

Mar 11 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate Barry Winograd Quartet

Wake Up Groundhog Learn all about the groundhog through a story game and craft Ages 3 ndash 5 with an adult $5 per child To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 2 1030 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods

Wild Dogs of DuPage Learn the natural history of the wild dogs including foxes and coyotes that make DuPage County home Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Feb 28 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 14 2 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook

Winter Layering and Safety Learn how to keep the whole family mdash even Spot mdash warm and safe from head to toe while enjoying the outdoors All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 18 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 31 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Wonders of Winter Discover the fun of visiting a forest preserve in winter Activities include horse-drawn hayrides ice fishing geocaching snowshoeing and winter crafts Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 6 10 am ndash 1 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal Learn how to put together a successful book proposal Prerequisite Writing a Query Letter Adults only $90 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 27 9 am ndash 3 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Snow Tubing at Mount Hoy at Blackwell Forest Preserve Take a thrilling trip down one of DuPage Countyrsquos highest peaks When more than 3 inches of snow cover Mount Hoy rent a tube and glide down an 800-foot run Only District inner tubes are allowed which cost $4 per tube per day Tube rental ends at 330 pm For updated hours and snow conditions call the 24-hour Outdoor Report at (630) 871-6422

Dec 5 ndash Feb 28 Saturdays and Sundays and Dec 21 ndash 24 Dec 28 ndash Jan 1 Jan 18 and Feb 15 9 am ndash 4 pm

wwwdupageforest org 15

WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)Fact Contrary to popular belief the number of points on a deerrsquos antlers does not relate to the animalrsquos age Instead it reflects the animalrsquos genetics health and diet

COYOTE (Canis latrans)Fact When it comes to eating coyotes arenrsquot picky They mostly eat small mammals but may also dine on birds amphibians insects or even garbage In fall and winter fruits and vegetables are important sources of food for coyotes as well

VIRGINIA OPOSSUM (Didelphis virginiana)Fact Opossum tracks are made up of footprints and marks left by the animalrsquos long hairless tail Its tail is ldquoprehensilerdquo which means it can grab objects like tree branches

BOBCAT (Lynx rufus)Fact Bobcats live in well-defined territories that contain several shelters including their main dens and temporary lodging such as hollow logs and brush piles Ecologists believe these wild felines inhabit two DuPage forest preserves Waterfall Glen in Darien and Greene Valley in Naperville

STRIPED SKUNK (Mephitis mephitis)Fact A skunk can spray up to 15 feet It usually gives a warning by hissing stamping its front feet or waving its tail It may even do a handstand

trail talk

TRACKS amp Facts

copy David Cappaert M

ichigan State University Bugwoodorg

copy Brian Tang

copy Jeanie Klein

TORPOR is a short-term state of reduced

metabolic rate and body temperature that allows an animal to

save energy in cold weather Itrsquos sometimes called ldquotemporary

hibernationrdquo Some DuPage animals including bats and mice

enter torpor in winter when food is scare and itrsquos cold outside

16 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

SNOWBIRDS for Snowbirders

by CHRISTOPHER GUTMANN NATURALIST FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER

Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis)

copy T

ony T

anou

ry

4

3

6

5

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

copy Brian E Sm

allVIREOcopy

R amp S DayVIREO

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy J Schum

acherVIREO

1

2

Have you ever seen a male northern cardinal in the rich early-morning sun with a

backdrop of freshly fallen pure-white snow Have you ever seen a red-tailed hawk perched majestically on a bur oak overseeing its vast wintery kingdom Have you ever seen a mallard and an American black duck swimming side by side and discovered how theyrsquore different If you would like the answer to any of these questions to be ldquoyesrdquo grab a pair of binoculars and head to your nearest DuPage County forest preserve this winter

Yes itrsquos cold but the birding is never easier There are hardly any concealing leaves and the bright colors and dramatic contrasts of many birds become even more conspicuous in the otherwise drab winter landscape True there are fewer species around in winter but that just makes them easier to identify Even a modest-sized forest preserve like Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook can have over 40 species this time of year and the birds are practically begging to be seen The only way it would be easier to find them is if they had blinking neon arrows pointing in their direction

Some people assume that most birds fly south for the winter and while many species do travel as far as South America on their fall journeys for others DuPage County is ldquosouthrdquo The best example of this is the original snowbird the dark-eyed junco Juncos spend their summers in the far

north east and west but in winter you can find these cute gray-and-white sparrow-sized birds in DuPage County foraging low to the ground in small flocks

Other birds thought to fly south never leave the county One example is the American goldfinch Goldfinches are abundant in winter but because the males exchange their trademark bright yellow summer plumage for the femalesrsquo browns and grays many people donrsquot realize theyrsquore still in the neighborhood You can find American goldfinches in their winter ldquoclothesrdquo foraging on the leftover seed heads of dormant wildflowers

Even more surprising than the incognito goldfinch is the famous ldquoharbinger of springrdquo the American robin You can sometimes see this bird in forests foraging by the hundreds for leftover berries in the middle of winter Winter birders should also keep an eye out for the robinrsquos berry-loving cousin the eastern bluebird

There are of course more familiar winter favorites Male northern cardinals sit boldly on shrubs radiating their fire-engineshyred feathers Adorable black-capped chickadees hang upside down on branches calling ldquochick-a-dee-dee-dee-deerdquo to let each other know theyrsquore being watched by a big primate mdash you

A true bird lover will even marvel this time of year at the much-maligned yet stunningly beautiful blue jay Its colors alone

18 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy

G BartleyVIREO 9

copy F K SchleicherVIREO

10

11

7

8

copy Brian Tang

copy R CurtisVIREO

lt 1 Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2 American black duck (Anas rubripes) 3 American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) 4 Hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 5 Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 6 American robin (Turdus migratorius) 7 Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8 Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 9 White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 10 Brown creeper (Certhia americana) 11 Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

make it worth watching but itrsquos also an incredibly intelligent bird with a wide array of fascinating behaviors including mimicry For years there has been a blue jay at Fullersburg Woods that does a dead-on impression of a Cooperrsquos hawk which routinely fools birders Its imitation of a red-tailed hawk is respectable but its red-shouldered-hawk act needs some work

Speaking of blue jays and hawks have you ever heard a small flock of blue jays making a racket in the treetops If you take the time to investigate yoursquoll often find the jays mobbing a hawk or an owl trying to persuade the predator to leave their territory The jays arenrsquot trying to annoy you theyrsquore just telling you that therersquos another incredible bird nearby

Winter birders should remember too to focus on more than just branches Some of the most handsome and interesting species can be found hanging out on trunks As red-bellied downy and hairy woodpeckers hunt for food their reds blacks and whites stand out against the drab browns and grays of the bark White-breasted nuthatches grunt their way down tree trunks head first as they busily wedge seeds into the bark but well-camouflaged brown creepers steadily spiral their way up

If you visit the forest preserves soon after they open itrsquos not uncommon to see a great horned owl wrapping up its nighttime winter hunting or an eastern screech owl perching at the entrance to a tree cavity or wood-duck house as it soaks in a little heat from the sun Use your binoculars to view them from afar though It may look as if their eyes are closed but chances are theyrsquove seen and heard you coming long before yoursquove spotted them If they feel yoursquove gotten too close they will quickly disappear

Last but not least winter is a great time to view waterfowl Many ducks including male wood ducks are in their

brightest plumage and even mallards look stunning on the icy water Always look closely at large flocks of mallards or Canada geese you might notice the luminous irises of a common goldeneye or the comically large bill of a northern shoveler mingling in the crowd

Of course you canrsquot see any of these amazing animals unless you get outside this winter for a snowbird adventure at a DuPage County forest preserve near you bull

FINDING FEATHERED FRIENDS in Forest Preserves 1 Avoid brightly colored clothing Some birds will flush at the

first sight of you The longer it takes them to spot you the better your chances are of getting a good look at them

2 Itrsquos called bird-watching not bird talking Loud noises can scare birds so keep conversation as quiet as possible and turn off cell phones

3 Take your time and slowly scan an area Often birds are silent and will reveal themselves only with subtle movements

4 Leave Fido at home A recent study showed that dog walking in woodlands leads to a 35 percent reduction in bird diversity and a 41 percent reduction in abundance

5 In spring attend ldquoFullersBird Fridaysrdquo at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and ldquoBirding at Willowbrookrdquo at Willowbrook Wildlife Center These naturalist-led bird walks are great for beginning birders

wwwdupageforest org 19

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve explore

More Than Meets the Eye

by JAYNE BOHNER OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

6or many people driving down County Farm Road Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in West Chicago is the home of Kline Creek Farm the Forest

Preserve District of DuPage Countyrsquos 200-acre 1890s living-history farm but the farm is just a part of a remarkable 1148-acre forest preserve

The crops at Kline Creek Farm and a few dozen tillable acres to the north serve as reminders of the arearsquos agricultural roots but within a stretch of land north of the Great Western Trail the Forest Preserve District has converted former fields to more native habitat By removing clay tiles that farmers once installed to drain the soil District ecologists have restored the natural hydrology to the land where they have subsequently planted native wetland species like cattails bulrushes and water plantains In drier areas by removing tree lines that once grew along old fence rows they have created more open grasslands which theyrsquove seeded with flora like big and little bluestem black-eyed Susans lead plant and prairie clover In summer the prairie plants accommodate ground-nesting birds like eastern meadowlarks and savanna sparrows but this time of year they feed American tree sparrows juncos fox sparrows and white-throated sparrows while their stems pods and dried leaves create a natural architecture that displays the seasonrsquos powdery snows

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is also home to a natural savanna Klein Savanna which borders the

F north side of the Illinois Prairie Path just west of Klein Creek Its diversity of plant life makes it one of the highest quality ecosystems in the District Here dormant Allegheny shadblows also known as Allegheny serviceberries wait for spring to trigger their production of fragrant clusters of white flowers and juicy fruits Bare white and bur oaks and shagbark hickories stand over frozen ground that in a few months will erupt with trilliums spring beauties and trout lilies or thaw into ephemeral ponds that will broadcast the sounds of chorus frogs and American toads In summer when foxglove beard tongues and Jacobrsquos ladders bloom the verdant savanna will sing with woodland birds like northern orioles nuthatches black-capped chickadees and scarlet tanagers Winter though promises glimpses of great horned owls which begin nesting in February when the barren landscape makes it easier for adults and fledglings to spot prey

For fans of either the Great Western Trail or the Illinois Prairie Path Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is an ideal starting point Those who want to begin their excursions farther west

often use the small lot on Prince Crossing Road just north of the Great Western Trail (An upland grove east of the parking lot on the south side of the trail is home to a stately white oak roughly 50 inches in diameter 90 feet tall and two to three centuries old) Hikers bikers and cross-country skiers looking for more amenities may instead choose the Kline Creek Farm parking lot on

20 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea)

lt Fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

copy G M

cElroyVIREOcopy

J P Myers

White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

lt Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

North

Quick Look

For a detailed map of Timber Ridge visit wwwdupageforestorg

North Ave

St Charles Rd

Indian Knoll Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Geneva Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Winfield Rd

Kline Creek Farm

Opening Spring 2010

Visitor Center

I llinois P rairie P ath E lgin Spu r

I llinois P rairie P ath G enev a Spu r

G reat W estern T rail

64

Hawthorne Ln

Coun

ty F

arm

Rd

KleinCreek

TimberLake

SpringLake

West BranchDuPage River

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve

KleinSavanna

County Farm Road near the Timber Ridge Visitor Center The centerrsquos drinking fountains and heated restrooms are open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset The interior of the center which houses displays relating to the farmstead and a gift shop is only open during Kline Creek Farmrsquos regular operating hours Thursdays through Mondays from 9 am until 5 pm For information on Kline Creek Farm exhibits educational programs and special events call the farm at (630) 876-5900

The County Farm Road parking lot connects to a 1-mile north-south Forest Preserve District trail that joins the Great Western Trail with the Illinois Prairie Path It also leads to a moderate 05-mile gravel trail that takes anglers to Timber Lake The 17-acre lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet and offers largemouth bass bluegill channel catfish crappie green sunfish carp and black bullheads (A second smaller lake Spring Lake lies in the interior of the forest preserve It boasts being one of only two natural lakes in the county but is inaccessible by trail)

An anticipated addition to Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is a 30-car parking lot on Prince Crossing Road roughly 04 mile north of Geneva Road Opening in spring 2010 the area will give visitors access to a western portion of the preserve via a 075-mile looped trail with two overlooks near the wetland informally known as the Geneva Road Marsh This time of year oases of open water on the marsh are packed with mallards dabbling for seeds and aquatic vegetation but by summer egrets and great blue herons will again be standing in the shallows picking frogs from the white water lilies that will eventually unfurl over the entire marsh bull

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

ltcopy

Joseph Weibler lt

wwwdupageforest org 21

directory

GENERAL Contacts

HEADQUARTERS

Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189

The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm The office is closed on Saturday Sunday and select holidays

Mailing Address PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

Web Site wwwdupageforestorg

E-mail Address forestdupageforestorg

Main Number (630) 933-7200

TTY (800) 526-0857

THE CONSERVATIONIST SUBSCRIPTION LINE (630) 933-7085

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (630) 933-7097

LAW ENFORCEMENT (630) 933-7240

THE OUTDOOR REPORT (630) 871-6422

VISITOR SERVICES (630) 933-7248

VOLUNTEER SERVICES (630) 933-7681

GOLF Clubs

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

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 272 S Addison Road Wood Dale IL 60191 (630) 616-8424

OAK MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 900 N Wood Dale Road Addison IL 60101 (630) 595-1800

copy J P Myers

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 Districtrsquos ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit

EDUCATION Centers

DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 3S503 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189 (630) 668-6012

The centerrsquos office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 430 pm and is closed on select holidays

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook IL 60523 (630) 850-8110

The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm 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 am to 5 pm and is closed on Tuesday Wednesday and select holidays

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

The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER 525 S Park Blvd Glen Ellyn IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and are closed on select holidays

22 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

North

o e e opForest Preserve Property

n d o e e opForest Preserve Property

o eLakePondWaterway

WetWetland

e gEntranceParking

o e Forest Preserve Trail

opo d Proposed Trail

Co County Trail

U ouUS Route

S oState Route

e RInterstate Route

U Unofficial Name

CHICAGOOrsquoHAREINTrsquoL

AIRPORT

THE MORTONARBORETUM

ARGONNENATIONAL

LABORATORY

FERMI NATIONALACCELERATORLABORATORY

DUPAGECOUNTYAIRPORT

CANT GNY

DUPAGECOUNTYCOMPLEX

C a r o l S t r e a m

G l e n d a l eH e i g h t s

A u r o r a

S t C h a r l e s

W a y n e

B a r t l e t t

W e s tC h i c a g o

L o m b a r d

G l e nE l l y n

H a n o v e rP a r k

B l o o m i n g d a l e

A d d i s o n

W h e a t o n

W o o d r i d g e

N a p e r v i l l e

D a r i e n

W i l l o w b r o o k

B u r rR i d g e

H i n s d a l e

W e s t m o n t

C l a r e n d o nH i l l s

O a k B r o o k

D o w n e r sG r o v e

O a k b r o o kT e r r a c e

E l m h u r s t

V i l l aP a r k

E l k G r o v e

W o o d D a l e

B e n s e n v i l l e

R o s e l l e

L i s l e

W a r r e n v i l l e

I t a s c a

W i n f i e l d

I l l inois Prairie Path

Great Western Trai l

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prairie Path

Batavia Spur

Aurora Spur

Aurora

Spur

Elgin Spur

West Branch DuPage River

East BranchDuPage River

Des Plaines River

SaltCreek

SpringbrookCreek

School St

Gro

ve A

ve

Montrose Ave

Rive

r Rd

20

19

83

83

55

53

53

53290

290

355

355

34

34

59

59

64

38

56

88

88

Stearns Rd

Smith Rd

Powis Rd

Pow

is Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Munger Rd

Klei

n Rd

Bart

lett

Rd

Greenbrook Blvd

Cloverdale Rd

Thorn Rd

Cou

nty

Farm

Rd

Schick Rd Schick Rd

Kuhn

Rd

Fair

Oak

s Rd

North Ave

Gar

y A

ve

Schm

ale

Rd

Bu de te Ave

Bloomingdal e Rd

Rose

lle R

d

Gl e

n E l

lyn

R d

Swift

Rd

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd

Grac e St

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd

Add

son Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd

Devon Ave

Prospect Ave

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd

Grand Ave

York Rd

Va Ave

Vill a Ave

Butterfield Rd High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave

Summ

it Ave

West m

ore A ve

Mey

ers

Rd

Highland A

ve

St Charles Rd

Cres

cent Blvd

Mai

n St

M

a in

St

Hill Ave

Pennsylvan a Ave

Harrison St

Main St

St Charles Rd

St Charles Rd

Roosevelt Rd Wes

t St

Geneva Rd

Harrison Ave

Manchester Rd

Jewell Rd

H ghlake Rd

Ind an Kno

Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Washington St

Arbor A

ve

Downs Dr

ndus

tra

Dr

Kres

s R

d

Kautz Rd

Fabyan Pkwy

Batavia Rd

Purnell Rd

Winf

ield

Rd

Mack Rd

Sch a

ffne

r Rd

Weis

brook Rd

Orc

hard

Rd

War

renv

ille R

d

Plamondon Rd

Nap

ervi

lle R

d

Blan

char

d St

Butterfield Rd

Fawell Blvd

Park

Blv

d

Finley Rd

31st St Oakbrook Rd

Midw

est Ave

22nd St Harger Rd

Sprng Rd

York Rd

Spring Rd

Chicago Ave

35th St Cass A

ve

Hig

hlan

d A

ve

Naperville Rd

Leask Ln

Nape

rvil

e Rd

Warrenville Rd

Her

rick

Rd

Wnf

ed

Rd

Bilter Rd

Ferry Rd

Diehl Rd Diehl Rd

Eola

Rd

Raymond Dr

Mill St

Doug as Ave

Jefferson Ave Chicago Ave

Yack

ley

Ave

Col

lege

Rd

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd

Garfield A

ve

Harvester Rd

Em

Rd

Jol et Rd

Cou

nty

Line

Rd

91st St

Madison St

Fairv

iew

Ave

Main St

Ma

n St

75th St

Plainfield Rd

Cass A

ve

87th St Oldfield Rd

Wood w

ard Ave

83rd St

Gre

ene

Rd

75th St

79th St

Hobson Rd

Weh

rli R

d

Nap

er B

lvd

Was

hing

ton

St

Washington St

87th St

Modaff Rd

Gartner Rd

Aurora Ave

New York St

Liberty St

75th St

Rickert Dr

Montgomery Rd 83rd St

Bluff Rd

Cass Ave

Lem

ont R

d

Inter

naiona e Pkwy

River Rd

North Aurora Rd

Irving Park Rd

Gary s M ll Rd

Maple Ave

Circle Ave

Smith Rd

Ger

ber R

d

Med

nah

Rd

M

edi n

ah R

d

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin OrsquoHare

Geneva Rd

Bilter Rd

DuPage Pkwy

Shor

e Rd

Ogden Ave

Book

Rd

Jackson Ave

Pa

nfed-N

aperve Rd

Abbeywood Dr

Ranc

h V

ew D

r

Hobson R

d

Hitcock Ave

Manning Rd

Lem

on

t Rd

Gi bert Ave

Finley

Rd

Adam

s St

Wilson Ave

Park

Blv

d

College Rd

Army Trail Rd

Naper Blvd

Green Tra ls Dr

Ferry Rd

Mor

ton

Rd

Davey Rd

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd

Fron

tena

c Rd

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Des Plaines Pl esRiverwayRi r

e

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands

rsquosWWooW

Du

aynenev

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWo s

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWo s

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes

e

owowvv

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

kHighRidge

Salt Cre k Greenway

Woodd

G

e a

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

Gr enGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

manLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlandsWetlands

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

We tWestBranchBranch

PrattPrattrsquossWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

ayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWo sWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWo sWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakesLakes

Woo sWoods

W renvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoo sWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneV leyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

kHighYorkHighRidgeRidge

Salt Cre kSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

erfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St JamesSt JamesFarmFarm

Des Plaines Des Plaines

294

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt

Page 3: The Conservationist Winter 2010

4 6

16

8

ON

THE

COV

ER H

oarfr

ost o

n co

mm

on m

ilkw

eed

copy T

ony T

anou

ry

copy P

hil M

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17

20

contents Vol 46 No 1 | Winter 2010

4 News amp Notes

6 Questions Questions

8 Winter Calendar

16 Trail Talk

17 Snowbirds for Snowbirders

20 Explore

22 Directory

23 Map

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

3wwwdupageforest org

news amp notes WE NEED YOU

Many conservation education and recreation programs throughout the District need your help Here are a few examples of what your gift can provide

$3000 Off-road wheelchair (6 needed)

$800 GPS microchip for tracking endangered species (10 needed)

$500 Archery target (35 needed)

$500 Portable breath analyzer for police officers (18 needed)

$250 Sponsorship of ldquoGo Greenrdquo event at Fullersburg Woods (many needed)

$150 Kline Creek Farm historical outfit (14 needed)

$40 Volunteer litter-removal kit including gloves safety glasses and pick-up tool (many needed)

$20 Cottontail orphan care for two weeks at Willowbrook Wildlife Center (many needed)

Donations of all sizes are welcome and will enhance your forest preserves Please send a tax-deductible donation today in the Naturersquos Gift envelope provided within this issue

BRING THE OUTDOORS IN

Invite a Forest Preserve District speaker to your next meeting and learn the latest about DuPage Countyrsquos forest preserves from ecological restoration projects to innovative hands-on educational programs Speakers are available through April 15 Call (630) 933-7246

TREE-Planting Time As part of the Districtrsquos annual fall tree-planting program forestry crews added over 600 trees and shrubs to forest preserves throughout the county Several new trees at Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville complement the trail realignment along Greene Road and plantings along Naperville Road at Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton will soon serve as a traffic buffer New trees and shrubs will also provide privacy shade wildlife habitat and scenery at recently renovated sites at the Blackwell Family Campground at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville

ONLINE Project Updates Want the latest on improvements at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton or information on the waterway restoration at Churchill Woods Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn Then visit the ldquoPlans and Projectsrdquo page under ldquoDistrict Newsrdquo at wwwdupageforestorg for updates and images of these and other forest preserve projects

SNOWY Frozen Fun Before you put on your mittens and head outdoors visit the ldquoWinter Activitiesrdquo page in the ldquoRecreationrdquo section of the Districtrsquos Web site wwwdupageforestorg Yoursquoll find information on the many ways to enjoy snowy fun like cross-country skiing tubing and ice fishing in the forest preserves

FOLLOW OUR TRACKS ON TWITTER

The Forest Preserve District is now on Twitter Facebook YouTube and Flickr (Look for DuPageForest our abbreviated name on Twitter and YouTube) Sign up for your District updates today

READY To Go Digital Ready to read the latest on DuPage flora fauna and forest preserves online Then call (630) 933-7085 or e-mail forestdupageforestorg and ask to have your mailed copy of The Conservationist discontinued You can enjoy The Conservationist and other great online features 247 at the Districtrsquos Web site wwwdupageforestorg Bookmark it today

4 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

MANY Thanks Thanks to the sponsors who contributed to the success of fall Forest Preserve District events

Danada Fall Festival The Comcast Foundation Uncle Bubrsquos Award Winning BBQ WCCQ ndash FM 983 Robert W Baird amp Co Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital The Daily Herald Purina Mills LLC V3 Companies of Illinois Weaver Boos Consultants Anonymous BlackFinn American Saloon Civiltech Engineering Inc The Cloud Foundation Comfy Bummy Cowart Chiropractic Clinic Cowhey Gudmundson Leder Ltd Dunham Woods Horse Show Engineering Resource Associates Inc ESI Consultants Ltd Family Health and Wellness HDR Engineering JFNew Naper Settlement Nutrilicious Horse and Rider Treats Opal Enterprises Inc Planning Resources Inc Prosekrsquos Greenhouse Panera Bread SEC Group Inc URS Corporation

GO Get Outside 5K RunWalk Deluxe Distance Productions MampM Orthopaedics Fisher Chiropractic and

Integrative Health Brooks Sports The Center for Chiropractic Health Meyer Wire Rejuvenation Therapeutic Massage The Runnerrsquos Soul

A ldquoGREENrdquo WINTER

The District is turning DuPage Countyrsquos white winters ldquogreenrdquo by using liquid and pellet forms of magnesium chloride an environmentally friendly salt alternative to melt ice on roads parking lots and sidewalks To apply the liquid form plow trucks use computer-controlled equipment that accounts for air and ground temperatures to spray the precise amount needed

PUBLIC Meetings Forest Preserve District Board of Commissionersrsquo meetings and planning sessions are open to the public and held at District headquarters at 3S580 Naperville Road in Wheaton Commission meetings normally take place the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 9 am Planning sessions normally take place the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 9 am 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 various items Schedules and agendas for all meetings and sessions are available in advance on the Districtrsquos Web site wwwdupageforestorg

AWARD-WINNING WORK

The District earned the distinction of ldquoOutstanding Civil Engineering Achievement of the Year Under $5 Millionrdquo from the Illinois Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers for its Spring Brook Meander Project which created 2 miles of healthy stream at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville

The Illinois Association of Park Districts presented the District with two ldquoBest of the Bestrdquo awards mdash an ldquoIntergovernmental Cooperation Awardrdquo shared with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Bartlett Park District for management of James ldquoPaterdquo Philip State Park in Bartlett and a second-place ldquoBest Green Practices Awardrdquo for conservation measures IAPD also named Kline Creek Farm volunteer Dr Lawrence DuBose ldquoOutstanding Citizen Volunteer of the Yearrdquo for his contributions to the 1890s farm in West Chicago and recognized Commissioner Michael Formento for 15 years of public service

The fall 2008 issue of The Conservationist won two awards in the 21st-annual Awards for Publication Excellence Competition sponsored by Communications Concepts Inc District ecologist Dan Thompson won an ldquoAward of Excellencerdquo in the category of scientific and environmental writing for the article ldquoOwls A Stealthy Speciesrdquo and the issue as a whole received an ldquoAward of Excellencerdquo in the category of magapaper and newspaper writing

wwwdupageforest org 5

copy J P M

yers

QuestionsQuestions

by JACK MACRAE NATURALIST WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER

lt As a naturalist mdash a person who

studies an arearsquos natural and cultural history and loves talking about it even more mdash Irsquove probably

answered between 10 and 20 thousand questions in my career an average amount for someone in my profession After all questions are a naturalistrsquos bread and butter Irsquove always enjoyed questions and consider them important forms of communication that lead people to higher levels of learning and greater understandings I particularly love the ones that I donrsquot know the answer to because then I get to go home and learn something myself

The majority of questions usually those that start with ldquowhatrdquo ldquowhererdquo or ldquowhenrdquo are easy for an experienced naturalist to answer (The most frequently asked by a wide margin is ldquoWhere are the bathroomsrdquo) During a school program that presented the lives of the Potawatomi Indians who moved into DuPage County in the late 1600s one student asked ldquoWhat did the Indians eatrdquo My answer was a short list of edible plants and animals The response

of wide-eyed squeals of ldquoEwwwwwrdquo and ldquoGrosssssrdquo caused me to solicit my own questions to the group that was clearly accustomed to hunting and gathering food with a shopping cart

ldquoHowrdquo and ldquowhyrdquo questions can be a little more difficult to answer such as ldquoWhy are butterflies prettyrdquo or ldquoWhy are owls meanrdquo or more thought provoking such as ldquoHow do birds know which song to singrdquo That last question led to a discussion on songbirds and the eastern phoebe and its innate ability to sing its melodic ldquofee beerdquo perfectly even when raised in isolation from other phoebes

Some questions directly relate to age Long ago I was working in a local history museum and was showing various Stone Age tools to a group of kindergartners One girl asked ldquoHow did these things get so oldrdquo and I quickly learned that the concept of time is abstract to a 5-year-old

Other questions remind me never to assume that everyone shares the same level of understanding of ecology or nature in general During a wildlife hike at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook I talked about the kinds of animals that lived in the preserve such as deer raccoons foxes owls and hawks One woman asked if we kept the animals in cages When I told her no she followed with a sincere ldquoThen why do they stay here Why donrsquot they run awayrdquo Her questions may have sounded foolish but they gave me a chance to discuss the concept of habitat one area that contains everything an organism needs to survive with the entire group

There is no doubt that DuPage County forest preserves arouse peoplersquos curiosity and questions that ultimately result in a greater understanding of the natural world So the next time you attend a forest preserve program please donrsquot keep your questions to yourself bull

Eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)

Eastern phoebe lt (Sayornis phoebe)

copy G

ary Davis

copy Johnny N Dell Bugw

oodorg

copy Joseph W

eibler

the

fie

ld

omFr

lt

Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana)

lt lt Gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) Fox squirrel

(Sciurus niger)

Q How does that bird know my name A The bird was a gray catbird which is named for its

distinctive call that brings to mind a meowing cat The visitor at Fullersburg Woods was named Erin and she obviously thought the catbird was calling ldquoErrrrrrrin Errrrrinrdquo

Q Do you want to see the piranha I caught A This one is proof that there is no such thing as a silly

question Piranhas are omnivorous fish known for their voracious appetite for meat They live in the Amazon basin but the fish caught by this Herrick Lake angler was in fact a piranha Someone had undoubtedly released it from a home aquarium someone who did not understand the detrimental effect a nonnative species can have on an ecosystem

Q Can you identify an animal for me It looks like Mickey Rooney

A The animal in question was an opossum which has gray or white fur and prominent whiskers and at least to one person superficially resembles the legendary 5-foot-3-inch 89-year-old actor of film television and stage

Q Is that fire real A I can only assume this visitor at Kline Creek Farm in

West Chicago was thinking of the faux fireplaces that people can buy at home-decorator stores The fires in the cooking stoves and at the blacksmith shop at Kline Creek Farm though are the real deal

Q Why can I have a pet gerbil but not a pet squirrel A Gerbils are rodents native to Asia and Africa The

Mongolian variety has been a popular pet in the United

States since the 1950s They can legally be bought and sold in all states except California On the other hand all native tree squirrels are protected by Illinois law and cannot be kept in captivity

Q Did you know there is a penguin at Herrick Lake A The bird in question was not a penguin but the Illinois

state-endangered black-crowned night heron This stocky short-necked heron has a black head and back and a white face breast throat and belly It does bear a slight resemblance to a penguin but you wonrsquot be seeing one in a feature-length documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman any time soon

ltBlack-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)

ltMagellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus)

copy Pam

ela Rasmussen

copy Phil M

yers

7wwwdupageforest org

winter calendar See pages 10 through 15 for program descriptions

26

5

12

19

27

6

13

20

28

7

14

21

29

1

8

15

22

30

2

9

16

23

2431

3

10

17

25

4

11

18

M TW F STS2

9

16

23

3

10

17

24

4

11

18

25

5

12

19

26

6

13

20

27

28

7

14

21

1

8

15

22

M TW F STS

30

2

9

16

23

31

3

10

17

24

4

11

18

25

5

12

19

26

6

13

20

27

28

7

14

21

29

8

15

22

M TW F STS1jan

feb mar

January 2 Volunteer Restoration Workday

3 Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners

9 Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo Volunteer Nature Workday

10 Archery for Kids Ice Fishing for Beginners Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo

16 ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Open House Volunteer Restoration Workday

17 Cast-Iron Cooking Owls of DuPage

21 Ice Harvesting

23 Bread-Baking Class Ice Harvesting Volunteer Nature Workday

24 Bread From the Oven Ice Harvesting Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids

26 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

28 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Ice Harvesting ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session

30 Coyote Tracking Volunteer Nature Workday

31 Volunteer Restoration Workday Winter Layering and Safety

copy Peter Vagt

8 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

wwwdupageforest org 9

February 2 Wake Up Groundhog

6 Wonders of Winter

7 Snowshoeing for Beginners Volunteer Nature Workday

9 Teachersrsquo Class Tracking and Reading Begins

13 Fancywork Day Romantic Night Hike

14 Archery for Beginners Falcons of DuPage

15 Tapping Into Fun

16 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

18 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

20 Collage Workshop Begins Volunteer Nature Workday

21 Ice Fishing for Beginners

23 WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake

24 ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session

27 Backyard Birdhouses Skunk Tracking Volunteer Nature Workday Volunteer Restoration Workday Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal

28 Cast-Iron Cooking

March 6 Cub Scout Adventure From Sap to Syrup

Volunteer Nature Workday

11 WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake

13 Maple Sugaring

14 Maple Sugaring Maple Syrup Sundays Volunteer Restoration Workday Wild Dogs of DuPage

16 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

18 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Spring Night Hike

20 Acappellago Concert Archery for Beginners Volunteer Nature Workday

21 Cub Scout Adventure Makinrsquo Tracks Maple Syrup Sundays Ranger Trek Junior Volunteer Nature Workday

27 Pie-Baking Class Volunteer Nature Workday Volunteer Restoration Workday

28 Pies for Spring

29 April Foolsrsquo Adventure

winter calendar

Acappellago Concert Enjoy the sounds of Acappellago as they perform ldquoEscape to hellip The Light of the Moonrdquo a passionate journey from the romantics of the 19th century through todayrsquos popular and contemporary music $15 per adult $12 per student or senior For tickets call (708) 484-3797 ext 2

Mar 20 730 ndash 930 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

April Foolsrsquo Adventure Enjoy some April Foolsrsquo jokes and go on a search to see what doesnrsquot belong on an 1890s farm Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 29 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm

Archery for Beginners Discover the history of this classic sport and learn about equipment and shooting techniques in an indoor setting Equipment provided Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 14 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Mar 20 11 am ndash 1230 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Archery for Kids Kids learn the history and basic techniques of archery in an indoor setting Equipment provided Ages 7 ndash 10 with an adult Free Registration begins Dec 28 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 10 11 am ndash 1230 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Backyard Birdhouses Be ready to welcome backyard birds this spring Learn about different nesting needs and build a nest box to take home Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult $10 per project To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 27 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 130 ndash 3 pm Fullersburg Woods

Bread-Baking Class Learn how to bake bread the way that it was done in the 1890s and take home a loaf of your creation along with instructions and recipes $25 per person To register call (630) 876-5900

Jan 23 9 am ndash noon Kline Creek Farm Jan 23 1 ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Bread From the Oven See the process of baking bread in a wood-burning oven enjoy the tantalizing aroma and take home recipes Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 24 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half-hour Kline Creek Farm

Cast-Iron Cooking Help prepare a hearty meal over an open campfire and learn tips for cooking with cast iron $10 per person ages 16 and up $5 ages 15 and under Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 17 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Feb 28 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Collage Workshop Explore the fine art of collage as you experiment with simple design concepts and a variety of new techniques during this two-day workshop $185 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 20 amp 27 9 am ndash 4 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

10 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy Phil Myers

Coyote Tracking Locate a coyotersquos trail and follow it through the preserve interpreting the animalrsquos activities as you go Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 15 Call (630) 206-9581

Jan 30 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners Learn the differences between backcountry telemark and touring skis and pick up tips on clothing and trail etiquette Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Dec 21 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 3 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Cub Scout Adventure From Sap to Syrup Cub Scouts learn how sap from maple trees is turned into delicious syrup and taste the syrup served over ice cream $6 per Scout To register call (630) 876-5900

Mar 6 930 am ndash 3 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Cub Scout Adventure Makinrsquo Tracks Cub Scouts learn how to identify the animals that live in certain habitats by observing the signs they leave behind $3 per Scout Registration begins March 7 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 21 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Falcons of DuPage Meet three species of falcons and learn about the natural history of these highly specialized birds of prey Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Jan 31 Call (630) 942-6200

Feb 14 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Fancywork Day See lace making tatting and other handwork demonstrations and receive a pattern for a small purse Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Feb 13 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour Kline Creek Farm

Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Learn about natural and cultural history while exploring different forest preserves Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult $5 per family Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 942-6200

Jan 26 9 ndash 11 am Wayne Grove Jan 28 1 ndash 3 pm Wayne Grove Feb 16 9 ndash 11 am Willowbrook Feb 18 1 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook Mar 16 9 ndash 11 am Greene Valley Mar 18 1 ndash 3 pm Greene Valley

Ice Fishing for Beginners Learn the basics of ice fishing including safety equipment techniques and tips for forest preserve lakes Fishing will follow if conditions permit Equipment and bait provided All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 10 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Feb 21 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides at Danada Equestrian Center Enjoy a sleigh ride through the snow-covered fields and woods of Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton $5 per adult $2 per child ages 5 ndash 12 children under 5 free

Rides are 12 ndash 15 minutes long Hay wagons will be used if there is less than 6 inches of snow For additional details or for groups of 10 or more call (630) 668-6012

Jan 3 ndash Feb 28 Sundays Noon ndash 3 pm

wwwdupageforest org 11

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Ice Harvesting Learn the importance of ice before refrigeration See an exhibit of ice-cutting tools and peek into the icehouse to see how families stored blocks that lasted into summer Weather permitting help cut and transport ice from the lake Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 21 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 23 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 24 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 28 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple Sugaring See how 1890s farm families tapped trees and boiled the collected sap into maple syrup and sugar Then try to tap a tree yourself Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 13 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm Mar 14 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple-Syrup Sundays Get sticky Take a stroll through the woods and discover the secret of turning tree sap into syrup All ages Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 850-8110

Mar 14 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods

Owls of DuPage Find out why people give a hoot about owls and learn about the species that live in DuPage Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Jan 3 Call (630) 942-6200

Jan 17 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Pie-Baking Class Learn the basics of making pies Then bake different recipes in a wood-burning oven and take home your creation $25 per person To register call (630) 876-5900

Mar 27 9 am ndash noon Kline Creek Farm Mar 27 1 ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Pies for Spring Savor the aroma of pies from 1890s cookbooks as they bake in a wood-burning oven and take home recipes for your own kitchen Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 28 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half-hour Kline Creek Farm

Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids Learn how to experience the outdoors through ldquoleave no tracerdquo camping Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 11 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 24 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Ranger Trek Junior Learn about the critters that call the forest preserves home and join a ranger on a hike to explore different habitats Ages 10 and under with an adult Free Registration begins March 8 Call (630) 933-7248

Mar 21 1030 am ndash noon Waterfall Glen

Romantic Night Hike Enjoy a lantern-lit walk with your sweetheart to four scenic bridges over Salt Creek then warm up with hot cocoa around a cozy fire Adults only $10 per couple To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 13 7 ndash 9 pm Fullersburg Woods

12 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Skunk Tracking Follow skunk tracks and try to guess what the little stinker was up to Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Feb 12 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 27 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Open House Discover a variety of opportunities available with the Forest Preserve Districtrsquos nine volunteer programs including Danada Equestrian Center Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center Kline Creek Farm Mayslake Peabody Estate Natural Resource Management St James Farm Trail Patrol Volunteer Ranger Experience and Willowbrook Wildlife Center Registration not required Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 16 10 am ndash 1 pm DanadaHeadquarters one-hour presentation at 11 am

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session Learn about the nine Forest Preserve District volunteer programs in detail Ask questions and decide which option fits your interests and schedule Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 28 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters Feb 24 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters

Snowshoeing for Beginners Learn the basics of snowshoeing and put your new skills to work during a guided hike Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 25 Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 7 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Spring Night Hike Experience a forest preserve after hours when animals are accustomed to going about their activities undisturbed Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins March 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Mar 18 7 ndash 830 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

1890s Living at Kline Creek Farm (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

Jan 2 ndash March 27 (except Jan 30) Saturdays 130 ndash 330 pm

DRESSING FOR WINTER See the undergarments the farm family wore in the 1890s and learn their uses

Jan 7 ndash 25 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

COURTING IN THE 1890S Hear excerpts from love letters written in the late 19th century and learn about the role that a homersquos parlor played in courtship

Feb 11 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

A NICKELrsquoS WORTH Find out what a nickel could buy in the 1890s and how consumer preferences were changing

March 4 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

wwwdupageforest org 13

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Cultural Events at Mayslake Peabody Estate

ART EXHIBIT COLLAGE amp MEMORIES Enjoy an exhibit by the Midwest Collage Society Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

Jan 13 ndash March 4 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

FIRST FOLIO THEATRE PRESENTS ldquoJEEVES IN BLOOMrdquo When lovable Bertie Wooster gets himself into another scrape Jeeves must resign his service and reinvent himself as something other than a gentlemanrsquos gentleman $2830 adult $2325 senior or student For tickets call (630) 986-8067 or visit wwwfirstfolioorg

Jan 30 ndash Feb 28 Wednesday ndash Saturday 8 pm and Sunday 3 pm

THE ALLIANCE OF FINE ART PRESENTS ldquoTHE BEST OF THE BESTrdquo ART SHOW View the finest works of local artists Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

March 22 ndash May 7 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

RESTORATION-IN-PROGRESS TOURS Learn about the past mdash and future mdash of this historic 1920s Tudor-revival-style mansion $5 per person Group tours available Call (630) 206-9566

Wednesdays 11 am amp 1230 pm and Saturdays 930 10 11 amp 1130 am

Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo Lend a hand making sausage and learn the importance of the smokehouse and cured meats in the 1890s Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 9 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm Jan 10 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Tapping Into Fun Find out how maple syrup is made through a story and a hike to tap trees Ages 6 and up with an adult $5 per person To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 15 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 15 1 ndash 230 pm Fullersburg Woods

Teachersrsquo Class Tracking and Reading Teachers explore the parallels between the structure and meanings in written language and those in animal tracks and other objects found in nature during this 12-session course $345 per teacher Registration begins Jan 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 9 ndash 20 and Mar 2 ndash 27 Mayslake Peabody Estate Tue 530 ndash 9 pm Sat 8 am ndash noon

Volunteer Nature Workday Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult 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

Jan 9 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Jan 23 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Jan 30 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Feb 7 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Mar 6 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Mar 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods

14 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Volunteer Restoration Workday Enjoy the outdoors while helping to restore one of DuPage Countyrsquos most diverse prairies by clearing invasive plants or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult Groups of 10 or more must register Call (630) 961-2041

Jan 2 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Jan 16 1 ndash 4 pm West Chicago Prairie Jan 31 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 14 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie

WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake Enjoy an evening of high-quality jazz brought to you by Mayslake Peabody Estate WDCB Public Radio and the PianoForte Foundation Adults only $25 cabaret seating $20 general admission and $16 for seniors over 65 students and groups of seven or more (A $5-per-person docent-led tour of Mayslake Hall will precede the concert at 630 pm) For tickets call (630) 206-9566

Feb 23 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate A premiere of Ryan Cohanrsquos new septet

Mar 11 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate Barry Winograd Quartet

Wake Up Groundhog Learn all about the groundhog through a story game and craft Ages 3 ndash 5 with an adult $5 per child To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 2 1030 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods

Wild Dogs of DuPage Learn the natural history of the wild dogs including foxes and coyotes that make DuPage County home Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Feb 28 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 14 2 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook

Winter Layering and Safety Learn how to keep the whole family mdash even Spot mdash warm and safe from head to toe while enjoying the outdoors All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 18 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 31 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Wonders of Winter Discover the fun of visiting a forest preserve in winter Activities include horse-drawn hayrides ice fishing geocaching snowshoeing and winter crafts Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 6 10 am ndash 1 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal Learn how to put together a successful book proposal Prerequisite Writing a Query Letter Adults only $90 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 27 9 am ndash 3 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Snow Tubing at Mount Hoy at Blackwell Forest Preserve Take a thrilling trip down one of DuPage Countyrsquos highest peaks When more than 3 inches of snow cover Mount Hoy rent a tube and glide down an 800-foot run Only District inner tubes are allowed which cost $4 per tube per day Tube rental ends at 330 pm For updated hours and snow conditions call the 24-hour Outdoor Report at (630) 871-6422

Dec 5 ndash Feb 28 Saturdays and Sundays and Dec 21 ndash 24 Dec 28 ndash Jan 1 Jan 18 and Feb 15 9 am ndash 4 pm

wwwdupageforest org 15

WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)Fact Contrary to popular belief the number of points on a deerrsquos antlers does not relate to the animalrsquos age Instead it reflects the animalrsquos genetics health and diet

COYOTE (Canis latrans)Fact When it comes to eating coyotes arenrsquot picky They mostly eat small mammals but may also dine on birds amphibians insects or even garbage In fall and winter fruits and vegetables are important sources of food for coyotes as well

VIRGINIA OPOSSUM (Didelphis virginiana)Fact Opossum tracks are made up of footprints and marks left by the animalrsquos long hairless tail Its tail is ldquoprehensilerdquo which means it can grab objects like tree branches

BOBCAT (Lynx rufus)Fact Bobcats live in well-defined territories that contain several shelters including their main dens and temporary lodging such as hollow logs and brush piles Ecologists believe these wild felines inhabit two DuPage forest preserves Waterfall Glen in Darien and Greene Valley in Naperville

STRIPED SKUNK (Mephitis mephitis)Fact A skunk can spray up to 15 feet It usually gives a warning by hissing stamping its front feet or waving its tail It may even do a handstand

trail talk

TRACKS amp Facts

copy David Cappaert M

ichigan State University Bugwoodorg

copy Brian Tang

copy Jeanie Klein

TORPOR is a short-term state of reduced

metabolic rate and body temperature that allows an animal to

save energy in cold weather Itrsquos sometimes called ldquotemporary

hibernationrdquo Some DuPage animals including bats and mice

enter torpor in winter when food is scare and itrsquos cold outside

16 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

SNOWBIRDS for Snowbirders

by CHRISTOPHER GUTMANN NATURALIST FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER

Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis)

copy T

ony T

anou

ry

4

3

6

5

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

copy Brian E Sm

allVIREOcopy

R amp S DayVIREO

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy J Schum

acherVIREO

1

2

Have you ever seen a male northern cardinal in the rich early-morning sun with a

backdrop of freshly fallen pure-white snow Have you ever seen a red-tailed hawk perched majestically on a bur oak overseeing its vast wintery kingdom Have you ever seen a mallard and an American black duck swimming side by side and discovered how theyrsquore different If you would like the answer to any of these questions to be ldquoyesrdquo grab a pair of binoculars and head to your nearest DuPage County forest preserve this winter

Yes itrsquos cold but the birding is never easier There are hardly any concealing leaves and the bright colors and dramatic contrasts of many birds become even more conspicuous in the otherwise drab winter landscape True there are fewer species around in winter but that just makes them easier to identify Even a modest-sized forest preserve like Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook can have over 40 species this time of year and the birds are practically begging to be seen The only way it would be easier to find them is if they had blinking neon arrows pointing in their direction

Some people assume that most birds fly south for the winter and while many species do travel as far as South America on their fall journeys for others DuPage County is ldquosouthrdquo The best example of this is the original snowbird the dark-eyed junco Juncos spend their summers in the far

north east and west but in winter you can find these cute gray-and-white sparrow-sized birds in DuPage County foraging low to the ground in small flocks

Other birds thought to fly south never leave the county One example is the American goldfinch Goldfinches are abundant in winter but because the males exchange their trademark bright yellow summer plumage for the femalesrsquo browns and grays many people donrsquot realize theyrsquore still in the neighborhood You can find American goldfinches in their winter ldquoclothesrdquo foraging on the leftover seed heads of dormant wildflowers

Even more surprising than the incognito goldfinch is the famous ldquoharbinger of springrdquo the American robin You can sometimes see this bird in forests foraging by the hundreds for leftover berries in the middle of winter Winter birders should also keep an eye out for the robinrsquos berry-loving cousin the eastern bluebird

There are of course more familiar winter favorites Male northern cardinals sit boldly on shrubs radiating their fire-engineshyred feathers Adorable black-capped chickadees hang upside down on branches calling ldquochick-a-dee-dee-dee-deerdquo to let each other know theyrsquore being watched by a big primate mdash you

A true bird lover will even marvel this time of year at the much-maligned yet stunningly beautiful blue jay Its colors alone

18 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy

G BartleyVIREO 9

copy F K SchleicherVIREO

10

11

7

8

copy Brian Tang

copy R CurtisVIREO

lt 1 Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2 American black duck (Anas rubripes) 3 American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) 4 Hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 5 Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 6 American robin (Turdus migratorius) 7 Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8 Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 9 White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 10 Brown creeper (Certhia americana) 11 Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

make it worth watching but itrsquos also an incredibly intelligent bird with a wide array of fascinating behaviors including mimicry For years there has been a blue jay at Fullersburg Woods that does a dead-on impression of a Cooperrsquos hawk which routinely fools birders Its imitation of a red-tailed hawk is respectable but its red-shouldered-hawk act needs some work

Speaking of blue jays and hawks have you ever heard a small flock of blue jays making a racket in the treetops If you take the time to investigate yoursquoll often find the jays mobbing a hawk or an owl trying to persuade the predator to leave their territory The jays arenrsquot trying to annoy you theyrsquore just telling you that therersquos another incredible bird nearby

Winter birders should remember too to focus on more than just branches Some of the most handsome and interesting species can be found hanging out on trunks As red-bellied downy and hairy woodpeckers hunt for food their reds blacks and whites stand out against the drab browns and grays of the bark White-breasted nuthatches grunt their way down tree trunks head first as they busily wedge seeds into the bark but well-camouflaged brown creepers steadily spiral their way up

If you visit the forest preserves soon after they open itrsquos not uncommon to see a great horned owl wrapping up its nighttime winter hunting or an eastern screech owl perching at the entrance to a tree cavity or wood-duck house as it soaks in a little heat from the sun Use your binoculars to view them from afar though It may look as if their eyes are closed but chances are theyrsquove seen and heard you coming long before yoursquove spotted them If they feel yoursquove gotten too close they will quickly disappear

Last but not least winter is a great time to view waterfowl Many ducks including male wood ducks are in their

brightest plumage and even mallards look stunning on the icy water Always look closely at large flocks of mallards or Canada geese you might notice the luminous irises of a common goldeneye or the comically large bill of a northern shoveler mingling in the crowd

Of course you canrsquot see any of these amazing animals unless you get outside this winter for a snowbird adventure at a DuPage County forest preserve near you bull

FINDING FEATHERED FRIENDS in Forest Preserves 1 Avoid brightly colored clothing Some birds will flush at the

first sight of you The longer it takes them to spot you the better your chances are of getting a good look at them

2 Itrsquos called bird-watching not bird talking Loud noises can scare birds so keep conversation as quiet as possible and turn off cell phones

3 Take your time and slowly scan an area Often birds are silent and will reveal themselves only with subtle movements

4 Leave Fido at home A recent study showed that dog walking in woodlands leads to a 35 percent reduction in bird diversity and a 41 percent reduction in abundance

5 In spring attend ldquoFullersBird Fridaysrdquo at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and ldquoBirding at Willowbrookrdquo at Willowbrook Wildlife Center These naturalist-led bird walks are great for beginning birders

wwwdupageforest org 19

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve explore

More Than Meets the Eye

by JAYNE BOHNER OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

6or many people driving down County Farm Road Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in West Chicago is the home of Kline Creek Farm the Forest

Preserve District of DuPage Countyrsquos 200-acre 1890s living-history farm but the farm is just a part of a remarkable 1148-acre forest preserve

The crops at Kline Creek Farm and a few dozen tillable acres to the north serve as reminders of the arearsquos agricultural roots but within a stretch of land north of the Great Western Trail the Forest Preserve District has converted former fields to more native habitat By removing clay tiles that farmers once installed to drain the soil District ecologists have restored the natural hydrology to the land where they have subsequently planted native wetland species like cattails bulrushes and water plantains In drier areas by removing tree lines that once grew along old fence rows they have created more open grasslands which theyrsquove seeded with flora like big and little bluestem black-eyed Susans lead plant and prairie clover In summer the prairie plants accommodate ground-nesting birds like eastern meadowlarks and savanna sparrows but this time of year they feed American tree sparrows juncos fox sparrows and white-throated sparrows while their stems pods and dried leaves create a natural architecture that displays the seasonrsquos powdery snows

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is also home to a natural savanna Klein Savanna which borders the

F north side of the Illinois Prairie Path just west of Klein Creek Its diversity of plant life makes it one of the highest quality ecosystems in the District Here dormant Allegheny shadblows also known as Allegheny serviceberries wait for spring to trigger their production of fragrant clusters of white flowers and juicy fruits Bare white and bur oaks and shagbark hickories stand over frozen ground that in a few months will erupt with trilliums spring beauties and trout lilies or thaw into ephemeral ponds that will broadcast the sounds of chorus frogs and American toads In summer when foxglove beard tongues and Jacobrsquos ladders bloom the verdant savanna will sing with woodland birds like northern orioles nuthatches black-capped chickadees and scarlet tanagers Winter though promises glimpses of great horned owls which begin nesting in February when the barren landscape makes it easier for adults and fledglings to spot prey

For fans of either the Great Western Trail or the Illinois Prairie Path Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is an ideal starting point Those who want to begin their excursions farther west

often use the small lot on Prince Crossing Road just north of the Great Western Trail (An upland grove east of the parking lot on the south side of the trail is home to a stately white oak roughly 50 inches in diameter 90 feet tall and two to three centuries old) Hikers bikers and cross-country skiers looking for more amenities may instead choose the Kline Creek Farm parking lot on

20 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea)

lt Fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

copy G M

cElroyVIREOcopy

J P Myers

White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

lt Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

North

Quick Look

For a detailed map of Timber Ridge visit wwwdupageforestorg

North Ave

St Charles Rd

Indian Knoll Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Geneva Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Winfield Rd

Kline Creek Farm

Opening Spring 2010

Visitor Center

I llinois P rairie P ath E lgin Spu r

I llinois P rairie P ath G enev a Spu r

G reat W estern T rail

64

Hawthorne Ln

Coun

ty F

arm

Rd

KleinCreek

TimberLake

SpringLake

West BranchDuPage River

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve

KleinSavanna

County Farm Road near the Timber Ridge Visitor Center The centerrsquos drinking fountains and heated restrooms are open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset The interior of the center which houses displays relating to the farmstead and a gift shop is only open during Kline Creek Farmrsquos regular operating hours Thursdays through Mondays from 9 am until 5 pm For information on Kline Creek Farm exhibits educational programs and special events call the farm at (630) 876-5900

The County Farm Road parking lot connects to a 1-mile north-south Forest Preserve District trail that joins the Great Western Trail with the Illinois Prairie Path It also leads to a moderate 05-mile gravel trail that takes anglers to Timber Lake The 17-acre lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet and offers largemouth bass bluegill channel catfish crappie green sunfish carp and black bullheads (A second smaller lake Spring Lake lies in the interior of the forest preserve It boasts being one of only two natural lakes in the county but is inaccessible by trail)

An anticipated addition to Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is a 30-car parking lot on Prince Crossing Road roughly 04 mile north of Geneva Road Opening in spring 2010 the area will give visitors access to a western portion of the preserve via a 075-mile looped trail with two overlooks near the wetland informally known as the Geneva Road Marsh This time of year oases of open water on the marsh are packed with mallards dabbling for seeds and aquatic vegetation but by summer egrets and great blue herons will again be standing in the shallows picking frogs from the white water lilies that will eventually unfurl over the entire marsh bull

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

ltcopy

Joseph Weibler lt

wwwdupageforest org 21

directory

GENERAL Contacts

HEADQUARTERS

Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189

The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm The office is closed on Saturday Sunday and select holidays

Mailing Address PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

Web Site wwwdupageforestorg

E-mail Address forestdupageforestorg

Main Number (630) 933-7200

TTY (800) 526-0857

THE CONSERVATIONIST SUBSCRIPTION LINE (630) 933-7085

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (630) 933-7097

LAW ENFORCEMENT (630) 933-7240

THE OUTDOOR REPORT (630) 871-6422

VISITOR SERVICES (630) 933-7248

VOLUNTEER SERVICES (630) 933-7681

GOLF Clubs

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

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 272 S Addison Road Wood Dale IL 60191 (630) 616-8424

OAK MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 900 N Wood Dale Road Addison IL 60101 (630) 595-1800

copy J P Myers

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 Districtrsquos ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit

EDUCATION Centers

DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 3S503 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189 (630) 668-6012

The centerrsquos office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 430 pm and is closed on select holidays

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook IL 60523 (630) 850-8110

The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm 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 am to 5 pm and is closed on Tuesday Wednesday and select holidays

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

The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER 525 S Park Blvd Glen Ellyn IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and are closed on select holidays

22 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

North

o e e opForest Preserve Property

n d o e e opForest Preserve Property

o eLakePondWaterway

WetWetland

e gEntranceParking

o e Forest Preserve Trail

opo d Proposed Trail

Co County Trail

U ouUS Route

S oState Route

e RInterstate Route

U Unofficial Name

CHICAGOOrsquoHAREINTrsquoL

AIRPORT

THE MORTONARBORETUM

ARGONNENATIONAL

LABORATORY

FERMI NATIONALACCELERATORLABORATORY

DUPAGECOUNTYAIRPORT

CANT GNY

DUPAGECOUNTYCOMPLEX

C a r o l S t r e a m

G l e n d a l eH e i g h t s

A u r o r a

S t C h a r l e s

W a y n e

B a r t l e t t

W e s tC h i c a g o

L o m b a r d

G l e nE l l y n

H a n o v e rP a r k

B l o o m i n g d a l e

A d d i s o n

W h e a t o n

W o o d r i d g e

N a p e r v i l l e

D a r i e n

W i l l o w b r o o k

B u r rR i d g e

H i n s d a l e

W e s t m o n t

C l a r e n d o nH i l l s

O a k B r o o k

D o w n e r sG r o v e

O a k b r o o kT e r r a c e

E l m h u r s t

V i l l aP a r k

E l k G r o v e

W o o d D a l e

B e n s e n v i l l e

R o s e l l e

L i s l e

W a r r e n v i l l e

I t a s c a

W i n f i e l d

I l l inois Prairie Path

Great Western Trai l

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prairie Path

Batavia Spur

Aurora Spur

Aurora

Spur

Elgin Spur

West Branch DuPage River

East BranchDuPage River

Des Plaines River

SaltCreek

SpringbrookCreek

School St

Gro

ve A

ve

Montrose Ave

Rive

r Rd

20

19

83

83

55

53

53

53290

290

355

355

34

34

59

59

64

38

56

88

88

Stearns Rd

Smith Rd

Powis Rd

Pow

is Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Munger Rd

Klei

n Rd

Bart

lett

Rd

Greenbrook Blvd

Cloverdale Rd

Thorn Rd

Cou

nty

Farm

Rd

Schick Rd Schick Rd

Kuhn

Rd

Fair

Oak

s Rd

North Ave

Gar

y A

ve

Schm

ale

Rd

Bu de te Ave

Bloomingdal e Rd

Rose

lle R

d

Gl e

n E l

lyn

R d

Swift

Rd

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd

Grac e St

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd

Add

son Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd

Devon Ave

Prospect Ave

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd

Grand Ave

York Rd

Va Ave

Vill a Ave

Butterfield Rd High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave

Summ

it Ave

West m

ore A ve

Mey

ers

Rd

Highland A

ve

St Charles Rd

Cres

cent Blvd

Mai

n St

M

a in

St

Hill Ave

Pennsylvan a Ave

Harrison St

Main St

St Charles Rd

St Charles Rd

Roosevelt Rd Wes

t St

Geneva Rd

Harrison Ave

Manchester Rd

Jewell Rd

H ghlake Rd

Ind an Kno

Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Washington St

Arbor A

ve

Downs Dr

ndus

tra

Dr

Kres

s R

d

Kautz Rd

Fabyan Pkwy

Batavia Rd

Purnell Rd

Winf

ield

Rd

Mack Rd

Sch a

ffne

r Rd

Weis

brook Rd

Orc

hard

Rd

War

renv

ille R

d

Plamondon Rd

Nap

ervi

lle R

d

Blan

char

d St

Butterfield Rd

Fawell Blvd

Park

Blv

d

Finley Rd

31st St Oakbrook Rd

Midw

est Ave

22nd St Harger Rd

Sprng Rd

York Rd

Spring Rd

Chicago Ave

35th St Cass A

ve

Hig

hlan

d A

ve

Naperville Rd

Leask Ln

Nape

rvil

e Rd

Warrenville Rd

Her

rick

Rd

Wnf

ed

Rd

Bilter Rd

Ferry Rd

Diehl Rd Diehl Rd

Eola

Rd

Raymond Dr

Mill St

Doug as Ave

Jefferson Ave Chicago Ave

Yack

ley

Ave

Col

lege

Rd

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd

Garfield A

ve

Harvester Rd

Em

Rd

Jol et Rd

Cou

nty

Line

Rd

91st St

Madison St

Fairv

iew

Ave

Main St

Ma

n St

75th St

Plainfield Rd

Cass A

ve

87th St Oldfield Rd

Wood w

ard Ave

83rd St

Gre

ene

Rd

75th St

79th St

Hobson Rd

Weh

rli R

d

Nap

er B

lvd

Was

hing

ton

St

Washington St

87th St

Modaff Rd

Gartner Rd

Aurora Ave

New York St

Liberty St

75th St

Rickert Dr

Montgomery Rd 83rd St

Bluff Rd

Cass Ave

Lem

ont R

d

Inter

naiona e Pkwy

River Rd

North Aurora Rd

Irving Park Rd

Gary s M ll Rd

Maple Ave

Circle Ave

Smith Rd

Ger

ber R

d

Med

nah

Rd

M

edi n

ah R

d

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin OrsquoHare

Geneva Rd

Bilter Rd

DuPage Pkwy

Shor

e Rd

Ogden Ave

Book

Rd

Jackson Ave

Pa

nfed-N

aperve Rd

Abbeywood Dr

Ranc

h V

ew D

r

Hobson R

d

Hitcock Ave

Manning Rd

Lem

on

t Rd

Gi bert Ave

Finley

Rd

Adam

s St

Wilson Ave

Park

Blv

d

College Rd

Army Trail Rd

Naper Blvd

Green Tra ls Dr

Ferry Rd

Mor

ton

Rd

Davey Rd

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd

Fron

tena

c Rd

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Des Plaines Pl esRiverwayRi r

e

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands

rsquosWWooW

Du

aynenev

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWo s

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWo s

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes

e

owowvv

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

kHighRidge

Salt Cre k Greenway

Woodd

G

e a

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

Gr enGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

manLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlandsWetlands

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

We tWestBranchBranch

PrattPrattrsquossWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

ayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWo sWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWo sWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakesLakes

Woo sWoods

W renvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoo sWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneV leyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

kHighYorkHighRidgeRidge

Salt Cre kSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

erfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St JamesSt JamesFarmFarm

Des Plaines Des Plaines

294

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt

Page 4: The Conservationist Winter 2010

news amp notes WE NEED YOU

Many conservation education and recreation programs throughout the District need your help Here are a few examples of what your gift can provide

$3000 Off-road wheelchair (6 needed)

$800 GPS microchip for tracking endangered species (10 needed)

$500 Archery target (35 needed)

$500 Portable breath analyzer for police officers (18 needed)

$250 Sponsorship of ldquoGo Greenrdquo event at Fullersburg Woods (many needed)

$150 Kline Creek Farm historical outfit (14 needed)

$40 Volunteer litter-removal kit including gloves safety glasses and pick-up tool (many needed)

$20 Cottontail orphan care for two weeks at Willowbrook Wildlife Center (many needed)

Donations of all sizes are welcome and will enhance your forest preserves Please send a tax-deductible donation today in the Naturersquos Gift envelope provided within this issue

BRING THE OUTDOORS IN

Invite a Forest Preserve District speaker to your next meeting and learn the latest about DuPage Countyrsquos forest preserves from ecological restoration projects to innovative hands-on educational programs Speakers are available through April 15 Call (630) 933-7246

TREE-Planting Time As part of the Districtrsquos annual fall tree-planting program forestry crews added over 600 trees and shrubs to forest preserves throughout the county Several new trees at Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville complement the trail realignment along Greene Road and plantings along Naperville Road at Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton will soon serve as a traffic buffer New trees and shrubs will also provide privacy shade wildlife habitat and scenery at recently renovated sites at the Blackwell Family Campground at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville

ONLINE Project Updates Want the latest on improvements at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton or information on the waterway restoration at Churchill Woods Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn Then visit the ldquoPlans and Projectsrdquo page under ldquoDistrict Newsrdquo at wwwdupageforestorg for updates and images of these and other forest preserve projects

SNOWY Frozen Fun Before you put on your mittens and head outdoors visit the ldquoWinter Activitiesrdquo page in the ldquoRecreationrdquo section of the Districtrsquos Web site wwwdupageforestorg Yoursquoll find information on the many ways to enjoy snowy fun like cross-country skiing tubing and ice fishing in the forest preserves

FOLLOW OUR TRACKS ON TWITTER

The Forest Preserve District is now on Twitter Facebook YouTube and Flickr (Look for DuPageForest our abbreviated name on Twitter and YouTube) Sign up for your District updates today

READY To Go Digital Ready to read the latest on DuPage flora fauna and forest preserves online Then call (630) 933-7085 or e-mail forestdupageforestorg and ask to have your mailed copy of The Conservationist discontinued You can enjoy The Conservationist and other great online features 247 at the Districtrsquos Web site wwwdupageforestorg Bookmark it today

4 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

MANY Thanks Thanks to the sponsors who contributed to the success of fall Forest Preserve District events

Danada Fall Festival The Comcast Foundation Uncle Bubrsquos Award Winning BBQ WCCQ ndash FM 983 Robert W Baird amp Co Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital The Daily Herald Purina Mills LLC V3 Companies of Illinois Weaver Boos Consultants Anonymous BlackFinn American Saloon Civiltech Engineering Inc The Cloud Foundation Comfy Bummy Cowart Chiropractic Clinic Cowhey Gudmundson Leder Ltd Dunham Woods Horse Show Engineering Resource Associates Inc ESI Consultants Ltd Family Health and Wellness HDR Engineering JFNew Naper Settlement Nutrilicious Horse and Rider Treats Opal Enterprises Inc Planning Resources Inc Prosekrsquos Greenhouse Panera Bread SEC Group Inc URS Corporation

GO Get Outside 5K RunWalk Deluxe Distance Productions MampM Orthopaedics Fisher Chiropractic and

Integrative Health Brooks Sports The Center for Chiropractic Health Meyer Wire Rejuvenation Therapeutic Massage The Runnerrsquos Soul

A ldquoGREENrdquo WINTER

The District is turning DuPage Countyrsquos white winters ldquogreenrdquo by using liquid and pellet forms of magnesium chloride an environmentally friendly salt alternative to melt ice on roads parking lots and sidewalks To apply the liquid form plow trucks use computer-controlled equipment that accounts for air and ground temperatures to spray the precise amount needed

PUBLIC Meetings Forest Preserve District Board of Commissionersrsquo meetings and planning sessions are open to the public and held at District headquarters at 3S580 Naperville Road in Wheaton Commission meetings normally take place the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 9 am Planning sessions normally take place the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 9 am 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 various items Schedules and agendas for all meetings and sessions are available in advance on the Districtrsquos Web site wwwdupageforestorg

AWARD-WINNING WORK

The District earned the distinction of ldquoOutstanding Civil Engineering Achievement of the Year Under $5 Millionrdquo from the Illinois Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers for its Spring Brook Meander Project which created 2 miles of healthy stream at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville

The Illinois Association of Park Districts presented the District with two ldquoBest of the Bestrdquo awards mdash an ldquoIntergovernmental Cooperation Awardrdquo shared with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Bartlett Park District for management of James ldquoPaterdquo Philip State Park in Bartlett and a second-place ldquoBest Green Practices Awardrdquo for conservation measures IAPD also named Kline Creek Farm volunteer Dr Lawrence DuBose ldquoOutstanding Citizen Volunteer of the Yearrdquo for his contributions to the 1890s farm in West Chicago and recognized Commissioner Michael Formento for 15 years of public service

The fall 2008 issue of The Conservationist won two awards in the 21st-annual Awards for Publication Excellence Competition sponsored by Communications Concepts Inc District ecologist Dan Thompson won an ldquoAward of Excellencerdquo in the category of scientific and environmental writing for the article ldquoOwls A Stealthy Speciesrdquo and the issue as a whole received an ldquoAward of Excellencerdquo in the category of magapaper and newspaper writing

wwwdupageforest org 5

copy J P M

yers

QuestionsQuestions

by JACK MACRAE NATURALIST WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER

lt As a naturalist mdash a person who

studies an arearsquos natural and cultural history and loves talking about it even more mdash Irsquove probably

answered between 10 and 20 thousand questions in my career an average amount for someone in my profession After all questions are a naturalistrsquos bread and butter Irsquove always enjoyed questions and consider them important forms of communication that lead people to higher levels of learning and greater understandings I particularly love the ones that I donrsquot know the answer to because then I get to go home and learn something myself

The majority of questions usually those that start with ldquowhatrdquo ldquowhererdquo or ldquowhenrdquo are easy for an experienced naturalist to answer (The most frequently asked by a wide margin is ldquoWhere are the bathroomsrdquo) During a school program that presented the lives of the Potawatomi Indians who moved into DuPage County in the late 1600s one student asked ldquoWhat did the Indians eatrdquo My answer was a short list of edible plants and animals The response

of wide-eyed squeals of ldquoEwwwwwrdquo and ldquoGrosssssrdquo caused me to solicit my own questions to the group that was clearly accustomed to hunting and gathering food with a shopping cart

ldquoHowrdquo and ldquowhyrdquo questions can be a little more difficult to answer such as ldquoWhy are butterflies prettyrdquo or ldquoWhy are owls meanrdquo or more thought provoking such as ldquoHow do birds know which song to singrdquo That last question led to a discussion on songbirds and the eastern phoebe and its innate ability to sing its melodic ldquofee beerdquo perfectly even when raised in isolation from other phoebes

Some questions directly relate to age Long ago I was working in a local history museum and was showing various Stone Age tools to a group of kindergartners One girl asked ldquoHow did these things get so oldrdquo and I quickly learned that the concept of time is abstract to a 5-year-old

Other questions remind me never to assume that everyone shares the same level of understanding of ecology or nature in general During a wildlife hike at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook I talked about the kinds of animals that lived in the preserve such as deer raccoons foxes owls and hawks One woman asked if we kept the animals in cages When I told her no she followed with a sincere ldquoThen why do they stay here Why donrsquot they run awayrdquo Her questions may have sounded foolish but they gave me a chance to discuss the concept of habitat one area that contains everything an organism needs to survive with the entire group

There is no doubt that DuPage County forest preserves arouse peoplersquos curiosity and questions that ultimately result in a greater understanding of the natural world So the next time you attend a forest preserve program please donrsquot keep your questions to yourself bull

Eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)

Eastern phoebe lt (Sayornis phoebe)

copy G

ary Davis

copy Johnny N Dell Bugw

oodorg

copy Joseph W

eibler

the

fie

ld

omFr

lt

Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana)

lt lt Gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) Fox squirrel

(Sciurus niger)

Q How does that bird know my name A The bird was a gray catbird which is named for its

distinctive call that brings to mind a meowing cat The visitor at Fullersburg Woods was named Erin and she obviously thought the catbird was calling ldquoErrrrrrrin Errrrrinrdquo

Q Do you want to see the piranha I caught A This one is proof that there is no such thing as a silly

question Piranhas are omnivorous fish known for their voracious appetite for meat They live in the Amazon basin but the fish caught by this Herrick Lake angler was in fact a piranha Someone had undoubtedly released it from a home aquarium someone who did not understand the detrimental effect a nonnative species can have on an ecosystem

Q Can you identify an animal for me It looks like Mickey Rooney

A The animal in question was an opossum which has gray or white fur and prominent whiskers and at least to one person superficially resembles the legendary 5-foot-3-inch 89-year-old actor of film television and stage

Q Is that fire real A I can only assume this visitor at Kline Creek Farm in

West Chicago was thinking of the faux fireplaces that people can buy at home-decorator stores The fires in the cooking stoves and at the blacksmith shop at Kline Creek Farm though are the real deal

Q Why can I have a pet gerbil but not a pet squirrel A Gerbils are rodents native to Asia and Africa The

Mongolian variety has been a popular pet in the United

States since the 1950s They can legally be bought and sold in all states except California On the other hand all native tree squirrels are protected by Illinois law and cannot be kept in captivity

Q Did you know there is a penguin at Herrick Lake A The bird in question was not a penguin but the Illinois

state-endangered black-crowned night heron This stocky short-necked heron has a black head and back and a white face breast throat and belly It does bear a slight resemblance to a penguin but you wonrsquot be seeing one in a feature-length documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman any time soon

ltBlack-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)

ltMagellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus)

copy Pam

ela Rasmussen

copy Phil M

yers

7wwwdupageforest org

winter calendar See pages 10 through 15 for program descriptions

26

5

12

19

27

6

13

20

28

7

14

21

29

1

8

15

22

30

2

9

16

23

2431

3

10

17

25

4

11

18

M TW F STS2

9

16

23

3

10

17

24

4

11

18

25

5

12

19

26

6

13

20

27

28

7

14

21

1

8

15

22

M TW F STS

30

2

9

16

23

31

3

10

17

24

4

11

18

25

5

12

19

26

6

13

20

27

28

7

14

21

29

8

15

22

M TW F STS1jan

feb mar

January 2 Volunteer Restoration Workday

3 Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners

9 Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo Volunteer Nature Workday

10 Archery for Kids Ice Fishing for Beginners Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo

16 ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Open House Volunteer Restoration Workday

17 Cast-Iron Cooking Owls of DuPage

21 Ice Harvesting

23 Bread-Baking Class Ice Harvesting Volunteer Nature Workday

24 Bread From the Oven Ice Harvesting Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids

26 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

28 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Ice Harvesting ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session

30 Coyote Tracking Volunteer Nature Workday

31 Volunteer Restoration Workday Winter Layering and Safety

copy Peter Vagt

8 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

wwwdupageforest org 9

February 2 Wake Up Groundhog

6 Wonders of Winter

7 Snowshoeing for Beginners Volunteer Nature Workday

9 Teachersrsquo Class Tracking and Reading Begins

13 Fancywork Day Romantic Night Hike

14 Archery for Beginners Falcons of DuPage

15 Tapping Into Fun

16 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

18 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

20 Collage Workshop Begins Volunteer Nature Workday

21 Ice Fishing for Beginners

23 WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake

24 ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session

27 Backyard Birdhouses Skunk Tracking Volunteer Nature Workday Volunteer Restoration Workday Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal

28 Cast-Iron Cooking

March 6 Cub Scout Adventure From Sap to Syrup

Volunteer Nature Workday

11 WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake

13 Maple Sugaring

14 Maple Sugaring Maple Syrup Sundays Volunteer Restoration Workday Wild Dogs of DuPage

16 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

18 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Spring Night Hike

20 Acappellago Concert Archery for Beginners Volunteer Nature Workday

21 Cub Scout Adventure Makinrsquo Tracks Maple Syrup Sundays Ranger Trek Junior Volunteer Nature Workday

27 Pie-Baking Class Volunteer Nature Workday Volunteer Restoration Workday

28 Pies for Spring

29 April Foolsrsquo Adventure

winter calendar

Acappellago Concert Enjoy the sounds of Acappellago as they perform ldquoEscape to hellip The Light of the Moonrdquo a passionate journey from the romantics of the 19th century through todayrsquos popular and contemporary music $15 per adult $12 per student or senior For tickets call (708) 484-3797 ext 2

Mar 20 730 ndash 930 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

April Foolsrsquo Adventure Enjoy some April Foolsrsquo jokes and go on a search to see what doesnrsquot belong on an 1890s farm Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 29 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm

Archery for Beginners Discover the history of this classic sport and learn about equipment and shooting techniques in an indoor setting Equipment provided Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 14 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Mar 20 11 am ndash 1230 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Archery for Kids Kids learn the history and basic techniques of archery in an indoor setting Equipment provided Ages 7 ndash 10 with an adult Free Registration begins Dec 28 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 10 11 am ndash 1230 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Backyard Birdhouses Be ready to welcome backyard birds this spring Learn about different nesting needs and build a nest box to take home Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult $10 per project To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 27 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 130 ndash 3 pm Fullersburg Woods

Bread-Baking Class Learn how to bake bread the way that it was done in the 1890s and take home a loaf of your creation along with instructions and recipes $25 per person To register call (630) 876-5900

Jan 23 9 am ndash noon Kline Creek Farm Jan 23 1 ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Bread From the Oven See the process of baking bread in a wood-burning oven enjoy the tantalizing aroma and take home recipes Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 24 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half-hour Kline Creek Farm

Cast-Iron Cooking Help prepare a hearty meal over an open campfire and learn tips for cooking with cast iron $10 per person ages 16 and up $5 ages 15 and under Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 17 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Feb 28 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Collage Workshop Explore the fine art of collage as you experiment with simple design concepts and a variety of new techniques during this two-day workshop $185 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 20 amp 27 9 am ndash 4 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

10 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy Phil Myers

Coyote Tracking Locate a coyotersquos trail and follow it through the preserve interpreting the animalrsquos activities as you go Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 15 Call (630) 206-9581

Jan 30 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners Learn the differences between backcountry telemark and touring skis and pick up tips on clothing and trail etiquette Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Dec 21 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 3 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Cub Scout Adventure From Sap to Syrup Cub Scouts learn how sap from maple trees is turned into delicious syrup and taste the syrup served over ice cream $6 per Scout To register call (630) 876-5900

Mar 6 930 am ndash 3 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Cub Scout Adventure Makinrsquo Tracks Cub Scouts learn how to identify the animals that live in certain habitats by observing the signs they leave behind $3 per Scout Registration begins March 7 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 21 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Falcons of DuPage Meet three species of falcons and learn about the natural history of these highly specialized birds of prey Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Jan 31 Call (630) 942-6200

Feb 14 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Fancywork Day See lace making tatting and other handwork demonstrations and receive a pattern for a small purse Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Feb 13 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour Kline Creek Farm

Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Learn about natural and cultural history while exploring different forest preserves Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult $5 per family Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 942-6200

Jan 26 9 ndash 11 am Wayne Grove Jan 28 1 ndash 3 pm Wayne Grove Feb 16 9 ndash 11 am Willowbrook Feb 18 1 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook Mar 16 9 ndash 11 am Greene Valley Mar 18 1 ndash 3 pm Greene Valley

Ice Fishing for Beginners Learn the basics of ice fishing including safety equipment techniques and tips for forest preserve lakes Fishing will follow if conditions permit Equipment and bait provided All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 10 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Feb 21 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides at Danada Equestrian Center Enjoy a sleigh ride through the snow-covered fields and woods of Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton $5 per adult $2 per child ages 5 ndash 12 children under 5 free

Rides are 12 ndash 15 minutes long Hay wagons will be used if there is less than 6 inches of snow For additional details or for groups of 10 or more call (630) 668-6012

Jan 3 ndash Feb 28 Sundays Noon ndash 3 pm

wwwdupageforest org 11

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Ice Harvesting Learn the importance of ice before refrigeration See an exhibit of ice-cutting tools and peek into the icehouse to see how families stored blocks that lasted into summer Weather permitting help cut and transport ice from the lake Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 21 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 23 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 24 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 28 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple Sugaring See how 1890s farm families tapped trees and boiled the collected sap into maple syrup and sugar Then try to tap a tree yourself Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 13 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm Mar 14 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple-Syrup Sundays Get sticky Take a stroll through the woods and discover the secret of turning tree sap into syrup All ages Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 850-8110

Mar 14 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods

Owls of DuPage Find out why people give a hoot about owls and learn about the species that live in DuPage Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Jan 3 Call (630) 942-6200

Jan 17 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Pie-Baking Class Learn the basics of making pies Then bake different recipes in a wood-burning oven and take home your creation $25 per person To register call (630) 876-5900

Mar 27 9 am ndash noon Kline Creek Farm Mar 27 1 ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Pies for Spring Savor the aroma of pies from 1890s cookbooks as they bake in a wood-burning oven and take home recipes for your own kitchen Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 28 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half-hour Kline Creek Farm

Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids Learn how to experience the outdoors through ldquoleave no tracerdquo camping Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 11 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 24 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Ranger Trek Junior Learn about the critters that call the forest preserves home and join a ranger on a hike to explore different habitats Ages 10 and under with an adult Free Registration begins March 8 Call (630) 933-7248

Mar 21 1030 am ndash noon Waterfall Glen

Romantic Night Hike Enjoy a lantern-lit walk with your sweetheart to four scenic bridges over Salt Creek then warm up with hot cocoa around a cozy fire Adults only $10 per couple To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 13 7 ndash 9 pm Fullersburg Woods

12 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Skunk Tracking Follow skunk tracks and try to guess what the little stinker was up to Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Feb 12 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 27 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Open House Discover a variety of opportunities available with the Forest Preserve Districtrsquos nine volunteer programs including Danada Equestrian Center Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center Kline Creek Farm Mayslake Peabody Estate Natural Resource Management St James Farm Trail Patrol Volunteer Ranger Experience and Willowbrook Wildlife Center Registration not required Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 16 10 am ndash 1 pm DanadaHeadquarters one-hour presentation at 11 am

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session Learn about the nine Forest Preserve District volunteer programs in detail Ask questions and decide which option fits your interests and schedule Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 28 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters Feb 24 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters

Snowshoeing for Beginners Learn the basics of snowshoeing and put your new skills to work during a guided hike Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 25 Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 7 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Spring Night Hike Experience a forest preserve after hours when animals are accustomed to going about their activities undisturbed Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins March 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Mar 18 7 ndash 830 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

1890s Living at Kline Creek Farm (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

Jan 2 ndash March 27 (except Jan 30) Saturdays 130 ndash 330 pm

DRESSING FOR WINTER See the undergarments the farm family wore in the 1890s and learn their uses

Jan 7 ndash 25 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

COURTING IN THE 1890S Hear excerpts from love letters written in the late 19th century and learn about the role that a homersquos parlor played in courtship

Feb 11 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

A NICKELrsquoS WORTH Find out what a nickel could buy in the 1890s and how consumer preferences were changing

March 4 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

wwwdupageforest org 13

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Cultural Events at Mayslake Peabody Estate

ART EXHIBIT COLLAGE amp MEMORIES Enjoy an exhibit by the Midwest Collage Society Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

Jan 13 ndash March 4 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

FIRST FOLIO THEATRE PRESENTS ldquoJEEVES IN BLOOMrdquo When lovable Bertie Wooster gets himself into another scrape Jeeves must resign his service and reinvent himself as something other than a gentlemanrsquos gentleman $2830 adult $2325 senior or student For tickets call (630) 986-8067 or visit wwwfirstfolioorg

Jan 30 ndash Feb 28 Wednesday ndash Saturday 8 pm and Sunday 3 pm

THE ALLIANCE OF FINE ART PRESENTS ldquoTHE BEST OF THE BESTrdquo ART SHOW View the finest works of local artists Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

March 22 ndash May 7 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

RESTORATION-IN-PROGRESS TOURS Learn about the past mdash and future mdash of this historic 1920s Tudor-revival-style mansion $5 per person Group tours available Call (630) 206-9566

Wednesdays 11 am amp 1230 pm and Saturdays 930 10 11 amp 1130 am

Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo Lend a hand making sausage and learn the importance of the smokehouse and cured meats in the 1890s Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 9 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm Jan 10 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Tapping Into Fun Find out how maple syrup is made through a story and a hike to tap trees Ages 6 and up with an adult $5 per person To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 15 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 15 1 ndash 230 pm Fullersburg Woods

Teachersrsquo Class Tracking and Reading Teachers explore the parallels between the structure and meanings in written language and those in animal tracks and other objects found in nature during this 12-session course $345 per teacher Registration begins Jan 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 9 ndash 20 and Mar 2 ndash 27 Mayslake Peabody Estate Tue 530 ndash 9 pm Sat 8 am ndash noon

Volunteer Nature Workday Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult 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

Jan 9 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Jan 23 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Jan 30 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Feb 7 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Mar 6 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Mar 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods

14 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Volunteer Restoration Workday Enjoy the outdoors while helping to restore one of DuPage Countyrsquos most diverse prairies by clearing invasive plants or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult Groups of 10 or more must register Call (630) 961-2041

Jan 2 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Jan 16 1 ndash 4 pm West Chicago Prairie Jan 31 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 14 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie

WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake Enjoy an evening of high-quality jazz brought to you by Mayslake Peabody Estate WDCB Public Radio and the PianoForte Foundation Adults only $25 cabaret seating $20 general admission and $16 for seniors over 65 students and groups of seven or more (A $5-per-person docent-led tour of Mayslake Hall will precede the concert at 630 pm) For tickets call (630) 206-9566

Feb 23 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate A premiere of Ryan Cohanrsquos new septet

Mar 11 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate Barry Winograd Quartet

Wake Up Groundhog Learn all about the groundhog through a story game and craft Ages 3 ndash 5 with an adult $5 per child To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 2 1030 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods

Wild Dogs of DuPage Learn the natural history of the wild dogs including foxes and coyotes that make DuPage County home Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Feb 28 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 14 2 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook

Winter Layering and Safety Learn how to keep the whole family mdash even Spot mdash warm and safe from head to toe while enjoying the outdoors All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 18 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 31 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Wonders of Winter Discover the fun of visiting a forest preserve in winter Activities include horse-drawn hayrides ice fishing geocaching snowshoeing and winter crafts Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 6 10 am ndash 1 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal Learn how to put together a successful book proposal Prerequisite Writing a Query Letter Adults only $90 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 27 9 am ndash 3 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Snow Tubing at Mount Hoy at Blackwell Forest Preserve Take a thrilling trip down one of DuPage Countyrsquos highest peaks When more than 3 inches of snow cover Mount Hoy rent a tube and glide down an 800-foot run Only District inner tubes are allowed which cost $4 per tube per day Tube rental ends at 330 pm For updated hours and snow conditions call the 24-hour Outdoor Report at (630) 871-6422

Dec 5 ndash Feb 28 Saturdays and Sundays and Dec 21 ndash 24 Dec 28 ndash Jan 1 Jan 18 and Feb 15 9 am ndash 4 pm

wwwdupageforest org 15

WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)Fact Contrary to popular belief the number of points on a deerrsquos antlers does not relate to the animalrsquos age Instead it reflects the animalrsquos genetics health and diet

COYOTE (Canis latrans)Fact When it comes to eating coyotes arenrsquot picky They mostly eat small mammals but may also dine on birds amphibians insects or even garbage In fall and winter fruits and vegetables are important sources of food for coyotes as well

VIRGINIA OPOSSUM (Didelphis virginiana)Fact Opossum tracks are made up of footprints and marks left by the animalrsquos long hairless tail Its tail is ldquoprehensilerdquo which means it can grab objects like tree branches

BOBCAT (Lynx rufus)Fact Bobcats live in well-defined territories that contain several shelters including their main dens and temporary lodging such as hollow logs and brush piles Ecologists believe these wild felines inhabit two DuPage forest preserves Waterfall Glen in Darien and Greene Valley in Naperville

STRIPED SKUNK (Mephitis mephitis)Fact A skunk can spray up to 15 feet It usually gives a warning by hissing stamping its front feet or waving its tail It may even do a handstand

trail talk

TRACKS amp Facts

copy David Cappaert M

ichigan State University Bugwoodorg

copy Brian Tang

copy Jeanie Klein

TORPOR is a short-term state of reduced

metabolic rate and body temperature that allows an animal to

save energy in cold weather Itrsquos sometimes called ldquotemporary

hibernationrdquo Some DuPage animals including bats and mice

enter torpor in winter when food is scare and itrsquos cold outside

16 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

SNOWBIRDS for Snowbirders

by CHRISTOPHER GUTMANN NATURALIST FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER

Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis)

copy T

ony T

anou

ry

4

3

6

5

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

copy Brian E Sm

allVIREOcopy

R amp S DayVIREO

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy J Schum

acherVIREO

1

2

Have you ever seen a male northern cardinal in the rich early-morning sun with a

backdrop of freshly fallen pure-white snow Have you ever seen a red-tailed hawk perched majestically on a bur oak overseeing its vast wintery kingdom Have you ever seen a mallard and an American black duck swimming side by side and discovered how theyrsquore different If you would like the answer to any of these questions to be ldquoyesrdquo grab a pair of binoculars and head to your nearest DuPage County forest preserve this winter

Yes itrsquos cold but the birding is never easier There are hardly any concealing leaves and the bright colors and dramatic contrasts of many birds become even more conspicuous in the otherwise drab winter landscape True there are fewer species around in winter but that just makes them easier to identify Even a modest-sized forest preserve like Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook can have over 40 species this time of year and the birds are practically begging to be seen The only way it would be easier to find them is if they had blinking neon arrows pointing in their direction

Some people assume that most birds fly south for the winter and while many species do travel as far as South America on their fall journeys for others DuPage County is ldquosouthrdquo The best example of this is the original snowbird the dark-eyed junco Juncos spend their summers in the far

north east and west but in winter you can find these cute gray-and-white sparrow-sized birds in DuPage County foraging low to the ground in small flocks

Other birds thought to fly south never leave the county One example is the American goldfinch Goldfinches are abundant in winter but because the males exchange their trademark bright yellow summer plumage for the femalesrsquo browns and grays many people donrsquot realize theyrsquore still in the neighborhood You can find American goldfinches in their winter ldquoclothesrdquo foraging on the leftover seed heads of dormant wildflowers

Even more surprising than the incognito goldfinch is the famous ldquoharbinger of springrdquo the American robin You can sometimes see this bird in forests foraging by the hundreds for leftover berries in the middle of winter Winter birders should also keep an eye out for the robinrsquos berry-loving cousin the eastern bluebird

There are of course more familiar winter favorites Male northern cardinals sit boldly on shrubs radiating their fire-engineshyred feathers Adorable black-capped chickadees hang upside down on branches calling ldquochick-a-dee-dee-dee-deerdquo to let each other know theyrsquore being watched by a big primate mdash you

A true bird lover will even marvel this time of year at the much-maligned yet stunningly beautiful blue jay Its colors alone

18 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy

G BartleyVIREO 9

copy F K SchleicherVIREO

10

11

7

8

copy Brian Tang

copy R CurtisVIREO

lt 1 Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2 American black duck (Anas rubripes) 3 American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) 4 Hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 5 Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 6 American robin (Turdus migratorius) 7 Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8 Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 9 White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 10 Brown creeper (Certhia americana) 11 Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

make it worth watching but itrsquos also an incredibly intelligent bird with a wide array of fascinating behaviors including mimicry For years there has been a blue jay at Fullersburg Woods that does a dead-on impression of a Cooperrsquos hawk which routinely fools birders Its imitation of a red-tailed hawk is respectable but its red-shouldered-hawk act needs some work

Speaking of blue jays and hawks have you ever heard a small flock of blue jays making a racket in the treetops If you take the time to investigate yoursquoll often find the jays mobbing a hawk or an owl trying to persuade the predator to leave their territory The jays arenrsquot trying to annoy you theyrsquore just telling you that therersquos another incredible bird nearby

Winter birders should remember too to focus on more than just branches Some of the most handsome and interesting species can be found hanging out on trunks As red-bellied downy and hairy woodpeckers hunt for food their reds blacks and whites stand out against the drab browns and grays of the bark White-breasted nuthatches grunt their way down tree trunks head first as they busily wedge seeds into the bark but well-camouflaged brown creepers steadily spiral their way up

If you visit the forest preserves soon after they open itrsquos not uncommon to see a great horned owl wrapping up its nighttime winter hunting or an eastern screech owl perching at the entrance to a tree cavity or wood-duck house as it soaks in a little heat from the sun Use your binoculars to view them from afar though It may look as if their eyes are closed but chances are theyrsquove seen and heard you coming long before yoursquove spotted them If they feel yoursquove gotten too close they will quickly disappear

Last but not least winter is a great time to view waterfowl Many ducks including male wood ducks are in their

brightest plumage and even mallards look stunning on the icy water Always look closely at large flocks of mallards or Canada geese you might notice the luminous irises of a common goldeneye or the comically large bill of a northern shoveler mingling in the crowd

Of course you canrsquot see any of these amazing animals unless you get outside this winter for a snowbird adventure at a DuPage County forest preserve near you bull

FINDING FEATHERED FRIENDS in Forest Preserves 1 Avoid brightly colored clothing Some birds will flush at the

first sight of you The longer it takes them to spot you the better your chances are of getting a good look at them

2 Itrsquos called bird-watching not bird talking Loud noises can scare birds so keep conversation as quiet as possible and turn off cell phones

3 Take your time and slowly scan an area Often birds are silent and will reveal themselves only with subtle movements

4 Leave Fido at home A recent study showed that dog walking in woodlands leads to a 35 percent reduction in bird diversity and a 41 percent reduction in abundance

5 In spring attend ldquoFullersBird Fridaysrdquo at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and ldquoBirding at Willowbrookrdquo at Willowbrook Wildlife Center These naturalist-led bird walks are great for beginning birders

wwwdupageforest org 19

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve explore

More Than Meets the Eye

by JAYNE BOHNER OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

6or many people driving down County Farm Road Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in West Chicago is the home of Kline Creek Farm the Forest

Preserve District of DuPage Countyrsquos 200-acre 1890s living-history farm but the farm is just a part of a remarkable 1148-acre forest preserve

The crops at Kline Creek Farm and a few dozen tillable acres to the north serve as reminders of the arearsquos agricultural roots but within a stretch of land north of the Great Western Trail the Forest Preserve District has converted former fields to more native habitat By removing clay tiles that farmers once installed to drain the soil District ecologists have restored the natural hydrology to the land where they have subsequently planted native wetland species like cattails bulrushes and water plantains In drier areas by removing tree lines that once grew along old fence rows they have created more open grasslands which theyrsquove seeded with flora like big and little bluestem black-eyed Susans lead plant and prairie clover In summer the prairie plants accommodate ground-nesting birds like eastern meadowlarks and savanna sparrows but this time of year they feed American tree sparrows juncos fox sparrows and white-throated sparrows while their stems pods and dried leaves create a natural architecture that displays the seasonrsquos powdery snows

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is also home to a natural savanna Klein Savanna which borders the

F north side of the Illinois Prairie Path just west of Klein Creek Its diversity of plant life makes it one of the highest quality ecosystems in the District Here dormant Allegheny shadblows also known as Allegheny serviceberries wait for spring to trigger their production of fragrant clusters of white flowers and juicy fruits Bare white and bur oaks and shagbark hickories stand over frozen ground that in a few months will erupt with trilliums spring beauties and trout lilies or thaw into ephemeral ponds that will broadcast the sounds of chorus frogs and American toads In summer when foxglove beard tongues and Jacobrsquos ladders bloom the verdant savanna will sing with woodland birds like northern orioles nuthatches black-capped chickadees and scarlet tanagers Winter though promises glimpses of great horned owls which begin nesting in February when the barren landscape makes it easier for adults and fledglings to spot prey

For fans of either the Great Western Trail or the Illinois Prairie Path Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is an ideal starting point Those who want to begin their excursions farther west

often use the small lot on Prince Crossing Road just north of the Great Western Trail (An upland grove east of the parking lot on the south side of the trail is home to a stately white oak roughly 50 inches in diameter 90 feet tall and two to three centuries old) Hikers bikers and cross-country skiers looking for more amenities may instead choose the Kline Creek Farm parking lot on

20 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea)

lt Fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

copy G M

cElroyVIREOcopy

J P Myers

White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

lt Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

North

Quick Look

For a detailed map of Timber Ridge visit wwwdupageforestorg

North Ave

St Charles Rd

Indian Knoll Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Geneva Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Winfield Rd

Kline Creek Farm

Opening Spring 2010

Visitor Center

I llinois P rairie P ath E lgin Spu r

I llinois P rairie P ath G enev a Spu r

G reat W estern T rail

64

Hawthorne Ln

Coun

ty F

arm

Rd

KleinCreek

TimberLake

SpringLake

West BranchDuPage River

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve

KleinSavanna

County Farm Road near the Timber Ridge Visitor Center The centerrsquos drinking fountains and heated restrooms are open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset The interior of the center which houses displays relating to the farmstead and a gift shop is only open during Kline Creek Farmrsquos regular operating hours Thursdays through Mondays from 9 am until 5 pm For information on Kline Creek Farm exhibits educational programs and special events call the farm at (630) 876-5900

The County Farm Road parking lot connects to a 1-mile north-south Forest Preserve District trail that joins the Great Western Trail with the Illinois Prairie Path It also leads to a moderate 05-mile gravel trail that takes anglers to Timber Lake The 17-acre lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet and offers largemouth bass bluegill channel catfish crappie green sunfish carp and black bullheads (A second smaller lake Spring Lake lies in the interior of the forest preserve It boasts being one of only two natural lakes in the county but is inaccessible by trail)

An anticipated addition to Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is a 30-car parking lot on Prince Crossing Road roughly 04 mile north of Geneva Road Opening in spring 2010 the area will give visitors access to a western portion of the preserve via a 075-mile looped trail with two overlooks near the wetland informally known as the Geneva Road Marsh This time of year oases of open water on the marsh are packed with mallards dabbling for seeds and aquatic vegetation but by summer egrets and great blue herons will again be standing in the shallows picking frogs from the white water lilies that will eventually unfurl over the entire marsh bull

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

ltcopy

Joseph Weibler lt

wwwdupageforest org 21

directory

GENERAL Contacts

HEADQUARTERS

Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189

The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm The office is closed on Saturday Sunday and select holidays

Mailing Address PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

Web Site wwwdupageforestorg

E-mail Address forestdupageforestorg

Main Number (630) 933-7200

TTY (800) 526-0857

THE CONSERVATIONIST SUBSCRIPTION LINE (630) 933-7085

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (630) 933-7097

LAW ENFORCEMENT (630) 933-7240

THE OUTDOOR REPORT (630) 871-6422

VISITOR SERVICES (630) 933-7248

VOLUNTEER SERVICES (630) 933-7681

GOLF Clubs

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

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 272 S Addison Road Wood Dale IL 60191 (630) 616-8424

OAK MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 900 N Wood Dale Road Addison IL 60101 (630) 595-1800

copy J P Myers

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 Districtrsquos ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit

EDUCATION Centers

DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 3S503 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189 (630) 668-6012

The centerrsquos office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 430 pm and is closed on select holidays

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook IL 60523 (630) 850-8110

The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm 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 am to 5 pm and is closed on Tuesday Wednesday and select holidays

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

The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER 525 S Park Blvd Glen Ellyn IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and are closed on select holidays

22 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

North

o e e opForest Preserve Property

n d o e e opForest Preserve Property

o eLakePondWaterway

WetWetland

e gEntranceParking

o e Forest Preserve Trail

opo d Proposed Trail

Co County Trail

U ouUS Route

S oState Route

e RInterstate Route

U Unofficial Name

CHICAGOOrsquoHAREINTrsquoL

AIRPORT

THE MORTONARBORETUM

ARGONNENATIONAL

LABORATORY

FERMI NATIONALACCELERATORLABORATORY

DUPAGECOUNTYAIRPORT

CANT GNY

DUPAGECOUNTYCOMPLEX

C a r o l S t r e a m

G l e n d a l eH e i g h t s

A u r o r a

S t C h a r l e s

W a y n e

B a r t l e t t

W e s tC h i c a g o

L o m b a r d

G l e nE l l y n

H a n o v e rP a r k

B l o o m i n g d a l e

A d d i s o n

W h e a t o n

W o o d r i d g e

N a p e r v i l l e

D a r i e n

W i l l o w b r o o k

B u r rR i d g e

H i n s d a l e

W e s t m o n t

C l a r e n d o nH i l l s

O a k B r o o k

D o w n e r sG r o v e

O a k b r o o kT e r r a c e

E l m h u r s t

V i l l aP a r k

E l k G r o v e

W o o d D a l e

B e n s e n v i l l e

R o s e l l e

L i s l e

W a r r e n v i l l e

I t a s c a

W i n f i e l d

I l l inois Prairie Path

Great Western Trai l

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prairie Path

Batavia Spur

Aurora Spur

Aurora

Spur

Elgin Spur

West Branch DuPage River

East BranchDuPage River

Des Plaines River

SaltCreek

SpringbrookCreek

School St

Gro

ve A

ve

Montrose Ave

Rive

r Rd

20

19

83

83

55

53

53

53290

290

355

355

34

34

59

59

64

38

56

88

88

Stearns Rd

Smith Rd

Powis Rd

Pow

is Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Munger Rd

Klei

n Rd

Bart

lett

Rd

Greenbrook Blvd

Cloverdale Rd

Thorn Rd

Cou

nty

Farm

Rd

Schick Rd Schick Rd

Kuhn

Rd

Fair

Oak

s Rd

North Ave

Gar

y A

ve

Schm

ale

Rd

Bu de te Ave

Bloomingdal e Rd

Rose

lle R

d

Gl e

n E l

lyn

R d

Swift

Rd

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd

Grac e St

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd

Add

son Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd

Devon Ave

Prospect Ave

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd

Grand Ave

York Rd

Va Ave

Vill a Ave

Butterfield Rd High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave

Summ

it Ave

West m

ore A ve

Mey

ers

Rd

Highland A

ve

St Charles Rd

Cres

cent Blvd

Mai

n St

M

a in

St

Hill Ave

Pennsylvan a Ave

Harrison St

Main St

St Charles Rd

St Charles Rd

Roosevelt Rd Wes

t St

Geneva Rd

Harrison Ave

Manchester Rd

Jewell Rd

H ghlake Rd

Ind an Kno

Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Washington St

Arbor A

ve

Downs Dr

ndus

tra

Dr

Kres

s R

d

Kautz Rd

Fabyan Pkwy

Batavia Rd

Purnell Rd

Winf

ield

Rd

Mack Rd

Sch a

ffne

r Rd

Weis

brook Rd

Orc

hard

Rd

War

renv

ille R

d

Plamondon Rd

Nap

ervi

lle R

d

Blan

char

d St

Butterfield Rd

Fawell Blvd

Park

Blv

d

Finley Rd

31st St Oakbrook Rd

Midw

est Ave

22nd St Harger Rd

Sprng Rd

York Rd

Spring Rd

Chicago Ave

35th St Cass A

ve

Hig

hlan

d A

ve

Naperville Rd

Leask Ln

Nape

rvil

e Rd

Warrenville Rd

Her

rick

Rd

Wnf

ed

Rd

Bilter Rd

Ferry Rd

Diehl Rd Diehl Rd

Eola

Rd

Raymond Dr

Mill St

Doug as Ave

Jefferson Ave Chicago Ave

Yack

ley

Ave

Col

lege

Rd

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd

Garfield A

ve

Harvester Rd

Em

Rd

Jol et Rd

Cou

nty

Line

Rd

91st St

Madison St

Fairv

iew

Ave

Main St

Ma

n St

75th St

Plainfield Rd

Cass A

ve

87th St Oldfield Rd

Wood w

ard Ave

83rd St

Gre

ene

Rd

75th St

79th St

Hobson Rd

Weh

rli R

d

Nap

er B

lvd

Was

hing

ton

St

Washington St

87th St

Modaff Rd

Gartner Rd

Aurora Ave

New York St

Liberty St

75th St

Rickert Dr

Montgomery Rd 83rd St

Bluff Rd

Cass Ave

Lem

ont R

d

Inter

naiona e Pkwy

River Rd

North Aurora Rd

Irving Park Rd

Gary s M ll Rd

Maple Ave

Circle Ave

Smith Rd

Ger

ber R

d

Med

nah

Rd

M

edi n

ah R

d

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin OrsquoHare

Geneva Rd

Bilter Rd

DuPage Pkwy

Shor

e Rd

Ogden Ave

Book

Rd

Jackson Ave

Pa

nfed-N

aperve Rd

Abbeywood Dr

Ranc

h V

ew D

r

Hobson R

d

Hitcock Ave

Manning Rd

Lem

on

t Rd

Gi bert Ave

Finley

Rd

Adam

s St

Wilson Ave

Park

Blv

d

College Rd

Army Trail Rd

Naper Blvd

Green Tra ls Dr

Ferry Rd

Mor

ton

Rd

Davey Rd

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd

Fron

tena

c Rd

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Des Plaines Pl esRiverwayRi r

e

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands

rsquosWWooW

Du

aynenev

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWo s

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWo s

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes

e

owowvv

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

kHighRidge

Salt Cre k Greenway

Woodd

G

e a

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

Gr enGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

manLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlandsWetlands

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

We tWestBranchBranch

PrattPrattrsquossWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

ayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWo sWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWo sWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakesLakes

Woo sWoods

W renvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoo sWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneV leyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

kHighYorkHighRidgeRidge

Salt Cre kSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

erfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St JamesSt JamesFarmFarm

Des Plaines Des Plaines

294

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt

Page 5: The Conservationist Winter 2010

MANY Thanks Thanks to the sponsors who contributed to the success of fall Forest Preserve District events

Danada Fall Festival The Comcast Foundation Uncle Bubrsquos Award Winning BBQ WCCQ ndash FM 983 Robert W Baird amp Co Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital The Daily Herald Purina Mills LLC V3 Companies of Illinois Weaver Boos Consultants Anonymous BlackFinn American Saloon Civiltech Engineering Inc The Cloud Foundation Comfy Bummy Cowart Chiropractic Clinic Cowhey Gudmundson Leder Ltd Dunham Woods Horse Show Engineering Resource Associates Inc ESI Consultants Ltd Family Health and Wellness HDR Engineering JFNew Naper Settlement Nutrilicious Horse and Rider Treats Opal Enterprises Inc Planning Resources Inc Prosekrsquos Greenhouse Panera Bread SEC Group Inc URS Corporation

GO Get Outside 5K RunWalk Deluxe Distance Productions MampM Orthopaedics Fisher Chiropractic and

Integrative Health Brooks Sports The Center for Chiropractic Health Meyer Wire Rejuvenation Therapeutic Massage The Runnerrsquos Soul

A ldquoGREENrdquo WINTER

The District is turning DuPage Countyrsquos white winters ldquogreenrdquo by using liquid and pellet forms of magnesium chloride an environmentally friendly salt alternative to melt ice on roads parking lots and sidewalks To apply the liquid form plow trucks use computer-controlled equipment that accounts for air and ground temperatures to spray the precise amount needed

PUBLIC Meetings Forest Preserve District Board of Commissionersrsquo meetings and planning sessions are open to the public and held at District headquarters at 3S580 Naperville Road in Wheaton Commission meetings normally take place the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 9 am Planning sessions normally take place the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 9 am 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 various items Schedules and agendas for all meetings and sessions are available in advance on the Districtrsquos Web site wwwdupageforestorg

AWARD-WINNING WORK

The District earned the distinction of ldquoOutstanding Civil Engineering Achievement of the Year Under $5 Millionrdquo from the Illinois Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers for its Spring Brook Meander Project which created 2 miles of healthy stream at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville

The Illinois Association of Park Districts presented the District with two ldquoBest of the Bestrdquo awards mdash an ldquoIntergovernmental Cooperation Awardrdquo shared with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Bartlett Park District for management of James ldquoPaterdquo Philip State Park in Bartlett and a second-place ldquoBest Green Practices Awardrdquo for conservation measures IAPD also named Kline Creek Farm volunteer Dr Lawrence DuBose ldquoOutstanding Citizen Volunteer of the Yearrdquo for his contributions to the 1890s farm in West Chicago and recognized Commissioner Michael Formento for 15 years of public service

The fall 2008 issue of The Conservationist won two awards in the 21st-annual Awards for Publication Excellence Competition sponsored by Communications Concepts Inc District ecologist Dan Thompson won an ldquoAward of Excellencerdquo in the category of scientific and environmental writing for the article ldquoOwls A Stealthy Speciesrdquo and the issue as a whole received an ldquoAward of Excellencerdquo in the category of magapaper and newspaper writing

wwwdupageforest org 5

copy J P M

yers

QuestionsQuestions

by JACK MACRAE NATURALIST WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER

lt As a naturalist mdash a person who

studies an arearsquos natural and cultural history and loves talking about it even more mdash Irsquove probably

answered between 10 and 20 thousand questions in my career an average amount for someone in my profession After all questions are a naturalistrsquos bread and butter Irsquove always enjoyed questions and consider them important forms of communication that lead people to higher levels of learning and greater understandings I particularly love the ones that I donrsquot know the answer to because then I get to go home and learn something myself

The majority of questions usually those that start with ldquowhatrdquo ldquowhererdquo or ldquowhenrdquo are easy for an experienced naturalist to answer (The most frequently asked by a wide margin is ldquoWhere are the bathroomsrdquo) During a school program that presented the lives of the Potawatomi Indians who moved into DuPage County in the late 1600s one student asked ldquoWhat did the Indians eatrdquo My answer was a short list of edible plants and animals The response

of wide-eyed squeals of ldquoEwwwwwrdquo and ldquoGrosssssrdquo caused me to solicit my own questions to the group that was clearly accustomed to hunting and gathering food with a shopping cart

ldquoHowrdquo and ldquowhyrdquo questions can be a little more difficult to answer such as ldquoWhy are butterflies prettyrdquo or ldquoWhy are owls meanrdquo or more thought provoking such as ldquoHow do birds know which song to singrdquo That last question led to a discussion on songbirds and the eastern phoebe and its innate ability to sing its melodic ldquofee beerdquo perfectly even when raised in isolation from other phoebes

Some questions directly relate to age Long ago I was working in a local history museum and was showing various Stone Age tools to a group of kindergartners One girl asked ldquoHow did these things get so oldrdquo and I quickly learned that the concept of time is abstract to a 5-year-old

Other questions remind me never to assume that everyone shares the same level of understanding of ecology or nature in general During a wildlife hike at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook I talked about the kinds of animals that lived in the preserve such as deer raccoons foxes owls and hawks One woman asked if we kept the animals in cages When I told her no she followed with a sincere ldquoThen why do they stay here Why donrsquot they run awayrdquo Her questions may have sounded foolish but they gave me a chance to discuss the concept of habitat one area that contains everything an organism needs to survive with the entire group

There is no doubt that DuPage County forest preserves arouse peoplersquos curiosity and questions that ultimately result in a greater understanding of the natural world So the next time you attend a forest preserve program please donrsquot keep your questions to yourself bull

Eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)

Eastern phoebe lt (Sayornis phoebe)

copy G

ary Davis

copy Johnny N Dell Bugw

oodorg

copy Joseph W

eibler

the

fie

ld

omFr

lt

Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana)

lt lt Gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) Fox squirrel

(Sciurus niger)

Q How does that bird know my name A The bird was a gray catbird which is named for its

distinctive call that brings to mind a meowing cat The visitor at Fullersburg Woods was named Erin and she obviously thought the catbird was calling ldquoErrrrrrrin Errrrrinrdquo

Q Do you want to see the piranha I caught A This one is proof that there is no such thing as a silly

question Piranhas are omnivorous fish known for their voracious appetite for meat They live in the Amazon basin but the fish caught by this Herrick Lake angler was in fact a piranha Someone had undoubtedly released it from a home aquarium someone who did not understand the detrimental effect a nonnative species can have on an ecosystem

Q Can you identify an animal for me It looks like Mickey Rooney

A The animal in question was an opossum which has gray or white fur and prominent whiskers and at least to one person superficially resembles the legendary 5-foot-3-inch 89-year-old actor of film television and stage

Q Is that fire real A I can only assume this visitor at Kline Creek Farm in

West Chicago was thinking of the faux fireplaces that people can buy at home-decorator stores The fires in the cooking stoves and at the blacksmith shop at Kline Creek Farm though are the real deal

Q Why can I have a pet gerbil but not a pet squirrel A Gerbils are rodents native to Asia and Africa The

Mongolian variety has been a popular pet in the United

States since the 1950s They can legally be bought and sold in all states except California On the other hand all native tree squirrels are protected by Illinois law and cannot be kept in captivity

Q Did you know there is a penguin at Herrick Lake A The bird in question was not a penguin but the Illinois

state-endangered black-crowned night heron This stocky short-necked heron has a black head and back and a white face breast throat and belly It does bear a slight resemblance to a penguin but you wonrsquot be seeing one in a feature-length documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman any time soon

ltBlack-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)

ltMagellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus)

copy Pam

ela Rasmussen

copy Phil M

yers

7wwwdupageforest org

winter calendar See pages 10 through 15 for program descriptions

26

5

12

19

27

6

13

20

28

7

14

21

29

1

8

15

22

30

2

9

16

23

2431

3

10

17

25

4

11

18

M TW F STS2

9

16

23

3

10

17

24

4

11

18

25

5

12

19

26

6

13

20

27

28

7

14

21

1

8

15

22

M TW F STS

30

2

9

16

23

31

3

10

17

24

4

11

18

25

5

12

19

26

6

13

20

27

28

7

14

21

29

8

15

22

M TW F STS1jan

feb mar

January 2 Volunteer Restoration Workday

3 Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners

9 Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo Volunteer Nature Workday

10 Archery for Kids Ice Fishing for Beginners Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo

16 ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Open House Volunteer Restoration Workday

17 Cast-Iron Cooking Owls of DuPage

21 Ice Harvesting

23 Bread-Baking Class Ice Harvesting Volunteer Nature Workday

24 Bread From the Oven Ice Harvesting Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids

26 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

28 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Ice Harvesting ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session

30 Coyote Tracking Volunteer Nature Workday

31 Volunteer Restoration Workday Winter Layering and Safety

copy Peter Vagt

8 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

wwwdupageforest org 9

February 2 Wake Up Groundhog

6 Wonders of Winter

7 Snowshoeing for Beginners Volunteer Nature Workday

9 Teachersrsquo Class Tracking and Reading Begins

13 Fancywork Day Romantic Night Hike

14 Archery for Beginners Falcons of DuPage

15 Tapping Into Fun

16 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

18 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

20 Collage Workshop Begins Volunteer Nature Workday

21 Ice Fishing for Beginners

23 WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake

24 ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session

27 Backyard Birdhouses Skunk Tracking Volunteer Nature Workday Volunteer Restoration Workday Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal

28 Cast-Iron Cooking

March 6 Cub Scout Adventure From Sap to Syrup

Volunteer Nature Workday

11 WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake

13 Maple Sugaring

14 Maple Sugaring Maple Syrup Sundays Volunteer Restoration Workday Wild Dogs of DuPage

16 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

18 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Spring Night Hike

20 Acappellago Concert Archery for Beginners Volunteer Nature Workday

21 Cub Scout Adventure Makinrsquo Tracks Maple Syrup Sundays Ranger Trek Junior Volunteer Nature Workday

27 Pie-Baking Class Volunteer Nature Workday Volunteer Restoration Workday

28 Pies for Spring

29 April Foolsrsquo Adventure

winter calendar

Acappellago Concert Enjoy the sounds of Acappellago as they perform ldquoEscape to hellip The Light of the Moonrdquo a passionate journey from the romantics of the 19th century through todayrsquos popular and contemporary music $15 per adult $12 per student or senior For tickets call (708) 484-3797 ext 2

Mar 20 730 ndash 930 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

April Foolsrsquo Adventure Enjoy some April Foolsrsquo jokes and go on a search to see what doesnrsquot belong on an 1890s farm Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 29 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm

Archery for Beginners Discover the history of this classic sport and learn about equipment and shooting techniques in an indoor setting Equipment provided Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 14 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Mar 20 11 am ndash 1230 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Archery for Kids Kids learn the history and basic techniques of archery in an indoor setting Equipment provided Ages 7 ndash 10 with an adult Free Registration begins Dec 28 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 10 11 am ndash 1230 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Backyard Birdhouses Be ready to welcome backyard birds this spring Learn about different nesting needs and build a nest box to take home Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult $10 per project To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 27 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 130 ndash 3 pm Fullersburg Woods

Bread-Baking Class Learn how to bake bread the way that it was done in the 1890s and take home a loaf of your creation along with instructions and recipes $25 per person To register call (630) 876-5900

Jan 23 9 am ndash noon Kline Creek Farm Jan 23 1 ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Bread From the Oven See the process of baking bread in a wood-burning oven enjoy the tantalizing aroma and take home recipes Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 24 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half-hour Kline Creek Farm

Cast-Iron Cooking Help prepare a hearty meal over an open campfire and learn tips for cooking with cast iron $10 per person ages 16 and up $5 ages 15 and under Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 17 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Feb 28 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Collage Workshop Explore the fine art of collage as you experiment with simple design concepts and a variety of new techniques during this two-day workshop $185 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 20 amp 27 9 am ndash 4 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

10 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy Phil Myers

Coyote Tracking Locate a coyotersquos trail and follow it through the preserve interpreting the animalrsquos activities as you go Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 15 Call (630) 206-9581

Jan 30 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners Learn the differences between backcountry telemark and touring skis and pick up tips on clothing and trail etiquette Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Dec 21 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 3 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Cub Scout Adventure From Sap to Syrup Cub Scouts learn how sap from maple trees is turned into delicious syrup and taste the syrup served over ice cream $6 per Scout To register call (630) 876-5900

Mar 6 930 am ndash 3 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Cub Scout Adventure Makinrsquo Tracks Cub Scouts learn how to identify the animals that live in certain habitats by observing the signs they leave behind $3 per Scout Registration begins March 7 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 21 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Falcons of DuPage Meet three species of falcons and learn about the natural history of these highly specialized birds of prey Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Jan 31 Call (630) 942-6200

Feb 14 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Fancywork Day See lace making tatting and other handwork demonstrations and receive a pattern for a small purse Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Feb 13 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour Kline Creek Farm

Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Learn about natural and cultural history while exploring different forest preserves Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult $5 per family Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 942-6200

Jan 26 9 ndash 11 am Wayne Grove Jan 28 1 ndash 3 pm Wayne Grove Feb 16 9 ndash 11 am Willowbrook Feb 18 1 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook Mar 16 9 ndash 11 am Greene Valley Mar 18 1 ndash 3 pm Greene Valley

Ice Fishing for Beginners Learn the basics of ice fishing including safety equipment techniques and tips for forest preserve lakes Fishing will follow if conditions permit Equipment and bait provided All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 10 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Feb 21 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides at Danada Equestrian Center Enjoy a sleigh ride through the snow-covered fields and woods of Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton $5 per adult $2 per child ages 5 ndash 12 children under 5 free

Rides are 12 ndash 15 minutes long Hay wagons will be used if there is less than 6 inches of snow For additional details or for groups of 10 or more call (630) 668-6012

Jan 3 ndash Feb 28 Sundays Noon ndash 3 pm

wwwdupageforest org 11

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Ice Harvesting Learn the importance of ice before refrigeration See an exhibit of ice-cutting tools and peek into the icehouse to see how families stored blocks that lasted into summer Weather permitting help cut and transport ice from the lake Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 21 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 23 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 24 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 28 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple Sugaring See how 1890s farm families tapped trees and boiled the collected sap into maple syrup and sugar Then try to tap a tree yourself Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 13 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm Mar 14 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple-Syrup Sundays Get sticky Take a stroll through the woods and discover the secret of turning tree sap into syrup All ages Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 850-8110

Mar 14 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods

Owls of DuPage Find out why people give a hoot about owls and learn about the species that live in DuPage Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Jan 3 Call (630) 942-6200

Jan 17 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Pie-Baking Class Learn the basics of making pies Then bake different recipes in a wood-burning oven and take home your creation $25 per person To register call (630) 876-5900

Mar 27 9 am ndash noon Kline Creek Farm Mar 27 1 ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Pies for Spring Savor the aroma of pies from 1890s cookbooks as they bake in a wood-burning oven and take home recipes for your own kitchen Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 28 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half-hour Kline Creek Farm

Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids Learn how to experience the outdoors through ldquoleave no tracerdquo camping Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 11 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 24 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Ranger Trek Junior Learn about the critters that call the forest preserves home and join a ranger on a hike to explore different habitats Ages 10 and under with an adult Free Registration begins March 8 Call (630) 933-7248

Mar 21 1030 am ndash noon Waterfall Glen

Romantic Night Hike Enjoy a lantern-lit walk with your sweetheart to four scenic bridges over Salt Creek then warm up with hot cocoa around a cozy fire Adults only $10 per couple To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 13 7 ndash 9 pm Fullersburg Woods

12 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Skunk Tracking Follow skunk tracks and try to guess what the little stinker was up to Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Feb 12 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 27 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Open House Discover a variety of opportunities available with the Forest Preserve Districtrsquos nine volunteer programs including Danada Equestrian Center Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center Kline Creek Farm Mayslake Peabody Estate Natural Resource Management St James Farm Trail Patrol Volunteer Ranger Experience and Willowbrook Wildlife Center Registration not required Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 16 10 am ndash 1 pm DanadaHeadquarters one-hour presentation at 11 am

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session Learn about the nine Forest Preserve District volunteer programs in detail Ask questions and decide which option fits your interests and schedule Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 28 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters Feb 24 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters

Snowshoeing for Beginners Learn the basics of snowshoeing and put your new skills to work during a guided hike Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 25 Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 7 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Spring Night Hike Experience a forest preserve after hours when animals are accustomed to going about their activities undisturbed Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins March 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Mar 18 7 ndash 830 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

1890s Living at Kline Creek Farm (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

Jan 2 ndash March 27 (except Jan 30) Saturdays 130 ndash 330 pm

DRESSING FOR WINTER See the undergarments the farm family wore in the 1890s and learn their uses

Jan 7 ndash 25 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

COURTING IN THE 1890S Hear excerpts from love letters written in the late 19th century and learn about the role that a homersquos parlor played in courtship

Feb 11 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

A NICKELrsquoS WORTH Find out what a nickel could buy in the 1890s and how consumer preferences were changing

March 4 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

wwwdupageforest org 13

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Cultural Events at Mayslake Peabody Estate

ART EXHIBIT COLLAGE amp MEMORIES Enjoy an exhibit by the Midwest Collage Society Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

Jan 13 ndash March 4 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

FIRST FOLIO THEATRE PRESENTS ldquoJEEVES IN BLOOMrdquo When lovable Bertie Wooster gets himself into another scrape Jeeves must resign his service and reinvent himself as something other than a gentlemanrsquos gentleman $2830 adult $2325 senior or student For tickets call (630) 986-8067 or visit wwwfirstfolioorg

Jan 30 ndash Feb 28 Wednesday ndash Saturday 8 pm and Sunday 3 pm

THE ALLIANCE OF FINE ART PRESENTS ldquoTHE BEST OF THE BESTrdquo ART SHOW View the finest works of local artists Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

March 22 ndash May 7 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

RESTORATION-IN-PROGRESS TOURS Learn about the past mdash and future mdash of this historic 1920s Tudor-revival-style mansion $5 per person Group tours available Call (630) 206-9566

Wednesdays 11 am amp 1230 pm and Saturdays 930 10 11 amp 1130 am

Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo Lend a hand making sausage and learn the importance of the smokehouse and cured meats in the 1890s Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 9 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm Jan 10 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Tapping Into Fun Find out how maple syrup is made through a story and a hike to tap trees Ages 6 and up with an adult $5 per person To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 15 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 15 1 ndash 230 pm Fullersburg Woods

Teachersrsquo Class Tracking and Reading Teachers explore the parallels between the structure and meanings in written language and those in animal tracks and other objects found in nature during this 12-session course $345 per teacher Registration begins Jan 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 9 ndash 20 and Mar 2 ndash 27 Mayslake Peabody Estate Tue 530 ndash 9 pm Sat 8 am ndash noon

Volunteer Nature Workday Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult 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

Jan 9 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Jan 23 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Jan 30 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Feb 7 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Mar 6 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Mar 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods

14 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Volunteer Restoration Workday Enjoy the outdoors while helping to restore one of DuPage Countyrsquos most diverse prairies by clearing invasive plants or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult Groups of 10 or more must register Call (630) 961-2041

Jan 2 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Jan 16 1 ndash 4 pm West Chicago Prairie Jan 31 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 14 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie

WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake Enjoy an evening of high-quality jazz brought to you by Mayslake Peabody Estate WDCB Public Radio and the PianoForte Foundation Adults only $25 cabaret seating $20 general admission and $16 for seniors over 65 students and groups of seven or more (A $5-per-person docent-led tour of Mayslake Hall will precede the concert at 630 pm) For tickets call (630) 206-9566

Feb 23 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate A premiere of Ryan Cohanrsquos new septet

Mar 11 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate Barry Winograd Quartet

Wake Up Groundhog Learn all about the groundhog through a story game and craft Ages 3 ndash 5 with an adult $5 per child To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 2 1030 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods

Wild Dogs of DuPage Learn the natural history of the wild dogs including foxes and coyotes that make DuPage County home Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Feb 28 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 14 2 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook

Winter Layering and Safety Learn how to keep the whole family mdash even Spot mdash warm and safe from head to toe while enjoying the outdoors All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 18 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 31 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Wonders of Winter Discover the fun of visiting a forest preserve in winter Activities include horse-drawn hayrides ice fishing geocaching snowshoeing and winter crafts Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 6 10 am ndash 1 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal Learn how to put together a successful book proposal Prerequisite Writing a Query Letter Adults only $90 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 27 9 am ndash 3 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Snow Tubing at Mount Hoy at Blackwell Forest Preserve Take a thrilling trip down one of DuPage Countyrsquos highest peaks When more than 3 inches of snow cover Mount Hoy rent a tube and glide down an 800-foot run Only District inner tubes are allowed which cost $4 per tube per day Tube rental ends at 330 pm For updated hours and snow conditions call the 24-hour Outdoor Report at (630) 871-6422

Dec 5 ndash Feb 28 Saturdays and Sundays and Dec 21 ndash 24 Dec 28 ndash Jan 1 Jan 18 and Feb 15 9 am ndash 4 pm

wwwdupageforest org 15

WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)Fact Contrary to popular belief the number of points on a deerrsquos antlers does not relate to the animalrsquos age Instead it reflects the animalrsquos genetics health and diet

COYOTE (Canis latrans)Fact When it comes to eating coyotes arenrsquot picky They mostly eat small mammals but may also dine on birds amphibians insects or even garbage In fall and winter fruits and vegetables are important sources of food for coyotes as well

VIRGINIA OPOSSUM (Didelphis virginiana)Fact Opossum tracks are made up of footprints and marks left by the animalrsquos long hairless tail Its tail is ldquoprehensilerdquo which means it can grab objects like tree branches

BOBCAT (Lynx rufus)Fact Bobcats live in well-defined territories that contain several shelters including their main dens and temporary lodging such as hollow logs and brush piles Ecologists believe these wild felines inhabit two DuPage forest preserves Waterfall Glen in Darien and Greene Valley in Naperville

STRIPED SKUNK (Mephitis mephitis)Fact A skunk can spray up to 15 feet It usually gives a warning by hissing stamping its front feet or waving its tail It may even do a handstand

trail talk

TRACKS amp Facts

copy David Cappaert M

ichigan State University Bugwoodorg

copy Brian Tang

copy Jeanie Klein

TORPOR is a short-term state of reduced

metabolic rate and body temperature that allows an animal to

save energy in cold weather Itrsquos sometimes called ldquotemporary

hibernationrdquo Some DuPage animals including bats and mice

enter torpor in winter when food is scare and itrsquos cold outside

16 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

SNOWBIRDS for Snowbirders

by CHRISTOPHER GUTMANN NATURALIST FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER

Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis)

copy T

ony T

anou

ry

4

3

6

5

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

copy Brian E Sm

allVIREOcopy

R amp S DayVIREO

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy J Schum

acherVIREO

1

2

Have you ever seen a male northern cardinal in the rich early-morning sun with a

backdrop of freshly fallen pure-white snow Have you ever seen a red-tailed hawk perched majestically on a bur oak overseeing its vast wintery kingdom Have you ever seen a mallard and an American black duck swimming side by side and discovered how theyrsquore different If you would like the answer to any of these questions to be ldquoyesrdquo grab a pair of binoculars and head to your nearest DuPage County forest preserve this winter

Yes itrsquos cold but the birding is never easier There are hardly any concealing leaves and the bright colors and dramatic contrasts of many birds become even more conspicuous in the otherwise drab winter landscape True there are fewer species around in winter but that just makes them easier to identify Even a modest-sized forest preserve like Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook can have over 40 species this time of year and the birds are practically begging to be seen The only way it would be easier to find them is if they had blinking neon arrows pointing in their direction

Some people assume that most birds fly south for the winter and while many species do travel as far as South America on their fall journeys for others DuPage County is ldquosouthrdquo The best example of this is the original snowbird the dark-eyed junco Juncos spend their summers in the far

north east and west but in winter you can find these cute gray-and-white sparrow-sized birds in DuPage County foraging low to the ground in small flocks

Other birds thought to fly south never leave the county One example is the American goldfinch Goldfinches are abundant in winter but because the males exchange their trademark bright yellow summer plumage for the femalesrsquo browns and grays many people donrsquot realize theyrsquore still in the neighborhood You can find American goldfinches in their winter ldquoclothesrdquo foraging on the leftover seed heads of dormant wildflowers

Even more surprising than the incognito goldfinch is the famous ldquoharbinger of springrdquo the American robin You can sometimes see this bird in forests foraging by the hundreds for leftover berries in the middle of winter Winter birders should also keep an eye out for the robinrsquos berry-loving cousin the eastern bluebird

There are of course more familiar winter favorites Male northern cardinals sit boldly on shrubs radiating their fire-engineshyred feathers Adorable black-capped chickadees hang upside down on branches calling ldquochick-a-dee-dee-dee-deerdquo to let each other know theyrsquore being watched by a big primate mdash you

A true bird lover will even marvel this time of year at the much-maligned yet stunningly beautiful blue jay Its colors alone

18 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy

G BartleyVIREO 9

copy F K SchleicherVIREO

10

11

7

8

copy Brian Tang

copy R CurtisVIREO

lt 1 Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2 American black duck (Anas rubripes) 3 American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) 4 Hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 5 Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 6 American robin (Turdus migratorius) 7 Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8 Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 9 White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 10 Brown creeper (Certhia americana) 11 Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

make it worth watching but itrsquos also an incredibly intelligent bird with a wide array of fascinating behaviors including mimicry For years there has been a blue jay at Fullersburg Woods that does a dead-on impression of a Cooperrsquos hawk which routinely fools birders Its imitation of a red-tailed hawk is respectable but its red-shouldered-hawk act needs some work

Speaking of blue jays and hawks have you ever heard a small flock of blue jays making a racket in the treetops If you take the time to investigate yoursquoll often find the jays mobbing a hawk or an owl trying to persuade the predator to leave their territory The jays arenrsquot trying to annoy you theyrsquore just telling you that therersquos another incredible bird nearby

Winter birders should remember too to focus on more than just branches Some of the most handsome and interesting species can be found hanging out on trunks As red-bellied downy and hairy woodpeckers hunt for food their reds blacks and whites stand out against the drab browns and grays of the bark White-breasted nuthatches grunt their way down tree trunks head first as they busily wedge seeds into the bark but well-camouflaged brown creepers steadily spiral their way up

If you visit the forest preserves soon after they open itrsquos not uncommon to see a great horned owl wrapping up its nighttime winter hunting or an eastern screech owl perching at the entrance to a tree cavity or wood-duck house as it soaks in a little heat from the sun Use your binoculars to view them from afar though It may look as if their eyes are closed but chances are theyrsquove seen and heard you coming long before yoursquove spotted them If they feel yoursquove gotten too close they will quickly disappear

Last but not least winter is a great time to view waterfowl Many ducks including male wood ducks are in their

brightest plumage and even mallards look stunning on the icy water Always look closely at large flocks of mallards or Canada geese you might notice the luminous irises of a common goldeneye or the comically large bill of a northern shoveler mingling in the crowd

Of course you canrsquot see any of these amazing animals unless you get outside this winter for a snowbird adventure at a DuPage County forest preserve near you bull

FINDING FEATHERED FRIENDS in Forest Preserves 1 Avoid brightly colored clothing Some birds will flush at the

first sight of you The longer it takes them to spot you the better your chances are of getting a good look at them

2 Itrsquos called bird-watching not bird talking Loud noises can scare birds so keep conversation as quiet as possible and turn off cell phones

3 Take your time and slowly scan an area Often birds are silent and will reveal themselves only with subtle movements

4 Leave Fido at home A recent study showed that dog walking in woodlands leads to a 35 percent reduction in bird diversity and a 41 percent reduction in abundance

5 In spring attend ldquoFullersBird Fridaysrdquo at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and ldquoBirding at Willowbrookrdquo at Willowbrook Wildlife Center These naturalist-led bird walks are great for beginning birders

wwwdupageforest org 19

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve explore

More Than Meets the Eye

by JAYNE BOHNER OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

6or many people driving down County Farm Road Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in West Chicago is the home of Kline Creek Farm the Forest

Preserve District of DuPage Countyrsquos 200-acre 1890s living-history farm but the farm is just a part of a remarkable 1148-acre forest preserve

The crops at Kline Creek Farm and a few dozen tillable acres to the north serve as reminders of the arearsquos agricultural roots but within a stretch of land north of the Great Western Trail the Forest Preserve District has converted former fields to more native habitat By removing clay tiles that farmers once installed to drain the soil District ecologists have restored the natural hydrology to the land where they have subsequently planted native wetland species like cattails bulrushes and water plantains In drier areas by removing tree lines that once grew along old fence rows they have created more open grasslands which theyrsquove seeded with flora like big and little bluestem black-eyed Susans lead plant and prairie clover In summer the prairie plants accommodate ground-nesting birds like eastern meadowlarks and savanna sparrows but this time of year they feed American tree sparrows juncos fox sparrows and white-throated sparrows while their stems pods and dried leaves create a natural architecture that displays the seasonrsquos powdery snows

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is also home to a natural savanna Klein Savanna which borders the

F north side of the Illinois Prairie Path just west of Klein Creek Its diversity of plant life makes it one of the highest quality ecosystems in the District Here dormant Allegheny shadblows also known as Allegheny serviceberries wait for spring to trigger their production of fragrant clusters of white flowers and juicy fruits Bare white and bur oaks and shagbark hickories stand over frozen ground that in a few months will erupt with trilliums spring beauties and trout lilies or thaw into ephemeral ponds that will broadcast the sounds of chorus frogs and American toads In summer when foxglove beard tongues and Jacobrsquos ladders bloom the verdant savanna will sing with woodland birds like northern orioles nuthatches black-capped chickadees and scarlet tanagers Winter though promises glimpses of great horned owls which begin nesting in February when the barren landscape makes it easier for adults and fledglings to spot prey

For fans of either the Great Western Trail or the Illinois Prairie Path Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is an ideal starting point Those who want to begin their excursions farther west

often use the small lot on Prince Crossing Road just north of the Great Western Trail (An upland grove east of the parking lot on the south side of the trail is home to a stately white oak roughly 50 inches in diameter 90 feet tall and two to three centuries old) Hikers bikers and cross-country skiers looking for more amenities may instead choose the Kline Creek Farm parking lot on

20 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea)

lt Fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

copy G M

cElroyVIREOcopy

J P Myers

White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

lt Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

North

Quick Look

For a detailed map of Timber Ridge visit wwwdupageforestorg

North Ave

St Charles Rd

Indian Knoll Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Geneva Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Winfield Rd

Kline Creek Farm

Opening Spring 2010

Visitor Center

I llinois P rairie P ath E lgin Spu r

I llinois P rairie P ath G enev a Spu r

G reat W estern T rail

64

Hawthorne Ln

Coun

ty F

arm

Rd

KleinCreek

TimberLake

SpringLake

West BranchDuPage River

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve

KleinSavanna

County Farm Road near the Timber Ridge Visitor Center The centerrsquos drinking fountains and heated restrooms are open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset The interior of the center which houses displays relating to the farmstead and a gift shop is only open during Kline Creek Farmrsquos regular operating hours Thursdays through Mondays from 9 am until 5 pm For information on Kline Creek Farm exhibits educational programs and special events call the farm at (630) 876-5900

The County Farm Road parking lot connects to a 1-mile north-south Forest Preserve District trail that joins the Great Western Trail with the Illinois Prairie Path It also leads to a moderate 05-mile gravel trail that takes anglers to Timber Lake The 17-acre lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet and offers largemouth bass bluegill channel catfish crappie green sunfish carp and black bullheads (A second smaller lake Spring Lake lies in the interior of the forest preserve It boasts being one of only two natural lakes in the county but is inaccessible by trail)

An anticipated addition to Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is a 30-car parking lot on Prince Crossing Road roughly 04 mile north of Geneva Road Opening in spring 2010 the area will give visitors access to a western portion of the preserve via a 075-mile looped trail with two overlooks near the wetland informally known as the Geneva Road Marsh This time of year oases of open water on the marsh are packed with mallards dabbling for seeds and aquatic vegetation but by summer egrets and great blue herons will again be standing in the shallows picking frogs from the white water lilies that will eventually unfurl over the entire marsh bull

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

ltcopy

Joseph Weibler lt

wwwdupageforest org 21

directory

GENERAL Contacts

HEADQUARTERS

Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189

The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm The office is closed on Saturday Sunday and select holidays

Mailing Address PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

Web Site wwwdupageforestorg

E-mail Address forestdupageforestorg

Main Number (630) 933-7200

TTY (800) 526-0857

THE CONSERVATIONIST SUBSCRIPTION LINE (630) 933-7085

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (630) 933-7097

LAW ENFORCEMENT (630) 933-7240

THE OUTDOOR REPORT (630) 871-6422

VISITOR SERVICES (630) 933-7248

VOLUNTEER SERVICES (630) 933-7681

GOLF Clubs

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

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 272 S Addison Road Wood Dale IL 60191 (630) 616-8424

OAK MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 900 N Wood Dale Road Addison IL 60101 (630) 595-1800

copy J P Myers

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 Districtrsquos ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit

EDUCATION Centers

DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 3S503 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189 (630) 668-6012

The centerrsquos office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 430 pm and is closed on select holidays

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook IL 60523 (630) 850-8110

The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm 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 am to 5 pm and is closed on Tuesday Wednesday and select holidays

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

The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER 525 S Park Blvd Glen Ellyn IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and are closed on select holidays

22 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

North

o e e opForest Preserve Property

n d o e e opForest Preserve Property

o eLakePondWaterway

WetWetland

e gEntranceParking

o e Forest Preserve Trail

opo d Proposed Trail

Co County Trail

U ouUS Route

S oState Route

e RInterstate Route

U Unofficial Name

CHICAGOOrsquoHAREINTrsquoL

AIRPORT

THE MORTONARBORETUM

ARGONNENATIONAL

LABORATORY

FERMI NATIONALACCELERATORLABORATORY

DUPAGECOUNTYAIRPORT

CANT GNY

DUPAGECOUNTYCOMPLEX

C a r o l S t r e a m

G l e n d a l eH e i g h t s

A u r o r a

S t C h a r l e s

W a y n e

B a r t l e t t

W e s tC h i c a g o

L o m b a r d

G l e nE l l y n

H a n o v e rP a r k

B l o o m i n g d a l e

A d d i s o n

W h e a t o n

W o o d r i d g e

N a p e r v i l l e

D a r i e n

W i l l o w b r o o k

B u r rR i d g e

H i n s d a l e

W e s t m o n t

C l a r e n d o nH i l l s

O a k B r o o k

D o w n e r sG r o v e

O a k b r o o kT e r r a c e

E l m h u r s t

V i l l aP a r k

E l k G r o v e

W o o d D a l e

B e n s e n v i l l e

R o s e l l e

L i s l e

W a r r e n v i l l e

I t a s c a

W i n f i e l d

I l l inois Prairie Path

Great Western Trai l

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prairie Path

Batavia Spur

Aurora Spur

Aurora

Spur

Elgin Spur

West Branch DuPage River

East BranchDuPage River

Des Plaines River

SaltCreek

SpringbrookCreek

School St

Gro

ve A

ve

Montrose Ave

Rive

r Rd

20

19

83

83

55

53

53

53290

290

355

355

34

34

59

59

64

38

56

88

88

Stearns Rd

Smith Rd

Powis Rd

Pow

is Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Munger Rd

Klei

n Rd

Bart

lett

Rd

Greenbrook Blvd

Cloverdale Rd

Thorn Rd

Cou

nty

Farm

Rd

Schick Rd Schick Rd

Kuhn

Rd

Fair

Oak

s Rd

North Ave

Gar

y A

ve

Schm

ale

Rd

Bu de te Ave

Bloomingdal e Rd

Rose

lle R

d

Gl e

n E l

lyn

R d

Swift

Rd

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd

Grac e St

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd

Add

son Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd

Devon Ave

Prospect Ave

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd

Grand Ave

York Rd

Va Ave

Vill a Ave

Butterfield Rd High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave

Summ

it Ave

West m

ore A ve

Mey

ers

Rd

Highland A

ve

St Charles Rd

Cres

cent Blvd

Mai

n St

M

a in

St

Hill Ave

Pennsylvan a Ave

Harrison St

Main St

St Charles Rd

St Charles Rd

Roosevelt Rd Wes

t St

Geneva Rd

Harrison Ave

Manchester Rd

Jewell Rd

H ghlake Rd

Ind an Kno

Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Washington St

Arbor A

ve

Downs Dr

ndus

tra

Dr

Kres

s R

d

Kautz Rd

Fabyan Pkwy

Batavia Rd

Purnell Rd

Winf

ield

Rd

Mack Rd

Sch a

ffne

r Rd

Weis

brook Rd

Orc

hard

Rd

War

renv

ille R

d

Plamondon Rd

Nap

ervi

lle R

d

Blan

char

d St

Butterfield Rd

Fawell Blvd

Park

Blv

d

Finley Rd

31st St Oakbrook Rd

Midw

est Ave

22nd St Harger Rd

Sprng Rd

York Rd

Spring Rd

Chicago Ave

35th St Cass A

ve

Hig

hlan

d A

ve

Naperville Rd

Leask Ln

Nape

rvil

e Rd

Warrenville Rd

Her

rick

Rd

Wnf

ed

Rd

Bilter Rd

Ferry Rd

Diehl Rd Diehl Rd

Eola

Rd

Raymond Dr

Mill St

Doug as Ave

Jefferson Ave Chicago Ave

Yack

ley

Ave

Col

lege

Rd

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd

Garfield A

ve

Harvester Rd

Em

Rd

Jol et Rd

Cou

nty

Line

Rd

91st St

Madison St

Fairv

iew

Ave

Main St

Ma

n St

75th St

Plainfield Rd

Cass A

ve

87th St Oldfield Rd

Wood w

ard Ave

83rd St

Gre

ene

Rd

75th St

79th St

Hobson Rd

Weh

rli R

d

Nap

er B

lvd

Was

hing

ton

St

Washington St

87th St

Modaff Rd

Gartner Rd

Aurora Ave

New York St

Liberty St

75th St

Rickert Dr

Montgomery Rd 83rd St

Bluff Rd

Cass Ave

Lem

ont R

d

Inter

naiona e Pkwy

River Rd

North Aurora Rd

Irving Park Rd

Gary s M ll Rd

Maple Ave

Circle Ave

Smith Rd

Ger

ber R

d

Med

nah

Rd

M

edi n

ah R

d

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin OrsquoHare

Geneva Rd

Bilter Rd

DuPage Pkwy

Shor

e Rd

Ogden Ave

Book

Rd

Jackson Ave

Pa

nfed-N

aperve Rd

Abbeywood Dr

Ranc

h V

ew D

r

Hobson R

d

Hitcock Ave

Manning Rd

Lem

on

t Rd

Gi bert Ave

Finley

Rd

Adam

s St

Wilson Ave

Park

Blv

d

College Rd

Army Trail Rd

Naper Blvd

Green Tra ls Dr

Ferry Rd

Mor

ton

Rd

Davey Rd

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd

Fron

tena

c Rd

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Des Plaines Pl esRiverwayRi r

e

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands

rsquosWWooW

Du

aynenev

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWo s

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWo s

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes

e

owowvv

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

kHighRidge

Salt Cre k Greenway

Woodd

G

e a

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

Gr enGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

manLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlandsWetlands

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

We tWestBranchBranch

PrattPrattrsquossWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

ayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWo sWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWo sWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakesLakes

Woo sWoods

W renvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoo sWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneV leyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

kHighYorkHighRidgeRidge

Salt Cre kSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

erfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St JamesSt JamesFarmFarm

Des Plaines Des Plaines

294

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt

Page 6: The Conservationist Winter 2010

copy J P M

yers

QuestionsQuestions

by JACK MACRAE NATURALIST WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER

lt As a naturalist mdash a person who

studies an arearsquos natural and cultural history and loves talking about it even more mdash Irsquove probably

answered between 10 and 20 thousand questions in my career an average amount for someone in my profession After all questions are a naturalistrsquos bread and butter Irsquove always enjoyed questions and consider them important forms of communication that lead people to higher levels of learning and greater understandings I particularly love the ones that I donrsquot know the answer to because then I get to go home and learn something myself

The majority of questions usually those that start with ldquowhatrdquo ldquowhererdquo or ldquowhenrdquo are easy for an experienced naturalist to answer (The most frequently asked by a wide margin is ldquoWhere are the bathroomsrdquo) During a school program that presented the lives of the Potawatomi Indians who moved into DuPage County in the late 1600s one student asked ldquoWhat did the Indians eatrdquo My answer was a short list of edible plants and animals The response

of wide-eyed squeals of ldquoEwwwwwrdquo and ldquoGrosssssrdquo caused me to solicit my own questions to the group that was clearly accustomed to hunting and gathering food with a shopping cart

ldquoHowrdquo and ldquowhyrdquo questions can be a little more difficult to answer such as ldquoWhy are butterflies prettyrdquo or ldquoWhy are owls meanrdquo or more thought provoking such as ldquoHow do birds know which song to singrdquo That last question led to a discussion on songbirds and the eastern phoebe and its innate ability to sing its melodic ldquofee beerdquo perfectly even when raised in isolation from other phoebes

Some questions directly relate to age Long ago I was working in a local history museum and was showing various Stone Age tools to a group of kindergartners One girl asked ldquoHow did these things get so oldrdquo and I quickly learned that the concept of time is abstract to a 5-year-old

Other questions remind me never to assume that everyone shares the same level of understanding of ecology or nature in general During a wildlife hike at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook I talked about the kinds of animals that lived in the preserve such as deer raccoons foxes owls and hawks One woman asked if we kept the animals in cages When I told her no she followed with a sincere ldquoThen why do they stay here Why donrsquot they run awayrdquo Her questions may have sounded foolish but they gave me a chance to discuss the concept of habitat one area that contains everything an organism needs to survive with the entire group

There is no doubt that DuPage County forest preserves arouse peoplersquos curiosity and questions that ultimately result in a greater understanding of the natural world So the next time you attend a forest preserve program please donrsquot keep your questions to yourself bull

Eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)

Eastern phoebe lt (Sayornis phoebe)

copy G

ary Davis

copy Johnny N Dell Bugw

oodorg

copy Joseph W

eibler

the

fie

ld

omFr

lt

Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana)

lt lt Gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) Fox squirrel

(Sciurus niger)

Q How does that bird know my name A The bird was a gray catbird which is named for its

distinctive call that brings to mind a meowing cat The visitor at Fullersburg Woods was named Erin and she obviously thought the catbird was calling ldquoErrrrrrrin Errrrrinrdquo

Q Do you want to see the piranha I caught A This one is proof that there is no such thing as a silly

question Piranhas are omnivorous fish known for their voracious appetite for meat They live in the Amazon basin but the fish caught by this Herrick Lake angler was in fact a piranha Someone had undoubtedly released it from a home aquarium someone who did not understand the detrimental effect a nonnative species can have on an ecosystem

Q Can you identify an animal for me It looks like Mickey Rooney

A The animal in question was an opossum which has gray or white fur and prominent whiskers and at least to one person superficially resembles the legendary 5-foot-3-inch 89-year-old actor of film television and stage

Q Is that fire real A I can only assume this visitor at Kline Creek Farm in

West Chicago was thinking of the faux fireplaces that people can buy at home-decorator stores The fires in the cooking stoves and at the blacksmith shop at Kline Creek Farm though are the real deal

Q Why can I have a pet gerbil but not a pet squirrel A Gerbils are rodents native to Asia and Africa The

Mongolian variety has been a popular pet in the United

States since the 1950s They can legally be bought and sold in all states except California On the other hand all native tree squirrels are protected by Illinois law and cannot be kept in captivity

Q Did you know there is a penguin at Herrick Lake A The bird in question was not a penguin but the Illinois

state-endangered black-crowned night heron This stocky short-necked heron has a black head and back and a white face breast throat and belly It does bear a slight resemblance to a penguin but you wonrsquot be seeing one in a feature-length documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman any time soon

ltBlack-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)

ltMagellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus)

copy Pam

ela Rasmussen

copy Phil M

yers

7wwwdupageforest org

winter calendar See pages 10 through 15 for program descriptions

26

5

12

19

27

6

13

20

28

7

14

21

29

1

8

15

22

30

2

9

16

23

2431

3

10

17

25

4

11

18

M TW F STS2

9

16

23

3

10

17

24

4

11

18

25

5

12

19

26

6

13

20

27

28

7

14

21

1

8

15

22

M TW F STS

30

2

9

16

23

31

3

10

17

24

4

11

18

25

5

12

19

26

6

13

20

27

28

7

14

21

29

8

15

22

M TW F STS1jan

feb mar

January 2 Volunteer Restoration Workday

3 Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners

9 Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo Volunteer Nature Workday

10 Archery for Kids Ice Fishing for Beginners Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo

16 ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Open House Volunteer Restoration Workday

17 Cast-Iron Cooking Owls of DuPage

21 Ice Harvesting

23 Bread-Baking Class Ice Harvesting Volunteer Nature Workday

24 Bread From the Oven Ice Harvesting Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids

26 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

28 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Ice Harvesting ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session

30 Coyote Tracking Volunteer Nature Workday

31 Volunteer Restoration Workday Winter Layering and Safety

copy Peter Vagt

8 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

wwwdupageforest org 9

February 2 Wake Up Groundhog

6 Wonders of Winter

7 Snowshoeing for Beginners Volunteer Nature Workday

9 Teachersrsquo Class Tracking and Reading Begins

13 Fancywork Day Romantic Night Hike

14 Archery for Beginners Falcons of DuPage

15 Tapping Into Fun

16 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

18 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

20 Collage Workshop Begins Volunteer Nature Workday

21 Ice Fishing for Beginners

23 WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake

24 ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session

27 Backyard Birdhouses Skunk Tracking Volunteer Nature Workday Volunteer Restoration Workday Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal

28 Cast-Iron Cooking

March 6 Cub Scout Adventure From Sap to Syrup

Volunteer Nature Workday

11 WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake

13 Maple Sugaring

14 Maple Sugaring Maple Syrup Sundays Volunteer Restoration Workday Wild Dogs of DuPage

16 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

18 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Spring Night Hike

20 Acappellago Concert Archery for Beginners Volunteer Nature Workday

21 Cub Scout Adventure Makinrsquo Tracks Maple Syrup Sundays Ranger Trek Junior Volunteer Nature Workday

27 Pie-Baking Class Volunteer Nature Workday Volunteer Restoration Workday

28 Pies for Spring

29 April Foolsrsquo Adventure

winter calendar

Acappellago Concert Enjoy the sounds of Acappellago as they perform ldquoEscape to hellip The Light of the Moonrdquo a passionate journey from the romantics of the 19th century through todayrsquos popular and contemporary music $15 per adult $12 per student or senior For tickets call (708) 484-3797 ext 2

Mar 20 730 ndash 930 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

April Foolsrsquo Adventure Enjoy some April Foolsrsquo jokes and go on a search to see what doesnrsquot belong on an 1890s farm Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 29 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm

Archery for Beginners Discover the history of this classic sport and learn about equipment and shooting techniques in an indoor setting Equipment provided Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 14 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Mar 20 11 am ndash 1230 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Archery for Kids Kids learn the history and basic techniques of archery in an indoor setting Equipment provided Ages 7 ndash 10 with an adult Free Registration begins Dec 28 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 10 11 am ndash 1230 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Backyard Birdhouses Be ready to welcome backyard birds this spring Learn about different nesting needs and build a nest box to take home Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult $10 per project To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 27 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 130 ndash 3 pm Fullersburg Woods

Bread-Baking Class Learn how to bake bread the way that it was done in the 1890s and take home a loaf of your creation along with instructions and recipes $25 per person To register call (630) 876-5900

Jan 23 9 am ndash noon Kline Creek Farm Jan 23 1 ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Bread From the Oven See the process of baking bread in a wood-burning oven enjoy the tantalizing aroma and take home recipes Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 24 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half-hour Kline Creek Farm

Cast-Iron Cooking Help prepare a hearty meal over an open campfire and learn tips for cooking with cast iron $10 per person ages 16 and up $5 ages 15 and under Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 17 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Feb 28 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Collage Workshop Explore the fine art of collage as you experiment with simple design concepts and a variety of new techniques during this two-day workshop $185 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 20 amp 27 9 am ndash 4 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

10 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy Phil Myers

Coyote Tracking Locate a coyotersquos trail and follow it through the preserve interpreting the animalrsquos activities as you go Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 15 Call (630) 206-9581

Jan 30 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners Learn the differences between backcountry telemark and touring skis and pick up tips on clothing and trail etiquette Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Dec 21 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 3 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Cub Scout Adventure From Sap to Syrup Cub Scouts learn how sap from maple trees is turned into delicious syrup and taste the syrup served over ice cream $6 per Scout To register call (630) 876-5900

Mar 6 930 am ndash 3 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Cub Scout Adventure Makinrsquo Tracks Cub Scouts learn how to identify the animals that live in certain habitats by observing the signs they leave behind $3 per Scout Registration begins March 7 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 21 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Falcons of DuPage Meet three species of falcons and learn about the natural history of these highly specialized birds of prey Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Jan 31 Call (630) 942-6200

Feb 14 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Fancywork Day See lace making tatting and other handwork demonstrations and receive a pattern for a small purse Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Feb 13 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour Kline Creek Farm

Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Learn about natural and cultural history while exploring different forest preserves Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult $5 per family Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 942-6200

Jan 26 9 ndash 11 am Wayne Grove Jan 28 1 ndash 3 pm Wayne Grove Feb 16 9 ndash 11 am Willowbrook Feb 18 1 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook Mar 16 9 ndash 11 am Greene Valley Mar 18 1 ndash 3 pm Greene Valley

Ice Fishing for Beginners Learn the basics of ice fishing including safety equipment techniques and tips for forest preserve lakes Fishing will follow if conditions permit Equipment and bait provided All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 10 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Feb 21 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides at Danada Equestrian Center Enjoy a sleigh ride through the snow-covered fields and woods of Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton $5 per adult $2 per child ages 5 ndash 12 children under 5 free

Rides are 12 ndash 15 minutes long Hay wagons will be used if there is less than 6 inches of snow For additional details or for groups of 10 or more call (630) 668-6012

Jan 3 ndash Feb 28 Sundays Noon ndash 3 pm

wwwdupageforest org 11

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Ice Harvesting Learn the importance of ice before refrigeration See an exhibit of ice-cutting tools and peek into the icehouse to see how families stored blocks that lasted into summer Weather permitting help cut and transport ice from the lake Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 21 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 23 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 24 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 28 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple Sugaring See how 1890s farm families tapped trees and boiled the collected sap into maple syrup and sugar Then try to tap a tree yourself Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 13 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm Mar 14 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple-Syrup Sundays Get sticky Take a stroll through the woods and discover the secret of turning tree sap into syrup All ages Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 850-8110

Mar 14 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods

Owls of DuPage Find out why people give a hoot about owls and learn about the species that live in DuPage Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Jan 3 Call (630) 942-6200

Jan 17 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Pie-Baking Class Learn the basics of making pies Then bake different recipes in a wood-burning oven and take home your creation $25 per person To register call (630) 876-5900

Mar 27 9 am ndash noon Kline Creek Farm Mar 27 1 ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Pies for Spring Savor the aroma of pies from 1890s cookbooks as they bake in a wood-burning oven and take home recipes for your own kitchen Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 28 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half-hour Kline Creek Farm

Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids Learn how to experience the outdoors through ldquoleave no tracerdquo camping Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 11 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 24 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Ranger Trek Junior Learn about the critters that call the forest preserves home and join a ranger on a hike to explore different habitats Ages 10 and under with an adult Free Registration begins March 8 Call (630) 933-7248

Mar 21 1030 am ndash noon Waterfall Glen

Romantic Night Hike Enjoy a lantern-lit walk with your sweetheart to four scenic bridges over Salt Creek then warm up with hot cocoa around a cozy fire Adults only $10 per couple To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 13 7 ndash 9 pm Fullersburg Woods

12 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Skunk Tracking Follow skunk tracks and try to guess what the little stinker was up to Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Feb 12 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 27 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Open House Discover a variety of opportunities available with the Forest Preserve Districtrsquos nine volunteer programs including Danada Equestrian Center Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center Kline Creek Farm Mayslake Peabody Estate Natural Resource Management St James Farm Trail Patrol Volunteer Ranger Experience and Willowbrook Wildlife Center Registration not required Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 16 10 am ndash 1 pm DanadaHeadquarters one-hour presentation at 11 am

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session Learn about the nine Forest Preserve District volunteer programs in detail Ask questions and decide which option fits your interests and schedule Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 28 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters Feb 24 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters

Snowshoeing for Beginners Learn the basics of snowshoeing and put your new skills to work during a guided hike Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 25 Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 7 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Spring Night Hike Experience a forest preserve after hours when animals are accustomed to going about their activities undisturbed Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins March 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Mar 18 7 ndash 830 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

1890s Living at Kline Creek Farm (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

Jan 2 ndash March 27 (except Jan 30) Saturdays 130 ndash 330 pm

DRESSING FOR WINTER See the undergarments the farm family wore in the 1890s and learn their uses

Jan 7 ndash 25 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

COURTING IN THE 1890S Hear excerpts from love letters written in the late 19th century and learn about the role that a homersquos parlor played in courtship

Feb 11 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

A NICKELrsquoS WORTH Find out what a nickel could buy in the 1890s and how consumer preferences were changing

March 4 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

wwwdupageforest org 13

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Cultural Events at Mayslake Peabody Estate

ART EXHIBIT COLLAGE amp MEMORIES Enjoy an exhibit by the Midwest Collage Society Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

Jan 13 ndash March 4 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

FIRST FOLIO THEATRE PRESENTS ldquoJEEVES IN BLOOMrdquo When lovable Bertie Wooster gets himself into another scrape Jeeves must resign his service and reinvent himself as something other than a gentlemanrsquos gentleman $2830 adult $2325 senior or student For tickets call (630) 986-8067 or visit wwwfirstfolioorg

Jan 30 ndash Feb 28 Wednesday ndash Saturday 8 pm and Sunday 3 pm

THE ALLIANCE OF FINE ART PRESENTS ldquoTHE BEST OF THE BESTrdquo ART SHOW View the finest works of local artists Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

March 22 ndash May 7 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

RESTORATION-IN-PROGRESS TOURS Learn about the past mdash and future mdash of this historic 1920s Tudor-revival-style mansion $5 per person Group tours available Call (630) 206-9566

Wednesdays 11 am amp 1230 pm and Saturdays 930 10 11 amp 1130 am

Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo Lend a hand making sausage and learn the importance of the smokehouse and cured meats in the 1890s Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 9 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm Jan 10 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Tapping Into Fun Find out how maple syrup is made through a story and a hike to tap trees Ages 6 and up with an adult $5 per person To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 15 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 15 1 ndash 230 pm Fullersburg Woods

Teachersrsquo Class Tracking and Reading Teachers explore the parallels between the structure and meanings in written language and those in animal tracks and other objects found in nature during this 12-session course $345 per teacher Registration begins Jan 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 9 ndash 20 and Mar 2 ndash 27 Mayslake Peabody Estate Tue 530 ndash 9 pm Sat 8 am ndash noon

Volunteer Nature Workday Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult 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

Jan 9 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Jan 23 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Jan 30 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Feb 7 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Mar 6 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Mar 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods

14 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Volunteer Restoration Workday Enjoy the outdoors while helping to restore one of DuPage Countyrsquos most diverse prairies by clearing invasive plants or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult Groups of 10 or more must register Call (630) 961-2041

Jan 2 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Jan 16 1 ndash 4 pm West Chicago Prairie Jan 31 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 14 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie

WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake Enjoy an evening of high-quality jazz brought to you by Mayslake Peabody Estate WDCB Public Radio and the PianoForte Foundation Adults only $25 cabaret seating $20 general admission and $16 for seniors over 65 students and groups of seven or more (A $5-per-person docent-led tour of Mayslake Hall will precede the concert at 630 pm) For tickets call (630) 206-9566

Feb 23 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate A premiere of Ryan Cohanrsquos new septet

Mar 11 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate Barry Winograd Quartet

Wake Up Groundhog Learn all about the groundhog through a story game and craft Ages 3 ndash 5 with an adult $5 per child To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 2 1030 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods

Wild Dogs of DuPage Learn the natural history of the wild dogs including foxes and coyotes that make DuPage County home Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Feb 28 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 14 2 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook

Winter Layering and Safety Learn how to keep the whole family mdash even Spot mdash warm and safe from head to toe while enjoying the outdoors All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 18 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 31 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Wonders of Winter Discover the fun of visiting a forest preserve in winter Activities include horse-drawn hayrides ice fishing geocaching snowshoeing and winter crafts Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 6 10 am ndash 1 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal Learn how to put together a successful book proposal Prerequisite Writing a Query Letter Adults only $90 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 27 9 am ndash 3 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Snow Tubing at Mount Hoy at Blackwell Forest Preserve Take a thrilling trip down one of DuPage Countyrsquos highest peaks When more than 3 inches of snow cover Mount Hoy rent a tube and glide down an 800-foot run Only District inner tubes are allowed which cost $4 per tube per day Tube rental ends at 330 pm For updated hours and snow conditions call the 24-hour Outdoor Report at (630) 871-6422

Dec 5 ndash Feb 28 Saturdays and Sundays and Dec 21 ndash 24 Dec 28 ndash Jan 1 Jan 18 and Feb 15 9 am ndash 4 pm

wwwdupageforest org 15

WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)Fact Contrary to popular belief the number of points on a deerrsquos antlers does not relate to the animalrsquos age Instead it reflects the animalrsquos genetics health and diet

COYOTE (Canis latrans)Fact When it comes to eating coyotes arenrsquot picky They mostly eat small mammals but may also dine on birds amphibians insects or even garbage In fall and winter fruits and vegetables are important sources of food for coyotes as well

VIRGINIA OPOSSUM (Didelphis virginiana)Fact Opossum tracks are made up of footprints and marks left by the animalrsquos long hairless tail Its tail is ldquoprehensilerdquo which means it can grab objects like tree branches

BOBCAT (Lynx rufus)Fact Bobcats live in well-defined territories that contain several shelters including their main dens and temporary lodging such as hollow logs and brush piles Ecologists believe these wild felines inhabit two DuPage forest preserves Waterfall Glen in Darien and Greene Valley in Naperville

STRIPED SKUNK (Mephitis mephitis)Fact A skunk can spray up to 15 feet It usually gives a warning by hissing stamping its front feet or waving its tail It may even do a handstand

trail talk

TRACKS amp Facts

copy David Cappaert M

ichigan State University Bugwoodorg

copy Brian Tang

copy Jeanie Klein

TORPOR is a short-term state of reduced

metabolic rate and body temperature that allows an animal to

save energy in cold weather Itrsquos sometimes called ldquotemporary

hibernationrdquo Some DuPage animals including bats and mice

enter torpor in winter when food is scare and itrsquos cold outside

16 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

SNOWBIRDS for Snowbirders

by CHRISTOPHER GUTMANN NATURALIST FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER

Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis)

copy T

ony T

anou

ry

4

3

6

5

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

copy Brian E Sm

allVIREOcopy

R amp S DayVIREO

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy J Schum

acherVIREO

1

2

Have you ever seen a male northern cardinal in the rich early-morning sun with a

backdrop of freshly fallen pure-white snow Have you ever seen a red-tailed hawk perched majestically on a bur oak overseeing its vast wintery kingdom Have you ever seen a mallard and an American black duck swimming side by side and discovered how theyrsquore different If you would like the answer to any of these questions to be ldquoyesrdquo grab a pair of binoculars and head to your nearest DuPage County forest preserve this winter

Yes itrsquos cold but the birding is never easier There are hardly any concealing leaves and the bright colors and dramatic contrasts of many birds become even more conspicuous in the otherwise drab winter landscape True there are fewer species around in winter but that just makes them easier to identify Even a modest-sized forest preserve like Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook can have over 40 species this time of year and the birds are practically begging to be seen The only way it would be easier to find them is if they had blinking neon arrows pointing in their direction

Some people assume that most birds fly south for the winter and while many species do travel as far as South America on their fall journeys for others DuPage County is ldquosouthrdquo The best example of this is the original snowbird the dark-eyed junco Juncos spend their summers in the far

north east and west but in winter you can find these cute gray-and-white sparrow-sized birds in DuPage County foraging low to the ground in small flocks

Other birds thought to fly south never leave the county One example is the American goldfinch Goldfinches are abundant in winter but because the males exchange their trademark bright yellow summer plumage for the femalesrsquo browns and grays many people donrsquot realize theyrsquore still in the neighborhood You can find American goldfinches in their winter ldquoclothesrdquo foraging on the leftover seed heads of dormant wildflowers

Even more surprising than the incognito goldfinch is the famous ldquoharbinger of springrdquo the American robin You can sometimes see this bird in forests foraging by the hundreds for leftover berries in the middle of winter Winter birders should also keep an eye out for the robinrsquos berry-loving cousin the eastern bluebird

There are of course more familiar winter favorites Male northern cardinals sit boldly on shrubs radiating their fire-engineshyred feathers Adorable black-capped chickadees hang upside down on branches calling ldquochick-a-dee-dee-dee-deerdquo to let each other know theyrsquore being watched by a big primate mdash you

A true bird lover will even marvel this time of year at the much-maligned yet stunningly beautiful blue jay Its colors alone

18 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy

G BartleyVIREO 9

copy F K SchleicherVIREO

10

11

7

8

copy Brian Tang

copy R CurtisVIREO

lt 1 Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2 American black duck (Anas rubripes) 3 American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) 4 Hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 5 Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 6 American robin (Turdus migratorius) 7 Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8 Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 9 White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 10 Brown creeper (Certhia americana) 11 Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

make it worth watching but itrsquos also an incredibly intelligent bird with a wide array of fascinating behaviors including mimicry For years there has been a blue jay at Fullersburg Woods that does a dead-on impression of a Cooperrsquos hawk which routinely fools birders Its imitation of a red-tailed hawk is respectable but its red-shouldered-hawk act needs some work

Speaking of blue jays and hawks have you ever heard a small flock of blue jays making a racket in the treetops If you take the time to investigate yoursquoll often find the jays mobbing a hawk or an owl trying to persuade the predator to leave their territory The jays arenrsquot trying to annoy you theyrsquore just telling you that therersquos another incredible bird nearby

Winter birders should remember too to focus on more than just branches Some of the most handsome and interesting species can be found hanging out on trunks As red-bellied downy and hairy woodpeckers hunt for food their reds blacks and whites stand out against the drab browns and grays of the bark White-breasted nuthatches grunt their way down tree trunks head first as they busily wedge seeds into the bark but well-camouflaged brown creepers steadily spiral their way up

If you visit the forest preserves soon after they open itrsquos not uncommon to see a great horned owl wrapping up its nighttime winter hunting or an eastern screech owl perching at the entrance to a tree cavity or wood-duck house as it soaks in a little heat from the sun Use your binoculars to view them from afar though It may look as if their eyes are closed but chances are theyrsquove seen and heard you coming long before yoursquove spotted them If they feel yoursquove gotten too close they will quickly disappear

Last but not least winter is a great time to view waterfowl Many ducks including male wood ducks are in their

brightest plumage and even mallards look stunning on the icy water Always look closely at large flocks of mallards or Canada geese you might notice the luminous irises of a common goldeneye or the comically large bill of a northern shoveler mingling in the crowd

Of course you canrsquot see any of these amazing animals unless you get outside this winter for a snowbird adventure at a DuPage County forest preserve near you bull

FINDING FEATHERED FRIENDS in Forest Preserves 1 Avoid brightly colored clothing Some birds will flush at the

first sight of you The longer it takes them to spot you the better your chances are of getting a good look at them

2 Itrsquos called bird-watching not bird talking Loud noises can scare birds so keep conversation as quiet as possible and turn off cell phones

3 Take your time and slowly scan an area Often birds are silent and will reveal themselves only with subtle movements

4 Leave Fido at home A recent study showed that dog walking in woodlands leads to a 35 percent reduction in bird diversity and a 41 percent reduction in abundance

5 In spring attend ldquoFullersBird Fridaysrdquo at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and ldquoBirding at Willowbrookrdquo at Willowbrook Wildlife Center These naturalist-led bird walks are great for beginning birders

wwwdupageforest org 19

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve explore

More Than Meets the Eye

by JAYNE BOHNER OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

6or many people driving down County Farm Road Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in West Chicago is the home of Kline Creek Farm the Forest

Preserve District of DuPage Countyrsquos 200-acre 1890s living-history farm but the farm is just a part of a remarkable 1148-acre forest preserve

The crops at Kline Creek Farm and a few dozen tillable acres to the north serve as reminders of the arearsquos agricultural roots but within a stretch of land north of the Great Western Trail the Forest Preserve District has converted former fields to more native habitat By removing clay tiles that farmers once installed to drain the soil District ecologists have restored the natural hydrology to the land where they have subsequently planted native wetland species like cattails bulrushes and water plantains In drier areas by removing tree lines that once grew along old fence rows they have created more open grasslands which theyrsquove seeded with flora like big and little bluestem black-eyed Susans lead plant and prairie clover In summer the prairie plants accommodate ground-nesting birds like eastern meadowlarks and savanna sparrows but this time of year they feed American tree sparrows juncos fox sparrows and white-throated sparrows while their stems pods and dried leaves create a natural architecture that displays the seasonrsquos powdery snows

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is also home to a natural savanna Klein Savanna which borders the

F north side of the Illinois Prairie Path just west of Klein Creek Its diversity of plant life makes it one of the highest quality ecosystems in the District Here dormant Allegheny shadblows also known as Allegheny serviceberries wait for spring to trigger their production of fragrant clusters of white flowers and juicy fruits Bare white and bur oaks and shagbark hickories stand over frozen ground that in a few months will erupt with trilliums spring beauties and trout lilies or thaw into ephemeral ponds that will broadcast the sounds of chorus frogs and American toads In summer when foxglove beard tongues and Jacobrsquos ladders bloom the verdant savanna will sing with woodland birds like northern orioles nuthatches black-capped chickadees and scarlet tanagers Winter though promises glimpses of great horned owls which begin nesting in February when the barren landscape makes it easier for adults and fledglings to spot prey

For fans of either the Great Western Trail or the Illinois Prairie Path Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is an ideal starting point Those who want to begin their excursions farther west

often use the small lot on Prince Crossing Road just north of the Great Western Trail (An upland grove east of the parking lot on the south side of the trail is home to a stately white oak roughly 50 inches in diameter 90 feet tall and two to three centuries old) Hikers bikers and cross-country skiers looking for more amenities may instead choose the Kline Creek Farm parking lot on

20 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea)

lt Fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

copy G M

cElroyVIREOcopy

J P Myers

White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

lt Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

North

Quick Look

For a detailed map of Timber Ridge visit wwwdupageforestorg

North Ave

St Charles Rd

Indian Knoll Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Geneva Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Winfield Rd

Kline Creek Farm

Opening Spring 2010

Visitor Center

I llinois P rairie P ath E lgin Spu r

I llinois P rairie P ath G enev a Spu r

G reat W estern T rail

64

Hawthorne Ln

Coun

ty F

arm

Rd

KleinCreek

TimberLake

SpringLake

West BranchDuPage River

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve

KleinSavanna

County Farm Road near the Timber Ridge Visitor Center The centerrsquos drinking fountains and heated restrooms are open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset The interior of the center which houses displays relating to the farmstead and a gift shop is only open during Kline Creek Farmrsquos regular operating hours Thursdays through Mondays from 9 am until 5 pm For information on Kline Creek Farm exhibits educational programs and special events call the farm at (630) 876-5900

The County Farm Road parking lot connects to a 1-mile north-south Forest Preserve District trail that joins the Great Western Trail with the Illinois Prairie Path It also leads to a moderate 05-mile gravel trail that takes anglers to Timber Lake The 17-acre lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet and offers largemouth bass bluegill channel catfish crappie green sunfish carp and black bullheads (A second smaller lake Spring Lake lies in the interior of the forest preserve It boasts being one of only two natural lakes in the county but is inaccessible by trail)

An anticipated addition to Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is a 30-car parking lot on Prince Crossing Road roughly 04 mile north of Geneva Road Opening in spring 2010 the area will give visitors access to a western portion of the preserve via a 075-mile looped trail with two overlooks near the wetland informally known as the Geneva Road Marsh This time of year oases of open water on the marsh are packed with mallards dabbling for seeds and aquatic vegetation but by summer egrets and great blue herons will again be standing in the shallows picking frogs from the white water lilies that will eventually unfurl over the entire marsh bull

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

ltcopy

Joseph Weibler lt

wwwdupageforest org 21

directory

GENERAL Contacts

HEADQUARTERS

Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189

The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm The office is closed on Saturday Sunday and select holidays

Mailing Address PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

Web Site wwwdupageforestorg

E-mail Address forestdupageforestorg

Main Number (630) 933-7200

TTY (800) 526-0857

THE CONSERVATIONIST SUBSCRIPTION LINE (630) 933-7085

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (630) 933-7097

LAW ENFORCEMENT (630) 933-7240

THE OUTDOOR REPORT (630) 871-6422

VISITOR SERVICES (630) 933-7248

VOLUNTEER SERVICES (630) 933-7681

GOLF Clubs

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

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 272 S Addison Road Wood Dale IL 60191 (630) 616-8424

OAK MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 900 N Wood Dale Road Addison IL 60101 (630) 595-1800

copy J P Myers

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 Districtrsquos ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit

EDUCATION Centers

DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 3S503 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189 (630) 668-6012

The centerrsquos office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 430 pm and is closed on select holidays

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook IL 60523 (630) 850-8110

The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm 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 am to 5 pm and is closed on Tuesday Wednesday and select holidays

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

The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER 525 S Park Blvd Glen Ellyn IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and are closed on select holidays

22 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

North

o e e opForest Preserve Property

n d o e e opForest Preserve Property

o eLakePondWaterway

WetWetland

e gEntranceParking

o e Forest Preserve Trail

opo d Proposed Trail

Co County Trail

U ouUS Route

S oState Route

e RInterstate Route

U Unofficial Name

CHICAGOOrsquoHAREINTrsquoL

AIRPORT

THE MORTONARBORETUM

ARGONNENATIONAL

LABORATORY

FERMI NATIONALACCELERATORLABORATORY

DUPAGECOUNTYAIRPORT

CANT GNY

DUPAGECOUNTYCOMPLEX

C a r o l S t r e a m

G l e n d a l eH e i g h t s

A u r o r a

S t C h a r l e s

W a y n e

B a r t l e t t

W e s tC h i c a g o

L o m b a r d

G l e nE l l y n

H a n o v e rP a r k

B l o o m i n g d a l e

A d d i s o n

W h e a t o n

W o o d r i d g e

N a p e r v i l l e

D a r i e n

W i l l o w b r o o k

B u r rR i d g e

H i n s d a l e

W e s t m o n t

C l a r e n d o nH i l l s

O a k B r o o k

D o w n e r sG r o v e

O a k b r o o kT e r r a c e

E l m h u r s t

V i l l aP a r k

E l k G r o v e

W o o d D a l e

B e n s e n v i l l e

R o s e l l e

L i s l e

W a r r e n v i l l e

I t a s c a

W i n f i e l d

I l l inois Prairie Path

Great Western Trai l

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prairie Path

Batavia Spur

Aurora Spur

Aurora

Spur

Elgin Spur

West Branch DuPage River

East BranchDuPage River

Des Plaines River

SaltCreek

SpringbrookCreek

School St

Gro

ve A

ve

Montrose Ave

Rive

r Rd

20

19

83

83

55

53

53

53290

290

355

355

34

34

59

59

64

38

56

88

88

Stearns Rd

Smith Rd

Powis Rd

Pow

is Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Munger Rd

Klei

n Rd

Bart

lett

Rd

Greenbrook Blvd

Cloverdale Rd

Thorn Rd

Cou

nty

Farm

Rd

Schick Rd Schick Rd

Kuhn

Rd

Fair

Oak

s Rd

North Ave

Gar

y A

ve

Schm

ale

Rd

Bu de te Ave

Bloomingdal e Rd

Rose

lle R

d

Gl e

n E l

lyn

R d

Swift

Rd

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd

Grac e St

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd

Add

son Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd

Devon Ave

Prospect Ave

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd

Grand Ave

York Rd

Va Ave

Vill a Ave

Butterfield Rd High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave

Summ

it Ave

West m

ore A ve

Mey

ers

Rd

Highland A

ve

St Charles Rd

Cres

cent Blvd

Mai

n St

M

a in

St

Hill Ave

Pennsylvan a Ave

Harrison St

Main St

St Charles Rd

St Charles Rd

Roosevelt Rd Wes

t St

Geneva Rd

Harrison Ave

Manchester Rd

Jewell Rd

H ghlake Rd

Ind an Kno

Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Washington St

Arbor A

ve

Downs Dr

ndus

tra

Dr

Kres

s R

d

Kautz Rd

Fabyan Pkwy

Batavia Rd

Purnell Rd

Winf

ield

Rd

Mack Rd

Sch a

ffne

r Rd

Weis

brook Rd

Orc

hard

Rd

War

renv

ille R

d

Plamondon Rd

Nap

ervi

lle R

d

Blan

char

d St

Butterfield Rd

Fawell Blvd

Park

Blv

d

Finley Rd

31st St Oakbrook Rd

Midw

est Ave

22nd St Harger Rd

Sprng Rd

York Rd

Spring Rd

Chicago Ave

35th St Cass A

ve

Hig

hlan

d A

ve

Naperville Rd

Leask Ln

Nape

rvil

e Rd

Warrenville Rd

Her

rick

Rd

Wnf

ed

Rd

Bilter Rd

Ferry Rd

Diehl Rd Diehl Rd

Eola

Rd

Raymond Dr

Mill St

Doug as Ave

Jefferson Ave Chicago Ave

Yack

ley

Ave

Col

lege

Rd

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd

Garfield A

ve

Harvester Rd

Em

Rd

Jol et Rd

Cou

nty

Line

Rd

91st St

Madison St

Fairv

iew

Ave

Main St

Ma

n St

75th St

Plainfield Rd

Cass A

ve

87th St Oldfield Rd

Wood w

ard Ave

83rd St

Gre

ene

Rd

75th St

79th St

Hobson Rd

Weh

rli R

d

Nap

er B

lvd

Was

hing

ton

St

Washington St

87th St

Modaff Rd

Gartner Rd

Aurora Ave

New York St

Liberty St

75th St

Rickert Dr

Montgomery Rd 83rd St

Bluff Rd

Cass Ave

Lem

ont R

d

Inter

naiona e Pkwy

River Rd

North Aurora Rd

Irving Park Rd

Gary s M ll Rd

Maple Ave

Circle Ave

Smith Rd

Ger

ber R

d

Med

nah

Rd

M

edi n

ah R

d

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin OrsquoHare

Geneva Rd

Bilter Rd

DuPage Pkwy

Shor

e Rd

Ogden Ave

Book

Rd

Jackson Ave

Pa

nfed-N

aperve Rd

Abbeywood Dr

Ranc

h V

ew D

r

Hobson R

d

Hitcock Ave

Manning Rd

Lem

on

t Rd

Gi bert Ave

Finley

Rd

Adam

s St

Wilson Ave

Park

Blv

d

College Rd

Army Trail Rd

Naper Blvd

Green Tra ls Dr

Ferry Rd

Mor

ton

Rd

Davey Rd

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd

Fron

tena

c Rd

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Des Plaines Pl esRiverwayRi r

e

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands

rsquosWWooW

Du

aynenev

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWo s

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWo s

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes

e

owowvv

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

kHighRidge

Salt Cre k Greenway

Woodd

G

e a

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

Gr enGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

manLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlandsWetlands

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

We tWestBranchBranch

PrattPrattrsquossWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

ayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWo sWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWo sWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakesLakes

Woo sWoods

W renvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoo sWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneV leyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

kHighYorkHighRidgeRidge

Salt Cre kSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

erfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St JamesSt JamesFarmFarm

Des Plaines Des Plaines

294

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt

Page 7: The Conservationist Winter 2010

copy G

ary Davis

copy Johnny N Dell Bugw

oodorg

copy Joseph W

eibler

the

fie

ld

omFr

lt

Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana)

lt lt Gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) Fox squirrel

(Sciurus niger)

Q How does that bird know my name A The bird was a gray catbird which is named for its

distinctive call that brings to mind a meowing cat The visitor at Fullersburg Woods was named Erin and she obviously thought the catbird was calling ldquoErrrrrrrin Errrrrinrdquo

Q Do you want to see the piranha I caught A This one is proof that there is no such thing as a silly

question Piranhas are omnivorous fish known for their voracious appetite for meat They live in the Amazon basin but the fish caught by this Herrick Lake angler was in fact a piranha Someone had undoubtedly released it from a home aquarium someone who did not understand the detrimental effect a nonnative species can have on an ecosystem

Q Can you identify an animal for me It looks like Mickey Rooney

A The animal in question was an opossum which has gray or white fur and prominent whiskers and at least to one person superficially resembles the legendary 5-foot-3-inch 89-year-old actor of film television and stage

Q Is that fire real A I can only assume this visitor at Kline Creek Farm in

West Chicago was thinking of the faux fireplaces that people can buy at home-decorator stores The fires in the cooking stoves and at the blacksmith shop at Kline Creek Farm though are the real deal

Q Why can I have a pet gerbil but not a pet squirrel A Gerbils are rodents native to Asia and Africa The

Mongolian variety has been a popular pet in the United

States since the 1950s They can legally be bought and sold in all states except California On the other hand all native tree squirrels are protected by Illinois law and cannot be kept in captivity

Q Did you know there is a penguin at Herrick Lake A The bird in question was not a penguin but the Illinois

state-endangered black-crowned night heron This stocky short-necked heron has a black head and back and a white face breast throat and belly It does bear a slight resemblance to a penguin but you wonrsquot be seeing one in a feature-length documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman any time soon

ltBlack-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)

ltMagellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus)

copy Pam

ela Rasmussen

copy Phil M

yers

7wwwdupageforest org

winter calendar See pages 10 through 15 for program descriptions

26

5

12

19

27

6

13

20

28

7

14

21

29

1

8

15

22

30

2

9

16

23

2431

3

10

17

25

4

11

18

M TW F STS2

9

16

23

3

10

17

24

4

11

18

25

5

12

19

26

6

13

20

27

28

7

14

21

1

8

15

22

M TW F STS

30

2

9

16

23

31

3

10

17

24

4

11

18

25

5

12

19

26

6

13

20

27

28

7

14

21

29

8

15

22

M TW F STS1jan

feb mar

January 2 Volunteer Restoration Workday

3 Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners

9 Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo Volunteer Nature Workday

10 Archery for Kids Ice Fishing for Beginners Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo

16 ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Open House Volunteer Restoration Workday

17 Cast-Iron Cooking Owls of DuPage

21 Ice Harvesting

23 Bread-Baking Class Ice Harvesting Volunteer Nature Workday

24 Bread From the Oven Ice Harvesting Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids

26 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

28 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Ice Harvesting ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session

30 Coyote Tracking Volunteer Nature Workday

31 Volunteer Restoration Workday Winter Layering and Safety

copy Peter Vagt

8 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

wwwdupageforest org 9

February 2 Wake Up Groundhog

6 Wonders of Winter

7 Snowshoeing for Beginners Volunteer Nature Workday

9 Teachersrsquo Class Tracking and Reading Begins

13 Fancywork Day Romantic Night Hike

14 Archery for Beginners Falcons of DuPage

15 Tapping Into Fun

16 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

18 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

20 Collage Workshop Begins Volunteer Nature Workday

21 Ice Fishing for Beginners

23 WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake

24 ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session

27 Backyard Birdhouses Skunk Tracking Volunteer Nature Workday Volunteer Restoration Workday Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal

28 Cast-Iron Cooking

March 6 Cub Scout Adventure From Sap to Syrup

Volunteer Nature Workday

11 WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake

13 Maple Sugaring

14 Maple Sugaring Maple Syrup Sundays Volunteer Restoration Workday Wild Dogs of DuPage

16 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

18 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Spring Night Hike

20 Acappellago Concert Archery for Beginners Volunteer Nature Workday

21 Cub Scout Adventure Makinrsquo Tracks Maple Syrup Sundays Ranger Trek Junior Volunteer Nature Workday

27 Pie-Baking Class Volunteer Nature Workday Volunteer Restoration Workday

28 Pies for Spring

29 April Foolsrsquo Adventure

winter calendar

Acappellago Concert Enjoy the sounds of Acappellago as they perform ldquoEscape to hellip The Light of the Moonrdquo a passionate journey from the romantics of the 19th century through todayrsquos popular and contemporary music $15 per adult $12 per student or senior For tickets call (708) 484-3797 ext 2

Mar 20 730 ndash 930 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

April Foolsrsquo Adventure Enjoy some April Foolsrsquo jokes and go on a search to see what doesnrsquot belong on an 1890s farm Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 29 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm

Archery for Beginners Discover the history of this classic sport and learn about equipment and shooting techniques in an indoor setting Equipment provided Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 14 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Mar 20 11 am ndash 1230 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Archery for Kids Kids learn the history and basic techniques of archery in an indoor setting Equipment provided Ages 7 ndash 10 with an adult Free Registration begins Dec 28 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 10 11 am ndash 1230 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Backyard Birdhouses Be ready to welcome backyard birds this spring Learn about different nesting needs and build a nest box to take home Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult $10 per project To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 27 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 130 ndash 3 pm Fullersburg Woods

Bread-Baking Class Learn how to bake bread the way that it was done in the 1890s and take home a loaf of your creation along with instructions and recipes $25 per person To register call (630) 876-5900

Jan 23 9 am ndash noon Kline Creek Farm Jan 23 1 ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Bread From the Oven See the process of baking bread in a wood-burning oven enjoy the tantalizing aroma and take home recipes Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 24 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half-hour Kline Creek Farm

Cast-Iron Cooking Help prepare a hearty meal over an open campfire and learn tips for cooking with cast iron $10 per person ages 16 and up $5 ages 15 and under Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 17 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Feb 28 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Collage Workshop Explore the fine art of collage as you experiment with simple design concepts and a variety of new techniques during this two-day workshop $185 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 20 amp 27 9 am ndash 4 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

10 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy Phil Myers

Coyote Tracking Locate a coyotersquos trail and follow it through the preserve interpreting the animalrsquos activities as you go Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 15 Call (630) 206-9581

Jan 30 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners Learn the differences between backcountry telemark and touring skis and pick up tips on clothing and trail etiquette Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Dec 21 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 3 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Cub Scout Adventure From Sap to Syrup Cub Scouts learn how sap from maple trees is turned into delicious syrup and taste the syrup served over ice cream $6 per Scout To register call (630) 876-5900

Mar 6 930 am ndash 3 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Cub Scout Adventure Makinrsquo Tracks Cub Scouts learn how to identify the animals that live in certain habitats by observing the signs they leave behind $3 per Scout Registration begins March 7 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 21 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Falcons of DuPage Meet three species of falcons and learn about the natural history of these highly specialized birds of prey Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Jan 31 Call (630) 942-6200

Feb 14 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Fancywork Day See lace making tatting and other handwork demonstrations and receive a pattern for a small purse Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Feb 13 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour Kline Creek Farm

Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Learn about natural and cultural history while exploring different forest preserves Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult $5 per family Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 942-6200

Jan 26 9 ndash 11 am Wayne Grove Jan 28 1 ndash 3 pm Wayne Grove Feb 16 9 ndash 11 am Willowbrook Feb 18 1 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook Mar 16 9 ndash 11 am Greene Valley Mar 18 1 ndash 3 pm Greene Valley

Ice Fishing for Beginners Learn the basics of ice fishing including safety equipment techniques and tips for forest preserve lakes Fishing will follow if conditions permit Equipment and bait provided All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 10 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Feb 21 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides at Danada Equestrian Center Enjoy a sleigh ride through the snow-covered fields and woods of Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton $5 per adult $2 per child ages 5 ndash 12 children under 5 free

Rides are 12 ndash 15 minutes long Hay wagons will be used if there is less than 6 inches of snow For additional details or for groups of 10 or more call (630) 668-6012

Jan 3 ndash Feb 28 Sundays Noon ndash 3 pm

wwwdupageforest org 11

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Ice Harvesting Learn the importance of ice before refrigeration See an exhibit of ice-cutting tools and peek into the icehouse to see how families stored blocks that lasted into summer Weather permitting help cut and transport ice from the lake Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 21 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 23 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 24 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 28 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple Sugaring See how 1890s farm families tapped trees and boiled the collected sap into maple syrup and sugar Then try to tap a tree yourself Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 13 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm Mar 14 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple-Syrup Sundays Get sticky Take a stroll through the woods and discover the secret of turning tree sap into syrup All ages Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 850-8110

Mar 14 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods

Owls of DuPage Find out why people give a hoot about owls and learn about the species that live in DuPage Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Jan 3 Call (630) 942-6200

Jan 17 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Pie-Baking Class Learn the basics of making pies Then bake different recipes in a wood-burning oven and take home your creation $25 per person To register call (630) 876-5900

Mar 27 9 am ndash noon Kline Creek Farm Mar 27 1 ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Pies for Spring Savor the aroma of pies from 1890s cookbooks as they bake in a wood-burning oven and take home recipes for your own kitchen Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 28 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half-hour Kline Creek Farm

Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids Learn how to experience the outdoors through ldquoleave no tracerdquo camping Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 11 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 24 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Ranger Trek Junior Learn about the critters that call the forest preserves home and join a ranger on a hike to explore different habitats Ages 10 and under with an adult Free Registration begins March 8 Call (630) 933-7248

Mar 21 1030 am ndash noon Waterfall Glen

Romantic Night Hike Enjoy a lantern-lit walk with your sweetheart to four scenic bridges over Salt Creek then warm up with hot cocoa around a cozy fire Adults only $10 per couple To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 13 7 ndash 9 pm Fullersburg Woods

12 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Skunk Tracking Follow skunk tracks and try to guess what the little stinker was up to Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Feb 12 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 27 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Open House Discover a variety of opportunities available with the Forest Preserve Districtrsquos nine volunteer programs including Danada Equestrian Center Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center Kline Creek Farm Mayslake Peabody Estate Natural Resource Management St James Farm Trail Patrol Volunteer Ranger Experience and Willowbrook Wildlife Center Registration not required Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 16 10 am ndash 1 pm DanadaHeadquarters one-hour presentation at 11 am

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session Learn about the nine Forest Preserve District volunteer programs in detail Ask questions and decide which option fits your interests and schedule Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 28 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters Feb 24 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters

Snowshoeing for Beginners Learn the basics of snowshoeing and put your new skills to work during a guided hike Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 25 Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 7 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Spring Night Hike Experience a forest preserve after hours when animals are accustomed to going about their activities undisturbed Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins March 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Mar 18 7 ndash 830 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

1890s Living at Kline Creek Farm (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

Jan 2 ndash March 27 (except Jan 30) Saturdays 130 ndash 330 pm

DRESSING FOR WINTER See the undergarments the farm family wore in the 1890s and learn their uses

Jan 7 ndash 25 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

COURTING IN THE 1890S Hear excerpts from love letters written in the late 19th century and learn about the role that a homersquos parlor played in courtship

Feb 11 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

A NICKELrsquoS WORTH Find out what a nickel could buy in the 1890s and how consumer preferences were changing

March 4 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

wwwdupageforest org 13

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Cultural Events at Mayslake Peabody Estate

ART EXHIBIT COLLAGE amp MEMORIES Enjoy an exhibit by the Midwest Collage Society Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

Jan 13 ndash March 4 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

FIRST FOLIO THEATRE PRESENTS ldquoJEEVES IN BLOOMrdquo When lovable Bertie Wooster gets himself into another scrape Jeeves must resign his service and reinvent himself as something other than a gentlemanrsquos gentleman $2830 adult $2325 senior or student For tickets call (630) 986-8067 or visit wwwfirstfolioorg

Jan 30 ndash Feb 28 Wednesday ndash Saturday 8 pm and Sunday 3 pm

THE ALLIANCE OF FINE ART PRESENTS ldquoTHE BEST OF THE BESTrdquo ART SHOW View the finest works of local artists Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

March 22 ndash May 7 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

RESTORATION-IN-PROGRESS TOURS Learn about the past mdash and future mdash of this historic 1920s Tudor-revival-style mansion $5 per person Group tours available Call (630) 206-9566

Wednesdays 11 am amp 1230 pm and Saturdays 930 10 11 amp 1130 am

Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo Lend a hand making sausage and learn the importance of the smokehouse and cured meats in the 1890s Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 9 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm Jan 10 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Tapping Into Fun Find out how maple syrup is made through a story and a hike to tap trees Ages 6 and up with an adult $5 per person To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 15 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 15 1 ndash 230 pm Fullersburg Woods

Teachersrsquo Class Tracking and Reading Teachers explore the parallels between the structure and meanings in written language and those in animal tracks and other objects found in nature during this 12-session course $345 per teacher Registration begins Jan 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 9 ndash 20 and Mar 2 ndash 27 Mayslake Peabody Estate Tue 530 ndash 9 pm Sat 8 am ndash noon

Volunteer Nature Workday Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult 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

Jan 9 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Jan 23 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Jan 30 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Feb 7 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Mar 6 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Mar 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods

14 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Volunteer Restoration Workday Enjoy the outdoors while helping to restore one of DuPage Countyrsquos most diverse prairies by clearing invasive plants or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult Groups of 10 or more must register Call (630) 961-2041

Jan 2 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Jan 16 1 ndash 4 pm West Chicago Prairie Jan 31 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 14 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie

WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake Enjoy an evening of high-quality jazz brought to you by Mayslake Peabody Estate WDCB Public Radio and the PianoForte Foundation Adults only $25 cabaret seating $20 general admission and $16 for seniors over 65 students and groups of seven or more (A $5-per-person docent-led tour of Mayslake Hall will precede the concert at 630 pm) For tickets call (630) 206-9566

Feb 23 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate A premiere of Ryan Cohanrsquos new septet

Mar 11 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate Barry Winograd Quartet

Wake Up Groundhog Learn all about the groundhog through a story game and craft Ages 3 ndash 5 with an adult $5 per child To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 2 1030 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods

Wild Dogs of DuPage Learn the natural history of the wild dogs including foxes and coyotes that make DuPage County home Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Feb 28 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 14 2 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook

Winter Layering and Safety Learn how to keep the whole family mdash even Spot mdash warm and safe from head to toe while enjoying the outdoors All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 18 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 31 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Wonders of Winter Discover the fun of visiting a forest preserve in winter Activities include horse-drawn hayrides ice fishing geocaching snowshoeing and winter crafts Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 6 10 am ndash 1 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal Learn how to put together a successful book proposal Prerequisite Writing a Query Letter Adults only $90 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 27 9 am ndash 3 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Snow Tubing at Mount Hoy at Blackwell Forest Preserve Take a thrilling trip down one of DuPage Countyrsquos highest peaks When more than 3 inches of snow cover Mount Hoy rent a tube and glide down an 800-foot run Only District inner tubes are allowed which cost $4 per tube per day Tube rental ends at 330 pm For updated hours and snow conditions call the 24-hour Outdoor Report at (630) 871-6422

Dec 5 ndash Feb 28 Saturdays and Sundays and Dec 21 ndash 24 Dec 28 ndash Jan 1 Jan 18 and Feb 15 9 am ndash 4 pm

wwwdupageforest org 15

WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)Fact Contrary to popular belief the number of points on a deerrsquos antlers does not relate to the animalrsquos age Instead it reflects the animalrsquos genetics health and diet

COYOTE (Canis latrans)Fact When it comes to eating coyotes arenrsquot picky They mostly eat small mammals but may also dine on birds amphibians insects or even garbage In fall and winter fruits and vegetables are important sources of food for coyotes as well

VIRGINIA OPOSSUM (Didelphis virginiana)Fact Opossum tracks are made up of footprints and marks left by the animalrsquos long hairless tail Its tail is ldquoprehensilerdquo which means it can grab objects like tree branches

BOBCAT (Lynx rufus)Fact Bobcats live in well-defined territories that contain several shelters including their main dens and temporary lodging such as hollow logs and brush piles Ecologists believe these wild felines inhabit two DuPage forest preserves Waterfall Glen in Darien and Greene Valley in Naperville

STRIPED SKUNK (Mephitis mephitis)Fact A skunk can spray up to 15 feet It usually gives a warning by hissing stamping its front feet or waving its tail It may even do a handstand

trail talk

TRACKS amp Facts

copy David Cappaert M

ichigan State University Bugwoodorg

copy Brian Tang

copy Jeanie Klein

TORPOR is a short-term state of reduced

metabolic rate and body temperature that allows an animal to

save energy in cold weather Itrsquos sometimes called ldquotemporary

hibernationrdquo Some DuPage animals including bats and mice

enter torpor in winter when food is scare and itrsquos cold outside

16 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

SNOWBIRDS for Snowbirders

by CHRISTOPHER GUTMANN NATURALIST FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER

Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis)

copy T

ony T

anou

ry

4

3

6

5

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

copy Brian E Sm

allVIREOcopy

R amp S DayVIREO

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy J Schum

acherVIREO

1

2

Have you ever seen a male northern cardinal in the rich early-morning sun with a

backdrop of freshly fallen pure-white snow Have you ever seen a red-tailed hawk perched majestically on a bur oak overseeing its vast wintery kingdom Have you ever seen a mallard and an American black duck swimming side by side and discovered how theyrsquore different If you would like the answer to any of these questions to be ldquoyesrdquo grab a pair of binoculars and head to your nearest DuPage County forest preserve this winter

Yes itrsquos cold but the birding is never easier There are hardly any concealing leaves and the bright colors and dramatic contrasts of many birds become even more conspicuous in the otherwise drab winter landscape True there are fewer species around in winter but that just makes them easier to identify Even a modest-sized forest preserve like Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook can have over 40 species this time of year and the birds are practically begging to be seen The only way it would be easier to find them is if they had blinking neon arrows pointing in their direction

Some people assume that most birds fly south for the winter and while many species do travel as far as South America on their fall journeys for others DuPage County is ldquosouthrdquo The best example of this is the original snowbird the dark-eyed junco Juncos spend their summers in the far

north east and west but in winter you can find these cute gray-and-white sparrow-sized birds in DuPage County foraging low to the ground in small flocks

Other birds thought to fly south never leave the county One example is the American goldfinch Goldfinches are abundant in winter but because the males exchange their trademark bright yellow summer plumage for the femalesrsquo browns and grays many people donrsquot realize theyrsquore still in the neighborhood You can find American goldfinches in their winter ldquoclothesrdquo foraging on the leftover seed heads of dormant wildflowers

Even more surprising than the incognito goldfinch is the famous ldquoharbinger of springrdquo the American robin You can sometimes see this bird in forests foraging by the hundreds for leftover berries in the middle of winter Winter birders should also keep an eye out for the robinrsquos berry-loving cousin the eastern bluebird

There are of course more familiar winter favorites Male northern cardinals sit boldly on shrubs radiating their fire-engineshyred feathers Adorable black-capped chickadees hang upside down on branches calling ldquochick-a-dee-dee-dee-deerdquo to let each other know theyrsquore being watched by a big primate mdash you

A true bird lover will even marvel this time of year at the much-maligned yet stunningly beautiful blue jay Its colors alone

18 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy

G BartleyVIREO 9

copy F K SchleicherVIREO

10

11

7

8

copy Brian Tang

copy R CurtisVIREO

lt 1 Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2 American black duck (Anas rubripes) 3 American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) 4 Hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 5 Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 6 American robin (Turdus migratorius) 7 Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8 Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 9 White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 10 Brown creeper (Certhia americana) 11 Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

make it worth watching but itrsquos also an incredibly intelligent bird with a wide array of fascinating behaviors including mimicry For years there has been a blue jay at Fullersburg Woods that does a dead-on impression of a Cooperrsquos hawk which routinely fools birders Its imitation of a red-tailed hawk is respectable but its red-shouldered-hawk act needs some work

Speaking of blue jays and hawks have you ever heard a small flock of blue jays making a racket in the treetops If you take the time to investigate yoursquoll often find the jays mobbing a hawk or an owl trying to persuade the predator to leave their territory The jays arenrsquot trying to annoy you theyrsquore just telling you that therersquos another incredible bird nearby

Winter birders should remember too to focus on more than just branches Some of the most handsome and interesting species can be found hanging out on trunks As red-bellied downy and hairy woodpeckers hunt for food their reds blacks and whites stand out against the drab browns and grays of the bark White-breasted nuthatches grunt their way down tree trunks head first as they busily wedge seeds into the bark but well-camouflaged brown creepers steadily spiral their way up

If you visit the forest preserves soon after they open itrsquos not uncommon to see a great horned owl wrapping up its nighttime winter hunting or an eastern screech owl perching at the entrance to a tree cavity or wood-duck house as it soaks in a little heat from the sun Use your binoculars to view them from afar though It may look as if their eyes are closed but chances are theyrsquove seen and heard you coming long before yoursquove spotted them If they feel yoursquove gotten too close they will quickly disappear

Last but not least winter is a great time to view waterfowl Many ducks including male wood ducks are in their

brightest plumage and even mallards look stunning on the icy water Always look closely at large flocks of mallards or Canada geese you might notice the luminous irises of a common goldeneye or the comically large bill of a northern shoveler mingling in the crowd

Of course you canrsquot see any of these amazing animals unless you get outside this winter for a snowbird adventure at a DuPage County forest preserve near you bull

FINDING FEATHERED FRIENDS in Forest Preserves 1 Avoid brightly colored clothing Some birds will flush at the

first sight of you The longer it takes them to spot you the better your chances are of getting a good look at them

2 Itrsquos called bird-watching not bird talking Loud noises can scare birds so keep conversation as quiet as possible and turn off cell phones

3 Take your time and slowly scan an area Often birds are silent and will reveal themselves only with subtle movements

4 Leave Fido at home A recent study showed that dog walking in woodlands leads to a 35 percent reduction in bird diversity and a 41 percent reduction in abundance

5 In spring attend ldquoFullersBird Fridaysrdquo at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and ldquoBirding at Willowbrookrdquo at Willowbrook Wildlife Center These naturalist-led bird walks are great for beginning birders

wwwdupageforest org 19

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve explore

More Than Meets the Eye

by JAYNE BOHNER OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

6or many people driving down County Farm Road Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in West Chicago is the home of Kline Creek Farm the Forest

Preserve District of DuPage Countyrsquos 200-acre 1890s living-history farm but the farm is just a part of a remarkable 1148-acre forest preserve

The crops at Kline Creek Farm and a few dozen tillable acres to the north serve as reminders of the arearsquos agricultural roots but within a stretch of land north of the Great Western Trail the Forest Preserve District has converted former fields to more native habitat By removing clay tiles that farmers once installed to drain the soil District ecologists have restored the natural hydrology to the land where they have subsequently planted native wetland species like cattails bulrushes and water plantains In drier areas by removing tree lines that once grew along old fence rows they have created more open grasslands which theyrsquove seeded with flora like big and little bluestem black-eyed Susans lead plant and prairie clover In summer the prairie plants accommodate ground-nesting birds like eastern meadowlarks and savanna sparrows but this time of year they feed American tree sparrows juncos fox sparrows and white-throated sparrows while their stems pods and dried leaves create a natural architecture that displays the seasonrsquos powdery snows

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is also home to a natural savanna Klein Savanna which borders the

F north side of the Illinois Prairie Path just west of Klein Creek Its diversity of plant life makes it one of the highest quality ecosystems in the District Here dormant Allegheny shadblows also known as Allegheny serviceberries wait for spring to trigger their production of fragrant clusters of white flowers and juicy fruits Bare white and bur oaks and shagbark hickories stand over frozen ground that in a few months will erupt with trilliums spring beauties and trout lilies or thaw into ephemeral ponds that will broadcast the sounds of chorus frogs and American toads In summer when foxglove beard tongues and Jacobrsquos ladders bloom the verdant savanna will sing with woodland birds like northern orioles nuthatches black-capped chickadees and scarlet tanagers Winter though promises glimpses of great horned owls which begin nesting in February when the barren landscape makes it easier for adults and fledglings to spot prey

For fans of either the Great Western Trail or the Illinois Prairie Path Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is an ideal starting point Those who want to begin their excursions farther west

often use the small lot on Prince Crossing Road just north of the Great Western Trail (An upland grove east of the parking lot on the south side of the trail is home to a stately white oak roughly 50 inches in diameter 90 feet tall and two to three centuries old) Hikers bikers and cross-country skiers looking for more amenities may instead choose the Kline Creek Farm parking lot on

20 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea)

lt Fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

copy G M

cElroyVIREOcopy

J P Myers

White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

lt Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

North

Quick Look

For a detailed map of Timber Ridge visit wwwdupageforestorg

North Ave

St Charles Rd

Indian Knoll Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Geneva Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Winfield Rd

Kline Creek Farm

Opening Spring 2010

Visitor Center

I llinois P rairie P ath E lgin Spu r

I llinois P rairie P ath G enev a Spu r

G reat W estern T rail

64

Hawthorne Ln

Coun

ty F

arm

Rd

KleinCreek

TimberLake

SpringLake

West BranchDuPage River

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve

KleinSavanna

County Farm Road near the Timber Ridge Visitor Center The centerrsquos drinking fountains and heated restrooms are open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset The interior of the center which houses displays relating to the farmstead and a gift shop is only open during Kline Creek Farmrsquos regular operating hours Thursdays through Mondays from 9 am until 5 pm For information on Kline Creek Farm exhibits educational programs and special events call the farm at (630) 876-5900

The County Farm Road parking lot connects to a 1-mile north-south Forest Preserve District trail that joins the Great Western Trail with the Illinois Prairie Path It also leads to a moderate 05-mile gravel trail that takes anglers to Timber Lake The 17-acre lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet and offers largemouth bass bluegill channel catfish crappie green sunfish carp and black bullheads (A second smaller lake Spring Lake lies in the interior of the forest preserve It boasts being one of only two natural lakes in the county but is inaccessible by trail)

An anticipated addition to Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is a 30-car parking lot on Prince Crossing Road roughly 04 mile north of Geneva Road Opening in spring 2010 the area will give visitors access to a western portion of the preserve via a 075-mile looped trail with two overlooks near the wetland informally known as the Geneva Road Marsh This time of year oases of open water on the marsh are packed with mallards dabbling for seeds and aquatic vegetation but by summer egrets and great blue herons will again be standing in the shallows picking frogs from the white water lilies that will eventually unfurl over the entire marsh bull

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

ltcopy

Joseph Weibler lt

wwwdupageforest org 21

directory

GENERAL Contacts

HEADQUARTERS

Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189

The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm The office is closed on Saturday Sunday and select holidays

Mailing Address PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

Web Site wwwdupageforestorg

E-mail Address forestdupageforestorg

Main Number (630) 933-7200

TTY (800) 526-0857

THE CONSERVATIONIST SUBSCRIPTION LINE (630) 933-7085

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (630) 933-7097

LAW ENFORCEMENT (630) 933-7240

THE OUTDOOR REPORT (630) 871-6422

VISITOR SERVICES (630) 933-7248

VOLUNTEER SERVICES (630) 933-7681

GOLF Clubs

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

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 272 S Addison Road Wood Dale IL 60191 (630) 616-8424

OAK MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 900 N Wood Dale Road Addison IL 60101 (630) 595-1800

copy J P Myers

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 Districtrsquos ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit

EDUCATION Centers

DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 3S503 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189 (630) 668-6012

The centerrsquos office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 430 pm and is closed on select holidays

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook IL 60523 (630) 850-8110

The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm 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 am to 5 pm and is closed on Tuesday Wednesday and select holidays

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

The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER 525 S Park Blvd Glen Ellyn IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and are closed on select holidays

22 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

North

o e e opForest Preserve Property

n d o e e opForest Preserve Property

o eLakePondWaterway

WetWetland

e gEntranceParking

o e Forest Preserve Trail

opo d Proposed Trail

Co County Trail

U ouUS Route

S oState Route

e RInterstate Route

U Unofficial Name

CHICAGOOrsquoHAREINTrsquoL

AIRPORT

THE MORTONARBORETUM

ARGONNENATIONAL

LABORATORY

FERMI NATIONALACCELERATORLABORATORY

DUPAGECOUNTYAIRPORT

CANT GNY

DUPAGECOUNTYCOMPLEX

C a r o l S t r e a m

G l e n d a l eH e i g h t s

A u r o r a

S t C h a r l e s

W a y n e

B a r t l e t t

W e s tC h i c a g o

L o m b a r d

G l e nE l l y n

H a n o v e rP a r k

B l o o m i n g d a l e

A d d i s o n

W h e a t o n

W o o d r i d g e

N a p e r v i l l e

D a r i e n

W i l l o w b r o o k

B u r rR i d g e

H i n s d a l e

W e s t m o n t

C l a r e n d o nH i l l s

O a k B r o o k

D o w n e r sG r o v e

O a k b r o o kT e r r a c e

E l m h u r s t

V i l l aP a r k

E l k G r o v e

W o o d D a l e

B e n s e n v i l l e

R o s e l l e

L i s l e

W a r r e n v i l l e

I t a s c a

W i n f i e l d

I l l inois Prairie Path

Great Western Trai l

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prairie Path

Batavia Spur

Aurora Spur

Aurora

Spur

Elgin Spur

West Branch DuPage River

East BranchDuPage River

Des Plaines River

SaltCreek

SpringbrookCreek

School St

Gro

ve A

ve

Montrose Ave

Rive

r Rd

20

19

83

83

55

53

53

53290

290

355

355

34

34

59

59

64

38

56

88

88

Stearns Rd

Smith Rd

Powis Rd

Pow

is Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Munger Rd

Klei

n Rd

Bart

lett

Rd

Greenbrook Blvd

Cloverdale Rd

Thorn Rd

Cou

nty

Farm

Rd

Schick Rd Schick Rd

Kuhn

Rd

Fair

Oak

s Rd

North Ave

Gar

y A

ve

Schm

ale

Rd

Bu de te Ave

Bloomingdal e Rd

Rose

lle R

d

Gl e

n E l

lyn

R d

Swift

Rd

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd

Grac e St

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd

Add

son Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd

Devon Ave

Prospect Ave

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd

Grand Ave

York Rd

Va Ave

Vill a Ave

Butterfield Rd High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave

Summ

it Ave

West m

ore A ve

Mey

ers

Rd

Highland A

ve

St Charles Rd

Cres

cent Blvd

Mai

n St

M

a in

St

Hill Ave

Pennsylvan a Ave

Harrison St

Main St

St Charles Rd

St Charles Rd

Roosevelt Rd Wes

t St

Geneva Rd

Harrison Ave

Manchester Rd

Jewell Rd

H ghlake Rd

Ind an Kno

Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Washington St

Arbor A

ve

Downs Dr

ndus

tra

Dr

Kres

s R

d

Kautz Rd

Fabyan Pkwy

Batavia Rd

Purnell Rd

Winf

ield

Rd

Mack Rd

Sch a

ffne

r Rd

Weis

brook Rd

Orc

hard

Rd

War

renv

ille R

d

Plamondon Rd

Nap

ervi

lle R

d

Blan

char

d St

Butterfield Rd

Fawell Blvd

Park

Blv

d

Finley Rd

31st St Oakbrook Rd

Midw

est Ave

22nd St Harger Rd

Sprng Rd

York Rd

Spring Rd

Chicago Ave

35th St Cass A

ve

Hig

hlan

d A

ve

Naperville Rd

Leask Ln

Nape

rvil

e Rd

Warrenville Rd

Her

rick

Rd

Wnf

ed

Rd

Bilter Rd

Ferry Rd

Diehl Rd Diehl Rd

Eola

Rd

Raymond Dr

Mill St

Doug as Ave

Jefferson Ave Chicago Ave

Yack

ley

Ave

Col

lege

Rd

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd

Garfield A

ve

Harvester Rd

Em

Rd

Jol et Rd

Cou

nty

Line

Rd

91st St

Madison St

Fairv

iew

Ave

Main St

Ma

n St

75th St

Plainfield Rd

Cass A

ve

87th St Oldfield Rd

Wood w

ard Ave

83rd St

Gre

ene

Rd

75th St

79th St

Hobson Rd

Weh

rli R

d

Nap

er B

lvd

Was

hing

ton

St

Washington St

87th St

Modaff Rd

Gartner Rd

Aurora Ave

New York St

Liberty St

75th St

Rickert Dr

Montgomery Rd 83rd St

Bluff Rd

Cass Ave

Lem

ont R

d

Inter

naiona e Pkwy

River Rd

North Aurora Rd

Irving Park Rd

Gary s M ll Rd

Maple Ave

Circle Ave

Smith Rd

Ger

ber R

d

Med

nah

Rd

M

edi n

ah R

d

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin OrsquoHare

Geneva Rd

Bilter Rd

DuPage Pkwy

Shor

e Rd

Ogden Ave

Book

Rd

Jackson Ave

Pa

nfed-N

aperve Rd

Abbeywood Dr

Ranc

h V

ew D

r

Hobson R

d

Hitcock Ave

Manning Rd

Lem

on

t Rd

Gi bert Ave

Finley

Rd

Adam

s St

Wilson Ave

Park

Blv

d

College Rd

Army Trail Rd

Naper Blvd

Green Tra ls Dr

Ferry Rd

Mor

ton

Rd

Davey Rd

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd

Fron

tena

c Rd

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Des Plaines Pl esRiverwayRi r

e

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands

rsquosWWooW

Du

aynenev

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWo s

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWo s

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes

e

owowvv

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

kHighRidge

Salt Cre k Greenway

Woodd

G

e a

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

Gr enGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

manLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlandsWetlands

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

We tWestBranchBranch

PrattPrattrsquossWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

ayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWo sWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWo sWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakesLakes

Woo sWoods

W renvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoo sWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneV leyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

kHighYorkHighRidgeRidge

Salt Cre kSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

erfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St JamesSt JamesFarmFarm

Des Plaines Des Plaines

294

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt

Page 8: The Conservationist Winter 2010

winter calendar See pages 10 through 15 for program descriptions

26

5

12

19

27

6

13

20

28

7

14

21

29

1

8

15

22

30

2

9

16

23

2431

3

10

17

25

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11

18

M TW F STS2

9

16

23

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10

17

24

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11

18

25

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12

19

26

6

13

20

27

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14

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M TW F STS

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22

M TW F STS1jan

feb mar

January 2 Volunteer Restoration Workday

3 Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners

9 Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo Volunteer Nature Workday

10 Archery for Kids Ice Fishing for Beginners Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo

16 ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Open House Volunteer Restoration Workday

17 Cast-Iron Cooking Owls of DuPage

21 Ice Harvesting

23 Bread-Baking Class Ice Harvesting Volunteer Nature Workday

24 Bread From the Oven Ice Harvesting Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids

26 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

28 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Ice Harvesting ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session

30 Coyote Tracking Volunteer Nature Workday

31 Volunteer Restoration Workday Winter Layering and Safety

copy Peter Vagt

8 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

wwwdupageforest org 9

February 2 Wake Up Groundhog

6 Wonders of Winter

7 Snowshoeing for Beginners Volunteer Nature Workday

9 Teachersrsquo Class Tracking and Reading Begins

13 Fancywork Day Romantic Night Hike

14 Archery for Beginners Falcons of DuPage

15 Tapping Into Fun

16 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

18 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

20 Collage Workshop Begins Volunteer Nature Workday

21 Ice Fishing for Beginners

23 WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake

24 ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session

27 Backyard Birdhouses Skunk Tracking Volunteer Nature Workday Volunteer Restoration Workday Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal

28 Cast-Iron Cooking

March 6 Cub Scout Adventure From Sap to Syrup

Volunteer Nature Workday

11 WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake

13 Maple Sugaring

14 Maple Sugaring Maple Syrup Sundays Volunteer Restoration Workday Wild Dogs of DuPage

16 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

18 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Spring Night Hike

20 Acappellago Concert Archery for Beginners Volunteer Nature Workday

21 Cub Scout Adventure Makinrsquo Tracks Maple Syrup Sundays Ranger Trek Junior Volunteer Nature Workday

27 Pie-Baking Class Volunteer Nature Workday Volunteer Restoration Workday

28 Pies for Spring

29 April Foolsrsquo Adventure

winter calendar

Acappellago Concert Enjoy the sounds of Acappellago as they perform ldquoEscape to hellip The Light of the Moonrdquo a passionate journey from the romantics of the 19th century through todayrsquos popular and contemporary music $15 per adult $12 per student or senior For tickets call (708) 484-3797 ext 2

Mar 20 730 ndash 930 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

April Foolsrsquo Adventure Enjoy some April Foolsrsquo jokes and go on a search to see what doesnrsquot belong on an 1890s farm Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 29 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm

Archery for Beginners Discover the history of this classic sport and learn about equipment and shooting techniques in an indoor setting Equipment provided Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 14 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Mar 20 11 am ndash 1230 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Archery for Kids Kids learn the history and basic techniques of archery in an indoor setting Equipment provided Ages 7 ndash 10 with an adult Free Registration begins Dec 28 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 10 11 am ndash 1230 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Backyard Birdhouses Be ready to welcome backyard birds this spring Learn about different nesting needs and build a nest box to take home Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult $10 per project To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 27 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 130 ndash 3 pm Fullersburg Woods

Bread-Baking Class Learn how to bake bread the way that it was done in the 1890s and take home a loaf of your creation along with instructions and recipes $25 per person To register call (630) 876-5900

Jan 23 9 am ndash noon Kline Creek Farm Jan 23 1 ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Bread From the Oven See the process of baking bread in a wood-burning oven enjoy the tantalizing aroma and take home recipes Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 24 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half-hour Kline Creek Farm

Cast-Iron Cooking Help prepare a hearty meal over an open campfire and learn tips for cooking with cast iron $10 per person ages 16 and up $5 ages 15 and under Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 17 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Feb 28 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Collage Workshop Explore the fine art of collage as you experiment with simple design concepts and a variety of new techniques during this two-day workshop $185 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 20 amp 27 9 am ndash 4 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

10 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy Phil Myers

Coyote Tracking Locate a coyotersquos trail and follow it through the preserve interpreting the animalrsquos activities as you go Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 15 Call (630) 206-9581

Jan 30 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners Learn the differences between backcountry telemark and touring skis and pick up tips on clothing and trail etiquette Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Dec 21 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 3 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Cub Scout Adventure From Sap to Syrup Cub Scouts learn how sap from maple trees is turned into delicious syrup and taste the syrup served over ice cream $6 per Scout To register call (630) 876-5900

Mar 6 930 am ndash 3 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Cub Scout Adventure Makinrsquo Tracks Cub Scouts learn how to identify the animals that live in certain habitats by observing the signs they leave behind $3 per Scout Registration begins March 7 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 21 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Falcons of DuPage Meet three species of falcons and learn about the natural history of these highly specialized birds of prey Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Jan 31 Call (630) 942-6200

Feb 14 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Fancywork Day See lace making tatting and other handwork demonstrations and receive a pattern for a small purse Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Feb 13 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour Kline Creek Farm

Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Learn about natural and cultural history while exploring different forest preserves Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult $5 per family Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 942-6200

Jan 26 9 ndash 11 am Wayne Grove Jan 28 1 ndash 3 pm Wayne Grove Feb 16 9 ndash 11 am Willowbrook Feb 18 1 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook Mar 16 9 ndash 11 am Greene Valley Mar 18 1 ndash 3 pm Greene Valley

Ice Fishing for Beginners Learn the basics of ice fishing including safety equipment techniques and tips for forest preserve lakes Fishing will follow if conditions permit Equipment and bait provided All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 10 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Feb 21 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides at Danada Equestrian Center Enjoy a sleigh ride through the snow-covered fields and woods of Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton $5 per adult $2 per child ages 5 ndash 12 children under 5 free

Rides are 12 ndash 15 minutes long Hay wagons will be used if there is less than 6 inches of snow For additional details or for groups of 10 or more call (630) 668-6012

Jan 3 ndash Feb 28 Sundays Noon ndash 3 pm

wwwdupageforest org 11

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Ice Harvesting Learn the importance of ice before refrigeration See an exhibit of ice-cutting tools and peek into the icehouse to see how families stored blocks that lasted into summer Weather permitting help cut and transport ice from the lake Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 21 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 23 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 24 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 28 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple Sugaring See how 1890s farm families tapped trees and boiled the collected sap into maple syrup and sugar Then try to tap a tree yourself Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 13 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm Mar 14 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple-Syrup Sundays Get sticky Take a stroll through the woods and discover the secret of turning tree sap into syrup All ages Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 850-8110

Mar 14 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods

Owls of DuPage Find out why people give a hoot about owls and learn about the species that live in DuPage Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Jan 3 Call (630) 942-6200

Jan 17 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Pie-Baking Class Learn the basics of making pies Then bake different recipes in a wood-burning oven and take home your creation $25 per person To register call (630) 876-5900

Mar 27 9 am ndash noon Kline Creek Farm Mar 27 1 ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Pies for Spring Savor the aroma of pies from 1890s cookbooks as they bake in a wood-burning oven and take home recipes for your own kitchen Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 28 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half-hour Kline Creek Farm

Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids Learn how to experience the outdoors through ldquoleave no tracerdquo camping Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 11 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 24 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Ranger Trek Junior Learn about the critters that call the forest preserves home and join a ranger on a hike to explore different habitats Ages 10 and under with an adult Free Registration begins March 8 Call (630) 933-7248

Mar 21 1030 am ndash noon Waterfall Glen

Romantic Night Hike Enjoy a lantern-lit walk with your sweetheart to four scenic bridges over Salt Creek then warm up with hot cocoa around a cozy fire Adults only $10 per couple To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 13 7 ndash 9 pm Fullersburg Woods

12 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Skunk Tracking Follow skunk tracks and try to guess what the little stinker was up to Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Feb 12 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 27 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Open House Discover a variety of opportunities available with the Forest Preserve Districtrsquos nine volunteer programs including Danada Equestrian Center Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center Kline Creek Farm Mayslake Peabody Estate Natural Resource Management St James Farm Trail Patrol Volunteer Ranger Experience and Willowbrook Wildlife Center Registration not required Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 16 10 am ndash 1 pm DanadaHeadquarters one-hour presentation at 11 am

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session Learn about the nine Forest Preserve District volunteer programs in detail Ask questions and decide which option fits your interests and schedule Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 28 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters Feb 24 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters

Snowshoeing for Beginners Learn the basics of snowshoeing and put your new skills to work during a guided hike Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 25 Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 7 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Spring Night Hike Experience a forest preserve after hours when animals are accustomed to going about their activities undisturbed Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins March 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Mar 18 7 ndash 830 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

1890s Living at Kline Creek Farm (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

Jan 2 ndash March 27 (except Jan 30) Saturdays 130 ndash 330 pm

DRESSING FOR WINTER See the undergarments the farm family wore in the 1890s and learn their uses

Jan 7 ndash 25 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

COURTING IN THE 1890S Hear excerpts from love letters written in the late 19th century and learn about the role that a homersquos parlor played in courtship

Feb 11 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

A NICKELrsquoS WORTH Find out what a nickel could buy in the 1890s and how consumer preferences were changing

March 4 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

wwwdupageforest org 13

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Cultural Events at Mayslake Peabody Estate

ART EXHIBIT COLLAGE amp MEMORIES Enjoy an exhibit by the Midwest Collage Society Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

Jan 13 ndash March 4 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

FIRST FOLIO THEATRE PRESENTS ldquoJEEVES IN BLOOMrdquo When lovable Bertie Wooster gets himself into another scrape Jeeves must resign his service and reinvent himself as something other than a gentlemanrsquos gentleman $2830 adult $2325 senior or student For tickets call (630) 986-8067 or visit wwwfirstfolioorg

Jan 30 ndash Feb 28 Wednesday ndash Saturday 8 pm and Sunday 3 pm

THE ALLIANCE OF FINE ART PRESENTS ldquoTHE BEST OF THE BESTrdquo ART SHOW View the finest works of local artists Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

March 22 ndash May 7 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

RESTORATION-IN-PROGRESS TOURS Learn about the past mdash and future mdash of this historic 1920s Tudor-revival-style mansion $5 per person Group tours available Call (630) 206-9566

Wednesdays 11 am amp 1230 pm and Saturdays 930 10 11 amp 1130 am

Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo Lend a hand making sausage and learn the importance of the smokehouse and cured meats in the 1890s Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 9 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm Jan 10 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Tapping Into Fun Find out how maple syrup is made through a story and a hike to tap trees Ages 6 and up with an adult $5 per person To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 15 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 15 1 ndash 230 pm Fullersburg Woods

Teachersrsquo Class Tracking and Reading Teachers explore the parallels between the structure and meanings in written language and those in animal tracks and other objects found in nature during this 12-session course $345 per teacher Registration begins Jan 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 9 ndash 20 and Mar 2 ndash 27 Mayslake Peabody Estate Tue 530 ndash 9 pm Sat 8 am ndash noon

Volunteer Nature Workday Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult 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

Jan 9 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Jan 23 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Jan 30 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Feb 7 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Mar 6 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Mar 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods

14 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Volunteer Restoration Workday Enjoy the outdoors while helping to restore one of DuPage Countyrsquos most diverse prairies by clearing invasive plants or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult Groups of 10 or more must register Call (630) 961-2041

Jan 2 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Jan 16 1 ndash 4 pm West Chicago Prairie Jan 31 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 14 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie

WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake Enjoy an evening of high-quality jazz brought to you by Mayslake Peabody Estate WDCB Public Radio and the PianoForte Foundation Adults only $25 cabaret seating $20 general admission and $16 for seniors over 65 students and groups of seven or more (A $5-per-person docent-led tour of Mayslake Hall will precede the concert at 630 pm) For tickets call (630) 206-9566

Feb 23 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate A premiere of Ryan Cohanrsquos new septet

Mar 11 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate Barry Winograd Quartet

Wake Up Groundhog Learn all about the groundhog through a story game and craft Ages 3 ndash 5 with an adult $5 per child To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 2 1030 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods

Wild Dogs of DuPage Learn the natural history of the wild dogs including foxes and coyotes that make DuPage County home Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Feb 28 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 14 2 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook

Winter Layering and Safety Learn how to keep the whole family mdash even Spot mdash warm and safe from head to toe while enjoying the outdoors All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 18 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 31 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Wonders of Winter Discover the fun of visiting a forest preserve in winter Activities include horse-drawn hayrides ice fishing geocaching snowshoeing and winter crafts Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 6 10 am ndash 1 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal Learn how to put together a successful book proposal Prerequisite Writing a Query Letter Adults only $90 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 27 9 am ndash 3 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Snow Tubing at Mount Hoy at Blackwell Forest Preserve Take a thrilling trip down one of DuPage Countyrsquos highest peaks When more than 3 inches of snow cover Mount Hoy rent a tube and glide down an 800-foot run Only District inner tubes are allowed which cost $4 per tube per day Tube rental ends at 330 pm For updated hours and snow conditions call the 24-hour Outdoor Report at (630) 871-6422

Dec 5 ndash Feb 28 Saturdays and Sundays and Dec 21 ndash 24 Dec 28 ndash Jan 1 Jan 18 and Feb 15 9 am ndash 4 pm

wwwdupageforest org 15

WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)Fact Contrary to popular belief the number of points on a deerrsquos antlers does not relate to the animalrsquos age Instead it reflects the animalrsquos genetics health and diet

COYOTE (Canis latrans)Fact When it comes to eating coyotes arenrsquot picky They mostly eat small mammals but may also dine on birds amphibians insects or even garbage In fall and winter fruits and vegetables are important sources of food for coyotes as well

VIRGINIA OPOSSUM (Didelphis virginiana)Fact Opossum tracks are made up of footprints and marks left by the animalrsquos long hairless tail Its tail is ldquoprehensilerdquo which means it can grab objects like tree branches

BOBCAT (Lynx rufus)Fact Bobcats live in well-defined territories that contain several shelters including their main dens and temporary lodging such as hollow logs and brush piles Ecologists believe these wild felines inhabit two DuPage forest preserves Waterfall Glen in Darien and Greene Valley in Naperville

STRIPED SKUNK (Mephitis mephitis)Fact A skunk can spray up to 15 feet It usually gives a warning by hissing stamping its front feet or waving its tail It may even do a handstand

trail talk

TRACKS amp Facts

copy David Cappaert M

ichigan State University Bugwoodorg

copy Brian Tang

copy Jeanie Klein

TORPOR is a short-term state of reduced

metabolic rate and body temperature that allows an animal to

save energy in cold weather Itrsquos sometimes called ldquotemporary

hibernationrdquo Some DuPage animals including bats and mice

enter torpor in winter when food is scare and itrsquos cold outside

16 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

SNOWBIRDS for Snowbirders

by CHRISTOPHER GUTMANN NATURALIST FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER

Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis)

copy T

ony T

anou

ry

4

3

6

5

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

copy Brian E Sm

allVIREOcopy

R amp S DayVIREO

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy J Schum

acherVIREO

1

2

Have you ever seen a male northern cardinal in the rich early-morning sun with a

backdrop of freshly fallen pure-white snow Have you ever seen a red-tailed hawk perched majestically on a bur oak overseeing its vast wintery kingdom Have you ever seen a mallard and an American black duck swimming side by side and discovered how theyrsquore different If you would like the answer to any of these questions to be ldquoyesrdquo grab a pair of binoculars and head to your nearest DuPage County forest preserve this winter

Yes itrsquos cold but the birding is never easier There are hardly any concealing leaves and the bright colors and dramatic contrasts of many birds become even more conspicuous in the otherwise drab winter landscape True there are fewer species around in winter but that just makes them easier to identify Even a modest-sized forest preserve like Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook can have over 40 species this time of year and the birds are practically begging to be seen The only way it would be easier to find them is if they had blinking neon arrows pointing in their direction

Some people assume that most birds fly south for the winter and while many species do travel as far as South America on their fall journeys for others DuPage County is ldquosouthrdquo The best example of this is the original snowbird the dark-eyed junco Juncos spend their summers in the far

north east and west but in winter you can find these cute gray-and-white sparrow-sized birds in DuPage County foraging low to the ground in small flocks

Other birds thought to fly south never leave the county One example is the American goldfinch Goldfinches are abundant in winter but because the males exchange their trademark bright yellow summer plumage for the femalesrsquo browns and grays many people donrsquot realize theyrsquore still in the neighborhood You can find American goldfinches in their winter ldquoclothesrdquo foraging on the leftover seed heads of dormant wildflowers

Even more surprising than the incognito goldfinch is the famous ldquoharbinger of springrdquo the American robin You can sometimes see this bird in forests foraging by the hundreds for leftover berries in the middle of winter Winter birders should also keep an eye out for the robinrsquos berry-loving cousin the eastern bluebird

There are of course more familiar winter favorites Male northern cardinals sit boldly on shrubs radiating their fire-engineshyred feathers Adorable black-capped chickadees hang upside down on branches calling ldquochick-a-dee-dee-dee-deerdquo to let each other know theyrsquore being watched by a big primate mdash you

A true bird lover will even marvel this time of year at the much-maligned yet stunningly beautiful blue jay Its colors alone

18 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy

G BartleyVIREO 9

copy F K SchleicherVIREO

10

11

7

8

copy Brian Tang

copy R CurtisVIREO

lt 1 Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2 American black duck (Anas rubripes) 3 American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) 4 Hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 5 Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 6 American robin (Turdus migratorius) 7 Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8 Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 9 White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 10 Brown creeper (Certhia americana) 11 Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

make it worth watching but itrsquos also an incredibly intelligent bird with a wide array of fascinating behaviors including mimicry For years there has been a blue jay at Fullersburg Woods that does a dead-on impression of a Cooperrsquos hawk which routinely fools birders Its imitation of a red-tailed hawk is respectable but its red-shouldered-hawk act needs some work

Speaking of blue jays and hawks have you ever heard a small flock of blue jays making a racket in the treetops If you take the time to investigate yoursquoll often find the jays mobbing a hawk or an owl trying to persuade the predator to leave their territory The jays arenrsquot trying to annoy you theyrsquore just telling you that therersquos another incredible bird nearby

Winter birders should remember too to focus on more than just branches Some of the most handsome and interesting species can be found hanging out on trunks As red-bellied downy and hairy woodpeckers hunt for food their reds blacks and whites stand out against the drab browns and grays of the bark White-breasted nuthatches grunt their way down tree trunks head first as they busily wedge seeds into the bark but well-camouflaged brown creepers steadily spiral their way up

If you visit the forest preserves soon after they open itrsquos not uncommon to see a great horned owl wrapping up its nighttime winter hunting or an eastern screech owl perching at the entrance to a tree cavity or wood-duck house as it soaks in a little heat from the sun Use your binoculars to view them from afar though It may look as if their eyes are closed but chances are theyrsquove seen and heard you coming long before yoursquove spotted them If they feel yoursquove gotten too close they will quickly disappear

Last but not least winter is a great time to view waterfowl Many ducks including male wood ducks are in their

brightest plumage and even mallards look stunning on the icy water Always look closely at large flocks of mallards or Canada geese you might notice the luminous irises of a common goldeneye or the comically large bill of a northern shoveler mingling in the crowd

Of course you canrsquot see any of these amazing animals unless you get outside this winter for a snowbird adventure at a DuPage County forest preserve near you bull

FINDING FEATHERED FRIENDS in Forest Preserves 1 Avoid brightly colored clothing Some birds will flush at the

first sight of you The longer it takes them to spot you the better your chances are of getting a good look at them

2 Itrsquos called bird-watching not bird talking Loud noises can scare birds so keep conversation as quiet as possible and turn off cell phones

3 Take your time and slowly scan an area Often birds are silent and will reveal themselves only with subtle movements

4 Leave Fido at home A recent study showed that dog walking in woodlands leads to a 35 percent reduction in bird diversity and a 41 percent reduction in abundance

5 In spring attend ldquoFullersBird Fridaysrdquo at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and ldquoBirding at Willowbrookrdquo at Willowbrook Wildlife Center These naturalist-led bird walks are great for beginning birders

wwwdupageforest org 19

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve explore

More Than Meets the Eye

by JAYNE BOHNER OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

6or many people driving down County Farm Road Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in West Chicago is the home of Kline Creek Farm the Forest

Preserve District of DuPage Countyrsquos 200-acre 1890s living-history farm but the farm is just a part of a remarkable 1148-acre forest preserve

The crops at Kline Creek Farm and a few dozen tillable acres to the north serve as reminders of the arearsquos agricultural roots but within a stretch of land north of the Great Western Trail the Forest Preserve District has converted former fields to more native habitat By removing clay tiles that farmers once installed to drain the soil District ecologists have restored the natural hydrology to the land where they have subsequently planted native wetland species like cattails bulrushes and water plantains In drier areas by removing tree lines that once grew along old fence rows they have created more open grasslands which theyrsquove seeded with flora like big and little bluestem black-eyed Susans lead plant and prairie clover In summer the prairie plants accommodate ground-nesting birds like eastern meadowlarks and savanna sparrows but this time of year they feed American tree sparrows juncos fox sparrows and white-throated sparrows while their stems pods and dried leaves create a natural architecture that displays the seasonrsquos powdery snows

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is also home to a natural savanna Klein Savanna which borders the

F north side of the Illinois Prairie Path just west of Klein Creek Its diversity of plant life makes it one of the highest quality ecosystems in the District Here dormant Allegheny shadblows also known as Allegheny serviceberries wait for spring to trigger their production of fragrant clusters of white flowers and juicy fruits Bare white and bur oaks and shagbark hickories stand over frozen ground that in a few months will erupt with trilliums spring beauties and trout lilies or thaw into ephemeral ponds that will broadcast the sounds of chorus frogs and American toads In summer when foxglove beard tongues and Jacobrsquos ladders bloom the verdant savanna will sing with woodland birds like northern orioles nuthatches black-capped chickadees and scarlet tanagers Winter though promises glimpses of great horned owls which begin nesting in February when the barren landscape makes it easier for adults and fledglings to spot prey

For fans of either the Great Western Trail or the Illinois Prairie Path Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is an ideal starting point Those who want to begin their excursions farther west

often use the small lot on Prince Crossing Road just north of the Great Western Trail (An upland grove east of the parking lot on the south side of the trail is home to a stately white oak roughly 50 inches in diameter 90 feet tall and two to three centuries old) Hikers bikers and cross-country skiers looking for more amenities may instead choose the Kline Creek Farm parking lot on

20 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea)

lt Fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

copy G M

cElroyVIREOcopy

J P Myers

White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

lt Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

North

Quick Look

For a detailed map of Timber Ridge visit wwwdupageforestorg

North Ave

St Charles Rd

Indian Knoll Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Geneva Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Winfield Rd

Kline Creek Farm

Opening Spring 2010

Visitor Center

I llinois P rairie P ath E lgin Spu r

I llinois P rairie P ath G enev a Spu r

G reat W estern T rail

64

Hawthorne Ln

Coun

ty F

arm

Rd

KleinCreek

TimberLake

SpringLake

West BranchDuPage River

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve

KleinSavanna

County Farm Road near the Timber Ridge Visitor Center The centerrsquos drinking fountains and heated restrooms are open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset The interior of the center which houses displays relating to the farmstead and a gift shop is only open during Kline Creek Farmrsquos regular operating hours Thursdays through Mondays from 9 am until 5 pm For information on Kline Creek Farm exhibits educational programs and special events call the farm at (630) 876-5900

The County Farm Road parking lot connects to a 1-mile north-south Forest Preserve District trail that joins the Great Western Trail with the Illinois Prairie Path It also leads to a moderate 05-mile gravel trail that takes anglers to Timber Lake The 17-acre lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet and offers largemouth bass bluegill channel catfish crappie green sunfish carp and black bullheads (A second smaller lake Spring Lake lies in the interior of the forest preserve It boasts being one of only two natural lakes in the county but is inaccessible by trail)

An anticipated addition to Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is a 30-car parking lot on Prince Crossing Road roughly 04 mile north of Geneva Road Opening in spring 2010 the area will give visitors access to a western portion of the preserve via a 075-mile looped trail with two overlooks near the wetland informally known as the Geneva Road Marsh This time of year oases of open water on the marsh are packed with mallards dabbling for seeds and aquatic vegetation but by summer egrets and great blue herons will again be standing in the shallows picking frogs from the white water lilies that will eventually unfurl over the entire marsh bull

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

ltcopy

Joseph Weibler lt

wwwdupageforest org 21

directory

GENERAL Contacts

HEADQUARTERS

Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189

The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm The office is closed on Saturday Sunday and select holidays

Mailing Address PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

Web Site wwwdupageforestorg

E-mail Address forestdupageforestorg

Main Number (630) 933-7200

TTY (800) 526-0857

THE CONSERVATIONIST SUBSCRIPTION LINE (630) 933-7085

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (630) 933-7097

LAW ENFORCEMENT (630) 933-7240

THE OUTDOOR REPORT (630) 871-6422

VISITOR SERVICES (630) 933-7248

VOLUNTEER SERVICES (630) 933-7681

GOLF Clubs

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

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 272 S Addison Road Wood Dale IL 60191 (630) 616-8424

OAK MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 900 N Wood Dale Road Addison IL 60101 (630) 595-1800

copy J P Myers

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 Districtrsquos ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit

EDUCATION Centers

DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 3S503 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189 (630) 668-6012

The centerrsquos office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 430 pm and is closed on select holidays

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook IL 60523 (630) 850-8110

The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm 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 am to 5 pm and is closed on Tuesday Wednesday and select holidays

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

The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER 525 S Park Blvd Glen Ellyn IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and are closed on select holidays

22 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

North

o e e opForest Preserve Property

n d o e e opForest Preserve Property

o eLakePondWaterway

WetWetland

e gEntranceParking

o e Forest Preserve Trail

opo d Proposed Trail

Co County Trail

U ouUS Route

S oState Route

e RInterstate Route

U Unofficial Name

CHICAGOOrsquoHAREINTrsquoL

AIRPORT

THE MORTONARBORETUM

ARGONNENATIONAL

LABORATORY

FERMI NATIONALACCELERATORLABORATORY

DUPAGECOUNTYAIRPORT

CANT GNY

DUPAGECOUNTYCOMPLEX

C a r o l S t r e a m

G l e n d a l eH e i g h t s

A u r o r a

S t C h a r l e s

W a y n e

B a r t l e t t

W e s tC h i c a g o

L o m b a r d

G l e nE l l y n

H a n o v e rP a r k

B l o o m i n g d a l e

A d d i s o n

W h e a t o n

W o o d r i d g e

N a p e r v i l l e

D a r i e n

W i l l o w b r o o k

B u r rR i d g e

H i n s d a l e

W e s t m o n t

C l a r e n d o nH i l l s

O a k B r o o k

D o w n e r sG r o v e

O a k b r o o kT e r r a c e

E l m h u r s t

V i l l aP a r k

E l k G r o v e

W o o d D a l e

B e n s e n v i l l e

R o s e l l e

L i s l e

W a r r e n v i l l e

I t a s c a

W i n f i e l d

I l l inois Prairie Path

Great Western Trai l

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prairie Path

Batavia Spur

Aurora Spur

Aurora

Spur

Elgin Spur

West Branch DuPage River

East BranchDuPage River

Des Plaines River

SaltCreek

SpringbrookCreek

School St

Gro

ve A

ve

Montrose Ave

Rive

r Rd

20

19

83

83

55

53

53

53290

290

355

355

34

34

59

59

64

38

56

88

88

Stearns Rd

Smith Rd

Powis Rd

Pow

is Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Munger Rd

Klei

n Rd

Bart

lett

Rd

Greenbrook Blvd

Cloverdale Rd

Thorn Rd

Cou

nty

Farm

Rd

Schick Rd Schick Rd

Kuhn

Rd

Fair

Oak

s Rd

North Ave

Gar

y A

ve

Schm

ale

Rd

Bu de te Ave

Bloomingdal e Rd

Rose

lle R

d

Gl e

n E l

lyn

R d

Swift

Rd

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd

Grac e St

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd

Add

son Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd

Devon Ave

Prospect Ave

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd

Grand Ave

York Rd

Va Ave

Vill a Ave

Butterfield Rd High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave

Summ

it Ave

West m

ore A ve

Mey

ers

Rd

Highland A

ve

St Charles Rd

Cres

cent Blvd

Mai

n St

M

a in

St

Hill Ave

Pennsylvan a Ave

Harrison St

Main St

St Charles Rd

St Charles Rd

Roosevelt Rd Wes

t St

Geneva Rd

Harrison Ave

Manchester Rd

Jewell Rd

H ghlake Rd

Ind an Kno

Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Washington St

Arbor A

ve

Downs Dr

ndus

tra

Dr

Kres

s R

d

Kautz Rd

Fabyan Pkwy

Batavia Rd

Purnell Rd

Winf

ield

Rd

Mack Rd

Sch a

ffne

r Rd

Weis

brook Rd

Orc

hard

Rd

War

renv

ille R

d

Plamondon Rd

Nap

ervi

lle R

d

Blan

char

d St

Butterfield Rd

Fawell Blvd

Park

Blv

d

Finley Rd

31st St Oakbrook Rd

Midw

est Ave

22nd St Harger Rd

Sprng Rd

York Rd

Spring Rd

Chicago Ave

35th St Cass A

ve

Hig

hlan

d A

ve

Naperville Rd

Leask Ln

Nape

rvil

e Rd

Warrenville Rd

Her

rick

Rd

Wnf

ed

Rd

Bilter Rd

Ferry Rd

Diehl Rd Diehl Rd

Eola

Rd

Raymond Dr

Mill St

Doug as Ave

Jefferson Ave Chicago Ave

Yack

ley

Ave

Col

lege

Rd

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd

Garfield A

ve

Harvester Rd

Em

Rd

Jol et Rd

Cou

nty

Line

Rd

91st St

Madison St

Fairv

iew

Ave

Main St

Ma

n St

75th St

Plainfield Rd

Cass A

ve

87th St Oldfield Rd

Wood w

ard Ave

83rd St

Gre

ene

Rd

75th St

79th St

Hobson Rd

Weh

rli R

d

Nap

er B

lvd

Was

hing

ton

St

Washington St

87th St

Modaff Rd

Gartner Rd

Aurora Ave

New York St

Liberty St

75th St

Rickert Dr

Montgomery Rd 83rd St

Bluff Rd

Cass Ave

Lem

ont R

d

Inter

naiona e Pkwy

River Rd

North Aurora Rd

Irving Park Rd

Gary s M ll Rd

Maple Ave

Circle Ave

Smith Rd

Ger

ber R

d

Med

nah

Rd

M

edi n

ah R

d

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin OrsquoHare

Geneva Rd

Bilter Rd

DuPage Pkwy

Shor

e Rd

Ogden Ave

Book

Rd

Jackson Ave

Pa

nfed-N

aperve Rd

Abbeywood Dr

Ranc

h V

ew D

r

Hobson R

d

Hitcock Ave

Manning Rd

Lem

on

t Rd

Gi bert Ave

Finley

Rd

Adam

s St

Wilson Ave

Park

Blv

d

College Rd

Army Trail Rd

Naper Blvd

Green Tra ls Dr

Ferry Rd

Mor

ton

Rd

Davey Rd

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd

Fron

tena

c Rd

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Des Plaines Pl esRiverwayRi r

e

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands

rsquosWWooW

Du

aynenev

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWo s

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWo s

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes

e

owowvv

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

kHighRidge

Salt Cre k Greenway

Woodd

G

e a

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

Gr enGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

manLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlandsWetlands

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

We tWestBranchBranch

PrattPrattrsquossWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

ayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWo sWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWo sWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakesLakes

Woo sWoods

W renvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoo sWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneV leyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

kHighYorkHighRidgeRidge

Salt Cre kSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

erfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St JamesSt JamesFarmFarm

Des Plaines Des Plaines

294

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt

Page 9: The Conservationist Winter 2010

wwwdupageforest org 9

February 2 Wake Up Groundhog

6 Wonders of Winter

7 Snowshoeing for Beginners Volunteer Nature Workday

9 Teachersrsquo Class Tracking and Reading Begins

13 Fancywork Day Romantic Night Hike

14 Archery for Beginners Falcons of DuPage

15 Tapping Into Fun

16 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

18 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

20 Collage Workshop Begins Volunteer Nature Workday

21 Ice Fishing for Beginners

23 WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake

24 ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session

27 Backyard Birdhouses Skunk Tracking Volunteer Nature Workday Volunteer Restoration Workday Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal

28 Cast-Iron Cooking

March 6 Cub Scout Adventure From Sap to Syrup

Volunteer Nature Workday

11 WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake

13 Maple Sugaring

14 Maple Sugaring Maple Syrup Sundays Volunteer Restoration Workday Wild Dogs of DuPage

16 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

18 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Spring Night Hike

20 Acappellago Concert Archery for Beginners Volunteer Nature Workday

21 Cub Scout Adventure Makinrsquo Tracks Maple Syrup Sundays Ranger Trek Junior Volunteer Nature Workday

27 Pie-Baking Class Volunteer Nature Workday Volunteer Restoration Workday

28 Pies for Spring

29 April Foolsrsquo Adventure

winter calendar

Acappellago Concert Enjoy the sounds of Acappellago as they perform ldquoEscape to hellip The Light of the Moonrdquo a passionate journey from the romantics of the 19th century through todayrsquos popular and contemporary music $15 per adult $12 per student or senior For tickets call (708) 484-3797 ext 2

Mar 20 730 ndash 930 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

April Foolsrsquo Adventure Enjoy some April Foolsrsquo jokes and go on a search to see what doesnrsquot belong on an 1890s farm Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 29 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm

Archery for Beginners Discover the history of this classic sport and learn about equipment and shooting techniques in an indoor setting Equipment provided Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 14 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Mar 20 11 am ndash 1230 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Archery for Kids Kids learn the history and basic techniques of archery in an indoor setting Equipment provided Ages 7 ndash 10 with an adult Free Registration begins Dec 28 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 10 11 am ndash 1230 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Backyard Birdhouses Be ready to welcome backyard birds this spring Learn about different nesting needs and build a nest box to take home Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult $10 per project To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 27 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 130 ndash 3 pm Fullersburg Woods

Bread-Baking Class Learn how to bake bread the way that it was done in the 1890s and take home a loaf of your creation along with instructions and recipes $25 per person To register call (630) 876-5900

Jan 23 9 am ndash noon Kline Creek Farm Jan 23 1 ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Bread From the Oven See the process of baking bread in a wood-burning oven enjoy the tantalizing aroma and take home recipes Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 24 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half-hour Kline Creek Farm

Cast-Iron Cooking Help prepare a hearty meal over an open campfire and learn tips for cooking with cast iron $10 per person ages 16 and up $5 ages 15 and under Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 17 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Feb 28 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Collage Workshop Explore the fine art of collage as you experiment with simple design concepts and a variety of new techniques during this two-day workshop $185 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 20 amp 27 9 am ndash 4 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

10 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy Phil Myers

Coyote Tracking Locate a coyotersquos trail and follow it through the preserve interpreting the animalrsquos activities as you go Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 15 Call (630) 206-9581

Jan 30 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners Learn the differences between backcountry telemark and touring skis and pick up tips on clothing and trail etiquette Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Dec 21 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 3 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Cub Scout Adventure From Sap to Syrup Cub Scouts learn how sap from maple trees is turned into delicious syrup and taste the syrup served over ice cream $6 per Scout To register call (630) 876-5900

Mar 6 930 am ndash 3 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Cub Scout Adventure Makinrsquo Tracks Cub Scouts learn how to identify the animals that live in certain habitats by observing the signs they leave behind $3 per Scout Registration begins March 7 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 21 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Falcons of DuPage Meet three species of falcons and learn about the natural history of these highly specialized birds of prey Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Jan 31 Call (630) 942-6200

Feb 14 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Fancywork Day See lace making tatting and other handwork demonstrations and receive a pattern for a small purse Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Feb 13 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour Kline Creek Farm

Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Learn about natural and cultural history while exploring different forest preserves Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult $5 per family Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 942-6200

Jan 26 9 ndash 11 am Wayne Grove Jan 28 1 ndash 3 pm Wayne Grove Feb 16 9 ndash 11 am Willowbrook Feb 18 1 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook Mar 16 9 ndash 11 am Greene Valley Mar 18 1 ndash 3 pm Greene Valley

Ice Fishing for Beginners Learn the basics of ice fishing including safety equipment techniques and tips for forest preserve lakes Fishing will follow if conditions permit Equipment and bait provided All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 10 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Feb 21 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides at Danada Equestrian Center Enjoy a sleigh ride through the snow-covered fields and woods of Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton $5 per adult $2 per child ages 5 ndash 12 children under 5 free

Rides are 12 ndash 15 minutes long Hay wagons will be used if there is less than 6 inches of snow For additional details or for groups of 10 or more call (630) 668-6012

Jan 3 ndash Feb 28 Sundays Noon ndash 3 pm

wwwdupageforest org 11

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Ice Harvesting Learn the importance of ice before refrigeration See an exhibit of ice-cutting tools and peek into the icehouse to see how families stored blocks that lasted into summer Weather permitting help cut and transport ice from the lake Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 21 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 23 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 24 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 28 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple Sugaring See how 1890s farm families tapped trees and boiled the collected sap into maple syrup and sugar Then try to tap a tree yourself Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 13 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm Mar 14 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple-Syrup Sundays Get sticky Take a stroll through the woods and discover the secret of turning tree sap into syrup All ages Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 850-8110

Mar 14 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods

Owls of DuPage Find out why people give a hoot about owls and learn about the species that live in DuPage Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Jan 3 Call (630) 942-6200

Jan 17 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Pie-Baking Class Learn the basics of making pies Then bake different recipes in a wood-burning oven and take home your creation $25 per person To register call (630) 876-5900

Mar 27 9 am ndash noon Kline Creek Farm Mar 27 1 ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Pies for Spring Savor the aroma of pies from 1890s cookbooks as they bake in a wood-burning oven and take home recipes for your own kitchen Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 28 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half-hour Kline Creek Farm

Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids Learn how to experience the outdoors through ldquoleave no tracerdquo camping Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 11 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 24 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Ranger Trek Junior Learn about the critters that call the forest preserves home and join a ranger on a hike to explore different habitats Ages 10 and under with an adult Free Registration begins March 8 Call (630) 933-7248

Mar 21 1030 am ndash noon Waterfall Glen

Romantic Night Hike Enjoy a lantern-lit walk with your sweetheart to four scenic bridges over Salt Creek then warm up with hot cocoa around a cozy fire Adults only $10 per couple To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 13 7 ndash 9 pm Fullersburg Woods

12 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Skunk Tracking Follow skunk tracks and try to guess what the little stinker was up to Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Feb 12 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 27 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Open House Discover a variety of opportunities available with the Forest Preserve Districtrsquos nine volunteer programs including Danada Equestrian Center Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center Kline Creek Farm Mayslake Peabody Estate Natural Resource Management St James Farm Trail Patrol Volunteer Ranger Experience and Willowbrook Wildlife Center Registration not required Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 16 10 am ndash 1 pm DanadaHeadquarters one-hour presentation at 11 am

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session Learn about the nine Forest Preserve District volunteer programs in detail Ask questions and decide which option fits your interests and schedule Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 28 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters Feb 24 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters

Snowshoeing for Beginners Learn the basics of snowshoeing and put your new skills to work during a guided hike Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 25 Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 7 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Spring Night Hike Experience a forest preserve after hours when animals are accustomed to going about their activities undisturbed Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins March 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Mar 18 7 ndash 830 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

1890s Living at Kline Creek Farm (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

Jan 2 ndash March 27 (except Jan 30) Saturdays 130 ndash 330 pm

DRESSING FOR WINTER See the undergarments the farm family wore in the 1890s and learn their uses

Jan 7 ndash 25 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

COURTING IN THE 1890S Hear excerpts from love letters written in the late 19th century and learn about the role that a homersquos parlor played in courtship

Feb 11 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

A NICKELrsquoS WORTH Find out what a nickel could buy in the 1890s and how consumer preferences were changing

March 4 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

wwwdupageforest org 13

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Cultural Events at Mayslake Peabody Estate

ART EXHIBIT COLLAGE amp MEMORIES Enjoy an exhibit by the Midwest Collage Society Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

Jan 13 ndash March 4 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

FIRST FOLIO THEATRE PRESENTS ldquoJEEVES IN BLOOMrdquo When lovable Bertie Wooster gets himself into another scrape Jeeves must resign his service and reinvent himself as something other than a gentlemanrsquos gentleman $2830 adult $2325 senior or student For tickets call (630) 986-8067 or visit wwwfirstfolioorg

Jan 30 ndash Feb 28 Wednesday ndash Saturday 8 pm and Sunday 3 pm

THE ALLIANCE OF FINE ART PRESENTS ldquoTHE BEST OF THE BESTrdquo ART SHOW View the finest works of local artists Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

March 22 ndash May 7 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

RESTORATION-IN-PROGRESS TOURS Learn about the past mdash and future mdash of this historic 1920s Tudor-revival-style mansion $5 per person Group tours available Call (630) 206-9566

Wednesdays 11 am amp 1230 pm and Saturdays 930 10 11 amp 1130 am

Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo Lend a hand making sausage and learn the importance of the smokehouse and cured meats in the 1890s Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 9 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm Jan 10 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Tapping Into Fun Find out how maple syrup is made through a story and a hike to tap trees Ages 6 and up with an adult $5 per person To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 15 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 15 1 ndash 230 pm Fullersburg Woods

Teachersrsquo Class Tracking and Reading Teachers explore the parallels between the structure and meanings in written language and those in animal tracks and other objects found in nature during this 12-session course $345 per teacher Registration begins Jan 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 9 ndash 20 and Mar 2 ndash 27 Mayslake Peabody Estate Tue 530 ndash 9 pm Sat 8 am ndash noon

Volunteer Nature Workday Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult 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

Jan 9 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Jan 23 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Jan 30 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Feb 7 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Mar 6 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Mar 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods

14 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Volunteer Restoration Workday Enjoy the outdoors while helping to restore one of DuPage Countyrsquos most diverse prairies by clearing invasive plants or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult Groups of 10 or more must register Call (630) 961-2041

Jan 2 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Jan 16 1 ndash 4 pm West Chicago Prairie Jan 31 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 14 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie

WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake Enjoy an evening of high-quality jazz brought to you by Mayslake Peabody Estate WDCB Public Radio and the PianoForte Foundation Adults only $25 cabaret seating $20 general admission and $16 for seniors over 65 students and groups of seven or more (A $5-per-person docent-led tour of Mayslake Hall will precede the concert at 630 pm) For tickets call (630) 206-9566

Feb 23 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate A premiere of Ryan Cohanrsquos new septet

Mar 11 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate Barry Winograd Quartet

Wake Up Groundhog Learn all about the groundhog through a story game and craft Ages 3 ndash 5 with an adult $5 per child To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 2 1030 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods

Wild Dogs of DuPage Learn the natural history of the wild dogs including foxes and coyotes that make DuPage County home Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Feb 28 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 14 2 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook

Winter Layering and Safety Learn how to keep the whole family mdash even Spot mdash warm and safe from head to toe while enjoying the outdoors All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 18 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 31 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Wonders of Winter Discover the fun of visiting a forest preserve in winter Activities include horse-drawn hayrides ice fishing geocaching snowshoeing and winter crafts Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 6 10 am ndash 1 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal Learn how to put together a successful book proposal Prerequisite Writing a Query Letter Adults only $90 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 27 9 am ndash 3 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Snow Tubing at Mount Hoy at Blackwell Forest Preserve Take a thrilling trip down one of DuPage Countyrsquos highest peaks When more than 3 inches of snow cover Mount Hoy rent a tube and glide down an 800-foot run Only District inner tubes are allowed which cost $4 per tube per day Tube rental ends at 330 pm For updated hours and snow conditions call the 24-hour Outdoor Report at (630) 871-6422

Dec 5 ndash Feb 28 Saturdays and Sundays and Dec 21 ndash 24 Dec 28 ndash Jan 1 Jan 18 and Feb 15 9 am ndash 4 pm

wwwdupageforest org 15

WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)Fact Contrary to popular belief the number of points on a deerrsquos antlers does not relate to the animalrsquos age Instead it reflects the animalrsquos genetics health and diet

COYOTE (Canis latrans)Fact When it comes to eating coyotes arenrsquot picky They mostly eat small mammals but may also dine on birds amphibians insects or even garbage In fall and winter fruits and vegetables are important sources of food for coyotes as well

VIRGINIA OPOSSUM (Didelphis virginiana)Fact Opossum tracks are made up of footprints and marks left by the animalrsquos long hairless tail Its tail is ldquoprehensilerdquo which means it can grab objects like tree branches

BOBCAT (Lynx rufus)Fact Bobcats live in well-defined territories that contain several shelters including their main dens and temporary lodging such as hollow logs and brush piles Ecologists believe these wild felines inhabit two DuPage forest preserves Waterfall Glen in Darien and Greene Valley in Naperville

STRIPED SKUNK (Mephitis mephitis)Fact A skunk can spray up to 15 feet It usually gives a warning by hissing stamping its front feet or waving its tail It may even do a handstand

trail talk

TRACKS amp Facts

copy David Cappaert M

ichigan State University Bugwoodorg

copy Brian Tang

copy Jeanie Klein

TORPOR is a short-term state of reduced

metabolic rate and body temperature that allows an animal to

save energy in cold weather Itrsquos sometimes called ldquotemporary

hibernationrdquo Some DuPage animals including bats and mice

enter torpor in winter when food is scare and itrsquos cold outside

16 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

SNOWBIRDS for Snowbirders

by CHRISTOPHER GUTMANN NATURALIST FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER

Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis)

copy T

ony T

anou

ry

4

3

6

5

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

copy Brian E Sm

allVIREOcopy

R amp S DayVIREO

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy J Schum

acherVIREO

1

2

Have you ever seen a male northern cardinal in the rich early-morning sun with a

backdrop of freshly fallen pure-white snow Have you ever seen a red-tailed hawk perched majestically on a bur oak overseeing its vast wintery kingdom Have you ever seen a mallard and an American black duck swimming side by side and discovered how theyrsquore different If you would like the answer to any of these questions to be ldquoyesrdquo grab a pair of binoculars and head to your nearest DuPage County forest preserve this winter

Yes itrsquos cold but the birding is never easier There are hardly any concealing leaves and the bright colors and dramatic contrasts of many birds become even more conspicuous in the otherwise drab winter landscape True there are fewer species around in winter but that just makes them easier to identify Even a modest-sized forest preserve like Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook can have over 40 species this time of year and the birds are practically begging to be seen The only way it would be easier to find them is if they had blinking neon arrows pointing in their direction

Some people assume that most birds fly south for the winter and while many species do travel as far as South America on their fall journeys for others DuPage County is ldquosouthrdquo The best example of this is the original snowbird the dark-eyed junco Juncos spend their summers in the far

north east and west but in winter you can find these cute gray-and-white sparrow-sized birds in DuPage County foraging low to the ground in small flocks

Other birds thought to fly south never leave the county One example is the American goldfinch Goldfinches are abundant in winter but because the males exchange their trademark bright yellow summer plumage for the femalesrsquo browns and grays many people donrsquot realize theyrsquore still in the neighborhood You can find American goldfinches in their winter ldquoclothesrdquo foraging on the leftover seed heads of dormant wildflowers

Even more surprising than the incognito goldfinch is the famous ldquoharbinger of springrdquo the American robin You can sometimes see this bird in forests foraging by the hundreds for leftover berries in the middle of winter Winter birders should also keep an eye out for the robinrsquos berry-loving cousin the eastern bluebird

There are of course more familiar winter favorites Male northern cardinals sit boldly on shrubs radiating their fire-engineshyred feathers Adorable black-capped chickadees hang upside down on branches calling ldquochick-a-dee-dee-dee-deerdquo to let each other know theyrsquore being watched by a big primate mdash you

A true bird lover will even marvel this time of year at the much-maligned yet stunningly beautiful blue jay Its colors alone

18 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy

G BartleyVIREO 9

copy F K SchleicherVIREO

10

11

7

8

copy Brian Tang

copy R CurtisVIREO

lt 1 Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2 American black duck (Anas rubripes) 3 American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) 4 Hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 5 Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 6 American robin (Turdus migratorius) 7 Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8 Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 9 White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 10 Brown creeper (Certhia americana) 11 Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

make it worth watching but itrsquos also an incredibly intelligent bird with a wide array of fascinating behaviors including mimicry For years there has been a blue jay at Fullersburg Woods that does a dead-on impression of a Cooperrsquos hawk which routinely fools birders Its imitation of a red-tailed hawk is respectable but its red-shouldered-hawk act needs some work

Speaking of blue jays and hawks have you ever heard a small flock of blue jays making a racket in the treetops If you take the time to investigate yoursquoll often find the jays mobbing a hawk or an owl trying to persuade the predator to leave their territory The jays arenrsquot trying to annoy you theyrsquore just telling you that therersquos another incredible bird nearby

Winter birders should remember too to focus on more than just branches Some of the most handsome and interesting species can be found hanging out on trunks As red-bellied downy and hairy woodpeckers hunt for food their reds blacks and whites stand out against the drab browns and grays of the bark White-breasted nuthatches grunt their way down tree trunks head first as they busily wedge seeds into the bark but well-camouflaged brown creepers steadily spiral their way up

If you visit the forest preserves soon after they open itrsquos not uncommon to see a great horned owl wrapping up its nighttime winter hunting or an eastern screech owl perching at the entrance to a tree cavity or wood-duck house as it soaks in a little heat from the sun Use your binoculars to view them from afar though It may look as if their eyes are closed but chances are theyrsquove seen and heard you coming long before yoursquove spotted them If they feel yoursquove gotten too close they will quickly disappear

Last but not least winter is a great time to view waterfowl Many ducks including male wood ducks are in their

brightest plumage and even mallards look stunning on the icy water Always look closely at large flocks of mallards or Canada geese you might notice the luminous irises of a common goldeneye or the comically large bill of a northern shoveler mingling in the crowd

Of course you canrsquot see any of these amazing animals unless you get outside this winter for a snowbird adventure at a DuPage County forest preserve near you bull

FINDING FEATHERED FRIENDS in Forest Preserves 1 Avoid brightly colored clothing Some birds will flush at the

first sight of you The longer it takes them to spot you the better your chances are of getting a good look at them

2 Itrsquos called bird-watching not bird talking Loud noises can scare birds so keep conversation as quiet as possible and turn off cell phones

3 Take your time and slowly scan an area Often birds are silent and will reveal themselves only with subtle movements

4 Leave Fido at home A recent study showed that dog walking in woodlands leads to a 35 percent reduction in bird diversity and a 41 percent reduction in abundance

5 In spring attend ldquoFullersBird Fridaysrdquo at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and ldquoBirding at Willowbrookrdquo at Willowbrook Wildlife Center These naturalist-led bird walks are great for beginning birders

wwwdupageforest org 19

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve explore

More Than Meets the Eye

by JAYNE BOHNER OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

6or many people driving down County Farm Road Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in West Chicago is the home of Kline Creek Farm the Forest

Preserve District of DuPage Countyrsquos 200-acre 1890s living-history farm but the farm is just a part of a remarkable 1148-acre forest preserve

The crops at Kline Creek Farm and a few dozen tillable acres to the north serve as reminders of the arearsquos agricultural roots but within a stretch of land north of the Great Western Trail the Forest Preserve District has converted former fields to more native habitat By removing clay tiles that farmers once installed to drain the soil District ecologists have restored the natural hydrology to the land where they have subsequently planted native wetland species like cattails bulrushes and water plantains In drier areas by removing tree lines that once grew along old fence rows they have created more open grasslands which theyrsquove seeded with flora like big and little bluestem black-eyed Susans lead plant and prairie clover In summer the prairie plants accommodate ground-nesting birds like eastern meadowlarks and savanna sparrows but this time of year they feed American tree sparrows juncos fox sparrows and white-throated sparrows while their stems pods and dried leaves create a natural architecture that displays the seasonrsquos powdery snows

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is also home to a natural savanna Klein Savanna which borders the

F north side of the Illinois Prairie Path just west of Klein Creek Its diversity of plant life makes it one of the highest quality ecosystems in the District Here dormant Allegheny shadblows also known as Allegheny serviceberries wait for spring to trigger their production of fragrant clusters of white flowers and juicy fruits Bare white and bur oaks and shagbark hickories stand over frozen ground that in a few months will erupt with trilliums spring beauties and trout lilies or thaw into ephemeral ponds that will broadcast the sounds of chorus frogs and American toads In summer when foxglove beard tongues and Jacobrsquos ladders bloom the verdant savanna will sing with woodland birds like northern orioles nuthatches black-capped chickadees and scarlet tanagers Winter though promises glimpses of great horned owls which begin nesting in February when the barren landscape makes it easier for adults and fledglings to spot prey

For fans of either the Great Western Trail or the Illinois Prairie Path Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is an ideal starting point Those who want to begin their excursions farther west

often use the small lot on Prince Crossing Road just north of the Great Western Trail (An upland grove east of the parking lot on the south side of the trail is home to a stately white oak roughly 50 inches in diameter 90 feet tall and two to three centuries old) Hikers bikers and cross-country skiers looking for more amenities may instead choose the Kline Creek Farm parking lot on

20 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea)

lt Fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

copy G M

cElroyVIREOcopy

J P Myers

White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

lt Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

North

Quick Look

For a detailed map of Timber Ridge visit wwwdupageforestorg

North Ave

St Charles Rd

Indian Knoll Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Geneva Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Winfield Rd

Kline Creek Farm

Opening Spring 2010

Visitor Center

I llinois P rairie P ath E lgin Spu r

I llinois P rairie P ath G enev a Spu r

G reat W estern T rail

64

Hawthorne Ln

Coun

ty F

arm

Rd

KleinCreek

TimberLake

SpringLake

West BranchDuPage River

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve

KleinSavanna

County Farm Road near the Timber Ridge Visitor Center The centerrsquos drinking fountains and heated restrooms are open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset The interior of the center which houses displays relating to the farmstead and a gift shop is only open during Kline Creek Farmrsquos regular operating hours Thursdays through Mondays from 9 am until 5 pm For information on Kline Creek Farm exhibits educational programs and special events call the farm at (630) 876-5900

The County Farm Road parking lot connects to a 1-mile north-south Forest Preserve District trail that joins the Great Western Trail with the Illinois Prairie Path It also leads to a moderate 05-mile gravel trail that takes anglers to Timber Lake The 17-acre lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet and offers largemouth bass bluegill channel catfish crappie green sunfish carp and black bullheads (A second smaller lake Spring Lake lies in the interior of the forest preserve It boasts being one of only two natural lakes in the county but is inaccessible by trail)

An anticipated addition to Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is a 30-car parking lot on Prince Crossing Road roughly 04 mile north of Geneva Road Opening in spring 2010 the area will give visitors access to a western portion of the preserve via a 075-mile looped trail with two overlooks near the wetland informally known as the Geneva Road Marsh This time of year oases of open water on the marsh are packed with mallards dabbling for seeds and aquatic vegetation but by summer egrets and great blue herons will again be standing in the shallows picking frogs from the white water lilies that will eventually unfurl over the entire marsh bull

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

ltcopy

Joseph Weibler lt

wwwdupageforest org 21

directory

GENERAL Contacts

HEADQUARTERS

Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189

The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm The office is closed on Saturday Sunday and select holidays

Mailing Address PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

Web Site wwwdupageforestorg

E-mail Address forestdupageforestorg

Main Number (630) 933-7200

TTY (800) 526-0857

THE CONSERVATIONIST SUBSCRIPTION LINE (630) 933-7085

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (630) 933-7097

LAW ENFORCEMENT (630) 933-7240

THE OUTDOOR REPORT (630) 871-6422

VISITOR SERVICES (630) 933-7248

VOLUNTEER SERVICES (630) 933-7681

GOLF Clubs

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

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 272 S Addison Road Wood Dale IL 60191 (630) 616-8424

OAK MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 900 N Wood Dale Road Addison IL 60101 (630) 595-1800

copy J P Myers

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 Districtrsquos ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit

EDUCATION Centers

DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 3S503 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189 (630) 668-6012

The centerrsquos office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 430 pm and is closed on select holidays

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook IL 60523 (630) 850-8110

The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm 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 am to 5 pm and is closed on Tuesday Wednesday and select holidays

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

The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER 525 S Park Blvd Glen Ellyn IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and are closed on select holidays

22 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

North

o e e opForest Preserve Property

n d o e e opForest Preserve Property

o eLakePondWaterway

WetWetland

e gEntranceParking

o e Forest Preserve Trail

opo d Proposed Trail

Co County Trail

U ouUS Route

S oState Route

e RInterstate Route

U Unofficial Name

CHICAGOOrsquoHAREINTrsquoL

AIRPORT

THE MORTONARBORETUM

ARGONNENATIONAL

LABORATORY

FERMI NATIONALACCELERATORLABORATORY

DUPAGECOUNTYAIRPORT

CANT GNY

DUPAGECOUNTYCOMPLEX

C a r o l S t r e a m

G l e n d a l eH e i g h t s

A u r o r a

S t C h a r l e s

W a y n e

B a r t l e t t

W e s tC h i c a g o

L o m b a r d

G l e nE l l y n

H a n o v e rP a r k

B l o o m i n g d a l e

A d d i s o n

W h e a t o n

W o o d r i d g e

N a p e r v i l l e

D a r i e n

W i l l o w b r o o k

B u r rR i d g e

H i n s d a l e

W e s t m o n t

C l a r e n d o nH i l l s

O a k B r o o k

D o w n e r sG r o v e

O a k b r o o kT e r r a c e

E l m h u r s t

V i l l aP a r k

E l k G r o v e

W o o d D a l e

B e n s e n v i l l e

R o s e l l e

L i s l e

W a r r e n v i l l e

I t a s c a

W i n f i e l d

I l l inois Prairie Path

Great Western Trai l

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prairie Path

Batavia Spur

Aurora Spur

Aurora

Spur

Elgin Spur

West Branch DuPage River

East BranchDuPage River

Des Plaines River

SaltCreek

SpringbrookCreek

School St

Gro

ve A

ve

Montrose Ave

Rive

r Rd

20

19

83

83

55

53

53

53290

290

355

355

34

34

59

59

64

38

56

88

88

Stearns Rd

Smith Rd

Powis Rd

Pow

is Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Munger Rd

Klei

n Rd

Bart

lett

Rd

Greenbrook Blvd

Cloverdale Rd

Thorn Rd

Cou

nty

Farm

Rd

Schick Rd Schick Rd

Kuhn

Rd

Fair

Oak

s Rd

North Ave

Gar

y A

ve

Schm

ale

Rd

Bu de te Ave

Bloomingdal e Rd

Rose

lle R

d

Gl e

n E l

lyn

R d

Swift

Rd

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd

Grac e St

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd

Add

son Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd

Devon Ave

Prospect Ave

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd

Grand Ave

York Rd

Va Ave

Vill a Ave

Butterfield Rd High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave

Summ

it Ave

West m

ore A ve

Mey

ers

Rd

Highland A

ve

St Charles Rd

Cres

cent Blvd

Mai

n St

M

a in

St

Hill Ave

Pennsylvan a Ave

Harrison St

Main St

St Charles Rd

St Charles Rd

Roosevelt Rd Wes

t St

Geneva Rd

Harrison Ave

Manchester Rd

Jewell Rd

H ghlake Rd

Ind an Kno

Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Washington St

Arbor A

ve

Downs Dr

ndus

tra

Dr

Kres

s R

d

Kautz Rd

Fabyan Pkwy

Batavia Rd

Purnell Rd

Winf

ield

Rd

Mack Rd

Sch a

ffne

r Rd

Weis

brook Rd

Orc

hard

Rd

War

renv

ille R

d

Plamondon Rd

Nap

ervi

lle R

d

Blan

char

d St

Butterfield Rd

Fawell Blvd

Park

Blv

d

Finley Rd

31st St Oakbrook Rd

Midw

est Ave

22nd St Harger Rd

Sprng Rd

York Rd

Spring Rd

Chicago Ave

35th St Cass A

ve

Hig

hlan

d A

ve

Naperville Rd

Leask Ln

Nape

rvil

e Rd

Warrenville Rd

Her

rick

Rd

Wnf

ed

Rd

Bilter Rd

Ferry Rd

Diehl Rd Diehl Rd

Eola

Rd

Raymond Dr

Mill St

Doug as Ave

Jefferson Ave Chicago Ave

Yack

ley

Ave

Col

lege

Rd

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd

Garfield A

ve

Harvester Rd

Em

Rd

Jol et Rd

Cou

nty

Line

Rd

91st St

Madison St

Fairv

iew

Ave

Main St

Ma

n St

75th St

Plainfield Rd

Cass A

ve

87th St Oldfield Rd

Wood w

ard Ave

83rd St

Gre

ene

Rd

75th St

79th St

Hobson Rd

Weh

rli R

d

Nap

er B

lvd

Was

hing

ton

St

Washington St

87th St

Modaff Rd

Gartner Rd

Aurora Ave

New York St

Liberty St

75th St

Rickert Dr

Montgomery Rd 83rd St

Bluff Rd

Cass Ave

Lem

ont R

d

Inter

naiona e Pkwy

River Rd

North Aurora Rd

Irving Park Rd

Gary s M ll Rd

Maple Ave

Circle Ave

Smith Rd

Ger

ber R

d

Med

nah

Rd

M

edi n

ah R

d

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin OrsquoHare

Geneva Rd

Bilter Rd

DuPage Pkwy

Shor

e Rd

Ogden Ave

Book

Rd

Jackson Ave

Pa

nfed-N

aperve Rd

Abbeywood Dr

Ranc

h V

ew D

r

Hobson R

d

Hitcock Ave

Manning Rd

Lem

on

t Rd

Gi bert Ave

Finley

Rd

Adam

s St

Wilson Ave

Park

Blv

d

College Rd

Army Trail Rd

Naper Blvd

Green Tra ls Dr

Ferry Rd

Mor

ton

Rd

Davey Rd

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd

Fron

tena

c Rd

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Des Plaines Pl esRiverwayRi r

e

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands

rsquosWWooW

Du

aynenev

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWo s

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWo s

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes

e

owowvv

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

kHighRidge

Salt Cre k Greenway

Woodd

G

e a

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

Gr enGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

manLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlandsWetlands

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

We tWestBranchBranch

PrattPrattrsquossWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

ayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWo sWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWo sWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakesLakes

Woo sWoods

W renvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoo sWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneV leyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

kHighYorkHighRidgeRidge

Salt Cre kSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

erfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St JamesSt JamesFarmFarm

Des Plaines Des Plaines

294

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt

Page 10: The Conservationist Winter 2010

winter calendar

Acappellago Concert Enjoy the sounds of Acappellago as they perform ldquoEscape to hellip The Light of the Moonrdquo a passionate journey from the romantics of the 19th century through todayrsquos popular and contemporary music $15 per adult $12 per student or senior For tickets call (708) 484-3797 ext 2

Mar 20 730 ndash 930 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

April Foolsrsquo Adventure Enjoy some April Foolsrsquo jokes and go on a search to see what doesnrsquot belong on an 1890s farm Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 29 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm

Archery for Beginners Discover the history of this classic sport and learn about equipment and shooting techniques in an indoor setting Equipment provided Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 14 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Mar 20 11 am ndash 1230 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Archery for Kids Kids learn the history and basic techniques of archery in an indoor setting Equipment provided Ages 7 ndash 10 with an adult Free Registration begins Dec 28 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 10 11 am ndash 1230 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Backyard Birdhouses Be ready to welcome backyard birds this spring Learn about different nesting needs and build a nest box to take home Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult $10 per project To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 27 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 130 ndash 3 pm Fullersburg Woods

Bread-Baking Class Learn how to bake bread the way that it was done in the 1890s and take home a loaf of your creation along with instructions and recipes $25 per person To register call (630) 876-5900

Jan 23 9 am ndash noon Kline Creek Farm Jan 23 1 ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Bread From the Oven See the process of baking bread in a wood-burning oven enjoy the tantalizing aroma and take home recipes Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 24 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half-hour Kline Creek Farm

Cast-Iron Cooking Help prepare a hearty meal over an open campfire and learn tips for cooking with cast iron $10 per person ages 16 and up $5 ages 15 and under Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 17 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Feb 28 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Collage Workshop Explore the fine art of collage as you experiment with simple design concepts and a variety of new techniques during this two-day workshop $185 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 20 amp 27 9 am ndash 4 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

10 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy Phil Myers

Coyote Tracking Locate a coyotersquos trail and follow it through the preserve interpreting the animalrsquos activities as you go Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 15 Call (630) 206-9581

Jan 30 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners Learn the differences between backcountry telemark and touring skis and pick up tips on clothing and trail etiquette Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Dec 21 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 3 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Cub Scout Adventure From Sap to Syrup Cub Scouts learn how sap from maple trees is turned into delicious syrup and taste the syrup served over ice cream $6 per Scout To register call (630) 876-5900

Mar 6 930 am ndash 3 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Cub Scout Adventure Makinrsquo Tracks Cub Scouts learn how to identify the animals that live in certain habitats by observing the signs they leave behind $3 per Scout Registration begins March 7 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 21 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Falcons of DuPage Meet three species of falcons and learn about the natural history of these highly specialized birds of prey Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Jan 31 Call (630) 942-6200

Feb 14 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Fancywork Day See lace making tatting and other handwork demonstrations and receive a pattern for a small purse Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Feb 13 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour Kline Creek Farm

Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Learn about natural and cultural history while exploring different forest preserves Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult $5 per family Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 942-6200

Jan 26 9 ndash 11 am Wayne Grove Jan 28 1 ndash 3 pm Wayne Grove Feb 16 9 ndash 11 am Willowbrook Feb 18 1 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook Mar 16 9 ndash 11 am Greene Valley Mar 18 1 ndash 3 pm Greene Valley

Ice Fishing for Beginners Learn the basics of ice fishing including safety equipment techniques and tips for forest preserve lakes Fishing will follow if conditions permit Equipment and bait provided All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 10 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Feb 21 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides at Danada Equestrian Center Enjoy a sleigh ride through the snow-covered fields and woods of Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton $5 per adult $2 per child ages 5 ndash 12 children under 5 free

Rides are 12 ndash 15 minutes long Hay wagons will be used if there is less than 6 inches of snow For additional details or for groups of 10 or more call (630) 668-6012

Jan 3 ndash Feb 28 Sundays Noon ndash 3 pm

wwwdupageforest org 11

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Ice Harvesting Learn the importance of ice before refrigeration See an exhibit of ice-cutting tools and peek into the icehouse to see how families stored blocks that lasted into summer Weather permitting help cut and transport ice from the lake Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 21 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 23 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 24 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 28 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple Sugaring See how 1890s farm families tapped trees and boiled the collected sap into maple syrup and sugar Then try to tap a tree yourself Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 13 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm Mar 14 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple-Syrup Sundays Get sticky Take a stroll through the woods and discover the secret of turning tree sap into syrup All ages Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 850-8110

Mar 14 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods

Owls of DuPage Find out why people give a hoot about owls and learn about the species that live in DuPage Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Jan 3 Call (630) 942-6200

Jan 17 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Pie-Baking Class Learn the basics of making pies Then bake different recipes in a wood-burning oven and take home your creation $25 per person To register call (630) 876-5900

Mar 27 9 am ndash noon Kline Creek Farm Mar 27 1 ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Pies for Spring Savor the aroma of pies from 1890s cookbooks as they bake in a wood-burning oven and take home recipes for your own kitchen Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 28 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half-hour Kline Creek Farm

Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids Learn how to experience the outdoors through ldquoleave no tracerdquo camping Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 11 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 24 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Ranger Trek Junior Learn about the critters that call the forest preserves home and join a ranger on a hike to explore different habitats Ages 10 and under with an adult Free Registration begins March 8 Call (630) 933-7248

Mar 21 1030 am ndash noon Waterfall Glen

Romantic Night Hike Enjoy a lantern-lit walk with your sweetheart to four scenic bridges over Salt Creek then warm up with hot cocoa around a cozy fire Adults only $10 per couple To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 13 7 ndash 9 pm Fullersburg Woods

12 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Skunk Tracking Follow skunk tracks and try to guess what the little stinker was up to Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Feb 12 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 27 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Open House Discover a variety of opportunities available with the Forest Preserve Districtrsquos nine volunteer programs including Danada Equestrian Center Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center Kline Creek Farm Mayslake Peabody Estate Natural Resource Management St James Farm Trail Patrol Volunteer Ranger Experience and Willowbrook Wildlife Center Registration not required Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 16 10 am ndash 1 pm DanadaHeadquarters one-hour presentation at 11 am

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session Learn about the nine Forest Preserve District volunteer programs in detail Ask questions and decide which option fits your interests and schedule Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 28 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters Feb 24 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters

Snowshoeing for Beginners Learn the basics of snowshoeing and put your new skills to work during a guided hike Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 25 Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 7 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Spring Night Hike Experience a forest preserve after hours when animals are accustomed to going about their activities undisturbed Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins March 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Mar 18 7 ndash 830 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

1890s Living at Kline Creek Farm (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

Jan 2 ndash March 27 (except Jan 30) Saturdays 130 ndash 330 pm

DRESSING FOR WINTER See the undergarments the farm family wore in the 1890s and learn their uses

Jan 7 ndash 25 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

COURTING IN THE 1890S Hear excerpts from love letters written in the late 19th century and learn about the role that a homersquos parlor played in courtship

Feb 11 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

A NICKELrsquoS WORTH Find out what a nickel could buy in the 1890s and how consumer preferences were changing

March 4 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

wwwdupageforest org 13

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Cultural Events at Mayslake Peabody Estate

ART EXHIBIT COLLAGE amp MEMORIES Enjoy an exhibit by the Midwest Collage Society Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

Jan 13 ndash March 4 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

FIRST FOLIO THEATRE PRESENTS ldquoJEEVES IN BLOOMrdquo When lovable Bertie Wooster gets himself into another scrape Jeeves must resign his service and reinvent himself as something other than a gentlemanrsquos gentleman $2830 adult $2325 senior or student For tickets call (630) 986-8067 or visit wwwfirstfolioorg

Jan 30 ndash Feb 28 Wednesday ndash Saturday 8 pm and Sunday 3 pm

THE ALLIANCE OF FINE ART PRESENTS ldquoTHE BEST OF THE BESTrdquo ART SHOW View the finest works of local artists Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

March 22 ndash May 7 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

RESTORATION-IN-PROGRESS TOURS Learn about the past mdash and future mdash of this historic 1920s Tudor-revival-style mansion $5 per person Group tours available Call (630) 206-9566

Wednesdays 11 am amp 1230 pm and Saturdays 930 10 11 amp 1130 am

Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo Lend a hand making sausage and learn the importance of the smokehouse and cured meats in the 1890s Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 9 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm Jan 10 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Tapping Into Fun Find out how maple syrup is made through a story and a hike to tap trees Ages 6 and up with an adult $5 per person To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 15 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 15 1 ndash 230 pm Fullersburg Woods

Teachersrsquo Class Tracking and Reading Teachers explore the parallels between the structure and meanings in written language and those in animal tracks and other objects found in nature during this 12-session course $345 per teacher Registration begins Jan 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 9 ndash 20 and Mar 2 ndash 27 Mayslake Peabody Estate Tue 530 ndash 9 pm Sat 8 am ndash noon

Volunteer Nature Workday Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult 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

Jan 9 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Jan 23 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Jan 30 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Feb 7 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Mar 6 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Mar 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods

14 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Volunteer Restoration Workday Enjoy the outdoors while helping to restore one of DuPage Countyrsquos most diverse prairies by clearing invasive plants or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult Groups of 10 or more must register Call (630) 961-2041

Jan 2 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Jan 16 1 ndash 4 pm West Chicago Prairie Jan 31 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 14 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie

WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake Enjoy an evening of high-quality jazz brought to you by Mayslake Peabody Estate WDCB Public Radio and the PianoForte Foundation Adults only $25 cabaret seating $20 general admission and $16 for seniors over 65 students and groups of seven or more (A $5-per-person docent-led tour of Mayslake Hall will precede the concert at 630 pm) For tickets call (630) 206-9566

Feb 23 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate A premiere of Ryan Cohanrsquos new septet

Mar 11 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate Barry Winograd Quartet

Wake Up Groundhog Learn all about the groundhog through a story game and craft Ages 3 ndash 5 with an adult $5 per child To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 2 1030 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods

Wild Dogs of DuPage Learn the natural history of the wild dogs including foxes and coyotes that make DuPage County home Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Feb 28 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 14 2 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook

Winter Layering and Safety Learn how to keep the whole family mdash even Spot mdash warm and safe from head to toe while enjoying the outdoors All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 18 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 31 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Wonders of Winter Discover the fun of visiting a forest preserve in winter Activities include horse-drawn hayrides ice fishing geocaching snowshoeing and winter crafts Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 6 10 am ndash 1 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal Learn how to put together a successful book proposal Prerequisite Writing a Query Letter Adults only $90 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 27 9 am ndash 3 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Snow Tubing at Mount Hoy at Blackwell Forest Preserve Take a thrilling trip down one of DuPage Countyrsquos highest peaks When more than 3 inches of snow cover Mount Hoy rent a tube and glide down an 800-foot run Only District inner tubes are allowed which cost $4 per tube per day Tube rental ends at 330 pm For updated hours and snow conditions call the 24-hour Outdoor Report at (630) 871-6422

Dec 5 ndash Feb 28 Saturdays and Sundays and Dec 21 ndash 24 Dec 28 ndash Jan 1 Jan 18 and Feb 15 9 am ndash 4 pm

wwwdupageforest org 15

WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)Fact Contrary to popular belief the number of points on a deerrsquos antlers does not relate to the animalrsquos age Instead it reflects the animalrsquos genetics health and diet

COYOTE (Canis latrans)Fact When it comes to eating coyotes arenrsquot picky They mostly eat small mammals but may also dine on birds amphibians insects or even garbage In fall and winter fruits and vegetables are important sources of food for coyotes as well

VIRGINIA OPOSSUM (Didelphis virginiana)Fact Opossum tracks are made up of footprints and marks left by the animalrsquos long hairless tail Its tail is ldquoprehensilerdquo which means it can grab objects like tree branches

BOBCAT (Lynx rufus)Fact Bobcats live in well-defined territories that contain several shelters including their main dens and temporary lodging such as hollow logs and brush piles Ecologists believe these wild felines inhabit two DuPage forest preserves Waterfall Glen in Darien and Greene Valley in Naperville

STRIPED SKUNK (Mephitis mephitis)Fact A skunk can spray up to 15 feet It usually gives a warning by hissing stamping its front feet or waving its tail It may even do a handstand

trail talk

TRACKS amp Facts

copy David Cappaert M

ichigan State University Bugwoodorg

copy Brian Tang

copy Jeanie Klein

TORPOR is a short-term state of reduced

metabolic rate and body temperature that allows an animal to

save energy in cold weather Itrsquos sometimes called ldquotemporary

hibernationrdquo Some DuPage animals including bats and mice

enter torpor in winter when food is scare and itrsquos cold outside

16 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

SNOWBIRDS for Snowbirders

by CHRISTOPHER GUTMANN NATURALIST FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER

Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis)

copy T

ony T

anou

ry

4

3

6

5

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

copy Brian E Sm

allVIREOcopy

R amp S DayVIREO

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy J Schum

acherVIREO

1

2

Have you ever seen a male northern cardinal in the rich early-morning sun with a

backdrop of freshly fallen pure-white snow Have you ever seen a red-tailed hawk perched majestically on a bur oak overseeing its vast wintery kingdom Have you ever seen a mallard and an American black duck swimming side by side and discovered how theyrsquore different If you would like the answer to any of these questions to be ldquoyesrdquo grab a pair of binoculars and head to your nearest DuPage County forest preserve this winter

Yes itrsquos cold but the birding is never easier There are hardly any concealing leaves and the bright colors and dramatic contrasts of many birds become even more conspicuous in the otherwise drab winter landscape True there are fewer species around in winter but that just makes them easier to identify Even a modest-sized forest preserve like Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook can have over 40 species this time of year and the birds are practically begging to be seen The only way it would be easier to find them is if they had blinking neon arrows pointing in their direction

Some people assume that most birds fly south for the winter and while many species do travel as far as South America on their fall journeys for others DuPage County is ldquosouthrdquo The best example of this is the original snowbird the dark-eyed junco Juncos spend their summers in the far

north east and west but in winter you can find these cute gray-and-white sparrow-sized birds in DuPage County foraging low to the ground in small flocks

Other birds thought to fly south never leave the county One example is the American goldfinch Goldfinches are abundant in winter but because the males exchange their trademark bright yellow summer plumage for the femalesrsquo browns and grays many people donrsquot realize theyrsquore still in the neighborhood You can find American goldfinches in their winter ldquoclothesrdquo foraging on the leftover seed heads of dormant wildflowers

Even more surprising than the incognito goldfinch is the famous ldquoharbinger of springrdquo the American robin You can sometimes see this bird in forests foraging by the hundreds for leftover berries in the middle of winter Winter birders should also keep an eye out for the robinrsquos berry-loving cousin the eastern bluebird

There are of course more familiar winter favorites Male northern cardinals sit boldly on shrubs radiating their fire-engineshyred feathers Adorable black-capped chickadees hang upside down on branches calling ldquochick-a-dee-dee-dee-deerdquo to let each other know theyrsquore being watched by a big primate mdash you

A true bird lover will even marvel this time of year at the much-maligned yet stunningly beautiful blue jay Its colors alone

18 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy

G BartleyVIREO 9

copy F K SchleicherVIREO

10

11

7

8

copy Brian Tang

copy R CurtisVIREO

lt 1 Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2 American black duck (Anas rubripes) 3 American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) 4 Hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 5 Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 6 American robin (Turdus migratorius) 7 Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8 Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 9 White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 10 Brown creeper (Certhia americana) 11 Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

make it worth watching but itrsquos also an incredibly intelligent bird with a wide array of fascinating behaviors including mimicry For years there has been a blue jay at Fullersburg Woods that does a dead-on impression of a Cooperrsquos hawk which routinely fools birders Its imitation of a red-tailed hawk is respectable but its red-shouldered-hawk act needs some work

Speaking of blue jays and hawks have you ever heard a small flock of blue jays making a racket in the treetops If you take the time to investigate yoursquoll often find the jays mobbing a hawk or an owl trying to persuade the predator to leave their territory The jays arenrsquot trying to annoy you theyrsquore just telling you that therersquos another incredible bird nearby

Winter birders should remember too to focus on more than just branches Some of the most handsome and interesting species can be found hanging out on trunks As red-bellied downy and hairy woodpeckers hunt for food their reds blacks and whites stand out against the drab browns and grays of the bark White-breasted nuthatches grunt their way down tree trunks head first as they busily wedge seeds into the bark but well-camouflaged brown creepers steadily spiral their way up

If you visit the forest preserves soon after they open itrsquos not uncommon to see a great horned owl wrapping up its nighttime winter hunting or an eastern screech owl perching at the entrance to a tree cavity or wood-duck house as it soaks in a little heat from the sun Use your binoculars to view them from afar though It may look as if their eyes are closed but chances are theyrsquove seen and heard you coming long before yoursquove spotted them If they feel yoursquove gotten too close they will quickly disappear

Last but not least winter is a great time to view waterfowl Many ducks including male wood ducks are in their

brightest plumage and even mallards look stunning on the icy water Always look closely at large flocks of mallards or Canada geese you might notice the luminous irises of a common goldeneye or the comically large bill of a northern shoveler mingling in the crowd

Of course you canrsquot see any of these amazing animals unless you get outside this winter for a snowbird adventure at a DuPage County forest preserve near you bull

FINDING FEATHERED FRIENDS in Forest Preserves 1 Avoid brightly colored clothing Some birds will flush at the

first sight of you The longer it takes them to spot you the better your chances are of getting a good look at them

2 Itrsquos called bird-watching not bird talking Loud noises can scare birds so keep conversation as quiet as possible and turn off cell phones

3 Take your time and slowly scan an area Often birds are silent and will reveal themselves only with subtle movements

4 Leave Fido at home A recent study showed that dog walking in woodlands leads to a 35 percent reduction in bird diversity and a 41 percent reduction in abundance

5 In spring attend ldquoFullersBird Fridaysrdquo at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and ldquoBirding at Willowbrookrdquo at Willowbrook Wildlife Center These naturalist-led bird walks are great for beginning birders

wwwdupageforest org 19

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve explore

More Than Meets the Eye

by JAYNE BOHNER OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

6or many people driving down County Farm Road Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in West Chicago is the home of Kline Creek Farm the Forest

Preserve District of DuPage Countyrsquos 200-acre 1890s living-history farm but the farm is just a part of a remarkable 1148-acre forest preserve

The crops at Kline Creek Farm and a few dozen tillable acres to the north serve as reminders of the arearsquos agricultural roots but within a stretch of land north of the Great Western Trail the Forest Preserve District has converted former fields to more native habitat By removing clay tiles that farmers once installed to drain the soil District ecologists have restored the natural hydrology to the land where they have subsequently planted native wetland species like cattails bulrushes and water plantains In drier areas by removing tree lines that once grew along old fence rows they have created more open grasslands which theyrsquove seeded with flora like big and little bluestem black-eyed Susans lead plant and prairie clover In summer the prairie plants accommodate ground-nesting birds like eastern meadowlarks and savanna sparrows but this time of year they feed American tree sparrows juncos fox sparrows and white-throated sparrows while their stems pods and dried leaves create a natural architecture that displays the seasonrsquos powdery snows

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is also home to a natural savanna Klein Savanna which borders the

F north side of the Illinois Prairie Path just west of Klein Creek Its diversity of plant life makes it one of the highest quality ecosystems in the District Here dormant Allegheny shadblows also known as Allegheny serviceberries wait for spring to trigger their production of fragrant clusters of white flowers and juicy fruits Bare white and bur oaks and shagbark hickories stand over frozen ground that in a few months will erupt with trilliums spring beauties and trout lilies or thaw into ephemeral ponds that will broadcast the sounds of chorus frogs and American toads In summer when foxglove beard tongues and Jacobrsquos ladders bloom the verdant savanna will sing with woodland birds like northern orioles nuthatches black-capped chickadees and scarlet tanagers Winter though promises glimpses of great horned owls which begin nesting in February when the barren landscape makes it easier for adults and fledglings to spot prey

For fans of either the Great Western Trail or the Illinois Prairie Path Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is an ideal starting point Those who want to begin their excursions farther west

often use the small lot on Prince Crossing Road just north of the Great Western Trail (An upland grove east of the parking lot on the south side of the trail is home to a stately white oak roughly 50 inches in diameter 90 feet tall and two to three centuries old) Hikers bikers and cross-country skiers looking for more amenities may instead choose the Kline Creek Farm parking lot on

20 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea)

lt Fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

copy G M

cElroyVIREOcopy

J P Myers

White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

lt Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

North

Quick Look

For a detailed map of Timber Ridge visit wwwdupageforestorg

North Ave

St Charles Rd

Indian Knoll Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Geneva Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Winfield Rd

Kline Creek Farm

Opening Spring 2010

Visitor Center

I llinois P rairie P ath E lgin Spu r

I llinois P rairie P ath G enev a Spu r

G reat W estern T rail

64

Hawthorne Ln

Coun

ty F

arm

Rd

KleinCreek

TimberLake

SpringLake

West BranchDuPage River

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve

KleinSavanna

County Farm Road near the Timber Ridge Visitor Center The centerrsquos drinking fountains and heated restrooms are open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset The interior of the center which houses displays relating to the farmstead and a gift shop is only open during Kline Creek Farmrsquos regular operating hours Thursdays through Mondays from 9 am until 5 pm For information on Kline Creek Farm exhibits educational programs and special events call the farm at (630) 876-5900

The County Farm Road parking lot connects to a 1-mile north-south Forest Preserve District trail that joins the Great Western Trail with the Illinois Prairie Path It also leads to a moderate 05-mile gravel trail that takes anglers to Timber Lake The 17-acre lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet and offers largemouth bass bluegill channel catfish crappie green sunfish carp and black bullheads (A second smaller lake Spring Lake lies in the interior of the forest preserve It boasts being one of only two natural lakes in the county but is inaccessible by trail)

An anticipated addition to Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is a 30-car parking lot on Prince Crossing Road roughly 04 mile north of Geneva Road Opening in spring 2010 the area will give visitors access to a western portion of the preserve via a 075-mile looped trail with two overlooks near the wetland informally known as the Geneva Road Marsh This time of year oases of open water on the marsh are packed with mallards dabbling for seeds and aquatic vegetation but by summer egrets and great blue herons will again be standing in the shallows picking frogs from the white water lilies that will eventually unfurl over the entire marsh bull

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

ltcopy

Joseph Weibler lt

wwwdupageforest org 21

directory

GENERAL Contacts

HEADQUARTERS

Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189

The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm The office is closed on Saturday Sunday and select holidays

Mailing Address PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

Web Site wwwdupageforestorg

E-mail Address forestdupageforestorg

Main Number (630) 933-7200

TTY (800) 526-0857

THE CONSERVATIONIST SUBSCRIPTION LINE (630) 933-7085

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (630) 933-7097

LAW ENFORCEMENT (630) 933-7240

THE OUTDOOR REPORT (630) 871-6422

VISITOR SERVICES (630) 933-7248

VOLUNTEER SERVICES (630) 933-7681

GOLF Clubs

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

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 272 S Addison Road Wood Dale IL 60191 (630) 616-8424

OAK MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 900 N Wood Dale Road Addison IL 60101 (630) 595-1800

copy J P Myers

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 Districtrsquos ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit

EDUCATION Centers

DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 3S503 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189 (630) 668-6012

The centerrsquos office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 430 pm and is closed on select holidays

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook IL 60523 (630) 850-8110

The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm 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 am to 5 pm and is closed on Tuesday Wednesday and select holidays

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

The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER 525 S Park Blvd Glen Ellyn IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and are closed on select holidays

22 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

North

o e e opForest Preserve Property

n d o e e opForest Preserve Property

o eLakePondWaterway

WetWetland

e gEntranceParking

o e Forest Preserve Trail

opo d Proposed Trail

Co County Trail

U ouUS Route

S oState Route

e RInterstate Route

U Unofficial Name

CHICAGOOrsquoHAREINTrsquoL

AIRPORT

THE MORTONARBORETUM

ARGONNENATIONAL

LABORATORY

FERMI NATIONALACCELERATORLABORATORY

DUPAGECOUNTYAIRPORT

CANT GNY

DUPAGECOUNTYCOMPLEX

C a r o l S t r e a m

G l e n d a l eH e i g h t s

A u r o r a

S t C h a r l e s

W a y n e

B a r t l e t t

W e s tC h i c a g o

L o m b a r d

G l e nE l l y n

H a n o v e rP a r k

B l o o m i n g d a l e

A d d i s o n

W h e a t o n

W o o d r i d g e

N a p e r v i l l e

D a r i e n

W i l l o w b r o o k

B u r rR i d g e

H i n s d a l e

W e s t m o n t

C l a r e n d o nH i l l s

O a k B r o o k

D o w n e r sG r o v e

O a k b r o o kT e r r a c e

E l m h u r s t

V i l l aP a r k

E l k G r o v e

W o o d D a l e

B e n s e n v i l l e

R o s e l l e

L i s l e

W a r r e n v i l l e

I t a s c a

W i n f i e l d

I l l inois Prairie Path

Great Western Trai l

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prairie Path

Batavia Spur

Aurora Spur

Aurora

Spur

Elgin Spur

West Branch DuPage River

East BranchDuPage River

Des Plaines River

SaltCreek

SpringbrookCreek

School St

Gro

ve A

ve

Montrose Ave

Rive

r Rd

20

19

83

83

55

53

53

53290

290

355

355

34

34

59

59

64

38

56

88

88

Stearns Rd

Smith Rd

Powis Rd

Pow

is Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Munger Rd

Klei

n Rd

Bart

lett

Rd

Greenbrook Blvd

Cloverdale Rd

Thorn Rd

Cou

nty

Farm

Rd

Schick Rd Schick Rd

Kuhn

Rd

Fair

Oak

s Rd

North Ave

Gar

y A

ve

Schm

ale

Rd

Bu de te Ave

Bloomingdal e Rd

Rose

lle R

d

Gl e

n E l

lyn

R d

Swift

Rd

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd

Grac e St

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd

Add

son Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd

Devon Ave

Prospect Ave

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd

Grand Ave

York Rd

Va Ave

Vill a Ave

Butterfield Rd High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave

Summ

it Ave

West m

ore A ve

Mey

ers

Rd

Highland A

ve

St Charles Rd

Cres

cent Blvd

Mai

n St

M

a in

St

Hill Ave

Pennsylvan a Ave

Harrison St

Main St

St Charles Rd

St Charles Rd

Roosevelt Rd Wes

t St

Geneva Rd

Harrison Ave

Manchester Rd

Jewell Rd

H ghlake Rd

Ind an Kno

Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Washington St

Arbor A

ve

Downs Dr

ndus

tra

Dr

Kres

s R

d

Kautz Rd

Fabyan Pkwy

Batavia Rd

Purnell Rd

Winf

ield

Rd

Mack Rd

Sch a

ffne

r Rd

Weis

brook Rd

Orc

hard

Rd

War

renv

ille R

d

Plamondon Rd

Nap

ervi

lle R

d

Blan

char

d St

Butterfield Rd

Fawell Blvd

Park

Blv

d

Finley Rd

31st St Oakbrook Rd

Midw

est Ave

22nd St Harger Rd

Sprng Rd

York Rd

Spring Rd

Chicago Ave

35th St Cass A

ve

Hig

hlan

d A

ve

Naperville Rd

Leask Ln

Nape

rvil

e Rd

Warrenville Rd

Her

rick

Rd

Wnf

ed

Rd

Bilter Rd

Ferry Rd

Diehl Rd Diehl Rd

Eola

Rd

Raymond Dr

Mill St

Doug as Ave

Jefferson Ave Chicago Ave

Yack

ley

Ave

Col

lege

Rd

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd

Garfield A

ve

Harvester Rd

Em

Rd

Jol et Rd

Cou

nty

Line

Rd

91st St

Madison St

Fairv

iew

Ave

Main St

Ma

n St

75th St

Plainfield Rd

Cass A

ve

87th St Oldfield Rd

Wood w

ard Ave

83rd St

Gre

ene

Rd

75th St

79th St

Hobson Rd

Weh

rli R

d

Nap

er B

lvd

Was

hing

ton

St

Washington St

87th St

Modaff Rd

Gartner Rd

Aurora Ave

New York St

Liberty St

75th St

Rickert Dr

Montgomery Rd 83rd St

Bluff Rd

Cass Ave

Lem

ont R

d

Inter

naiona e Pkwy

River Rd

North Aurora Rd

Irving Park Rd

Gary s M ll Rd

Maple Ave

Circle Ave

Smith Rd

Ger

ber R

d

Med

nah

Rd

M

edi n

ah R

d

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin OrsquoHare

Geneva Rd

Bilter Rd

DuPage Pkwy

Shor

e Rd

Ogden Ave

Book

Rd

Jackson Ave

Pa

nfed-N

aperve Rd

Abbeywood Dr

Ranc

h V

ew D

r

Hobson R

d

Hitcock Ave

Manning Rd

Lem

on

t Rd

Gi bert Ave

Finley

Rd

Adam

s St

Wilson Ave

Park

Blv

d

College Rd

Army Trail Rd

Naper Blvd

Green Tra ls Dr

Ferry Rd

Mor

ton

Rd

Davey Rd

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd

Fron

tena

c Rd

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Des Plaines Pl esRiverwayRi r

e

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands

rsquosWWooW

Du

aynenev

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWo s

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWo s

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes

e

owowvv

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

kHighRidge

Salt Cre k Greenway

Woodd

G

e a

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

Gr enGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

manLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlandsWetlands

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

We tWestBranchBranch

PrattPrattrsquossWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

ayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWo sWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWo sWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakesLakes

Woo sWoods

W renvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoo sWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneV leyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

kHighYorkHighRidgeRidge

Salt Cre kSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

erfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St JamesSt JamesFarmFarm

Des Plaines Des Plaines

294

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt

Page 11: The Conservationist Winter 2010

copy Phil Myers

Coyote Tracking Locate a coyotersquos trail and follow it through the preserve interpreting the animalrsquos activities as you go Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 15 Call (630) 206-9581

Jan 30 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners Learn the differences between backcountry telemark and touring skis and pick up tips on clothing and trail etiquette Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Dec 21 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 3 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Cub Scout Adventure From Sap to Syrup Cub Scouts learn how sap from maple trees is turned into delicious syrup and taste the syrup served over ice cream $6 per Scout To register call (630) 876-5900

Mar 6 930 am ndash 3 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Cub Scout Adventure Makinrsquo Tracks Cub Scouts learn how to identify the animals that live in certain habitats by observing the signs they leave behind $3 per Scout Registration begins March 7 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 21 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Falcons of DuPage Meet three species of falcons and learn about the natural history of these highly specialized birds of prey Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Jan 31 Call (630) 942-6200

Feb 14 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Fancywork Day See lace making tatting and other handwork demonstrations and receive a pattern for a small purse Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Feb 13 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour Kline Creek Farm

Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Learn about natural and cultural history while exploring different forest preserves Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult $5 per family Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 942-6200

Jan 26 9 ndash 11 am Wayne Grove Jan 28 1 ndash 3 pm Wayne Grove Feb 16 9 ndash 11 am Willowbrook Feb 18 1 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook Mar 16 9 ndash 11 am Greene Valley Mar 18 1 ndash 3 pm Greene Valley

Ice Fishing for Beginners Learn the basics of ice fishing including safety equipment techniques and tips for forest preserve lakes Fishing will follow if conditions permit Equipment and bait provided All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins two weeks prior Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 10 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake Feb 21 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides at Danada Equestrian Center Enjoy a sleigh ride through the snow-covered fields and woods of Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton $5 per adult $2 per child ages 5 ndash 12 children under 5 free

Rides are 12 ndash 15 minutes long Hay wagons will be used if there is less than 6 inches of snow For additional details or for groups of 10 or more call (630) 668-6012

Jan 3 ndash Feb 28 Sundays Noon ndash 3 pm

wwwdupageforest org 11

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Ice Harvesting Learn the importance of ice before refrigeration See an exhibit of ice-cutting tools and peek into the icehouse to see how families stored blocks that lasted into summer Weather permitting help cut and transport ice from the lake Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 21 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 23 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 24 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 28 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple Sugaring See how 1890s farm families tapped trees and boiled the collected sap into maple syrup and sugar Then try to tap a tree yourself Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 13 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm Mar 14 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple-Syrup Sundays Get sticky Take a stroll through the woods and discover the secret of turning tree sap into syrup All ages Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 850-8110

Mar 14 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods

Owls of DuPage Find out why people give a hoot about owls and learn about the species that live in DuPage Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Jan 3 Call (630) 942-6200

Jan 17 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Pie-Baking Class Learn the basics of making pies Then bake different recipes in a wood-burning oven and take home your creation $25 per person To register call (630) 876-5900

Mar 27 9 am ndash noon Kline Creek Farm Mar 27 1 ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Pies for Spring Savor the aroma of pies from 1890s cookbooks as they bake in a wood-burning oven and take home recipes for your own kitchen Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 28 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half-hour Kline Creek Farm

Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids Learn how to experience the outdoors through ldquoleave no tracerdquo camping Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 11 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 24 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Ranger Trek Junior Learn about the critters that call the forest preserves home and join a ranger on a hike to explore different habitats Ages 10 and under with an adult Free Registration begins March 8 Call (630) 933-7248

Mar 21 1030 am ndash noon Waterfall Glen

Romantic Night Hike Enjoy a lantern-lit walk with your sweetheart to four scenic bridges over Salt Creek then warm up with hot cocoa around a cozy fire Adults only $10 per couple To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 13 7 ndash 9 pm Fullersburg Woods

12 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Skunk Tracking Follow skunk tracks and try to guess what the little stinker was up to Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Feb 12 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 27 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Open House Discover a variety of opportunities available with the Forest Preserve Districtrsquos nine volunteer programs including Danada Equestrian Center Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center Kline Creek Farm Mayslake Peabody Estate Natural Resource Management St James Farm Trail Patrol Volunteer Ranger Experience and Willowbrook Wildlife Center Registration not required Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 16 10 am ndash 1 pm DanadaHeadquarters one-hour presentation at 11 am

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session Learn about the nine Forest Preserve District volunteer programs in detail Ask questions and decide which option fits your interests and schedule Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 28 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters Feb 24 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters

Snowshoeing for Beginners Learn the basics of snowshoeing and put your new skills to work during a guided hike Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 25 Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 7 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Spring Night Hike Experience a forest preserve after hours when animals are accustomed to going about their activities undisturbed Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins March 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Mar 18 7 ndash 830 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

1890s Living at Kline Creek Farm (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

Jan 2 ndash March 27 (except Jan 30) Saturdays 130 ndash 330 pm

DRESSING FOR WINTER See the undergarments the farm family wore in the 1890s and learn their uses

Jan 7 ndash 25 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

COURTING IN THE 1890S Hear excerpts from love letters written in the late 19th century and learn about the role that a homersquos parlor played in courtship

Feb 11 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

A NICKELrsquoS WORTH Find out what a nickel could buy in the 1890s and how consumer preferences were changing

March 4 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

wwwdupageforest org 13

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Cultural Events at Mayslake Peabody Estate

ART EXHIBIT COLLAGE amp MEMORIES Enjoy an exhibit by the Midwest Collage Society Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

Jan 13 ndash March 4 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

FIRST FOLIO THEATRE PRESENTS ldquoJEEVES IN BLOOMrdquo When lovable Bertie Wooster gets himself into another scrape Jeeves must resign his service and reinvent himself as something other than a gentlemanrsquos gentleman $2830 adult $2325 senior or student For tickets call (630) 986-8067 or visit wwwfirstfolioorg

Jan 30 ndash Feb 28 Wednesday ndash Saturday 8 pm and Sunday 3 pm

THE ALLIANCE OF FINE ART PRESENTS ldquoTHE BEST OF THE BESTrdquo ART SHOW View the finest works of local artists Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

March 22 ndash May 7 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

RESTORATION-IN-PROGRESS TOURS Learn about the past mdash and future mdash of this historic 1920s Tudor-revival-style mansion $5 per person Group tours available Call (630) 206-9566

Wednesdays 11 am amp 1230 pm and Saturdays 930 10 11 amp 1130 am

Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo Lend a hand making sausage and learn the importance of the smokehouse and cured meats in the 1890s Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 9 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm Jan 10 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Tapping Into Fun Find out how maple syrup is made through a story and a hike to tap trees Ages 6 and up with an adult $5 per person To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 15 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 15 1 ndash 230 pm Fullersburg Woods

Teachersrsquo Class Tracking and Reading Teachers explore the parallels between the structure and meanings in written language and those in animal tracks and other objects found in nature during this 12-session course $345 per teacher Registration begins Jan 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 9 ndash 20 and Mar 2 ndash 27 Mayslake Peabody Estate Tue 530 ndash 9 pm Sat 8 am ndash noon

Volunteer Nature Workday Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult 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

Jan 9 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Jan 23 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Jan 30 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Feb 7 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Mar 6 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Mar 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods

14 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Volunteer Restoration Workday Enjoy the outdoors while helping to restore one of DuPage Countyrsquos most diverse prairies by clearing invasive plants or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult Groups of 10 or more must register Call (630) 961-2041

Jan 2 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Jan 16 1 ndash 4 pm West Chicago Prairie Jan 31 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 14 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie

WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake Enjoy an evening of high-quality jazz brought to you by Mayslake Peabody Estate WDCB Public Radio and the PianoForte Foundation Adults only $25 cabaret seating $20 general admission and $16 for seniors over 65 students and groups of seven or more (A $5-per-person docent-led tour of Mayslake Hall will precede the concert at 630 pm) For tickets call (630) 206-9566

Feb 23 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate A premiere of Ryan Cohanrsquos new septet

Mar 11 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate Barry Winograd Quartet

Wake Up Groundhog Learn all about the groundhog through a story game and craft Ages 3 ndash 5 with an adult $5 per child To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 2 1030 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods

Wild Dogs of DuPage Learn the natural history of the wild dogs including foxes and coyotes that make DuPage County home Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Feb 28 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 14 2 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook

Winter Layering and Safety Learn how to keep the whole family mdash even Spot mdash warm and safe from head to toe while enjoying the outdoors All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 18 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 31 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Wonders of Winter Discover the fun of visiting a forest preserve in winter Activities include horse-drawn hayrides ice fishing geocaching snowshoeing and winter crafts Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 6 10 am ndash 1 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal Learn how to put together a successful book proposal Prerequisite Writing a Query Letter Adults only $90 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 27 9 am ndash 3 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Snow Tubing at Mount Hoy at Blackwell Forest Preserve Take a thrilling trip down one of DuPage Countyrsquos highest peaks When more than 3 inches of snow cover Mount Hoy rent a tube and glide down an 800-foot run Only District inner tubes are allowed which cost $4 per tube per day Tube rental ends at 330 pm For updated hours and snow conditions call the 24-hour Outdoor Report at (630) 871-6422

Dec 5 ndash Feb 28 Saturdays and Sundays and Dec 21 ndash 24 Dec 28 ndash Jan 1 Jan 18 and Feb 15 9 am ndash 4 pm

wwwdupageforest org 15

WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)Fact Contrary to popular belief the number of points on a deerrsquos antlers does not relate to the animalrsquos age Instead it reflects the animalrsquos genetics health and diet

COYOTE (Canis latrans)Fact When it comes to eating coyotes arenrsquot picky They mostly eat small mammals but may also dine on birds amphibians insects or even garbage In fall and winter fruits and vegetables are important sources of food for coyotes as well

VIRGINIA OPOSSUM (Didelphis virginiana)Fact Opossum tracks are made up of footprints and marks left by the animalrsquos long hairless tail Its tail is ldquoprehensilerdquo which means it can grab objects like tree branches

BOBCAT (Lynx rufus)Fact Bobcats live in well-defined territories that contain several shelters including their main dens and temporary lodging such as hollow logs and brush piles Ecologists believe these wild felines inhabit two DuPage forest preserves Waterfall Glen in Darien and Greene Valley in Naperville

STRIPED SKUNK (Mephitis mephitis)Fact A skunk can spray up to 15 feet It usually gives a warning by hissing stamping its front feet or waving its tail It may even do a handstand

trail talk

TRACKS amp Facts

copy David Cappaert M

ichigan State University Bugwoodorg

copy Brian Tang

copy Jeanie Klein

TORPOR is a short-term state of reduced

metabolic rate and body temperature that allows an animal to

save energy in cold weather Itrsquos sometimes called ldquotemporary

hibernationrdquo Some DuPage animals including bats and mice

enter torpor in winter when food is scare and itrsquos cold outside

16 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

SNOWBIRDS for Snowbirders

by CHRISTOPHER GUTMANN NATURALIST FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER

Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis)

copy T

ony T

anou

ry

4

3

6

5

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

copy Brian E Sm

allVIREOcopy

R amp S DayVIREO

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy J Schum

acherVIREO

1

2

Have you ever seen a male northern cardinal in the rich early-morning sun with a

backdrop of freshly fallen pure-white snow Have you ever seen a red-tailed hawk perched majestically on a bur oak overseeing its vast wintery kingdom Have you ever seen a mallard and an American black duck swimming side by side and discovered how theyrsquore different If you would like the answer to any of these questions to be ldquoyesrdquo grab a pair of binoculars and head to your nearest DuPage County forest preserve this winter

Yes itrsquos cold but the birding is never easier There are hardly any concealing leaves and the bright colors and dramatic contrasts of many birds become even more conspicuous in the otherwise drab winter landscape True there are fewer species around in winter but that just makes them easier to identify Even a modest-sized forest preserve like Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook can have over 40 species this time of year and the birds are practically begging to be seen The only way it would be easier to find them is if they had blinking neon arrows pointing in their direction

Some people assume that most birds fly south for the winter and while many species do travel as far as South America on their fall journeys for others DuPage County is ldquosouthrdquo The best example of this is the original snowbird the dark-eyed junco Juncos spend their summers in the far

north east and west but in winter you can find these cute gray-and-white sparrow-sized birds in DuPage County foraging low to the ground in small flocks

Other birds thought to fly south never leave the county One example is the American goldfinch Goldfinches are abundant in winter but because the males exchange their trademark bright yellow summer plumage for the femalesrsquo browns and grays many people donrsquot realize theyrsquore still in the neighborhood You can find American goldfinches in their winter ldquoclothesrdquo foraging on the leftover seed heads of dormant wildflowers

Even more surprising than the incognito goldfinch is the famous ldquoharbinger of springrdquo the American robin You can sometimes see this bird in forests foraging by the hundreds for leftover berries in the middle of winter Winter birders should also keep an eye out for the robinrsquos berry-loving cousin the eastern bluebird

There are of course more familiar winter favorites Male northern cardinals sit boldly on shrubs radiating their fire-engineshyred feathers Adorable black-capped chickadees hang upside down on branches calling ldquochick-a-dee-dee-dee-deerdquo to let each other know theyrsquore being watched by a big primate mdash you

A true bird lover will even marvel this time of year at the much-maligned yet stunningly beautiful blue jay Its colors alone

18 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy

G BartleyVIREO 9

copy F K SchleicherVIREO

10

11

7

8

copy Brian Tang

copy R CurtisVIREO

lt 1 Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2 American black duck (Anas rubripes) 3 American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) 4 Hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 5 Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 6 American robin (Turdus migratorius) 7 Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8 Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 9 White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 10 Brown creeper (Certhia americana) 11 Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

make it worth watching but itrsquos also an incredibly intelligent bird with a wide array of fascinating behaviors including mimicry For years there has been a blue jay at Fullersburg Woods that does a dead-on impression of a Cooperrsquos hawk which routinely fools birders Its imitation of a red-tailed hawk is respectable but its red-shouldered-hawk act needs some work

Speaking of blue jays and hawks have you ever heard a small flock of blue jays making a racket in the treetops If you take the time to investigate yoursquoll often find the jays mobbing a hawk or an owl trying to persuade the predator to leave their territory The jays arenrsquot trying to annoy you theyrsquore just telling you that therersquos another incredible bird nearby

Winter birders should remember too to focus on more than just branches Some of the most handsome and interesting species can be found hanging out on trunks As red-bellied downy and hairy woodpeckers hunt for food their reds blacks and whites stand out against the drab browns and grays of the bark White-breasted nuthatches grunt their way down tree trunks head first as they busily wedge seeds into the bark but well-camouflaged brown creepers steadily spiral their way up

If you visit the forest preserves soon after they open itrsquos not uncommon to see a great horned owl wrapping up its nighttime winter hunting or an eastern screech owl perching at the entrance to a tree cavity or wood-duck house as it soaks in a little heat from the sun Use your binoculars to view them from afar though It may look as if their eyes are closed but chances are theyrsquove seen and heard you coming long before yoursquove spotted them If they feel yoursquove gotten too close they will quickly disappear

Last but not least winter is a great time to view waterfowl Many ducks including male wood ducks are in their

brightest plumage and even mallards look stunning on the icy water Always look closely at large flocks of mallards or Canada geese you might notice the luminous irises of a common goldeneye or the comically large bill of a northern shoveler mingling in the crowd

Of course you canrsquot see any of these amazing animals unless you get outside this winter for a snowbird adventure at a DuPage County forest preserve near you bull

FINDING FEATHERED FRIENDS in Forest Preserves 1 Avoid brightly colored clothing Some birds will flush at the

first sight of you The longer it takes them to spot you the better your chances are of getting a good look at them

2 Itrsquos called bird-watching not bird talking Loud noises can scare birds so keep conversation as quiet as possible and turn off cell phones

3 Take your time and slowly scan an area Often birds are silent and will reveal themselves only with subtle movements

4 Leave Fido at home A recent study showed that dog walking in woodlands leads to a 35 percent reduction in bird diversity and a 41 percent reduction in abundance

5 In spring attend ldquoFullersBird Fridaysrdquo at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and ldquoBirding at Willowbrookrdquo at Willowbrook Wildlife Center These naturalist-led bird walks are great for beginning birders

wwwdupageforest org 19

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve explore

More Than Meets the Eye

by JAYNE BOHNER OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

6or many people driving down County Farm Road Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in West Chicago is the home of Kline Creek Farm the Forest

Preserve District of DuPage Countyrsquos 200-acre 1890s living-history farm but the farm is just a part of a remarkable 1148-acre forest preserve

The crops at Kline Creek Farm and a few dozen tillable acres to the north serve as reminders of the arearsquos agricultural roots but within a stretch of land north of the Great Western Trail the Forest Preserve District has converted former fields to more native habitat By removing clay tiles that farmers once installed to drain the soil District ecologists have restored the natural hydrology to the land where they have subsequently planted native wetland species like cattails bulrushes and water plantains In drier areas by removing tree lines that once grew along old fence rows they have created more open grasslands which theyrsquove seeded with flora like big and little bluestem black-eyed Susans lead plant and prairie clover In summer the prairie plants accommodate ground-nesting birds like eastern meadowlarks and savanna sparrows but this time of year they feed American tree sparrows juncos fox sparrows and white-throated sparrows while their stems pods and dried leaves create a natural architecture that displays the seasonrsquos powdery snows

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is also home to a natural savanna Klein Savanna which borders the

F north side of the Illinois Prairie Path just west of Klein Creek Its diversity of plant life makes it one of the highest quality ecosystems in the District Here dormant Allegheny shadblows also known as Allegheny serviceberries wait for spring to trigger their production of fragrant clusters of white flowers and juicy fruits Bare white and bur oaks and shagbark hickories stand over frozen ground that in a few months will erupt with trilliums spring beauties and trout lilies or thaw into ephemeral ponds that will broadcast the sounds of chorus frogs and American toads In summer when foxglove beard tongues and Jacobrsquos ladders bloom the verdant savanna will sing with woodland birds like northern orioles nuthatches black-capped chickadees and scarlet tanagers Winter though promises glimpses of great horned owls which begin nesting in February when the barren landscape makes it easier for adults and fledglings to spot prey

For fans of either the Great Western Trail or the Illinois Prairie Path Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is an ideal starting point Those who want to begin their excursions farther west

often use the small lot on Prince Crossing Road just north of the Great Western Trail (An upland grove east of the parking lot on the south side of the trail is home to a stately white oak roughly 50 inches in diameter 90 feet tall and two to three centuries old) Hikers bikers and cross-country skiers looking for more amenities may instead choose the Kline Creek Farm parking lot on

20 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea)

lt Fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

copy G M

cElroyVIREOcopy

J P Myers

White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

lt Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

North

Quick Look

For a detailed map of Timber Ridge visit wwwdupageforestorg

North Ave

St Charles Rd

Indian Knoll Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Geneva Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Winfield Rd

Kline Creek Farm

Opening Spring 2010

Visitor Center

I llinois P rairie P ath E lgin Spu r

I llinois P rairie P ath G enev a Spu r

G reat W estern T rail

64

Hawthorne Ln

Coun

ty F

arm

Rd

KleinCreek

TimberLake

SpringLake

West BranchDuPage River

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve

KleinSavanna

County Farm Road near the Timber Ridge Visitor Center The centerrsquos drinking fountains and heated restrooms are open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset The interior of the center which houses displays relating to the farmstead and a gift shop is only open during Kline Creek Farmrsquos regular operating hours Thursdays through Mondays from 9 am until 5 pm For information on Kline Creek Farm exhibits educational programs and special events call the farm at (630) 876-5900

The County Farm Road parking lot connects to a 1-mile north-south Forest Preserve District trail that joins the Great Western Trail with the Illinois Prairie Path It also leads to a moderate 05-mile gravel trail that takes anglers to Timber Lake The 17-acre lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet and offers largemouth bass bluegill channel catfish crappie green sunfish carp and black bullheads (A second smaller lake Spring Lake lies in the interior of the forest preserve It boasts being one of only two natural lakes in the county but is inaccessible by trail)

An anticipated addition to Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is a 30-car parking lot on Prince Crossing Road roughly 04 mile north of Geneva Road Opening in spring 2010 the area will give visitors access to a western portion of the preserve via a 075-mile looped trail with two overlooks near the wetland informally known as the Geneva Road Marsh This time of year oases of open water on the marsh are packed with mallards dabbling for seeds and aquatic vegetation but by summer egrets and great blue herons will again be standing in the shallows picking frogs from the white water lilies that will eventually unfurl over the entire marsh bull

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

ltcopy

Joseph Weibler lt

wwwdupageforest org 21

directory

GENERAL Contacts

HEADQUARTERS

Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189

The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm The office is closed on Saturday Sunday and select holidays

Mailing Address PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

Web Site wwwdupageforestorg

E-mail Address forestdupageforestorg

Main Number (630) 933-7200

TTY (800) 526-0857

THE CONSERVATIONIST SUBSCRIPTION LINE (630) 933-7085

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (630) 933-7097

LAW ENFORCEMENT (630) 933-7240

THE OUTDOOR REPORT (630) 871-6422

VISITOR SERVICES (630) 933-7248

VOLUNTEER SERVICES (630) 933-7681

GOLF Clubs

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

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 272 S Addison Road Wood Dale IL 60191 (630) 616-8424

OAK MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 900 N Wood Dale Road Addison IL 60101 (630) 595-1800

copy J P Myers

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 Districtrsquos ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit

EDUCATION Centers

DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 3S503 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189 (630) 668-6012

The centerrsquos office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 430 pm and is closed on select holidays

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook IL 60523 (630) 850-8110

The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm 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 am to 5 pm and is closed on Tuesday Wednesday and select holidays

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

The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER 525 S Park Blvd Glen Ellyn IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and are closed on select holidays

22 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

North

o e e opForest Preserve Property

n d o e e opForest Preserve Property

o eLakePondWaterway

WetWetland

e gEntranceParking

o e Forest Preserve Trail

opo d Proposed Trail

Co County Trail

U ouUS Route

S oState Route

e RInterstate Route

U Unofficial Name

CHICAGOOrsquoHAREINTrsquoL

AIRPORT

THE MORTONARBORETUM

ARGONNENATIONAL

LABORATORY

FERMI NATIONALACCELERATORLABORATORY

DUPAGECOUNTYAIRPORT

CANT GNY

DUPAGECOUNTYCOMPLEX

C a r o l S t r e a m

G l e n d a l eH e i g h t s

A u r o r a

S t C h a r l e s

W a y n e

B a r t l e t t

W e s tC h i c a g o

L o m b a r d

G l e nE l l y n

H a n o v e rP a r k

B l o o m i n g d a l e

A d d i s o n

W h e a t o n

W o o d r i d g e

N a p e r v i l l e

D a r i e n

W i l l o w b r o o k

B u r rR i d g e

H i n s d a l e

W e s t m o n t

C l a r e n d o nH i l l s

O a k B r o o k

D o w n e r sG r o v e

O a k b r o o kT e r r a c e

E l m h u r s t

V i l l aP a r k

E l k G r o v e

W o o d D a l e

B e n s e n v i l l e

R o s e l l e

L i s l e

W a r r e n v i l l e

I t a s c a

W i n f i e l d

I l l inois Prairie Path

Great Western Trai l

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prairie Path

Batavia Spur

Aurora Spur

Aurora

Spur

Elgin Spur

West Branch DuPage River

East BranchDuPage River

Des Plaines River

SaltCreek

SpringbrookCreek

School St

Gro

ve A

ve

Montrose Ave

Rive

r Rd

20

19

83

83

55

53

53

53290

290

355

355

34

34

59

59

64

38

56

88

88

Stearns Rd

Smith Rd

Powis Rd

Pow

is Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Munger Rd

Klei

n Rd

Bart

lett

Rd

Greenbrook Blvd

Cloverdale Rd

Thorn Rd

Cou

nty

Farm

Rd

Schick Rd Schick Rd

Kuhn

Rd

Fair

Oak

s Rd

North Ave

Gar

y A

ve

Schm

ale

Rd

Bu de te Ave

Bloomingdal e Rd

Rose

lle R

d

Gl e

n E l

lyn

R d

Swift

Rd

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd

Grac e St

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd

Add

son Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd

Devon Ave

Prospect Ave

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd

Grand Ave

York Rd

Va Ave

Vill a Ave

Butterfield Rd High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave

Summ

it Ave

West m

ore A ve

Mey

ers

Rd

Highland A

ve

St Charles Rd

Cres

cent Blvd

Mai

n St

M

a in

St

Hill Ave

Pennsylvan a Ave

Harrison St

Main St

St Charles Rd

St Charles Rd

Roosevelt Rd Wes

t St

Geneva Rd

Harrison Ave

Manchester Rd

Jewell Rd

H ghlake Rd

Ind an Kno

Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Washington St

Arbor A

ve

Downs Dr

ndus

tra

Dr

Kres

s R

d

Kautz Rd

Fabyan Pkwy

Batavia Rd

Purnell Rd

Winf

ield

Rd

Mack Rd

Sch a

ffne

r Rd

Weis

brook Rd

Orc

hard

Rd

War

renv

ille R

d

Plamondon Rd

Nap

ervi

lle R

d

Blan

char

d St

Butterfield Rd

Fawell Blvd

Park

Blv

d

Finley Rd

31st St Oakbrook Rd

Midw

est Ave

22nd St Harger Rd

Sprng Rd

York Rd

Spring Rd

Chicago Ave

35th St Cass A

ve

Hig

hlan

d A

ve

Naperville Rd

Leask Ln

Nape

rvil

e Rd

Warrenville Rd

Her

rick

Rd

Wnf

ed

Rd

Bilter Rd

Ferry Rd

Diehl Rd Diehl Rd

Eola

Rd

Raymond Dr

Mill St

Doug as Ave

Jefferson Ave Chicago Ave

Yack

ley

Ave

Col

lege

Rd

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd

Garfield A

ve

Harvester Rd

Em

Rd

Jol et Rd

Cou

nty

Line

Rd

91st St

Madison St

Fairv

iew

Ave

Main St

Ma

n St

75th St

Plainfield Rd

Cass A

ve

87th St Oldfield Rd

Wood w

ard Ave

83rd St

Gre

ene

Rd

75th St

79th St

Hobson Rd

Weh

rli R

d

Nap

er B

lvd

Was

hing

ton

St

Washington St

87th St

Modaff Rd

Gartner Rd

Aurora Ave

New York St

Liberty St

75th St

Rickert Dr

Montgomery Rd 83rd St

Bluff Rd

Cass Ave

Lem

ont R

d

Inter

naiona e Pkwy

River Rd

North Aurora Rd

Irving Park Rd

Gary s M ll Rd

Maple Ave

Circle Ave

Smith Rd

Ger

ber R

d

Med

nah

Rd

M

edi n

ah R

d

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin OrsquoHare

Geneva Rd

Bilter Rd

DuPage Pkwy

Shor

e Rd

Ogden Ave

Book

Rd

Jackson Ave

Pa

nfed-N

aperve Rd

Abbeywood Dr

Ranc

h V

ew D

r

Hobson R

d

Hitcock Ave

Manning Rd

Lem

on

t Rd

Gi bert Ave

Finley

Rd

Adam

s St

Wilson Ave

Park

Blv

d

College Rd

Army Trail Rd

Naper Blvd

Green Tra ls Dr

Ferry Rd

Mor

ton

Rd

Davey Rd

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd

Fron

tena

c Rd

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Des Plaines Pl esRiverwayRi r

e

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands

rsquosWWooW

Du

aynenev

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWo s

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWo s

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes

e

owowvv

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

kHighRidge

Salt Cre k Greenway

Woodd

G

e a

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

Gr enGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

manLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlandsWetlands

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

We tWestBranchBranch

PrattPrattrsquossWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

ayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWo sWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWo sWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakesLakes

Woo sWoods

W renvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoo sWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneV leyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

kHighYorkHighRidgeRidge

Salt Cre kSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

erfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St JamesSt JamesFarmFarm

Des Plaines Des Plaines

294

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt

Page 12: The Conservationist Winter 2010

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Ice Harvesting Learn the importance of ice before refrigeration See an exhibit of ice-cutting tools and peek into the icehouse to see how families stored blocks that lasted into summer Weather permitting help cut and transport ice from the lake Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 21 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 23 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 24 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm Jan 28 130 ndash 330 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple Sugaring See how 1890s farm families tapped trees and boiled the collected sap into maple syrup and sugar Then try to tap a tree yourself Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 13 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm Mar 14 10 am ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Maple-Syrup Sundays Get sticky Take a stroll through the woods and discover the secret of turning tree sap into syrup All ages Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 850-8110

Mar 14 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 Noon ndash 4 pm Fullersburg Woods

Owls of DuPage Find out why people give a hoot about owls and learn about the species that live in DuPage Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Jan 3 Call (630) 942-6200

Jan 17 2 ndash 4 pm Willowbrook

Pie-Baking Class Learn the basics of making pies Then bake different recipes in a wood-burning oven and take home your creation $25 per person To register call (630) 876-5900

Mar 27 9 am ndash noon Kline Creek Farm Mar 27 1 ndash 4 pm Kline Creek Farm

Pies for Spring Savor the aroma of pies from 1890s cookbooks as they bake in a wood-burning oven and take home recipes for your own kitchen Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Mar 28 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half-hour Kline Creek Farm

Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids Learn how to experience the outdoors through ldquoleave no tracerdquo camping Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 11 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 24 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Ranger Trek Junior Learn about the critters that call the forest preserves home and join a ranger on a hike to explore different habitats Ages 10 and under with an adult Free Registration begins March 8 Call (630) 933-7248

Mar 21 1030 am ndash noon Waterfall Glen

Romantic Night Hike Enjoy a lantern-lit walk with your sweetheart to four scenic bridges over Salt Creek then warm up with hot cocoa around a cozy fire Adults only $10 per couple To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 13 7 ndash 9 pm Fullersburg Woods

12 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Skunk Tracking Follow skunk tracks and try to guess what the little stinker was up to Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Feb 12 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 27 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Open House Discover a variety of opportunities available with the Forest Preserve Districtrsquos nine volunteer programs including Danada Equestrian Center Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center Kline Creek Farm Mayslake Peabody Estate Natural Resource Management St James Farm Trail Patrol Volunteer Ranger Experience and Willowbrook Wildlife Center Registration not required Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 16 10 am ndash 1 pm DanadaHeadquarters one-hour presentation at 11 am

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session Learn about the nine Forest Preserve District volunteer programs in detail Ask questions and decide which option fits your interests and schedule Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 28 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters Feb 24 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters

Snowshoeing for Beginners Learn the basics of snowshoeing and put your new skills to work during a guided hike Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 25 Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 7 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Spring Night Hike Experience a forest preserve after hours when animals are accustomed to going about their activities undisturbed Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins March 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Mar 18 7 ndash 830 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

1890s Living at Kline Creek Farm (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

Jan 2 ndash March 27 (except Jan 30) Saturdays 130 ndash 330 pm

DRESSING FOR WINTER See the undergarments the farm family wore in the 1890s and learn their uses

Jan 7 ndash 25 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

COURTING IN THE 1890S Hear excerpts from love letters written in the late 19th century and learn about the role that a homersquos parlor played in courtship

Feb 11 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

A NICKELrsquoS WORTH Find out what a nickel could buy in the 1890s and how consumer preferences were changing

March 4 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

wwwdupageforest org 13

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Cultural Events at Mayslake Peabody Estate

ART EXHIBIT COLLAGE amp MEMORIES Enjoy an exhibit by the Midwest Collage Society Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

Jan 13 ndash March 4 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

FIRST FOLIO THEATRE PRESENTS ldquoJEEVES IN BLOOMrdquo When lovable Bertie Wooster gets himself into another scrape Jeeves must resign his service and reinvent himself as something other than a gentlemanrsquos gentleman $2830 adult $2325 senior or student For tickets call (630) 986-8067 or visit wwwfirstfolioorg

Jan 30 ndash Feb 28 Wednesday ndash Saturday 8 pm and Sunday 3 pm

THE ALLIANCE OF FINE ART PRESENTS ldquoTHE BEST OF THE BESTrdquo ART SHOW View the finest works of local artists Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

March 22 ndash May 7 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

RESTORATION-IN-PROGRESS TOURS Learn about the past mdash and future mdash of this historic 1920s Tudor-revival-style mansion $5 per person Group tours available Call (630) 206-9566

Wednesdays 11 am amp 1230 pm and Saturdays 930 10 11 amp 1130 am

Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo Lend a hand making sausage and learn the importance of the smokehouse and cured meats in the 1890s Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 9 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm Jan 10 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Tapping Into Fun Find out how maple syrup is made through a story and a hike to tap trees Ages 6 and up with an adult $5 per person To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 15 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 15 1 ndash 230 pm Fullersburg Woods

Teachersrsquo Class Tracking and Reading Teachers explore the parallels between the structure and meanings in written language and those in animal tracks and other objects found in nature during this 12-session course $345 per teacher Registration begins Jan 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 9 ndash 20 and Mar 2 ndash 27 Mayslake Peabody Estate Tue 530 ndash 9 pm Sat 8 am ndash noon

Volunteer Nature Workday Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult 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

Jan 9 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Jan 23 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Jan 30 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Feb 7 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Mar 6 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Mar 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods

14 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Volunteer Restoration Workday Enjoy the outdoors while helping to restore one of DuPage Countyrsquos most diverse prairies by clearing invasive plants or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult Groups of 10 or more must register Call (630) 961-2041

Jan 2 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Jan 16 1 ndash 4 pm West Chicago Prairie Jan 31 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 14 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie

WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake Enjoy an evening of high-quality jazz brought to you by Mayslake Peabody Estate WDCB Public Radio and the PianoForte Foundation Adults only $25 cabaret seating $20 general admission and $16 for seniors over 65 students and groups of seven or more (A $5-per-person docent-led tour of Mayslake Hall will precede the concert at 630 pm) For tickets call (630) 206-9566

Feb 23 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate A premiere of Ryan Cohanrsquos new septet

Mar 11 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate Barry Winograd Quartet

Wake Up Groundhog Learn all about the groundhog through a story game and craft Ages 3 ndash 5 with an adult $5 per child To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 2 1030 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods

Wild Dogs of DuPage Learn the natural history of the wild dogs including foxes and coyotes that make DuPage County home Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Feb 28 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 14 2 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook

Winter Layering and Safety Learn how to keep the whole family mdash even Spot mdash warm and safe from head to toe while enjoying the outdoors All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 18 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 31 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Wonders of Winter Discover the fun of visiting a forest preserve in winter Activities include horse-drawn hayrides ice fishing geocaching snowshoeing and winter crafts Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 6 10 am ndash 1 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal Learn how to put together a successful book proposal Prerequisite Writing a Query Letter Adults only $90 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 27 9 am ndash 3 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Snow Tubing at Mount Hoy at Blackwell Forest Preserve Take a thrilling trip down one of DuPage Countyrsquos highest peaks When more than 3 inches of snow cover Mount Hoy rent a tube and glide down an 800-foot run Only District inner tubes are allowed which cost $4 per tube per day Tube rental ends at 330 pm For updated hours and snow conditions call the 24-hour Outdoor Report at (630) 871-6422

Dec 5 ndash Feb 28 Saturdays and Sundays and Dec 21 ndash 24 Dec 28 ndash Jan 1 Jan 18 and Feb 15 9 am ndash 4 pm

wwwdupageforest org 15

WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)Fact Contrary to popular belief the number of points on a deerrsquos antlers does not relate to the animalrsquos age Instead it reflects the animalrsquos genetics health and diet

COYOTE (Canis latrans)Fact When it comes to eating coyotes arenrsquot picky They mostly eat small mammals but may also dine on birds amphibians insects or even garbage In fall and winter fruits and vegetables are important sources of food for coyotes as well

VIRGINIA OPOSSUM (Didelphis virginiana)Fact Opossum tracks are made up of footprints and marks left by the animalrsquos long hairless tail Its tail is ldquoprehensilerdquo which means it can grab objects like tree branches

BOBCAT (Lynx rufus)Fact Bobcats live in well-defined territories that contain several shelters including their main dens and temporary lodging such as hollow logs and brush piles Ecologists believe these wild felines inhabit two DuPage forest preserves Waterfall Glen in Darien and Greene Valley in Naperville

STRIPED SKUNK (Mephitis mephitis)Fact A skunk can spray up to 15 feet It usually gives a warning by hissing stamping its front feet or waving its tail It may even do a handstand

trail talk

TRACKS amp Facts

copy David Cappaert M

ichigan State University Bugwoodorg

copy Brian Tang

copy Jeanie Klein

TORPOR is a short-term state of reduced

metabolic rate and body temperature that allows an animal to

save energy in cold weather Itrsquos sometimes called ldquotemporary

hibernationrdquo Some DuPage animals including bats and mice

enter torpor in winter when food is scare and itrsquos cold outside

16 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

SNOWBIRDS for Snowbirders

by CHRISTOPHER GUTMANN NATURALIST FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER

Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis)

copy T

ony T

anou

ry

4

3

6

5

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

copy Brian E Sm

allVIREOcopy

R amp S DayVIREO

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy J Schum

acherVIREO

1

2

Have you ever seen a male northern cardinal in the rich early-morning sun with a

backdrop of freshly fallen pure-white snow Have you ever seen a red-tailed hawk perched majestically on a bur oak overseeing its vast wintery kingdom Have you ever seen a mallard and an American black duck swimming side by side and discovered how theyrsquore different If you would like the answer to any of these questions to be ldquoyesrdquo grab a pair of binoculars and head to your nearest DuPage County forest preserve this winter

Yes itrsquos cold but the birding is never easier There are hardly any concealing leaves and the bright colors and dramatic contrasts of many birds become even more conspicuous in the otherwise drab winter landscape True there are fewer species around in winter but that just makes them easier to identify Even a modest-sized forest preserve like Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook can have over 40 species this time of year and the birds are practically begging to be seen The only way it would be easier to find them is if they had blinking neon arrows pointing in their direction

Some people assume that most birds fly south for the winter and while many species do travel as far as South America on their fall journeys for others DuPage County is ldquosouthrdquo The best example of this is the original snowbird the dark-eyed junco Juncos spend their summers in the far

north east and west but in winter you can find these cute gray-and-white sparrow-sized birds in DuPage County foraging low to the ground in small flocks

Other birds thought to fly south never leave the county One example is the American goldfinch Goldfinches are abundant in winter but because the males exchange their trademark bright yellow summer plumage for the femalesrsquo browns and grays many people donrsquot realize theyrsquore still in the neighborhood You can find American goldfinches in their winter ldquoclothesrdquo foraging on the leftover seed heads of dormant wildflowers

Even more surprising than the incognito goldfinch is the famous ldquoharbinger of springrdquo the American robin You can sometimes see this bird in forests foraging by the hundreds for leftover berries in the middle of winter Winter birders should also keep an eye out for the robinrsquos berry-loving cousin the eastern bluebird

There are of course more familiar winter favorites Male northern cardinals sit boldly on shrubs radiating their fire-engineshyred feathers Adorable black-capped chickadees hang upside down on branches calling ldquochick-a-dee-dee-dee-deerdquo to let each other know theyrsquore being watched by a big primate mdash you

A true bird lover will even marvel this time of year at the much-maligned yet stunningly beautiful blue jay Its colors alone

18 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy

G BartleyVIREO 9

copy F K SchleicherVIREO

10

11

7

8

copy Brian Tang

copy R CurtisVIREO

lt 1 Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2 American black duck (Anas rubripes) 3 American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) 4 Hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 5 Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 6 American robin (Turdus migratorius) 7 Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8 Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 9 White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 10 Brown creeper (Certhia americana) 11 Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

make it worth watching but itrsquos also an incredibly intelligent bird with a wide array of fascinating behaviors including mimicry For years there has been a blue jay at Fullersburg Woods that does a dead-on impression of a Cooperrsquos hawk which routinely fools birders Its imitation of a red-tailed hawk is respectable but its red-shouldered-hawk act needs some work

Speaking of blue jays and hawks have you ever heard a small flock of blue jays making a racket in the treetops If you take the time to investigate yoursquoll often find the jays mobbing a hawk or an owl trying to persuade the predator to leave their territory The jays arenrsquot trying to annoy you theyrsquore just telling you that therersquos another incredible bird nearby

Winter birders should remember too to focus on more than just branches Some of the most handsome and interesting species can be found hanging out on trunks As red-bellied downy and hairy woodpeckers hunt for food their reds blacks and whites stand out against the drab browns and grays of the bark White-breasted nuthatches grunt their way down tree trunks head first as they busily wedge seeds into the bark but well-camouflaged brown creepers steadily spiral their way up

If you visit the forest preserves soon after they open itrsquos not uncommon to see a great horned owl wrapping up its nighttime winter hunting or an eastern screech owl perching at the entrance to a tree cavity or wood-duck house as it soaks in a little heat from the sun Use your binoculars to view them from afar though It may look as if their eyes are closed but chances are theyrsquove seen and heard you coming long before yoursquove spotted them If they feel yoursquove gotten too close they will quickly disappear

Last but not least winter is a great time to view waterfowl Many ducks including male wood ducks are in their

brightest plumage and even mallards look stunning on the icy water Always look closely at large flocks of mallards or Canada geese you might notice the luminous irises of a common goldeneye or the comically large bill of a northern shoveler mingling in the crowd

Of course you canrsquot see any of these amazing animals unless you get outside this winter for a snowbird adventure at a DuPage County forest preserve near you bull

FINDING FEATHERED FRIENDS in Forest Preserves 1 Avoid brightly colored clothing Some birds will flush at the

first sight of you The longer it takes them to spot you the better your chances are of getting a good look at them

2 Itrsquos called bird-watching not bird talking Loud noises can scare birds so keep conversation as quiet as possible and turn off cell phones

3 Take your time and slowly scan an area Often birds are silent and will reveal themselves only with subtle movements

4 Leave Fido at home A recent study showed that dog walking in woodlands leads to a 35 percent reduction in bird diversity and a 41 percent reduction in abundance

5 In spring attend ldquoFullersBird Fridaysrdquo at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and ldquoBirding at Willowbrookrdquo at Willowbrook Wildlife Center These naturalist-led bird walks are great for beginning birders

wwwdupageforest org 19

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve explore

More Than Meets the Eye

by JAYNE BOHNER OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

6or many people driving down County Farm Road Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in West Chicago is the home of Kline Creek Farm the Forest

Preserve District of DuPage Countyrsquos 200-acre 1890s living-history farm but the farm is just a part of a remarkable 1148-acre forest preserve

The crops at Kline Creek Farm and a few dozen tillable acres to the north serve as reminders of the arearsquos agricultural roots but within a stretch of land north of the Great Western Trail the Forest Preserve District has converted former fields to more native habitat By removing clay tiles that farmers once installed to drain the soil District ecologists have restored the natural hydrology to the land where they have subsequently planted native wetland species like cattails bulrushes and water plantains In drier areas by removing tree lines that once grew along old fence rows they have created more open grasslands which theyrsquove seeded with flora like big and little bluestem black-eyed Susans lead plant and prairie clover In summer the prairie plants accommodate ground-nesting birds like eastern meadowlarks and savanna sparrows but this time of year they feed American tree sparrows juncos fox sparrows and white-throated sparrows while their stems pods and dried leaves create a natural architecture that displays the seasonrsquos powdery snows

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is also home to a natural savanna Klein Savanna which borders the

F north side of the Illinois Prairie Path just west of Klein Creek Its diversity of plant life makes it one of the highest quality ecosystems in the District Here dormant Allegheny shadblows also known as Allegheny serviceberries wait for spring to trigger their production of fragrant clusters of white flowers and juicy fruits Bare white and bur oaks and shagbark hickories stand over frozen ground that in a few months will erupt with trilliums spring beauties and trout lilies or thaw into ephemeral ponds that will broadcast the sounds of chorus frogs and American toads In summer when foxglove beard tongues and Jacobrsquos ladders bloom the verdant savanna will sing with woodland birds like northern orioles nuthatches black-capped chickadees and scarlet tanagers Winter though promises glimpses of great horned owls which begin nesting in February when the barren landscape makes it easier for adults and fledglings to spot prey

For fans of either the Great Western Trail or the Illinois Prairie Path Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is an ideal starting point Those who want to begin their excursions farther west

often use the small lot on Prince Crossing Road just north of the Great Western Trail (An upland grove east of the parking lot on the south side of the trail is home to a stately white oak roughly 50 inches in diameter 90 feet tall and two to three centuries old) Hikers bikers and cross-country skiers looking for more amenities may instead choose the Kline Creek Farm parking lot on

20 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea)

lt Fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

copy G M

cElroyVIREOcopy

J P Myers

White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

lt Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

North

Quick Look

For a detailed map of Timber Ridge visit wwwdupageforestorg

North Ave

St Charles Rd

Indian Knoll Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Geneva Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Winfield Rd

Kline Creek Farm

Opening Spring 2010

Visitor Center

I llinois P rairie P ath E lgin Spu r

I llinois P rairie P ath G enev a Spu r

G reat W estern T rail

64

Hawthorne Ln

Coun

ty F

arm

Rd

KleinCreek

TimberLake

SpringLake

West BranchDuPage River

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve

KleinSavanna

County Farm Road near the Timber Ridge Visitor Center The centerrsquos drinking fountains and heated restrooms are open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset The interior of the center which houses displays relating to the farmstead and a gift shop is only open during Kline Creek Farmrsquos regular operating hours Thursdays through Mondays from 9 am until 5 pm For information on Kline Creek Farm exhibits educational programs and special events call the farm at (630) 876-5900

The County Farm Road parking lot connects to a 1-mile north-south Forest Preserve District trail that joins the Great Western Trail with the Illinois Prairie Path It also leads to a moderate 05-mile gravel trail that takes anglers to Timber Lake The 17-acre lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet and offers largemouth bass bluegill channel catfish crappie green sunfish carp and black bullheads (A second smaller lake Spring Lake lies in the interior of the forest preserve It boasts being one of only two natural lakes in the county but is inaccessible by trail)

An anticipated addition to Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is a 30-car parking lot on Prince Crossing Road roughly 04 mile north of Geneva Road Opening in spring 2010 the area will give visitors access to a western portion of the preserve via a 075-mile looped trail with two overlooks near the wetland informally known as the Geneva Road Marsh This time of year oases of open water on the marsh are packed with mallards dabbling for seeds and aquatic vegetation but by summer egrets and great blue herons will again be standing in the shallows picking frogs from the white water lilies that will eventually unfurl over the entire marsh bull

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

ltcopy

Joseph Weibler lt

wwwdupageforest org 21

directory

GENERAL Contacts

HEADQUARTERS

Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189

The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm The office is closed on Saturday Sunday and select holidays

Mailing Address PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

Web Site wwwdupageforestorg

E-mail Address forestdupageforestorg

Main Number (630) 933-7200

TTY (800) 526-0857

THE CONSERVATIONIST SUBSCRIPTION LINE (630) 933-7085

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (630) 933-7097

LAW ENFORCEMENT (630) 933-7240

THE OUTDOOR REPORT (630) 871-6422

VISITOR SERVICES (630) 933-7248

VOLUNTEER SERVICES (630) 933-7681

GOLF Clubs

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

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 272 S Addison Road Wood Dale IL 60191 (630) 616-8424

OAK MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 900 N Wood Dale Road Addison IL 60101 (630) 595-1800

copy J P Myers

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 Districtrsquos ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit

EDUCATION Centers

DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 3S503 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189 (630) 668-6012

The centerrsquos office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 430 pm and is closed on select holidays

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook IL 60523 (630) 850-8110

The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm 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 am to 5 pm and is closed on Tuesday Wednesday and select holidays

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

The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER 525 S Park Blvd Glen Ellyn IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and are closed on select holidays

22 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

North

o e e opForest Preserve Property

n d o e e opForest Preserve Property

o eLakePondWaterway

WetWetland

e gEntranceParking

o e Forest Preserve Trail

opo d Proposed Trail

Co County Trail

U ouUS Route

S oState Route

e RInterstate Route

U Unofficial Name

CHICAGOOrsquoHAREINTrsquoL

AIRPORT

THE MORTONARBORETUM

ARGONNENATIONAL

LABORATORY

FERMI NATIONALACCELERATORLABORATORY

DUPAGECOUNTYAIRPORT

CANT GNY

DUPAGECOUNTYCOMPLEX

C a r o l S t r e a m

G l e n d a l eH e i g h t s

A u r o r a

S t C h a r l e s

W a y n e

B a r t l e t t

W e s tC h i c a g o

L o m b a r d

G l e nE l l y n

H a n o v e rP a r k

B l o o m i n g d a l e

A d d i s o n

W h e a t o n

W o o d r i d g e

N a p e r v i l l e

D a r i e n

W i l l o w b r o o k

B u r rR i d g e

H i n s d a l e

W e s t m o n t

C l a r e n d o nH i l l s

O a k B r o o k

D o w n e r sG r o v e

O a k b r o o kT e r r a c e

E l m h u r s t

V i l l aP a r k

E l k G r o v e

W o o d D a l e

B e n s e n v i l l e

R o s e l l e

L i s l e

W a r r e n v i l l e

I t a s c a

W i n f i e l d

I l l inois Prairie Path

Great Western Trai l

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prairie Path

Batavia Spur

Aurora Spur

Aurora

Spur

Elgin Spur

West Branch DuPage River

East BranchDuPage River

Des Plaines River

SaltCreek

SpringbrookCreek

School St

Gro

ve A

ve

Montrose Ave

Rive

r Rd

20

19

83

83

55

53

53

53290

290

355

355

34

34

59

59

64

38

56

88

88

Stearns Rd

Smith Rd

Powis Rd

Pow

is Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Munger Rd

Klei

n Rd

Bart

lett

Rd

Greenbrook Blvd

Cloverdale Rd

Thorn Rd

Cou

nty

Farm

Rd

Schick Rd Schick Rd

Kuhn

Rd

Fair

Oak

s Rd

North Ave

Gar

y A

ve

Schm

ale

Rd

Bu de te Ave

Bloomingdal e Rd

Rose

lle R

d

Gl e

n E l

lyn

R d

Swift

Rd

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd

Grac e St

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd

Add

son Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd

Devon Ave

Prospect Ave

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd

Grand Ave

York Rd

Va Ave

Vill a Ave

Butterfield Rd High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave

Summ

it Ave

West m

ore A ve

Mey

ers

Rd

Highland A

ve

St Charles Rd

Cres

cent Blvd

Mai

n St

M

a in

St

Hill Ave

Pennsylvan a Ave

Harrison St

Main St

St Charles Rd

St Charles Rd

Roosevelt Rd Wes

t St

Geneva Rd

Harrison Ave

Manchester Rd

Jewell Rd

H ghlake Rd

Ind an Kno

Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Washington St

Arbor A

ve

Downs Dr

ndus

tra

Dr

Kres

s R

d

Kautz Rd

Fabyan Pkwy

Batavia Rd

Purnell Rd

Winf

ield

Rd

Mack Rd

Sch a

ffne

r Rd

Weis

brook Rd

Orc

hard

Rd

War

renv

ille R

d

Plamondon Rd

Nap

ervi

lle R

d

Blan

char

d St

Butterfield Rd

Fawell Blvd

Park

Blv

d

Finley Rd

31st St Oakbrook Rd

Midw

est Ave

22nd St Harger Rd

Sprng Rd

York Rd

Spring Rd

Chicago Ave

35th St Cass A

ve

Hig

hlan

d A

ve

Naperville Rd

Leask Ln

Nape

rvil

e Rd

Warrenville Rd

Her

rick

Rd

Wnf

ed

Rd

Bilter Rd

Ferry Rd

Diehl Rd Diehl Rd

Eola

Rd

Raymond Dr

Mill St

Doug as Ave

Jefferson Ave Chicago Ave

Yack

ley

Ave

Col

lege

Rd

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd

Garfield A

ve

Harvester Rd

Em

Rd

Jol et Rd

Cou

nty

Line

Rd

91st St

Madison St

Fairv

iew

Ave

Main St

Ma

n St

75th St

Plainfield Rd

Cass A

ve

87th St Oldfield Rd

Wood w

ard Ave

83rd St

Gre

ene

Rd

75th St

79th St

Hobson Rd

Weh

rli R

d

Nap

er B

lvd

Was

hing

ton

St

Washington St

87th St

Modaff Rd

Gartner Rd

Aurora Ave

New York St

Liberty St

75th St

Rickert Dr

Montgomery Rd 83rd St

Bluff Rd

Cass Ave

Lem

ont R

d

Inter

naiona e Pkwy

River Rd

North Aurora Rd

Irving Park Rd

Gary s M ll Rd

Maple Ave

Circle Ave

Smith Rd

Ger

ber R

d

Med

nah

Rd

M

edi n

ah R

d

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin OrsquoHare

Geneva Rd

Bilter Rd

DuPage Pkwy

Shor

e Rd

Ogden Ave

Book

Rd

Jackson Ave

Pa

nfed-N

aperve Rd

Abbeywood Dr

Ranc

h V

ew D

r

Hobson R

d

Hitcock Ave

Manning Rd

Lem

on

t Rd

Gi bert Ave

Finley

Rd

Adam

s St

Wilson Ave

Park

Blv

d

College Rd

Army Trail Rd

Naper Blvd

Green Tra ls Dr

Ferry Rd

Mor

ton

Rd

Davey Rd

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd

Fron

tena

c Rd

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Des Plaines Pl esRiverwayRi r

e

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands

rsquosWWooW

Du

aynenev

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWo s

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWo s

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes

e

owowvv

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

kHighRidge

Salt Cre k Greenway

Woodd

G

e a

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

Gr enGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

manLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlandsWetlands

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

We tWestBranchBranch

PrattPrattrsquossWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

ayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWo sWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWo sWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakesLakes

Woo sWoods

W renvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoo sWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneV leyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

kHighYorkHighRidgeRidge

Salt Cre kSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

erfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St JamesSt JamesFarmFarm

Des Plaines Des Plaines

294

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt

Page 13: The Conservationist Winter 2010

Skunk Tracking Follow skunk tracks and try to guess what the little stinker was up to Ages 9 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Feb 12 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 27 10 ndash 1130 am Mayslake Peabody Estate

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Open House Discover a variety of opportunities available with the Forest Preserve Districtrsquos nine volunteer programs including Danada Equestrian Center Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center Kline Creek Farm Mayslake Peabody Estate Natural Resource Management St James Farm Trail Patrol Volunteer Ranger Experience and Willowbrook Wildlife Center Registration not required Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 16 10 am ndash 1 pm DanadaHeadquarters one-hour presentation at 11 am

ldquoSkyrsquos the Limit Volunteerrdquo Q-and-A Session Learn about the nine Forest Preserve District volunteer programs in detail Ask questions and decide which option fits your interests and schedule Call (630) 933-7681

Jan 28 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters Feb 24 630 ndash 730 pm DanadaHeadquarters

Snowshoeing for Beginners Learn the basics of snowshoeing and put your new skills to work during a guided hike Equipment provided Ages 5 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 25 Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 7 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Spring Night Hike Experience a forest preserve after hours when animals are accustomed to going about their activities undisturbed Ages 7 and up under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins March 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Mar 18 7 ndash 830 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

1890s Living at Kline Creek Farm (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

Jan 2 ndash March 27 (except Jan 30) Saturdays 130 ndash 330 pm

DRESSING FOR WINTER See the undergarments the farm family wore in the 1890s and learn their uses

Jan 7 ndash 25 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

COURTING IN THE 1890S Hear excerpts from love letters written in the late 19th century and learn about the role that a homersquos parlor played in courtship

Feb 11 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

A NICKELrsquoS WORTH Find out what a nickel could buy in the 1890s and how consumer preferences were changing

March 4 ndash 22 Thursday ndash Monday 10 am ndash 4 pm on the hour

wwwdupageforest org 13

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Cultural Events at Mayslake Peabody Estate

ART EXHIBIT COLLAGE amp MEMORIES Enjoy an exhibit by the Midwest Collage Society Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

Jan 13 ndash March 4 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

FIRST FOLIO THEATRE PRESENTS ldquoJEEVES IN BLOOMrdquo When lovable Bertie Wooster gets himself into another scrape Jeeves must resign his service and reinvent himself as something other than a gentlemanrsquos gentleman $2830 adult $2325 senior or student For tickets call (630) 986-8067 or visit wwwfirstfolioorg

Jan 30 ndash Feb 28 Wednesday ndash Saturday 8 pm and Sunday 3 pm

THE ALLIANCE OF FINE ART PRESENTS ldquoTHE BEST OF THE BESTrdquo ART SHOW View the finest works of local artists Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

March 22 ndash May 7 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

RESTORATION-IN-PROGRESS TOURS Learn about the past mdash and future mdash of this historic 1920s Tudor-revival-style mansion $5 per person Group tours available Call (630) 206-9566

Wednesdays 11 am amp 1230 pm and Saturdays 930 10 11 amp 1130 am

Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo Lend a hand making sausage and learn the importance of the smokehouse and cured meats in the 1890s Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 9 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm Jan 10 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Tapping Into Fun Find out how maple syrup is made through a story and a hike to tap trees Ages 6 and up with an adult $5 per person To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 15 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 15 1 ndash 230 pm Fullersburg Woods

Teachersrsquo Class Tracking and Reading Teachers explore the parallels between the structure and meanings in written language and those in animal tracks and other objects found in nature during this 12-session course $345 per teacher Registration begins Jan 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 9 ndash 20 and Mar 2 ndash 27 Mayslake Peabody Estate Tue 530 ndash 9 pm Sat 8 am ndash noon

Volunteer Nature Workday Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult 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

Jan 9 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Jan 23 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Jan 30 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Feb 7 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Mar 6 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Mar 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods

14 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Volunteer Restoration Workday Enjoy the outdoors while helping to restore one of DuPage Countyrsquos most diverse prairies by clearing invasive plants or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult Groups of 10 or more must register Call (630) 961-2041

Jan 2 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Jan 16 1 ndash 4 pm West Chicago Prairie Jan 31 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 14 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie

WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake Enjoy an evening of high-quality jazz brought to you by Mayslake Peabody Estate WDCB Public Radio and the PianoForte Foundation Adults only $25 cabaret seating $20 general admission and $16 for seniors over 65 students and groups of seven or more (A $5-per-person docent-led tour of Mayslake Hall will precede the concert at 630 pm) For tickets call (630) 206-9566

Feb 23 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate A premiere of Ryan Cohanrsquos new septet

Mar 11 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate Barry Winograd Quartet

Wake Up Groundhog Learn all about the groundhog through a story game and craft Ages 3 ndash 5 with an adult $5 per child To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 2 1030 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods

Wild Dogs of DuPage Learn the natural history of the wild dogs including foxes and coyotes that make DuPage County home Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Feb 28 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 14 2 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook

Winter Layering and Safety Learn how to keep the whole family mdash even Spot mdash warm and safe from head to toe while enjoying the outdoors All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 18 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 31 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Wonders of Winter Discover the fun of visiting a forest preserve in winter Activities include horse-drawn hayrides ice fishing geocaching snowshoeing and winter crafts Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 6 10 am ndash 1 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal Learn how to put together a successful book proposal Prerequisite Writing a Query Letter Adults only $90 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 27 9 am ndash 3 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Snow Tubing at Mount Hoy at Blackwell Forest Preserve Take a thrilling trip down one of DuPage Countyrsquos highest peaks When more than 3 inches of snow cover Mount Hoy rent a tube and glide down an 800-foot run Only District inner tubes are allowed which cost $4 per tube per day Tube rental ends at 330 pm For updated hours and snow conditions call the 24-hour Outdoor Report at (630) 871-6422

Dec 5 ndash Feb 28 Saturdays and Sundays and Dec 21 ndash 24 Dec 28 ndash Jan 1 Jan 18 and Feb 15 9 am ndash 4 pm

wwwdupageforest org 15

WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)Fact Contrary to popular belief the number of points on a deerrsquos antlers does not relate to the animalrsquos age Instead it reflects the animalrsquos genetics health and diet

COYOTE (Canis latrans)Fact When it comes to eating coyotes arenrsquot picky They mostly eat small mammals but may also dine on birds amphibians insects or even garbage In fall and winter fruits and vegetables are important sources of food for coyotes as well

VIRGINIA OPOSSUM (Didelphis virginiana)Fact Opossum tracks are made up of footprints and marks left by the animalrsquos long hairless tail Its tail is ldquoprehensilerdquo which means it can grab objects like tree branches

BOBCAT (Lynx rufus)Fact Bobcats live in well-defined territories that contain several shelters including their main dens and temporary lodging such as hollow logs and brush piles Ecologists believe these wild felines inhabit two DuPage forest preserves Waterfall Glen in Darien and Greene Valley in Naperville

STRIPED SKUNK (Mephitis mephitis)Fact A skunk can spray up to 15 feet It usually gives a warning by hissing stamping its front feet or waving its tail It may even do a handstand

trail talk

TRACKS amp Facts

copy David Cappaert M

ichigan State University Bugwoodorg

copy Brian Tang

copy Jeanie Klein

TORPOR is a short-term state of reduced

metabolic rate and body temperature that allows an animal to

save energy in cold weather Itrsquos sometimes called ldquotemporary

hibernationrdquo Some DuPage animals including bats and mice

enter torpor in winter when food is scare and itrsquos cold outside

16 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

SNOWBIRDS for Snowbirders

by CHRISTOPHER GUTMANN NATURALIST FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER

Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis)

copy T

ony T

anou

ry

4

3

6

5

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

copy Brian E Sm

allVIREOcopy

R amp S DayVIREO

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy J Schum

acherVIREO

1

2

Have you ever seen a male northern cardinal in the rich early-morning sun with a

backdrop of freshly fallen pure-white snow Have you ever seen a red-tailed hawk perched majestically on a bur oak overseeing its vast wintery kingdom Have you ever seen a mallard and an American black duck swimming side by side and discovered how theyrsquore different If you would like the answer to any of these questions to be ldquoyesrdquo grab a pair of binoculars and head to your nearest DuPage County forest preserve this winter

Yes itrsquos cold but the birding is never easier There are hardly any concealing leaves and the bright colors and dramatic contrasts of many birds become even more conspicuous in the otherwise drab winter landscape True there are fewer species around in winter but that just makes them easier to identify Even a modest-sized forest preserve like Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook can have over 40 species this time of year and the birds are practically begging to be seen The only way it would be easier to find them is if they had blinking neon arrows pointing in their direction

Some people assume that most birds fly south for the winter and while many species do travel as far as South America on their fall journeys for others DuPage County is ldquosouthrdquo The best example of this is the original snowbird the dark-eyed junco Juncos spend their summers in the far

north east and west but in winter you can find these cute gray-and-white sparrow-sized birds in DuPage County foraging low to the ground in small flocks

Other birds thought to fly south never leave the county One example is the American goldfinch Goldfinches are abundant in winter but because the males exchange their trademark bright yellow summer plumage for the femalesrsquo browns and grays many people donrsquot realize theyrsquore still in the neighborhood You can find American goldfinches in their winter ldquoclothesrdquo foraging on the leftover seed heads of dormant wildflowers

Even more surprising than the incognito goldfinch is the famous ldquoharbinger of springrdquo the American robin You can sometimes see this bird in forests foraging by the hundreds for leftover berries in the middle of winter Winter birders should also keep an eye out for the robinrsquos berry-loving cousin the eastern bluebird

There are of course more familiar winter favorites Male northern cardinals sit boldly on shrubs radiating their fire-engineshyred feathers Adorable black-capped chickadees hang upside down on branches calling ldquochick-a-dee-dee-dee-deerdquo to let each other know theyrsquore being watched by a big primate mdash you

A true bird lover will even marvel this time of year at the much-maligned yet stunningly beautiful blue jay Its colors alone

18 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy

G BartleyVIREO 9

copy F K SchleicherVIREO

10

11

7

8

copy Brian Tang

copy R CurtisVIREO

lt 1 Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2 American black duck (Anas rubripes) 3 American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) 4 Hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 5 Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 6 American robin (Turdus migratorius) 7 Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8 Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 9 White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 10 Brown creeper (Certhia americana) 11 Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

make it worth watching but itrsquos also an incredibly intelligent bird with a wide array of fascinating behaviors including mimicry For years there has been a blue jay at Fullersburg Woods that does a dead-on impression of a Cooperrsquos hawk which routinely fools birders Its imitation of a red-tailed hawk is respectable but its red-shouldered-hawk act needs some work

Speaking of blue jays and hawks have you ever heard a small flock of blue jays making a racket in the treetops If you take the time to investigate yoursquoll often find the jays mobbing a hawk or an owl trying to persuade the predator to leave their territory The jays arenrsquot trying to annoy you theyrsquore just telling you that therersquos another incredible bird nearby

Winter birders should remember too to focus on more than just branches Some of the most handsome and interesting species can be found hanging out on trunks As red-bellied downy and hairy woodpeckers hunt for food their reds blacks and whites stand out against the drab browns and grays of the bark White-breasted nuthatches grunt their way down tree trunks head first as they busily wedge seeds into the bark but well-camouflaged brown creepers steadily spiral their way up

If you visit the forest preserves soon after they open itrsquos not uncommon to see a great horned owl wrapping up its nighttime winter hunting or an eastern screech owl perching at the entrance to a tree cavity or wood-duck house as it soaks in a little heat from the sun Use your binoculars to view them from afar though It may look as if their eyes are closed but chances are theyrsquove seen and heard you coming long before yoursquove spotted them If they feel yoursquove gotten too close they will quickly disappear

Last but not least winter is a great time to view waterfowl Many ducks including male wood ducks are in their

brightest plumage and even mallards look stunning on the icy water Always look closely at large flocks of mallards or Canada geese you might notice the luminous irises of a common goldeneye or the comically large bill of a northern shoveler mingling in the crowd

Of course you canrsquot see any of these amazing animals unless you get outside this winter for a snowbird adventure at a DuPage County forest preserve near you bull

FINDING FEATHERED FRIENDS in Forest Preserves 1 Avoid brightly colored clothing Some birds will flush at the

first sight of you The longer it takes them to spot you the better your chances are of getting a good look at them

2 Itrsquos called bird-watching not bird talking Loud noises can scare birds so keep conversation as quiet as possible and turn off cell phones

3 Take your time and slowly scan an area Often birds are silent and will reveal themselves only with subtle movements

4 Leave Fido at home A recent study showed that dog walking in woodlands leads to a 35 percent reduction in bird diversity and a 41 percent reduction in abundance

5 In spring attend ldquoFullersBird Fridaysrdquo at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and ldquoBirding at Willowbrookrdquo at Willowbrook Wildlife Center These naturalist-led bird walks are great for beginning birders

wwwdupageforest org 19

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve explore

More Than Meets the Eye

by JAYNE BOHNER OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

6or many people driving down County Farm Road Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in West Chicago is the home of Kline Creek Farm the Forest

Preserve District of DuPage Countyrsquos 200-acre 1890s living-history farm but the farm is just a part of a remarkable 1148-acre forest preserve

The crops at Kline Creek Farm and a few dozen tillable acres to the north serve as reminders of the arearsquos agricultural roots but within a stretch of land north of the Great Western Trail the Forest Preserve District has converted former fields to more native habitat By removing clay tiles that farmers once installed to drain the soil District ecologists have restored the natural hydrology to the land where they have subsequently planted native wetland species like cattails bulrushes and water plantains In drier areas by removing tree lines that once grew along old fence rows they have created more open grasslands which theyrsquove seeded with flora like big and little bluestem black-eyed Susans lead plant and prairie clover In summer the prairie plants accommodate ground-nesting birds like eastern meadowlarks and savanna sparrows but this time of year they feed American tree sparrows juncos fox sparrows and white-throated sparrows while their stems pods and dried leaves create a natural architecture that displays the seasonrsquos powdery snows

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is also home to a natural savanna Klein Savanna which borders the

F north side of the Illinois Prairie Path just west of Klein Creek Its diversity of plant life makes it one of the highest quality ecosystems in the District Here dormant Allegheny shadblows also known as Allegheny serviceberries wait for spring to trigger their production of fragrant clusters of white flowers and juicy fruits Bare white and bur oaks and shagbark hickories stand over frozen ground that in a few months will erupt with trilliums spring beauties and trout lilies or thaw into ephemeral ponds that will broadcast the sounds of chorus frogs and American toads In summer when foxglove beard tongues and Jacobrsquos ladders bloom the verdant savanna will sing with woodland birds like northern orioles nuthatches black-capped chickadees and scarlet tanagers Winter though promises glimpses of great horned owls which begin nesting in February when the barren landscape makes it easier for adults and fledglings to spot prey

For fans of either the Great Western Trail or the Illinois Prairie Path Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is an ideal starting point Those who want to begin their excursions farther west

often use the small lot on Prince Crossing Road just north of the Great Western Trail (An upland grove east of the parking lot on the south side of the trail is home to a stately white oak roughly 50 inches in diameter 90 feet tall and two to three centuries old) Hikers bikers and cross-country skiers looking for more amenities may instead choose the Kline Creek Farm parking lot on

20 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea)

lt Fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

copy G M

cElroyVIREOcopy

J P Myers

White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

lt Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

North

Quick Look

For a detailed map of Timber Ridge visit wwwdupageforestorg

North Ave

St Charles Rd

Indian Knoll Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Geneva Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Winfield Rd

Kline Creek Farm

Opening Spring 2010

Visitor Center

I llinois P rairie P ath E lgin Spu r

I llinois P rairie P ath G enev a Spu r

G reat W estern T rail

64

Hawthorne Ln

Coun

ty F

arm

Rd

KleinCreek

TimberLake

SpringLake

West BranchDuPage River

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve

KleinSavanna

County Farm Road near the Timber Ridge Visitor Center The centerrsquos drinking fountains and heated restrooms are open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset The interior of the center which houses displays relating to the farmstead and a gift shop is only open during Kline Creek Farmrsquos regular operating hours Thursdays through Mondays from 9 am until 5 pm For information on Kline Creek Farm exhibits educational programs and special events call the farm at (630) 876-5900

The County Farm Road parking lot connects to a 1-mile north-south Forest Preserve District trail that joins the Great Western Trail with the Illinois Prairie Path It also leads to a moderate 05-mile gravel trail that takes anglers to Timber Lake The 17-acre lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet and offers largemouth bass bluegill channel catfish crappie green sunfish carp and black bullheads (A second smaller lake Spring Lake lies in the interior of the forest preserve It boasts being one of only two natural lakes in the county but is inaccessible by trail)

An anticipated addition to Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is a 30-car parking lot on Prince Crossing Road roughly 04 mile north of Geneva Road Opening in spring 2010 the area will give visitors access to a western portion of the preserve via a 075-mile looped trail with two overlooks near the wetland informally known as the Geneva Road Marsh This time of year oases of open water on the marsh are packed with mallards dabbling for seeds and aquatic vegetation but by summer egrets and great blue herons will again be standing in the shallows picking frogs from the white water lilies that will eventually unfurl over the entire marsh bull

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

ltcopy

Joseph Weibler lt

wwwdupageforest org 21

directory

GENERAL Contacts

HEADQUARTERS

Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189

The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm The office is closed on Saturday Sunday and select holidays

Mailing Address PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

Web Site wwwdupageforestorg

E-mail Address forestdupageforestorg

Main Number (630) 933-7200

TTY (800) 526-0857

THE CONSERVATIONIST SUBSCRIPTION LINE (630) 933-7085

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (630) 933-7097

LAW ENFORCEMENT (630) 933-7240

THE OUTDOOR REPORT (630) 871-6422

VISITOR SERVICES (630) 933-7248

VOLUNTEER SERVICES (630) 933-7681

GOLF Clubs

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

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 272 S Addison Road Wood Dale IL 60191 (630) 616-8424

OAK MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 900 N Wood Dale Road Addison IL 60101 (630) 595-1800

copy J P Myers

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 Districtrsquos ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit

EDUCATION Centers

DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 3S503 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189 (630) 668-6012

The centerrsquos office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 430 pm and is closed on select holidays

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook IL 60523 (630) 850-8110

The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm 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 am to 5 pm and is closed on Tuesday Wednesday and select holidays

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

The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER 525 S Park Blvd Glen Ellyn IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and are closed on select holidays

22 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

North

o e e opForest Preserve Property

n d o e e opForest Preserve Property

o eLakePondWaterway

WetWetland

e gEntranceParking

o e Forest Preserve Trail

opo d Proposed Trail

Co County Trail

U ouUS Route

S oState Route

e RInterstate Route

U Unofficial Name

CHICAGOOrsquoHAREINTrsquoL

AIRPORT

THE MORTONARBORETUM

ARGONNENATIONAL

LABORATORY

FERMI NATIONALACCELERATORLABORATORY

DUPAGECOUNTYAIRPORT

CANT GNY

DUPAGECOUNTYCOMPLEX

C a r o l S t r e a m

G l e n d a l eH e i g h t s

A u r o r a

S t C h a r l e s

W a y n e

B a r t l e t t

W e s tC h i c a g o

L o m b a r d

G l e nE l l y n

H a n o v e rP a r k

B l o o m i n g d a l e

A d d i s o n

W h e a t o n

W o o d r i d g e

N a p e r v i l l e

D a r i e n

W i l l o w b r o o k

B u r rR i d g e

H i n s d a l e

W e s t m o n t

C l a r e n d o nH i l l s

O a k B r o o k

D o w n e r sG r o v e

O a k b r o o kT e r r a c e

E l m h u r s t

V i l l aP a r k

E l k G r o v e

W o o d D a l e

B e n s e n v i l l e

R o s e l l e

L i s l e

W a r r e n v i l l e

I t a s c a

W i n f i e l d

I l l inois Prairie Path

Great Western Trai l

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prairie Path

Batavia Spur

Aurora Spur

Aurora

Spur

Elgin Spur

West Branch DuPage River

East BranchDuPage River

Des Plaines River

SaltCreek

SpringbrookCreek

School St

Gro

ve A

ve

Montrose Ave

Rive

r Rd

20

19

83

83

55

53

53

53290

290

355

355

34

34

59

59

64

38

56

88

88

Stearns Rd

Smith Rd

Powis Rd

Pow

is Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Munger Rd

Klei

n Rd

Bart

lett

Rd

Greenbrook Blvd

Cloverdale Rd

Thorn Rd

Cou

nty

Farm

Rd

Schick Rd Schick Rd

Kuhn

Rd

Fair

Oak

s Rd

North Ave

Gar

y A

ve

Schm

ale

Rd

Bu de te Ave

Bloomingdal e Rd

Rose

lle R

d

Gl e

n E l

lyn

R d

Swift

Rd

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd

Grac e St

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd

Add

son Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd

Devon Ave

Prospect Ave

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd

Grand Ave

York Rd

Va Ave

Vill a Ave

Butterfield Rd High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave

Summ

it Ave

West m

ore A ve

Mey

ers

Rd

Highland A

ve

St Charles Rd

Cres

cent Blvd

Mai

n St

M

a in

St

Hill Ave

Pennsylvan a Ave

Harrison St

Main St

St Charles Rd

St Charles Rd

Roosevelt Rd Wes

t St

Geneva Rd

Harrison Ave

Manchester Rd

Jewell Rd

H ghlake Rd

Ind an Kno

Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Washington St

Arbor A

ve

Downs Dr

ndus

tra

Dr

Kres

s R

d

Kautz Rd

Fabyan Pkwy

Batavia Rd

Purnell Rd

Winf

ield

Rd

Mack Rd

Sch a

ffne

r Rd

Weis

brook Rd

Orc

hard

Rd

War

renv

ille R

d

Plamondon Rd

Nap

ervi

lle R

d

Blan

char

d St

Butterfield Rd

Fawell Blvd

Park

Blv

d

Finley Rd

31st St Oakbrook Rd

Midw

est Ave

22nd St Harger Rd

Sprng Rd

York Rd

Spring Rd

Chicago Ave

35th St Cass A

ve

Hig

hlan

d A

ve

Naperville Rd

Leask Ln

Nape

rvil

e Rd

Warrenville Rd

Her

rick

Rd

Wnf

ed

Rd

Bilter Rd

Ferry Rd

Diehl Rd Diehl Rd

Eola

Rd

Raymond Dr

Mill St

Doug as Ave

Jefferson Ave Chicago Ave

Yack

ley

Ave

Col

lege

Rd

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd

Garfield A

ve

Harvester Rd

Em

Rd

Jol et Rd

Cou

nty

Line

Rd

91st St

Madison St

Fairv

iew

Ave

Main St

Ma

n St

75th St

Plainfield Rd

Cass A

ve

87th St Oldfield Rd

Wood w

ard Ave

83rd St

Gre

ene

Rd

75th St

79th St

Hobson Rd

Weh

rli R

d

Nap

er B

lvd

Was

hing

ton

St

Washington St

87th St

Modaff Rd

Gartner Rd

Aurora Ave

New York St

Liberty St

75th St

Rickert Dr

Montgomery Rd 83rd St

Bluff Rd

Cass Ave

Lem

ont R

d

Inter

naiona e Pkwy

River Rd

North Aurora Rd

Irving Park Rd

Gary s M ll Rd

Maple Ave

Circle Ave

Smith Rd

Ger

ber R

d

Med

nah

Rd

M

edi n

ah R

d

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin OrsquoHare

Geneva Rd

Bilter Rd

DuPage Pkwy

Shor

e Rd

Ogden Ave

Book

Rd

Jackson Ave

Pa

nfed-N

aperve Rd

Abbeywood Dr

Ranc

h V

ew D

r

Hobson R

d

Hitcock Ave

Manning Rd

Lem

on

t Rd

Gi bert Ave

Finley

Rd

Adam

s St

Wilson Ave

Park

Blv

d

College Rd

Army Trail Rd

Naper Blvd

Green Tra ls Dr

Ferry Rd

Mor

ton

Rd

Davey Rd

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd

Fron

tena

c Rd

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Des Plaines Pl esRiverwayRi r

e

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands

rsquosWWooW

Du

aynenev

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWo s

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWo s

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes

e

owowvv

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

kHighRidge

Salt Cre k Greenway

Woodd

G

e a

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

Gr enGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

manLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlandsWetlands

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

We tWestBranchBranch

PrattPrattrsquossWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

ayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWo sWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWo sWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakesLakes

Woo sWoods

W renvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoo sWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneV leyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

kHighYorkHighRidgeRidge

Salt Cre kSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

erfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St JamesSt JamesFarmFarm

Des Plaines Des Plaines

294

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt

Page 14: The Conservationist Winter 2010

winter calendar

copy Peter Vagt

Cultural Events at Mayslake Peabody Estate

ART EXHIBIT COLLAGE amp MEMORIES Enjoy an exhibit by the Midwest Collage Society Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

Jan 13 ndash March 4 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

FIRST FOLIO THEATRE PRESENTS ldquoJEEVES IN BLOOMrdquo When lovable Bertie Wooster gets himself into another scrape Jeeves must resign his service and reinvent himself as something other than a gentlemanrsquos gentleman $2830 adult $2325 senior or student For tickets call (630) 986-8067 or visit wwwfirstfolioorg

Jan 30 ndash Feb 28 Wednesday ndash Saturday 8 pm and Sunday 3 pm

THE ALLIANCE OF FINE ART PRESENTS ldquoTHE BEST OF THE BESTrdquo ART SHOW View the finest works of local artists Free Call (630) 206-9567 for details

March 22 ndash May 7 Monday ndash Friday 9 am ndash 3 pm and Saturday 9 am ndash 1 pm

RESTORATION-IN-PROGRESS TOURS Learn about the past mdash and future mdash of this historic 1920s Tudor-revival-style mansion $5 per person Group tours available Call (630) 206-9566

Wednesdays 11 am amp 1230 pm and Saturdays 930 10 11 amp 1130 am

Stuffinrsquo and Smokinrsquo Lend a hand making sausage and learn the importance of the smokehouse and cured meats in the 1890s Free Registration not required Call (630) 876-5900

Jan 9 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm Jan 10 1230 ndash 330 pm on the half hour Kline Creek Farm

Tapping Into Fun Find out how maple syrup is made through a story and a hike to tap trees Ages 6 and up with an adult $5 per person To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 15 10 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods Feb 15 1 ndash 230 pm Fullersburg Woods

Teachersrsquo Class Tracking and Reading Teachers explore the parallels between the structure and meanings in written language and those in animal tracks and other objects found in nature during this 12-session course $345 per teacher Registration begins Jan 1 Call (630) 206-9581

Feb 9 ndash 20 and Mar 2 ndash 27 Mayslake Peabody Estate Tue 530 ndash 9 pm Sat 8 am ndash noon

Volunteer Nature Workday Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult 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

Jan 9 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Jan 23 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Jan 30 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Feb 7 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Feb 27 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods Mar 6 9 am ndash noon Springbrook Prairie Mar 20 9 am ndash noon Fullersburg Woods Mar 21 1 ndash 4 pm Springbrook Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West DuPage Woods

14 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

Volunteer Restoration Workday Enjoy the outdoors while helping to restore one of DuPage Countyrsquos most diverse prairies by clearing invasive plants or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult Groups of 10 or more must register Call (630) 961-2041

Jan 2 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Jan 16 1 ndash 4 pm West Chicago Prairie Jan 31 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 14 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie

WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake Enjoy an evening of high-quality jazz brought to you by Mayslake Peabody Estate WDCB Public Radio and the PianoForte Foundation Adults only $25 cabaret seating $20 general admission and $16 for seniors over 65 students and groups of seven or more (A $5-per-person docent-led tour of Mayslake Hall will precede the concert at 630 pm) For tickets call (630) 206-9566

Feb 23 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate A premiere of Ryan Cohanrsquos new septet

Mar 11 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate Barry Winograd Quartet

Wake Up Groundhog Learn all about the groundhog through a story game and craft Ages 3 ndash 5 with an adult $5 per child To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 2 1030 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods

Wild Dogs of DuPage Learn the natural history of the wild dogs including foxes and coyotes that make DuPage County home Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Feb 28 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 14 2 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook

Winter Layering and Safety Learn how to keep the whole family mdash even Spot mdash warm and safe from head to toe while enjoying the outdoors All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 18 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 31 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Wonders of Winter Discover the fun of visiting a forest preserve in winter Activities include horse-drawn hayrides ice fishing geocaching snowshoeing and winter crafts Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 6 10 am ndash 1 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal Learn how to put together a successful book proposal Prerequisite Writing a Query Letter Adults only $90 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 27 9 am ndash 3 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Snow Tubing at Mount Hoy at Blackwell Forest Preserve Take a thrilling trip down one of DuPage Countyrsquos highest peaks When more than 3 inches of snow cover Mount Hoy rent a tube and glide down an 800-foot run Only District inner tubes are allowed which cost $4 per tube per day Tube rental ends at 330 pm For updated hours and snow conditions call the 24-hour Outdoor Report at (630) 871-6422

Dec 5 ndash Feb 28 Saturdays and Sundays and Dec 21 ndash 24 Dec 28 ndash Jan 1 Jan 18 and Feb 15 9 am ndash 4 pm

wwwdupageforest org 15

WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)Fact Contrary to popular belief the number of points on a deerrsquos antlers does not relate to the animalrsquos age Instead it reflects the animalrsquos genetics health and diet

COYOTE (Canis latrans)Fact When it comes to eating coyotes arenrsquot picky They mostly eat small mammals but may also dine on birds amphibians insects or even garbage In fall and winter fruits and vegetables are important sources of food for coyotes as well

VIRGINIA OPOSSUM (Didelphis virginiana)Fact Opossum tracks are made up of footprints and marks left by the animalrsquos long hairless tail Its tail is ldquoprehensilerdquo which means it can grab objects like tree branches

BOBCAT (Lynx rufus)Fact Bobcats live in well-defined territories that contain several shelters including their main dens and temporary lodging such as hollow logs and brush piles Ecologists believe these wild felines inhabit two DuPage forest preserves Waterfall Glen in Darien and Greene Valley in Naperville

STRIPED SKUNK (Mephitis mephitis)Fact A skunk can spray up to 15 feet It usually gives a warning by hissing stamping its front feet or waving its tail It may even do a handstand

trail talk

TRACKS amp Facts

copy David Cappaert M

ichigan State University Bugwoodorg

copy Brian Tang

copy Jeanie Klein

TORPOR is a short-term state of reduced

metabolic rate and body temperature that allows an animal to

save energy in cold weather Itrsquos sometimes called ldquotemporary

hibernationrdquo Some DuPage animals including bats and mice

enter torpor in winter when food is scare and itrsquos cold outside

16 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

SNOWBIRDS for Snowbirders

by CHRISTOPHER GUTMANN NATURALIST FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER

Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis)

copy T

ony T

anou

ry

4

3

6

5

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

copy Brian E Sm

allVIREOcopy

R amp S DayVIREO

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy J Schum

acherVIREO

1

2

Have you ever seen a male northern cardinal in the rich early-morning sun with a

backdrop of freshly fallen pure-white snow Have you ever seen a red-tailed hawk perched majestically on a bur oak overseeing its vast wintery kingdom Have you ever seen a mallard and an American black duck swimming side by side and discovered how theyrsquore different If you would like the answer to any of these questions to be ldquoyesrdquo grab a pair of binoculars and head to your nearest DuPage County forest preserve this winter

Yes itrsquos cold but the birding is never easier There are hardly any concealing leaves and the bright colors and dramatic contrasts of many birds become even more conspicuous in the otherwise drab winter landscape True there are fewer species around in winter but that just makes them easier to identify Even a modest-sized forest preserve like Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook can have over 40 species this time of year and the birds are practically begging to be seen The only way it would be easier to find them is if they had blinking neon arrows pointing in their direction

Some people assume that most birds fly south for the winter and while many species do travel as far as South America on their fall journeys for others DuPage County is ldquosouthrdquo The best example of this is the original snowbird the dark-eyed junco Juncos spend their summers in the far

north east and west but in winter you can find these cute gray-and-white sparrow-sized birds in DuPage County foraging low to the ground in small flocks

Other birds thought to fly south never leave the county One example is the American goldfinch Goldfinches are abundant in winter but because the males exchange their trademark bright yellow summer plumage for the femalesrsquo browns and grays many people donrsquot realize theyrsquore still in the neighborhood You can find American goldfinches in their winter ldquoclothesrdquo foraging on the leftover seed heads of dormant wildflowers

Even more surprising than the incognito goldfinch is the famous ldquoharbinger of springrdquo the American robin You can sometimes see this bird in forests foraging by the hundreds for leftover berries in the middle of winter Winter birders should also keep an eye out for the robinrsquos berry-loving cousin the eastern bluebird

There are of course more familiar winter favorites Male northern cardinals sit boldly on shrubs radiating their fire-engineshyred feathers Adorable black-capped chickadees hang upside down on branches calling ldquochick-a-dee-dee-dee-deerdquo to let each other know theyrsquore being watched by a big primate mdash you

A true bird lover will even marvel this time of year at the much-maligned yet stunningly beautiful blue jay Its colors alone

18 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy

G BartleyVIREO 9

copy F K SchleicherVIREO

10

11

7

8

copy Brian Tang

copy R CurtisVIREO

lt 1 Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2 American black duck (Anas rubripes) 3 American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) 4 Hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 5 Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 6 American robin (Turdus migratorius) 7 Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8 Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 9 White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 10 Brown creeper (Certhia americana) 11 Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

make it worth watching but itrsquos also an incredibly intelligent bird with a wide array of fascinating behaviors including mimicry For years there has been a blue jay at Fullersburg Woods that does a dead-on impression of a Cooperrsquos hawk which routinely fools birders Its imitation of a red-tailed hawk is respectable but its red-shouldered-hawk act needs some work

Speaking of blue jays and hawks have you ever heard a small flock of blue jays making a racket in the treetops If you take the time to investigate yoursquoll often find the jays mobbing a hawk or an owl trying to persuade the predator to leave their territory The jays arenrsquot trying to annoy you theyrsquore just telling you that therersquos another incredible bird nearby

Winter birders should remember too to focus on more than just branches Some of the most handsome and interesting species can be found hanging out on trunks As red-bellied downy and hairy woodpeckers hunt for food their reds blacks and whites stand out against the drab browns and grays of the bark White-breasted nuthatches grunt their way down tree trunks head first as they busily wedge seeds into the bark but well-camouflaged brown creepers steadily spiral their way up

If you visit the forest preserves soon after they open itrsquos not uncommon to see a great horned owl wrapping up its nighttime winter hunting or an eastern screech owl perching at the entrance to a tree cavity or wood-duck house as it soaks in a little heat from the sun Use your binoculars to view them from afar though It may look as if their eyes are closed but chances are theyrsquove seen and heard you coming long before yoursquove spotted them If they feel yoursquove gotten too close they will quickly disappear

Last but not least winter is a great time to view waterfowl Many ducks including male wood ducks are in their

brightest plumage and even mallards look stunning on the icy water Always look closely at large flocks of mallards or Canada geese you might notice the luminous irises of a common goldeneye or the comically large bill of a northern shoveler mingling in the crowd

Of course you canrsquot see any of these amazing animals unless you get outside this winter for a snowbird adventure at a DuPage County forest preserve near you bull

FINDING FEATHERED FRIENDS in Forest Preserves 1 Avoid brightly colored clothing Some birds will flush at the

first sight of you The longer it takes them to spot you the better your chances are of getting a good look at them

2 Itrsquos called bird-watching not bird talking Loud noises can scare birds so keep conversation as quiet as possible and turn off cell phones

3 Take your time and slowly scan an area Often birds are silent and will reveal themselves only with subtle movements

4 Leave Fido at home A recent study showed that dog walking in woodlands leads to a 35 percent reduction in bird diversity and a 41 percent reduction in abundance

5 In spring attend ldquoFullersBird Fridaysrdquo at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and ldquoBirding at Willowbrookrdquo at Willowbrook Wildlife Center These naturalist-led bird walks are great for beginning birders

wwwdupageforest org 19

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve explore

More Than Meets the Eye

by JAYNE BOHNER OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

6or many people driving down County Farm Road Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in West Chicago is the home of Kline Creek Farm the Forest

Preserve District of DuPage Countyrsquos 200-acre 1890s living-history farm but the farm is just a part of a remarkable 1148-acre forest preserve

The crops at Kline Creek Farm and a few dozen tillable acres to the north serve as reminders of the arearsquos agricultural roots but within a stretch of land north of the Great Western Trail the Forest Preserve District has converted former fields to more native habitat By removing clay tiles that farmers once installed to drain the soil District ecologists have restored the natural hydrology to the land where they have subsequently planted native wetland species like cattails bulrushes and water plantains In drier areas by removing tree lines that once grew along old fence rows they have created more open grasslands which theyrsquove seeded with flora like big and little bluestem black-eyed Susans lead plant and prairie clover In summer the prairie plants accommodate ground-nesting birds like eastern meadowlarks and savanna sparrows but this time of year they feed American tree sparrows juncos fox sparrows and white-throated sparrows while their stems pods and dried leaves create a natural architecture that displays the seasonrsquos powdery snows

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is also home to a natural savanna Klein Savanna which borders the

F north side of the Illinois Prairie Path just west of Klein Creek Its diversity of plant life makes it one of the highest quality ecosystems in the District Here dormant Allegheny shadblows also known as Allegheny serviceberries wait for spring to trigger their production of fragrant clusters of white flowers and juicy fruits Bare white and bur oaks and shagbark hickories stand over frozen ground that in a few months will erupt with trilliums spring beauties and trout lilies or thaw into ephemeral ponds that will broadcast the sounds of chorus frogs and American toads In summer when foxglove beard tongues and Jacobrsquos ladders bloom the verdant savanna will sing with woodland birds like northern orioles nuthatches black-capped chickadees and scarlet tanagers Winter though promises glimpses of great horned owls which begin nesting in February when the barren landscape makes it easier for adults and fledglings to spot prey

For fans of either the Great Western Trail or the Illinois Prairie Path Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is an ideal starting point Those who want to begin their excursions farther west

often use the small lot on Prince Crossing Road just north of the Great Western Trail (An upland grove east of the parking lot on the south side of the trail is home to a stately white oak roughly 50 inches in diameter 90 feet tall and two to three centuries old) Hikers bikers and cross-country skiers looking for more amenities may instead choose the Kline Creek Farm parking lot on

20 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea)

lt Fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

copy G M

cElroyVIREOcopy

J P Myers

White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

lt Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

North

Quick Look

For a detailed map of Timber Ridge visit wwwdupageforestorg

North Ave

St Charles Rd

Indian Knoll Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Geneva Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Winfield Rd

Kline Creek Farm

Opening Spring 2010

Visitor Center

I llinois P rairie P ath E lgin Spu r

I llinois P rairie P ath G enev a Spu r

G reat W estern T rail

64

Hawthorne Ln

Coun

ty F

arm

Rd

KleinCreek

TimberLake

SpringLake

West BranchDuPage River

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve

KleinSavanna

County Farm Road near the Timber Ridge Visitor Center The centerrsquos drinking fountains and heated restrooms are open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset The interior of the center which houses displays relating to the farmstead and a gift shop is only open during Kline Creek Farmrsquos regular operating hours Thursdays through Mondays from 9 am until 5 pm For information on Kline Creek Farm exhibits educational programs and special events call the farm at (630) 876-5900

The County Farm Road parking lot connects to a 1-mile north-south Forest Preserve District trail that joins the Great Western Trail with the Illinois Prairie Path It also leads to a moderate 05-mile gravel trail that takes anglers to Timber Lake The 17-acre lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet and offers largemouth bass bluegill channel catfish crappie green sunfish carp and black bullheads (A second smaller lake Spring Lake lies in the interior of the forest preserve It boasts being one of only two natural lakes in the county but is inaccessible by trail)

An anticipated addition to Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is a 30-car parking lot on Prince Crossing Road roughly 04 mile north of Geneva Road Opening in spring 2010 the area will give visitors access to a western portion of the preserve via a 075-mile looped trail with two overlooks near the wetland informally known as the Geneva Road Marsh This time of year oases of open water on the marsh are packed with mallards dabbling for seeds and aquatic vegetation but by summer egrets and great blue herons will again be standing in the shallows picking frogs from the white water lilies that will eventually unfurl over the entire marsh bull

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

ltcopy

Joseph Weibler lt

wwwdupageforest org 21

directory

GENERAL Contacts

HEADQUARTERS

Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189

The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm The office is closed on Saturday Sunday and select holidays

Mailing Address PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

Web Site wwwdupageforestorg

E-mail Address forestdupageforestorg

Main Number (630) 933-7200

TTY (800) 526-0857

THE CONSERVATIONIST SUBSCRIPTION LINE (630) 933-7085

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (630) 933-7097

LAW ENFORCEMENT (630) 933-7240

THE OUTDOOR REPORT (630) 871-6422

VISITOR SERVICES (630) 933-7248

VOLUNTEER SERVICES (630) 933-7681

GOLF Clubs

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

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 272 S Addison Road Wood Dale IL 60191 (630) 616-8424

OAK MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 900 N Wood Dale Road Addison IL 60101 (630) 595-1800

copy J P Myers

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 Districtrsquos ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit

EDUCATION Centers

DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 3S503 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189 (630) 668-6012

The centerrsquos office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 430 pm and is closed on select holidays

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook IL 60523 (630) 850-8110

The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm 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 am to 5 pm and is closed on Tuesday Wednesday and select holidays

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

The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER 525 S Park Blvd Glen Ellyn IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and are closed on select holidays

22 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

North

o e e opForest Preserve Property

n d o e e opForest Preserve Property

o eLakePondWaterway

WetWetland

e gEntranceParking

o e Forest Preserve Trail

opo d Proposed Trail

Co County Trail

U ouUS Route

S oState Route

e RInterstate Route

U Unofficial Name

CHICAGOOrsquoHAREINTrsquoL

AIRPORT

THE MORTONARBORETUM

ARGONNENATIONAL

LABORATORY

FERMI NATIONALACCELERATORLABORATORY

DUPAGECOUNTYAIRPORT

CANT GNY

DUPAGECOUNTYCOMPLEX

C a r o l S t r e a m

G l e n d a l eH e i g h t s

A u r o r a

S t C h a r l e s

W a y n e

B a r t l e t t

W e s tC h i c a g o

L o m b a r d

G l e nE l l y n

H a n o v e rP a r k

B l o o m i n g d a l e

A d d i s o n

W h e a t o n

W o o d r i d g e

N a p e r v i l l e

D a r i e n

W i l l o w b r o o k

B u r rR i d g e

H i n s d a l e

W e s t m o n t

C l a r e n d o nH i l l s

O a k B r o o k

D o w n e r sG r o v e

O a k b r o o kT e r r a c e

E l m h u r s t

V i l l aP a r k

E l k G r o v e

W o o d D a l e

B e n s e n v i l l e

R o s e l l e

L i s l e

W a r r e n v i l l e

I t a s c a

W i n f i e l d

I l l inois Prairie Path

Great Western Trai l

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prairie Path

Batavia Spur

Aurora Spur

Aurora

Spur

Elgin Spur

West Branch DuPage River

East BranchDuPage River

Des Plaines River

SaltCreek

SpringbrookCreek

School St

Gro

ve A

ve

Montrose Ave

Rive

r Rd

20

19

83

83

55

53

53

53290

290

355

355

34

34

59

59

64

38

56

88

88

Stearns Rd

Smith Rd

Powis Rd

Pow

is Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Munger Rd

Klei

n Rd

Bart

lett

Rd

Greenbrook Blvd

Cloverdale Rd

Thorn Rd

Cou

nty

Farm

Rd

Schick Rd Schick Rd

Kuhn

Rd

Fair

Oak

s Rd

North Ave

Gar

y A

ve

Schm

ale

Rd

Bu de te Ave

Bloomingdal e Rd

Rose

lle R

d

Gl e

n E l

lyn

R d

Swift

Rd

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd

Grac e St

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd

Add

son Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd

Devon Ave

Prospect Ave

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd

Grand Ave

York Rd

Va Ave

Vill a Ave

Butterfield Rd High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave

Summ

it Ave

West m

ore A ve

Mey

ers

Rd

Highland A

ve

St Charles Rd

Cres

cent Blvd

Mai

n St

M

a in

St

Hill Ave

Pennsylvan a Ave

Harrison St

Main St

St Charles Rd

St Charles Rd

Roosevelt Rd Wes

t St

Geneva Rd

Harrison Ave

Manchester Rd

Jewell Rd

H ghlake Rd

Ind an Kno

Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Washington St

Arbor A

ve

Downs Dr

ndus

tra

Dr

Kres

s R

d

Kautz Rd

Fabyan Pkwy

Batavia Rd

Purnell Rd

Winf

ield

Rd

Mack Rd

Sch a

ffne

r Rd

Weis

brook Rd

Orc

hard

Rd

War

renv

ille R

d

Plamondon Rd

Nap

ervi

lle R

d

Blan

char

d St

Butterfield Rd

Fawell Blvd

Park

Blv

d

Finley Rd

31st St Oakbrook Rd

Midw

est Ave

22nd St Harger Rd

Sprng Rd

York Rd

Spring Rd

Chicago Ave

35th St Cass A

ve

Hig

hlan

d A

ve

Naperville Rd

Leask Ln

Nape

rvil

e Rd

Warrenville Rd

Her

rick

Rd

Wnf

ed

Rd

Bilter Rd

Ferry Rd

Diehl Rd Diehl Rd

Eola

Rd

Raymond Dr

Mill St

Doug as Ave

Jefferson Ave Chicago Ave

Yack

ley

Ave

Col

lege

Rd

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd

Garfield A

ve

Harvester Rd

Em

Rd

Jol et Rd

Cou

nty

Line

Rd

91st St

Madison St

Fairv

iew

Ave

Main St

Ma

n St

75th St

Plainfield Rd

Cass A

ve

87th St Oldfield Rd

Wood w

ard Ave

83rd St

Gre

ene

Rd

75th St

79th St

Hobson Rd

Weh

rli R

d

Nap

er B

lvd

Was

hing

ton

St

Washington St

87th St

Modaff Rd

Gartner Rd

Aurora Ave

New York St

Liberty St

75th St

Rickert Dr

Montgomery Rd 83rd St

Bluff Rd

Cass Ave

Lem

ont R

d

Inter

naiona e Pkwy

River Rd

North Aurora Rd

Irving Park Rd

Gary s M ll Rd

Maple Ave

Circle Ave

Smith Rd

Ger

ber R

d

Med

nah

Rd

M

edi n

ah R

d

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin OrsquoHare

Geneva Rd

Bilter Rd

DuPage Pkwy

Shor

e Rd

Ogden Ave

Book

Rd

Jackson Ave

Pa

nfed-N

aperve Rd

Abbeywood Dr

Ranc

h V

ew D

r

Hobson R

d

Hitcock Ave

Manning Rd

Lem

on

t Rd

Gi bert Ave

Finley

Rd

Adam

s St

Wilson Ave

Park

Blv

d

College Rd

Army Trail Rd

Naper Blvd

Green Tra ls Dr

Ferry Rd

Mor

ton

Rd

Davey Rd

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd

Fron

tena

c Rd

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Des Plaines Pl esRiverwayRi r

e

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands

rsquosWWooW

Du

aynenev

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWo s

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWo s

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes

e

owowvv

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

kHighRidge

Salt Cre k Greenway

Woodd

G

e a

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

Gr enGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

manLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlandsWetlands

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

We tWestBranchBranch

PrattPrattrsquossWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

ayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWo sWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWo sWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakesLakes

Woo sWoods

W renvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoo sWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneV leyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

kHighYorkHighRidgeRidge

Salt Cre kSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

erfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St JamesSt JamesFarmFarm

Des Plaines Des Plaines

294

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt

Page 15: The Conservationist Winter 2010

Volunteer Restoration Workday Enjoy the outdoors while helping to restore one of DuPage Countyrsquos most diverse prairies by clearing invasive plants or planting seed Ages 8 and up under 14 with an adult Groups of 10 or more must register Call (630) 961-2041

Jan 2 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Jan 16 1 ndash 4 pm West Chicago Prairie Jan 31 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Feb 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 14 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie Mar 27 9 am ndash noon West Chicago Prairie

WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake Enjoy an evening of high-quality jazz brought to you by Mayslake Peabody Estate WDCB Public Radio and the PianoForte Foundation Adults only $25 cabaret seating $20 general admission and $16 for seniors over 65 students and groups of seven or more (A $5-per-person docent-led tour of Mayslake Hall will precede the concert at 630 pm) For tickets call (630) 206-9566

Feb 23 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate A premiere of Ryan Cohanrsquos new septet

Mar 11 730 ndash 9 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate Barry Winograd Quartet

Wake Up Groundhog Learn all about the groundhog through a story game and craft Ages 3 ndash 5 with an adult $5 per child To register call (630) 850-8110

Feb 2 1030 ndash 1130 am Fullersburg Woods

Wild Dogs of DuPage Learn the natural history of the wild dogs including foxes and coyotes that make DuPage County home Ages 10 and up with an adult $3 per person $5 per family Registration begins Feb 28 Call (630) 942-6200

Mar 14 2 ndash 3 pm Willowbrook

Winter Layering and Safety Learn how to keep the whole family mdash even Spot mdash warm and safe from head to toe while enjoying the outdoors All ages under 18 with an adult Free Registration begins Jan 18 Call (630) 933-7248

Jan 31 1 ndash 3 pm Herrick Lake

Wonders of Winter Discover the fun of visiting a forest preserve in winter Activities include horse-drawn hayrides ice fishing geocaching snowshoeing and winter crafts Activities ongoing Free Registration not required Call (630) 933-7248

Feb 6 10 am ndash 1 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Writing Workshop Constructing a Book Proposal Learn how to put together a successful book proposal Prerequisite Writing a Query Letter Adults only $90 per person To register call (630) 206-9566

Feb 27 9 am ndash 3 pm Mayslake Peabody Estate

Snow Tubing at Mount Hoy at Blackwell Forest Preserve Take a thrilling trip down one of DuPage Countyrsquos highest peaks When more than 3 inches of snow cover Mount Hoy rent a tube and glide down an 800-foot run Only District inner tubes are allowed which cost $4 per tube per day Tube rental ends at 330 pm For updated hours and snow conditions call the 24-hour Outdoor Report at (630) 871-6422

Dec 5 ndash Feb 28 Saturdays and Sundays and Dec 21 ndash 24 Dec 28 ndash Jan 1 Jan 18 and Feb 15 9 am ndash 4 pm

wwwdupageforest org 15

WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)Fact Contrary to popular belief the number of points on a deerrsquos antlers does not relate to the animalrsquos age Instead it reflects the animalrsquos genetics health and diet

COYOTE (Canis latrans)Fact When it comes to eating coyotes arenrsquot picky They mostly eat small mammals but may also dine on birds amphibians insects or even garbage In fall and winter fruits and vegetables are important sources of food for coyotes as well

VIRGINIA OPOSSUM (Didelphis virginiana)Fact Opossum tracks are made up of footprints and marks left by the animalrsquos long hairless tail Its tail is ldquoprehensilerdquo which means it can grab objects like tree branches

BOBCAT (Lynx rufus)Fact Bobcats live in well-defined territories that contain several shelters including their main dens and temporary lodging such as hollow logs and brush piles Ecologists believe these wild felines inhabit two DuPage forest preserves Waterfall Glen in Darien and Greene Valley in Naperville

STRIPED SKUNK (Mephitis mephitis)Fact A skunk can spray up to 15 feet It usually gives a warning by hissing stamping its front feet or waving its tail It may even do a handstand

trail talk

TRACKS amp Facts

copy David Cappaert M

ichigan State University Bugwoodorg

copy Brian Tang

copy Jeanie Klein

TORPOR is a short-term state of reduced

metabolic rate and body temperature that allows an animal to

save energy in cold weather Itrsquos sometimes called ldquotemporary

hibernationrdquo Some DuPage animals including bats and mice

enter torpor in winter when food is scare and itrsquos cold outside

16 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

SNOWBIRDS for Snowbirders

by CHRISTOPHER GUTMANN NATURALIST FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER

Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis)

copy T

ony T

anou

ry

4

3

6

5

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

copy Brian E Sm

allVIREOcopy

R amp S DayVIREO

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy J Schum

acherVIREO

1

2

Have you ever seen a male northern cardinal in the rich early-morning sun with a

backdrop of freshly fallen pure-white snow Have you ever seen a red-tailed hawk perched majestically on a bur oak overseeing its vast wintery kingdom Have you ever seen a mallard and an American black duck swimming side by side and discovered how theyrsquore different If you would like the answer to any of these questions to be ldquoyesrdquo grab a pair of binoculars and head to your nearest DuPage County forest preserve this winter

Yes itrsquos cold but the birding is never easier There are hardly any concealing leaves and the bright colors and dramatic contrasts of many birds become even more conspicuous in the otherwise drab winter landscape True there are fewer species around in winter but that just makes them easier to identify Even a modest-sized forest preserve like Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook can have over 40 species this time of year and the birds are practically begging to be seen The only way it would be easier to find them is if they had blinking neon arrows pointing in their direction

Some people assume that most birds fly south for the winter and while many species do travel as far as South America on their fall journeys for others DuPage County is ldquosouthrdquo The best example of this is the original snowbird the dark-eyed junco Juncos spend their summers in the far

north east and west but in winter you can find these cute gray-and-white sparrow-sized birds in DuPage County foraging low to the ground in small flocks

Other birds thought to fly south never leave the county One example is the American goldfinch Goldfinches are abundant in winter but because the males exchange their trademark bright yellow summer plumage for the femalesrsquo browns and grays many people donrsquot realize theyrsquore still in the neighborhood You can find American goldfinches in their winter ldquoclothesrdquo foraging on the leftover seed heads of dormant wildflowers

Even more surprising than the incognito goldfinch is the famous ldquoharbinger of springrdquo the American robin You can sometimes see this bird in forests foraging by the hundreds for leftover berries in the middle of winter Winter birders should also keep an eye out for the robinrsquos berry-loving cousin the eastern bluebird

There are of course more familiar winter favorites Male northern cardinals sit boldly on shrubs radiating their fire-engineshyred feathers Adorable black-capped chickadees hang upside down on branches calling ldquochick-a-dee-dee-dee-deerdquo to let each other know theyrsquore being watched by a big primate mdash you

A true bird lover will even marvel this time of year at the much-maligned yet stunningly beautiful blue jay Its colors alone

18 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy

G BartleyVIREO 9

copy F K SchleicherVIREO

10

11

7

8

copy Brian Tang

copy R CurtisVIREO

lt 1 Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2 American black duck (Anas rubripes) 3 American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) 4 Hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 5 Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 6 American robin (Turdus migratorius) 7 Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8 Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 9 White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 10 Brown creeper (Certhia americana) 11 Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

make it worth watching but itrsquos also an incredibly intelligent bird with a wide array of fascinating behaviors including mimicry For years there has been a blue jay at Fullersburg Woods that does a dead-on impression of a Cooperrsquos hawk which routinely fools birders Its imitation of a red-tailed hawk is respectable but its red-shouldered-hawk act needs some work

Speaking of blue jays and hawks have you ever heard a small flock of blue jays making a racket in the treetops If you take the time to investigate yoursquoll often find the jays mobbing a hawk or an owl trying to persuade the predator to leave their territory The jays arenrsquot trying to annoy you theyrsquore just telling you that therersquos another incredible bird nearby

Winter birders should remember too to focus on more than just branches Some of the most handsome and interesting species can be found hanging out on trunks As red-bellied downy and hairy woodpeckers hunt for food their reds blacks and whites stand out against the drab browns and grays of the bark White-breasted nuthatches grunt their way down tree trunks head first as they busily wedge seeds into the bark but well-camouflaged brown creepers steadily spiral their way up

If you visit the forest preserves soon after they open itrsquos not uncommon to see a great horned owl wrapping up its nighttime winter hunting or an eastern screech owl perching at the entrance to a tree cavity or wood-duck house as it soaks in a little heat from the sun Use your binoculars to view them from afar though It may look as if their eyes are closed but chances are theyrsquove seen and heard you coming long before yoursquove spotted them If they feel yoursquove gotten too close they will quickly disappear

Last but not least winter is a great time to view waterfowl Many ducks including male wood ducks are in their

brightest plumage and even mallards look stunning on the icy water Always look closely at large flocks of mallards or Canada geese you might notice the luminous irises of a common goldeneye or the comically large bill of a northern shoveler mingling in the crowd

Of course you canrsquot see any of these amazing animals unless you get outside this winter for a snowbird adventure at a DuPage County forest preserve near you bull

FINDING FEATHERED FRIENDS in Forest Preserves 1 Avoid brightly colored clothing Some birds will flush at the

first sight of you The longer it takes them to spot you the better your chances are of getting a good look at them

2 Itrsquos called bird-watching not bird talking Loud noises can scare birds so keep conversation as quiet as possible and turn off cell phones

3 Take your time and slowly scan an area Often birds are silent and will reveal themselves only with subtle movements

4 Leave Fido at home A recent study showed that dog walking in woodlands leads to a 35 percent reduction in bird diversity and a 41 percent reduction in abundance

5 In spring attend ldquoFullersBird Fridaysrdquo at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and ldquoBirding at Willowbrookrdquo at Willowbrook Wildlife Center These naturalist-led bird walks are great for beginning birders

wwwdupageforest org 19

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve explore

More Than Meets the Eye

by JAYNE BOHNER OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

6or many people driving down County Farm Road Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in West Chicago is the home of Kline Creek Farm the Forest

Preserve District of DuPage Countyrsquos 200-acre 1890s living-history farm but the farm is just a part of a remarkable 1148-acre forest preserve

The crops at Kline Creek Farm and a few dozen tillable acres to the north serve as reminders of the arearsquos agricultural roots but within a stretch of land north of the Great Western Trail the Forest Preserve District has converted former fields to more native habitat By removing clay tiles that farmers once installed to drain the soil District ecologists have restored the natural hydrology to the land where they have subsequently planted native wetland species like cattails bulrushes and water plantains In drier areas by removing tree lines that once grew along old fence rows they have created more open grasslands which theyrsquove seeded with flora like big and little bluestem black-eyed Susans lead plant and prairie clover In summer the prairie plants accommodate ground-nesting birds like eastern meadowlarks and savanna sparrows but this time of year they feed American tree sparrows juncos fox sparrows and white-throated sparrows while their stems pods and dried leaves create a natural architecture that displays the seasonrsquos powdery snows

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is also home to a natural savanna Klein Savanna which borders the

F north side of the Illinois Prairie Path just west of Klein Creek Its diversity of plant life makes it one of the highest quality ecosystems in the District Here dormant Allegheny shadblows also known as Allegheny serviceberries wait for spring to trigger their production of fragrant clusters of white flowers and juicy fruits Bare white and bur oaks and shagbark hickories stand over frozen ground that in a few months will erupt with trilliums spring beauties and trout lilies or thaw into ephemeral ponds that will broadcast the sounds of chorus frogs and American toads In summer when foxglove beard tongues and Jacobrsquos ladders bloom the verdant savanna will sing with woodland birds like northern orioles nuthatches black-capped chickadees and scarlet tanagers Winter though promises glimpses of great horned owls which begin nesting in February when the barren landscape makes it easier for adults and fledglings to spot prey

For fans of either the Great Western Trail or the Illinois Prairie Path Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is an ideal starting point Those who want to begin their excursions farther west

often use the small lot on Prince Crossing Road just north of the Great Western Trail (An upland grove east of the parking lot on the south side of the trail is home to a stately white oak roughly 50 inches in diameter 90 feet tall and two to three centuries old) Hikers bikers and cross-country skiers looking for more amenities may instead choose the Kline Creek Farm parking lot on

20 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea)

lt Fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

copy G M

cElroyVIREOcopy

J P Myers

White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

lt Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

North

Quick Look

For a detailed map of Timber Ridge visit wwwdupageforestorg

North Ave

St Charles Rd

Indian Knoll Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Geneva Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Winfield Rd

Kline Creek Farm

Opening Spring 2010

Visitor Center

I llinois P rairie P ath E lgin Spu r

I llinois P rairie P ath G enev a Spu r

G reat W estern T rail

64

Hawthorne Ln

Coun

ty F

arm

Rd

KleinCreek

TimberLake

SpringLake

West BranchDuPage River

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve

KleinSavanna

County Farm Road near the Timber Ridge Visitor Center The centerrsquos drinking fountains and heated restrooms are open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset The interior of the center which houses displays relating to the farmstead and a gift shop is only open during Kline Creek Farmrsquos regular operating hours Thursdays through Mondays from 9 am until 5 pm For information on Kline Creek Farm exhibits educational programs and special events call the farm at (630) 876-5900

The County Farm Road parking lot connects to a 1-mile north-south Forest Preserve District trail that joins the Great Western Trail with the Illinois Prairie Path It also leads to a moderate 05-mile gravel trail that takes anglers to Timber Lake The 17-acre lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet and offers largemouth bass bluegill channel catfish crappie green sunfish carp and black bullheads (A second smaller lake Spring Lake lies in the interior of the forest preserve It boasts being one of only two natural lakes in the county but is inaccessible by trail)

An anticipated addition to Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is a 30-car parking lot on Prince Crossing Road roughly 04 mile north of Geneva Road Opening in spring 2010 the area will give visitors access to a western portion of the preserve via a 075-mile looped trail with two overlooks near the wetland informally known as the Geneva Road Marsh This time of year oases of open water on the marsh are packed with mallards dabbling for seeds and aquatic vegetation but by summer egrets and great blue herons will again be standing in the shallows picking frogs from the white water lilies that will eventually unfurl over the entire marsh bull

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

ltcopy

Joseph Weibler lt

wwwdupageforest org 21

directory

GENERAL Contacts

HEADQUARTERS

Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189

The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm The office is closed on Saturday Sunday and select holidays

Mailing Address PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

Web Site wwwdupageforestorg

E-mail Address forestdupageforestorg

Main Number (630) 933-7200

TTY (800) 526-0857

THE CONSERVATIONIST SUBSCRIPTION LINE (630) 933-7085

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (630) 933-7097

LAW ENFORCEMENT (630) 933-7240

THE OUTDOOR REPORT (630) 871-6422

VISITOR SERVICES (630) 933-7248

VOLUNTEER SERVICES (630) 933-7681

GOLF Clubs

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

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 272 S Addison Road Wood Dale IL 60191 (630) 616-8424

OAK MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 900 N Wood Dale Road Addison IL 60101 (630) 595-1800

copy J P Myers

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 Districtrsquos ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit

EDUCATION Centers

DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 3S503 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189 (630) 668-6012

The centerrsquos office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 430 pm and is closed on select holidays

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook IL 60523 (630) 850-8110

The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm 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 am to 5 pm and is closed on Tuesday Wednesday and select holidays

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

The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER 525 S Park Blvd Glen Ellyn IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and are closed on select holidays

22 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

North

o e e opForest Preserve Property

n d o e e opForest Preserve Property

o eLakePondWaterway

WetWetland

e gEntranceParking

o e Forest Preserve Trail

opo d Proposed Trail

Co County Trail

U ouUS Route

S oState Route

e RInterstate Route

U Unofficial Name

CHICAGOOrsquoHAREINTrsquoL

AIRPORT

THE MORTONARBORETUM

ARGONNENATIONAL

LABORATORY

FERMI NATIONALACCELERATORLABORATORY

DUPAGECOUNTYAIRPORT

CANT GNY

DUPAGECOUNTYCOMPLEX

C a r o l S t r e a m

G l e n d a l eH e i g h t s

A u r o r a

S t C h a r l e s

W a y n e

B a r t l e t t

W e s tC h i c a g o

L o m b a r d

G l e nE l l y n

H a n o v e rP a r k

B l o o m i n g d a l e

A d d i s o n

W h e a t o n

W o o d r i d g e

N a p e r v i l l e

D a r i e n

W i l l o w b r o o k

B u r rR i d g e

H i n s d a l e

W e s t m o n t

C l a r e n d o nH i l l s

O a k B r o o k

D o w n e r sG r o v e

O a k b r o o kT e r r a c e

E l m h u r s t

V i l l aP a r k

E l k G r o v e

W o o d D a l e

B e n s e n v i l l e

R o s e l l e

L i s l e

W a r r e n v i l l e

I t a s c a

W i n f i e l d

I l l inois Prairie Path

Great Western Trai l

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prairie Path

Batavia Spur

Aurora Spur

Aurora

Spur

Elgin Spur

West Branch DuPage River

East BranchDuPage River

Des Plaines River

SaltCreek

SpringbrookCreek

School St

Gro

ve A

ve

Montrose Ave

Rive

r Rd

20

19

83

83

55

53

53

53290

290

355

355

34

34

59

59

64

38

56

88

88

Stearns Rd

Smith Rd

Powis Rd

Pow

is Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Munger Rd

Klei

n Rd

Bart

lett

Rd

Greenbrook Blvd

Cloverdale Rd

Thorn Rd

Cou

nty

Farm

Rd

Schick Rd Schick Rd

Kuhn

Rd

Fair

Oak

s Rd

North Ave

Gar

y A

ve

Schm

ale

Rd

Bu de te Ave

Bloomingdal e Rd

Rose

lle R

d

Gl e

n E l

lyn

R d

Swift

Rd

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd

Grac e St

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd

Add

son Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd

Devon Ave

Prospect Ave

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd

Grand Ave

York Rd

Va Ave

Vill a Ave

Butterfield Rd High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave

Summ

it Ave

West m

ore A ve

Mey

ers

Rd

Highland A

ve

St Charles Rd

Cres

cent Blvd

Mai

n St

M

a in

St

Hill Ave

Pennsylvan a Ave

Harrison St

Main St

St Charles Rd

St Charles Rd

Roosevelt Rd Wes

t St

Geneva Rd

Harrison Ave

Manchester Rd

Jewell Rd

H ghlake Rd

Ind an Kno

Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Washington St

Arbor A

ve

Downs Dr

ndus

tra

Dr

Kres

s R

d

Kautz Rd

Fabyan Pkwy

Batavia Rd

Purnell Rd

Winf

ield

Rd

Mack Rd

Sch a

ffne

r Rd

Weis

brook Rd

Orc

hard

Rd

War

renv

ille R

d

Plamondon Rd

Nap

ervi

lle R

d

Blan

char

d St

Butterfield Rd

Fawell Blvd

Park

Blv

d

Finley Rd

31st St Oakbrook Rd

Midw

est Ave

22nd St Harger Rd

Sprng Rd

York Rd

Spring Rd

Chicago Ave

35th St Cass A

ve

Hig

hlan

d A

ve

Naperville Rd

Leask Ln

Nape

rvil

e Rd

Warrenville Rd

Her

rick

Rd

Wnf

ed

Rd

Bilter Rd

Ferry Rd

Diehl Rd Diehl Rd

Eola

Rd

Raymond Dr

Mill St

Doug as Ave

Jefferson Ave Chicago Ave

Yack

ley

Ave

Col

lege

Rd

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd

Garfield A

ve

Harvester Rd

Em

Rd

Jol et Rd

Cou

nty

Line

Rd

91st St

Madison St

Fairv

iew

Ave

Main St

Ma

n St

75th St

Plainfield Rd

Cass A

ve

87th St Oldfield Rd

Wood w

ard Ave

83rd St

Gre

ene

Rd

75th St

79th St

Hobson Rd

Weh

rli R

d

Nap

er B

lvd

Was

hing

ton

St

Washington St

87th St

Modaff Rd

Gartner Rd

Aurora Ave

New York St

Liberty St

75th St

Rickert Dr

Montgomery Rd 83rd St

Bluff Rd

Cass Ave

Lem

ont R

d

Inter

naiona e Pkwy

River Rd

North Aurora Rd

Irving Park Rd

Gary s M ll Rd

Maple Ave

Circle Ave

Smith Rd

Ger

ber R

d

Med

nah

Rd

M

edi n

ah R

d

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin OrsquoHare

Geneva Rd

Bilter Rd

DuPage Pkwy

Shor

e Rd

Ogden Ave

Book

Rd

Jackson Ave

Pa

nfed-N

aperve Rd

Abbeywood Dr

Ranc

h V

ew D

r

Hobson R

d

Hitcock Ave

Manning Rd

Lem

on

t Rd

Gi bert Ave

Finley

Rd

Adam

s St

Wilson Ave

Park

Blv

d

College Rd

Army Trail Rd

Naper Blvd

Green Tra ls Dr

Ferry Rd

Mor

ton

Rd

Davey Rd

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd

Fron

tena

c Rd

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Des Plaines Pl esRiverwayRi r

e

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands

rsquosWWooW

Du

aynenev

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWo s

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWo s

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes

e

owowvv

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

kHighRidge

Salt Cre k Greenway

Woodd

G

e a

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

Gr enGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

manLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlandsWetlands

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

We tWestBranchBranch

PrattPrattrsquossWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

ayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWo sWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWo sWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakesLakes

Woo sWoods

W renvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoo sWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneV leyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

kHighYorkHighRidgeRidge

Salt Cre kSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

erfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St JamesSt JamesFarmFarm

Des Plaines Des Plaines

294

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt

Page 16: The Conservationist Winter 2010

WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)Fact Contrary to popular belief the number of points on a deerrsquos antlers does not relate to the animalrsquos age Instead it reflects the animalrsquos genetics health and diet

COYOTE (Canis latrans)Fact When it comes to eating coyotes arenrsquot picky They mostly eat small mammals but may also dine on birds amphibians insects or even garbage In fall and winter fruits and vegetables are important sources of food for coyotes as well

VIRGINIA OPOSSUM (Didelphis virginiana)Fact Opossum tracks are made up of footprints and marks left by the animalrsquos long hairless tail Its tail is ldquoprehensilerdquo which means it can grab objects like tree branches

BOBCAT (Lynx rufus)Fact Bobcats live in well-defined territories that contain several shelters including their main dens and temporary lodging such as hollow logs and brush piles Ecologists believe these wild felines inhabit two DuPage forest preserves Waterfall Glen in Darien and Greene Valley in Naperville

STRIPED SKUNK (Mephitis mephitis)Fact A skunk can spray up to 15 feet It usually gives a warning by hissing stamping its front feet or waving its tail It may even do a handstand

trail talk

TRACKS amp Facts

copy David Cappaert M

ichigan State University Bugwoodorg

copy Brian Tang

copy Jeanie Klein

TORPOR is a short-term state of reduced

metabolic rate and body temperature that allows an animal to

save energy in cold weather Itrsquos sometimes called ldquotemporary

hibernationrdquo Some DuPage animals including bats and mice

enter torpor in winter when food is scare and itrsquos cold outside

16 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

SNOWBIRDS for Snowbirders

by CHRISTOPHER GUTMANN NATURALIST FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER

Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis)

copy T

ony T

anou

ry

4

3

6

5

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

copy Brian E Sm

allVIREOcopy

R amp S DayVIREO

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy J Schum

acherVIREO

1

2

Have you ever seen a male northern cardinal in the rich early-morning sun with a

backdrop of freshly fallen pure-white snow Have you ever seen a red-tailed hawk perched majestically on a bur oak overseeing its vast wintery kingdom Have you ever seen a mallard and an American black duck swimming side by side and discovered how theyrsquore different If you would like the answer to any of these questions to be ldquoyesrdquo grab a pair of binoculars and head to your nearest DuPage County forest preserve this winter

Yes itrsquos cold but the birding is never easier There are hardly any concealing leaves and the bright colors and dramatic contrasts of many birds become even more conspicuous in the otherwise drab winter landscape True there are fewer species around in winter but that just makes them easier to identify Even a modest-sized forest preserve like Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook can have over 40 species this time of year and the birds are practically begging to be seen The only way it would be easier to find them is if they had blinking neon arrows pointing in their direction

Some people assume that most birds fly south for the winter and while many species do travel as far as South America on their fall journeys for others DuPage County is ldquosouthrdquo The best example of this is the original snowbird the dark-eyed junco Juncos spend their summers in the far

north east and west but in winter you can find these cute gray-and-white sparrow-sized birds in DuPage County foraging low to the ground in small flocks

Other birds thought to fly south never leave the county One example is the American goldfinch Goldfinches are abundant in winter but because the males exchange their trademark bright yellow summer plumage for the femalesrsquo browns and grays many people donrsquot realize theyrsquore still in the neighborhood You can find American goldfinches in their winter ldquoclothesrdquo foraging on the leftover seed heads of dormant wildflowers

Even more surprising than the incognito goldfinch is the famous ldquoharbinger of springrdquo the American robin You can sometimes see this bird in forests foraging by the hundreds for leftover berries in the middle of winter Winter birders should also keep an eye out for the robinrsquos berry-loving cousin the eastern bluebird

There are of course more familiar winter favorites Male northern cardinals sit boldly on shrubs radiating their fire-engineshyred feathers Adorable black-capped chickadees hang upside down on branches calling ldquochick-a-dee-dee-dee-deerdquo to let each other know theyrsquore being watched by a big primate mdash you

A true bird lover will even marvel this time of year at the much-maligned yet stunningly beautiful blue jay Its colors alone

18 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy

G BartleyVIREO 9

copy F K SchleicherVIREO

10

11

7

8

copy Brian Tang

copy R CurtisVIREO

lt 1 Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2 American black duck (Anas rubripes) 3 American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) 4 Hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 5 Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 6 American robin (Turdus migratorius) 7 Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8 Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 9 White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 10 Brown creeper (Certhia americana) 11 Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

make it worth watching but itrsquos also an incredibly intelligent bird with a wide array of fascinating behaviors including mimicry For years there has been a blue jay at Fullersburg Woods that does a dead-on impression of a Cooperrsquos hawk which routinely fools birders Its imitation of a red-tailed hawk is respectable but its red-shouldered-hawk act needs some work

Speaking of blue jays and hawks have you ever heard a small flock of blue jays making a racket in the treetops If you take the time to investigate yoursquoll often find the jays mobbing a hawk or an owl trying to persuade the predator to leave their territory The jays arenrsquot trying to annoy you theyrsquore just telling you that therersquos another incredible bird nearby

Winter birders should remember too to focus on more than just branches Some of the most handsome and interesting species can be found hanging out on trunks As red-bellied downy and hairy woodpeckers hunt for food their reds blacks and whites stand out against the drab browns and grays of the bark White-breasted nuthatches grunt their way down tree trunks head first as they busily wedge seeds into the bark but well-camouflaged brown creepers steadily spiral their way up

If you visit the forest preserves soon after they open itrsquos not uncommon to see a great horned owl wrapping up its nighttime winter hunting or an eastern screech owl perching at the entrance to a tree cavity or wood-duck house as it soaks in a little heat from the sun Use your binoculars to view them from afar though It may look as if their eyes are closed but chances are theyrsquove seen and heard you coming long before yoursquove spotted them If they feel yoursquove gotten too close they will quickly disappear

Last but not least winter is a great time to view waterfowl Many ducks including male wood ducks are in their

brightest plumage and even mallards look stunning on the icy water Always look closely at large flocks of mallards or Canada geese you might notice the luminous irises of a common goldeneye or the comically large bill of a northern shoveler mingling in the crowd

Of course you canrsquot see any of these amazing animals unless you get outside this winter for a snowbird adventure at a DuPage County forest preserve near you bull

FINDING FEATHERED FRIENDS in Forest Preserves 1 Avoid brightly colored clothing Some birds will flush at the

first sight of you The longer it takes them to spot you the better your chances are of getting a good look at them

2 Itrsquos called bird-watching not bird talking Loud noises can scare birds so keep conversation as quiet as possible and turn off cell phones

3 Take your time and slowly scan an area Often birds are silent and will reveal themselves only with subtle movements

4 Leave Fido at home A recent study showed that dog walking in woodlands leads to a 35 percent reduction in bird diversity and a 41 percent reduction in abundance

5 In spring attend ldquoFullersBird Fridaysrdquo at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and ldquoBirding at Willowbrookrdquo at Willowbrook Wildlife Center These naturalist-led bird walks are great for beginning birders

wwwdupageforest org 19

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve explore

More Than Meets the Eye

by JAYNE BOHNER OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

6or many people driving down County Farm Road Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in West Chicago is the home of Kline Creek Farm the Forest

Preserve District of DuPage Countyrsquos 200-acre 1890s living-history farm but the farm is just a part of a remarkable 1148-acre forest preserve

The crops at Kline Creek Farm and a few dozen tillable acres to the north serve as reminders of the arearsquos agricultural roots but within a stretch of land north of the Great Western Trail the Forest Preserve District has converted former fields to more native habitat By removing clay tiles that farmers once installed to drain the soil District ecologists have restored the natural hydrology to the land where they have subsequently planted native wetland species like cattails bulrushes and water plantains In drier areas by removing tree lines that once grew along old fence rows they have created more open grasslands which theyrsquove seeded with flora like big and little bluestem black-eyed Susans lead plant and prairie clover In summer the prairie plants accommodate ground-nesting birds like eastern meadowlarks and savanna sparrows but this time of year they feed American tree sparrows juncos fox sparrows and white-throated sparrows while their stems pods and dried leaves create a natural architecture that displays the seasonrsquos powdery snows

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is also home to a natural savanna Klein Savanna which borders the

F north side of the Illinois Prairie Path just west of Klein Creek Its diversity of plant life makes it one of the highest quality ecosystems in the District Here dormant Allegheny shadblows also known as Allegheny serviceberries wait for spring to trigger their production of fragrant clusters of white flowers and juicy fruits Bare white and bur oaks and shagbark hickories stand over frozen ground that in a few months will erupt with trilliums spring beauties and trout lilies or thaw into ephemeral ponds that will broadcast the sounds of chorus frogs and American toads In summer when foxglove beard tongues and Jacobrsquos ladders bloom the verdant savanna will sing with woodland birds like northern orioles nuthatches black-capped chickadees and scarlet tanagers Winter though promises glimpses of great horned owls which begin nesting in February when the barren landscape makes it easier for adults and fledglings to spot prey

For fans of either the Great Western Trail or the Illinois Prairie Path Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is an ideal starting point Those who want to begin their excursions farther west

often use the small lot on Prince Crossing Road just north of the Great Western Trail (An upland grove east of the parking lot on the south side of the trail is home to a stately white oak roughly 50 inches in diameter 90 feet tall and two to three centuries old) Hikers bikers and cross-country skiers looking for more amenities may instead choose the Kline Creek Farm parking lot on

20 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea)

lt Fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

copy G M

cElroyVIREOcopy

J P Myers

White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

lt Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

North

Quick Look

For a detailed map of Timber Ridge visit wwwdupageforestorg

North Ave

St Charles Rd

Indian Knoll Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Geneva Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Winfield Rd

Kline Creek Farm

Opening Spring 2010

Visitor Center

I llinois P rairie P ath E lgin Spu r

I llinois P rairie P ath G enev a Spu r

G reat W estern T rail

64

Hawthorne Ln

Coun

ty F

arm

Rd

KleinCreek

TimberLake

SpringLake

West BranchDuPage River

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve

KleinSavanna

County Farm Road near the Timber Ridge Visitor Center The centerrsquos drinking fountains and heated restrooms are open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset The interior of the center which houses displays relating to the farmstead and a gift shop is only open during Kline Creek Farmrsquos regular operating hours Thursdays through Mondays from 9 am until 5 pm For information on Kline Creek Farm exhibits educational programs and special events call the farm at (630) 876-5900

The County Farm Road parking lot connects to a 1-mile north-south Forest Preserve District trail that joins the Great Western Trail with the Illinois Prairie Path It also leads to a moderate 05-mile gravel trail that takes anglers to Timber Lake The 17-acre lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet and offers largemouth bass bluegill channel catfish crappie green sunfish carp and black bullheads (A second smaller lake Spring Lake lies in the interior of the forest preserve It boasts being one of only two natural lakes in the county but is inaccessible by trail)

An anticipated addition to Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is a 30-car parking lot on Prince Crossing Road roughly 04 mile north of Geneva Road Opening in spring 2010 the area will give visitors access to a western portion of the preserve via a 075-mile looped trail with two overlooks near the wetland informally known as the Geneva Road Marsh This time of year oases of open water on the marsh are packed with mallards dabbling for seeds and aquatic vegetation but by summer egrets and great blue herons will again be standing in the shallows picking frogs from the white water lilies that will eventually unfurl over the entire marsh bull

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

ltcopy

Joseph Weibler lt

wwwdupageforest org 21

directory

GENERAL Contacts

HEADQUARTERS

Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189

The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm The office is closed on Saturday Sunday and select holidays

Mailing Address PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

Web Site wwwdupageforestorg

E-mail Address forestdupageforestorg

Main Number (630) 933-7200

TTY (800) 526-0857

THE CONSERVATIONIST SUBSCRIPTION LINE (630) 933-7085

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (630) 933-7097

LAW ENFORCEMENT (630) 933-7240

THE OUTDOOR REPORT (630) 871-6422

VISITOR SERVICES (630) 933-7248

VOLUNTEER SERVICES (630) 933-7681

GOLF Clubs

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

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 272 S Addison Road Wood Dale IL 60191 (630) 616-8424

OAK MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 900 N Wood Dale Road Addison IL 60101 (630) 595-1800

copy J P Myers

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 Districtrsquos ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit

EDUCATION Centers

DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 3S503 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189 (630) 668-6012

The centerrsquos office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 430 pm and is closed on select holidays

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook IL 60523 (630) 850-8110

The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm 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 am to 5 pm and is closed on Tuesday Wednesday and select holidays

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

The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER 525 S Park Blvd Glen Ellyn IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and are closed on select holidays

22 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

North

o e e opForest Preserve Property

n d o e e opForest Preserve Property

o eLakePondWaterway

WetWetland

e gEntranceParking

o e Forest Preserve Trail

opo d Proposed Trail

Co County Trail

U ouUS Route

S oState Route

e RInterstate Route

U Unofficial Name

CHICAGOOrsquoHAREINTrsquoL

AIRPORT

THE MORTONARBORETUM

ARGONNENATIONAL

LABORATORY

FERMI NATIONALACCELERATORLABORATORY

DUPAGECOUNTYAIRPORT

CANT GNY

DUPAGECOUNTYCOMPLEX

C a r o l S t r e a m

G l e n d a l eH e i g h t s

A u r o r a

S t C h a r l e s

W a y n e

B a r t l e t t

W e s tC h i c a g o

L o m b a r d

G l e nE l l y n

H a n o v e rP a r k

B l o o m i n g d a l e

A d d i s o n

W h e a t o n

W o o d r i d g e

N a p e r v i l l e

D a r i e n

W i l l o w b r o o k

B u r rR i d g e

H i n s d a l e

W e s t m o n t

C l a r e n d o nH i l l s

O a k B r o o k

D o w n e r sG r o v e

O a k b r o o kT e r r a c e

E l m h u r s t

V i l l aP a r k

E l k G r o v e

W o o d D a l e

B e n s e n v i l l e

R o s e l l e

L i s l e

W a r r e n v i l l e

I t a s c a

W i n f i e l d

I l l inois Prairie Path

Great Western Trai l

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prairie Path

Batavia Spur

Aurora Spur

Aurora

Spur

Elgin Spur

West Branch DuPage River

East BranchDuPage River

Des Plaines River

SaltCreek

SpringbrookCreek

School St

Gro

ve A

ve

Montrose Ave

Rive

r Rd

20

19

83

83

55

53

53

53290

290

355

355

34

34

59

59

64

38

56

88

88

Stearns Rd

Smith Rd

Powis Rd

Pow

is Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Munger Rd

Klei

n Rd

Bart

lett

Rd

Greenbrook Blvd

Cloverdale Rd

Thorn Rd

Cou

nty

Farm

Rd

Schick Rd Schick Rd

Kuhn

Rd

Fair

Oak

s Rd

North Ave

Gar

y A

ve

Schm

ale

Rd

Bu de te Ave

Bloomingdal e Rd

Rose

lle R

d

Gl e

n E l

lyn

R d

Swift

Rd

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd

Grac e St

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd

Add

son Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd

Devon Ave

Prospect Ave

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd

Grand Ave

York Rd

Va Ave

Vill a Ave

Butterfield Rd High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave

Summ

it Ave

West m

ore A ve

Mey

ers

Rd

Highland A

ve

St Charles Rd

Cres

cent Blvd

Mai

n St

M

a in

St

Hill Ave

Pennsylvan a Ave

Harrison St

Main St

St Charles Rd

St Charles Rd

Roosevelt Rd Wes

t St

Geneva Rd

Harrison Ave

Manchester Rd

Jewell Rd

H ghlake Rd

Ind an Kno

Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Washington St

Arbor A

ve

Downs Dr

ndus

tra

Dr

Kres

s R

d

Kautz Rd

Fabyan Pkwy

Batavia Rd

Purnell Rd

Winf

ield

Rd

Mack Rd

Sch a

ffne

r Rd

Weis

brook Rd

Orc

hard

Rd

War

renv

ille R

d

Plamondon Rd

Nap

ervi

lle R

d

Blan

char

d St

Butterfield Rd

Fawell Blvd

Park

Blv

d

Finley Rd

31st St Oakbrook Rd

Midw

est Ave

22nd St Harger Rd

Sprng Rd

York Rd

Spring Rd

Chicago Ave

35th St Cass A

ve

Hig

hlan

d A

ve

Naperville Rd

Leask Ln

Nape

rvil

e Rd

Warrenville Rd

Her

rick

Rd

Wnf

ed

Rd

Bilter Rd

Ferry Rd

Diehl Rd Diehl Rd

Eola

Rd

Raymond Dr

Mill St

Doug as Ave

Jefferson Ave Chicago Ave

Yack

ley

Ave

Col

lege

Rd

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd

Garfield A

ve

Harvester Rd

Em

Rd

Jol et Rd

Cou

nty

Line

Rd

91st St

Madison St

Fairv

iew

Ave

Main St

Ma

n St

75th St

Plainfield Rd

Cass A

ve

87th St Oldfield Rd

Wood w

ard Ave

83rd St

Gre

ene

Rd

75th St

79th St

Hobson Rd

Weh

rli R

d

Nap

er B

lvd

Was

hing

ton

St

Washington St

87th St

Modaff Rd

Gartner Rd

Aurora Ave

New York St

Liberty St

75th St

Rickert Dr

Montgomery Rd 83rd St

Bluff Rd

Cass Ave

Lem

ont R

d

Inter

naiona e Pkwy

River Rd

North Aurora Rd

Irving Park Rd

Gary s M ll Rd

Maple Ave

Circle Ave

Smith Rd

Ger

ber R

d

Med

nah

Rd

M

edi n

ah R

d

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin OrsquoHare

Geneva Rd

Bilter Rd

DuPage Pkwy

Shor

e Rd

Ogden Ave

Book

Rd

Jackson Ave

Pa

nfed-N

aperve Rd

Abbeywood Dr

Ranc

h V

ew D

r

Hobson R

d

Hitcock Ave

Manning Rd

Lem

on

t Rd

Gi bert Ave

Finley

Rd

Adam

s St

Wilson Ave

Park

Blv

d

College Rd

Army Trail Rd

Naper Blvd

Green Tra ls Dr

Ferry Rd

Mor

ton

Rd

Davey Rd

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd

Fron

tena

c Rd

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Des Plaines Pl esRiverwayRi r

e

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands

rsquosWWooW

Du

aynenev

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWo s

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWo s

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes

e

owowvv

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

kHighRidge

Salt Cre k Greenway

Woodd

G

e a

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

Gr enGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

manLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlandsWetlands

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

We tWestBranchBranch

PrattPrattrsquossWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

ayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWo sWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWo sWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakesLakes

Woo sWoods

W renvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoo sWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneV leyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

kHighYorkHighRidgeRidge

Salt Cre kSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

erfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St JamesSt JamesFarmFarm

Des Plaines Des Plaines

294

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt

Page 17: The Conservationist Winter 2010

SNOWBIRDS for Snowbirders

by CHRISTOPHER GUTMANN NATURALIST FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER

Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis)

copy T

ony T

anou

ry

4

3

6

5

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

copy Brian E Sm

allVIREOcopy

R amp S DayVIREO

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy J Schum

acherVIREO

1

2

Have you ever seen a male northern cardinal in the rich early-morning sun with a

backdrop of freshly fallen pure-white snow Have you ever seen a red-tailed hawk perched majestically on a bur oak overseeing its vast wintery kingdom Have you ever seen a mallard and an American black duck swimming side by side and discovered how theyrsquore different If you would like the answer to any of these questions to be ldquoyesrdquo grab a pair of binoculars and head to your nearest DuPage County forest preserve this winter

Yes itrsquos cold but the birding is never easier There are hardly any concealing leaves and the bright colors and dramatic contrasts of many birds become even more conspicuous in the otherwise drab winter landscape True there are fewer species around in winter but that just makes them easier to identify Even a modest-sized forest preserve like Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook can have over 40 species this time of year and the birds are practically begging to be seen The only way it would be easier to find them is if they had blinking neon arrows pointing in their direction

Some people assume that most birds fly south for the winter and while many species do travel as far as South America on their fall journeys for others DuPage County is ldquosouthrdquo The best example of this is the original snowbird the dark-eyed junco Juncos spend their summers in the far

north east and west but in winter you can find these cute gray-and-white sparrow-sized birds in DuPage County foraging low to the ground in small flocks

Other birds thought to fly south never leave the county One example is the American goldfinch Goldfinches are abundant in winter but because the males exchange their trademark bright yellow summer plumage for the femalesrsquo browns and grays many people donrsquot realize theyrsquore still in the neighborhood You can find American goldfinches in their winter ldquoclothesrdquo foraging on the leftover seed heads of dormant wildflowers

Even more surprising than the incognito goldfinch is the famous ldquoharbinger of springrdquo the American robin You can sometimes see this bird in forests foraging by the hundreds for leftover berries in the middle of winter Winter birders should also keep an eye out for the robinrsquos berry-loving cousin the eastern bluebird

There are of course more familiar winter favorites Male northern cardinals sit boldly on shrubs radiating their fire-engineshyred feathers Adorable black-capped chickadees hang upside down on branches calling ldquochick-a-dee-dee-dee-deerdquo to let each other know theyrsquore being watched by a big primate mdash you

A true bird lover will even marvel this time of year at the much-maligned yet stunningly beautiful blue jay Its colors alone

18 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy

G BartleyVIREO 9

copy F K SchleicherVIREO

10

11

7

8

copy Brian Tang

copy R CurtisVIREO

lt 1 Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2 American black duck (Anas rubripes) 3 American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) 4 Hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 5 Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 6 American robin (Turdus migratorius) 7 Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8 Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 9 White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 10 Brown creeper (Certhia americana) 11 Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

make it worth watching but itrsquos also an incredibly intelligent bird with a wide array of fascinating behaviors including mimicry For years there has been a blue jay at Fullersburg Woods that does a dead-on impression of a Cooperrsquos hawk which routinely fools birders Its imitation of a red-tailed hawk is respectable but its red-shouldered-hawk act needs some work

Speaking of blue jays and hawks have you ever heard a small flock of blue jays making a racket in the treetops If you take the time to investigate yoursquoll often find the jays mobbing a hawk or an owl trying to persuade the predator to leave their territory The jays arenrsquot trying to annoy you theyrsquore just telling you that therersquos another incredible bird nearby

Winter birders should remember too to focus on more than just branches Some of the most handsome and interesting species can be found hanging out on trunks As red-bellied downy and hairy woodpeckers hunt for food their reds blacks and whites stand out against the drab browns and grays of the bark White-breasted nuthatches grunt their way down tree trunks head first as they busily wedge seeds into the bark but well-camouflaged brown creepers steadily spiral their way up

If you visit the forest preserves soon after they open itrsquos not uncommon to see a great horned owl wrapping up its nighttime winter hunting or an eastern screech owl perching at the entrance to a tree cavity or wood-duck house as it soaks in a little heat from the sun Use your binoculars to view them from afar though It may look as if their eyes are closed but chances are theyrsquove seen and heard you coming long before yoursquove spotted them If they feel yoursquove gotten too close they will quickly disappear

Last but not least winter is a great time to view waterfowl Many ducks including male wood ducks are in their

brightest plumage and even mallards look stunning on the icy water Always look closely at large flocks of mallards or Canada geese you might notice the luminous irises of a common goldeneye or the comically large bill of a northern shoveler mingling in the crowd

Of course you canrsquot see any of these amazing animals unless you get outside this winter for a snowbird adventure at a DuPage County forest preserve near you bull

FINDING FEATHERED FRIENDS in Forest Preserves 1 Avoid brightly colored clothing Some birds will flush at the

first sight of you The longer it takes them to spot you the better your chances are of getting a good look at them

2 Itrsquos called bird-watching not bird talking Loud noises can scare birds so keep conversation as quiet as possible and turn off cell phones

3 Take your time and slowly scan an area Often birds are silent and will reveal themselves only with subtle movements

4 Leave Fido at home A recent study showed that dog walking in woodlands leads to a 35 percent reduction in bird diversity and a 41 percent reduction in abundance

5 In spring attend ldquoFullersBird Fridaysrdquo at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and ldquoBirding at Willowbrookrdquo at Willowbrook Wildlife Center These naturalist-led bird walks are great for beginning birders

wwwdupageforest org 19

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve explore

More Than Meets the Eye

by JAYNE BOHNER OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

6or many people driving down County Farm Road Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in West Chicago is the home of Kline Creek Farm the Forest

Preserve District of DuPage Countyrsquos 200-acre 1890s living-history farm but the farm is just a part of a remarkable 1148-acre forest preserve

The crops at Kline Creek Farm and a few dozen tillable acres to the north serve as reminders of the arearsquos agricultural roots but within a stretch of land north of the Great Western Trail the Forest Preserve District has converted former fields to more native habitat By removing clay tiles that farmers once installed to drain the soil District ecologists have restored the natural hydrology to the land where they have subsequently planted native wetland species like cattails bulrushes and water plantains In drier areas by removing tree lines that once grew along old fence rows they have created more open grasslands which theyrsquove seeded with flora like big and little bluestem black-eyed Susans lead plant and prairie clover In summer the prairie plants accommodate ground-nesting birds like eastern meadowlarks and savanna sparrows but this time of year they feed American tree sparrows juncos fox sparrows and white-throated sparrows while their stems pods and dried leaves create a natural architecture that displays the seasonrsquos powdery snows

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is also home to a natural savanna Klein Savanna which borders the

F north side of the Illinois Prairie Path just west of Klein Creek Its diversity of plant life makes it one of the highest quality ecosystems in the District Here dormant Allegheny shadblows also known as Allegheny serviceberries wait for spring to trigger their production of fragrant clusters of white flowers and juicy fruits Bare white and bur oaks and shagbark hickories stand over frozen ground that in a few months will erupt with trilliums spring beauties and trout lilies or thaw into ephemeral ponds that will broadcast the sounds of chorus frogs and American toads In summer when foxglove beard tongues and Jacobrsquos ladders bloom the verdant savanna will sing with woodland birds like northern orioles nuthatches black-capped chickadees and scarlet tanagers Winter though promises glimpses of great horned owls which begin nesting in February when the barren landscape makes it easier for adults and fledglings to spot prey

For fans of either the Great Western Trail or the Illinois Prairie Path Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is an ideal starting point Those who want to begin their excursions farther west

often use the small lot on Prince Crossing Road just north of the Great Western Trail (An upland grove east of the parking lot on the south side of the trail is home to a stately white oak roughly 50 inches in diameter 90 feet tall and two to three centuries old) Hikers bikers and cross-country skiers looking for more amenities may instead choose the Kline Creek Farm parking lot on

20 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea)

lt Fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

copy G M

cElroyVIREOcopy

J P Myers

White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

lt Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

North

Quick Look

For a detailed map of Timber Ridge visit wwwdupageforestorg

North Ave

St Charles Rd

Indian Knoll Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Geneva Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Winfield Rd

Kline Creek Farm

Opening Spring 2010

Visitor Center

I llinois P rairie P ath E lgin Spu r

I llinois P rairie P ath G enev a Spu r

G reat W estern T rail

64

Hawthorne Ln

Coun

ty F

arm

Rd

KleinCreek

TimberLake

SpringLake

West BranchDuPage River

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve

KleinSavanna

County Farm Road near the Timber Ridge Visitor Center The centerrsquos drinking fountains and heated restrooms are open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset The interior of the center which houses displays relating to the farmstead and a gift shop is only open during Kline Creek Farmrsquos regular operating hours Thursdays through Mondays from 9 am until 5 pm For information on Kline Creek Farm exhibits educational programs and special events call the farm at (630) 876-5900

The County Farm Road parking lot connects to a 1-mile north-south Forest Preserve District trail that joins the Great Western Trail with the Illinois Prairie Path It also leads to a moderate 05-mile gravel trail that takes anglers to Timber Lake The 17-acre lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet and offers largemouth bass bluegill channel catfish crappie green sunfish carp and black bullheads (A second smaller lake Spring Lake lies in the interior of the forest preserve It boasts being one of only two natural lakes in the county but is inaccessible by trail)

An anticipated addition to Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is a 30-car parking lot on Prince Crossing Road roughly 04 mile north of Geneva Road Opening in spring 2010 the area will give visitors access to a western portion of the preserve via a 075-mile looped trail with two overlooks near the wetland informally known as the Geneva Road Marsh This time of year oases of open water on the marsh are packed with mallards dabbling for seeds and aquatic vegetation but by summer egrets and great blue herons will again be standing in the shallows picking frogs from the white water lilies that will eventually unfurl over the entire marsh bull

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

ltcopy

Joseph Weibler lt

wwwdupageforest org 21

directory

GENERAL Contacts

HEADQUARTERS

Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189

The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm The office is closed on Saturday Sunday and select holidays

Mailing Address PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

Web Site wwwdupageforestorg

E-mail Address forestdupageforestorg

Main Number (630) 933-7200

TTY (800) 526-0857

THE CONSERVATIONIST SUBSCRIPTION LINE (630) 933-7085

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (630) 933-7097

LAW ENFORCEMENT (630) 933-7240

THE OUTDOOR REPORT (630) 871-6422

VISITOR SERVICES (630) 933-7248

VOLUNTEER SERVICES (630) 933-7681

GOLF Clubs

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

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 272 S Addison Road Wood Dale IL 60191 (630) 616-8424

OAK MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 900 N Wood Dale Road Addison IL 60101 (630) 595-1800

copy J P Myers

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 Districtrsquos ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit

EDUCATION Centers

DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 3S503 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189 (630) 668-6012

The centerrsquos office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 430 pm and is closed on select holidays

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook IL 60523 (630) 850-8110

The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm 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 am to 5 pm and is closed on Tuesday Wednesday and select holidays

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

The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER 525 S Park Blvd Glen Ellyn IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and are closed on select holidays

22 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

North

o e e opForest Preserve Property

n d o e e opForest Preserve Property

o eLakePondWaterway

WetWetland

e gEntranceParking

o e Forest Preserve Trail

opo d Proposed Trail

Co County Trail

U ouUS Route

S oState Route

e RInterstate Route

U Unofficial Name

CHICAGOOrsquoHAREINTrsquoL

AIRPORT

THE MORTONARBORETUM

ARGONNENATIONAL

LABORATORY

FERMI NATIONALACCELERATORLABORATORY

DUPAGECOUNTYAIRPORT

CANT GNY

DUPAGECOUNTYCOMPLEX

C a r o l S t r e a m

G l e n d a l eH e i g h t s

A u r o r a

S t C h a r l e s

W a y n e

B a r t l e t t

W e s tC h i c a g o

L o m b a r d

G l e nE l l y n

H a n o v e rP a r k

B l o o m i n g d a l e

A d d i s o n

W h e a t o n

W o o d r i d g e

N a p e r v i l l e

D a r i e n

W i l l o w b r o o k

B u r rR i d g e

H i n s d a l e

W e s t m o n t

C l a r e n d o nH i l l s

O a k B r o o k

D o w n e r sG r o v e

O a k b r o o kT e r r a c e

E l m h u r s t

V i l l aP a r k

E l k G r o v e

W o o d D a l e

B e n s e n v i l l e

R o s e l l e

L i s l e

W a r r e n v i l l e

I t a s c a

W i n f i e l d

I l l inois Prairie Path

Great Western Trai l

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prairie Path

Batavia Spur

Aurora Spur

Aurora

Spur

Elgin Spur

West Branch DuPage River

East BranchDuPage River

Des Plaines River

SaltCreek

SpringbrookCreek

School St

Gro

ve A

ve

Montrose Ave

Rive

r Rd

20

19

83

83

55

53

53

53290

290

355

355

34

34

59

59

64

38

56

88

88

Stearns Rd

Smith Rd

Powis Rd

Pow

is Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Munger Rd

Klei

n Rd

Bart

lett

Rd

Greenbrook Blvd

Cloverdale Rd

Thorn Rd

Cou

nty

Farm

Rd

Schick Rd Schick Rd

Kuhn

Rd

Fair

Oak

s Rd

North Ave

Gar

y A

ve

Schm

ale

Rd

Bu de te Ave

Bloomingdal e Rd

Rose

lle R

d

Gl e

n E l

lyn

R d

Swift

Rd

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd

Grac e St

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd

Add

son Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd

Devon Ave

Prospect Ave

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd

Grand Ave

York Rd

Va Ave

Vill a Ave

Butterfield Rd High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave

Summ

it Ave

West m

ore A ve

Mey

ers

Rd

Highland A

ve

St Charles Rd

Cres

cent Blvd

Mai

n St

M

a in

St

Hill Ave

Pennsylvan a Ave

Harrison St

Main St

St Charles Rd

St Charles Rd

Roosevelt Rd Wes

t St

Geneva Rd

Harrison Ave

Manchester Rd

Jewell Rd

H ghlake Rd

Ind an Kno

Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Washington St

Arbor A

ve

Downs Dr

ndus

tra

Dr

Kres

s R

d

Kautz Rd

Fabyan Pkwy

Batavia Rd

Purnell Rd

Winf

ield

Rd

Mack Rd

Sch a

ffne

r Rd

Weis

brook Rd

Orc

hard

Rd

War

renv

ille R

d

Plamondon Rd

Nap

ervi

lle R

d

Blan

char

d St

Butterfield Rd

Fawell Blvd

Park

Blv

d

Finley Rd

31st St Oakbrook Rd

Midw

est Ave

22nd St Harger Rd

Sprng Rd

York Rd

Spring Rd

Chicago Ave

35th St Cass A

ve

Hig

hlan

d A

ve

Naperville Rd

Leask Ln

Nape

rvil

e Rd

Warrenville Rd

Her

rick

Rd

Wnf

ed

Rd

Bilter Rd

Ferry Rd

Diehl Rd Diehl Rd

Eola

Rd

Raymond Dr

Mill St

Doug as Ave

Jefferson Ave Chicago Ave

Yack

ley

Ave

Col

lege

Rd

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd

Garfield A

ve

Harvester Rd

Em

Rd

Jol et Rd

Cou

nty

Line

Rd

91st St

Madison St

Fairv

iew

Ave

Main St

Ma

n St

75th St

Plainfield Rd

Cass A

ve

87th St Oldfield Rd

Wood w

ard Ave

83rd St

Gre

ene

Rd

75th St

79th St

Hobson Rd

Weh

rli R

d

Nap

er B

lvd

Was

hing

ton

St

Washington St

87th St

Modaff Rd

Gartner Rd

Aurora Ave

New York St

Liberty St

75th St

Rickert Dr

Montgomery Rd 83rd St

Bluff Rd

Cass Ave

Lem

ont R

d

Inter

naiona e Pkwy

River Rd

North Aurora Rd

Irving Park Rd

Gary s M ll Rd

Maple Ave

Circle Ave

Smith Rd

Ger

ber R

d

Med

nah

Rd

M

edi n

ah R

d

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin OrsquoHare

Geneva Rd

Bilter Rd

DuPage Pkwy

Shor

e Rd

Ogden Ave

Book

Rd

Jackson Ave

Pa

nfed-N

aperve Rd

Abbeywood Dr

Ranc

h V

ew D

r

Hobson R

d

Hitcock Ave

Manning Rd

Lem

on

t Rd

Gi bert Ave

Finley

Rd

Adam

s St

Wilson Ave

Park

Blv

d

College Rd

Army Trail Rd

Naper Blvd

Green Tra ls Dr

Ferry Rd

Mor

ton

Rd

Davey Rd

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd

Fron

tena

c Rd

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Des Plaines Pl esRiverwayRi r

e

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands

rsquosWWooW

Du

aynenev

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWo s

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWo s

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes

e

owowvv

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

kHighRidge

Salt Cre k Greenway

Woodd

G

e a

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

Gr enGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

manLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlandsWetlands

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

We tWestBranchBranch

PrattPrattrsquossWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

ayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWo sWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWo sWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakesLakes

Woo sWoods

W renvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoo sWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneV leyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

kHighYorkHighRidgeRidge

Salt Cre kSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

erfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St JamesSt JamesFarmFarm

Des Plaines Des Plaines

294

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt

Page 18: The Conservationist Winter 2010

4

3

6

5

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

copy Brian E Sm

allVIREOcopy

R amp S DayVIREO

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy J Schum

acherVIREO

1

2

Have you ever seen a male northern cardinal in the rich early-morning sun with a

backdrop of freshly fallen pure-white snow Have you ever seen a red-tailed hawk perched majestically on a bur oak overseeing its vast wintery kingdom Have you ever seen a mallard and an American black duck swimming side by side and discovered how theyrsquore different If you would like the answer to any of these questions to be ldquoyesrdquo grab a pair of binoculars and head to your nearest DuPage County forest preserve this winter

Yes itrsquos cold but the birding is never easier There are hardly any concealing leaves and the bright colors and dramatic contrasts of many birds become even more conspicuous in the otherwise drab winter landscape True there are fewer species around in winter but that just makes them easier to identify Even a modest-sized forest preserve like Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook can have over 40 species this time of year and the birds are practically begging to be seen The only way it would be easier to find them is if they had blinking neon arrows pointing in their direction

Some people assume that most birds fly south for the winter and while many species do travel as far as South America on their fall journeys for others DuPage County is ldquosouthrdquo The best example of this is the original snowbird the dark-eyed junco Juncos spend their summers in the far

north east and west but in winter you can find these cute gray-and-white sparrow-sized birds in DuPage County foraging low to the ground in small flocks

Other birds thought to fly south never leave the county One example is the American goldfinch Goldfinches are abundant in winter but because the males exchange their trademark bright yellow summer plumage for the femalesrsquo browns and grays many people donrsquot realize theyrsquore still in the neighborhood You can find American goldfinches in their winter ldquoclothesrdquo foraging on the leftover seed heads of dormant wildflowers

Even more surprising than the incognito goldfinch is the famous ldquoharbinger of springrdquo the American robin You can sometimes see this bird in forests foraging by the hundreds for leftover berries in the middle of winter Winter birders should also keep an eye out for the robinrsquos berry-loving cousin the eastern bluebird

There are of course more familiar winter favorites Male northern cardinals sit boldly on shrubs radiating their fire-engineshyred feathers Adorable black-capped chickadees hang upside down on branches calling ldquochick-a-dee-dee-dee-deerdquo to let each other know theyrsquore being watched by a big primate mdash you

A true bird lover will even marvel this time of year at the much-maligned yet stunningly beautiful blue jay Its colors alone

18 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy

G BartleyVIREO 9

copy F K SchleicherVIREO

10

11

7

8

copy Brian Tang

copy R CurtisVIREO

lt 1 Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2 American black duck (Anas rubripes) 3 American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) 4 Hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 5 Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 6 American robin (Turdus migratorius) 7 Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8 Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 9 White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 10 Brown creeper (Certhia americana) 11 Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

make it worth watching but itrsquos also an incredibly intelligent bird with a wide array of fascinating behaviors including mimicry For years there has been a blue jay at Fullersburg Woods that does a dead-on impression of a Cooperrsquos hawk which routinely fools birders Its imitation of a red-tailed hawk is respectable but its red-shouldered-hawk act needs some work

Speaking of blue jays and hawks have you ever heard a small flock of blue jays making a racket in the treetops If you take the time to investigate yoursquoll often find the jays mobbing a hawk or an owl trying to persuade the predator to leave their territory The jays arenrsquot trying to annoy you theyrsquore just telling you that therersquos another incredible bird nearby

Winter birders should remember too to focus on more than just branches Some of the most handsome and interesting species can be found hanging out on trunks As red-bellied downy and hairy woodpeckers hunt for food their reds blacks and whites stand out against the drab browns and grays of the bark White-breasted nuthatches grunt their way down tree trunks head first as they busily wedge seeds into the bark but well-camouflaged brown creepers steadily spiral their way up

If you visit the forest preserves soon after they open itrsquos not uncommon to see a great horned owl wrapping up its nighttime winter hunting or an eastern screech owl perching at the entrance to a tree cavity or wood-duck house as it soaks in a little heat from the sun Use your binoculars to view them from afar though It may look as if their eyes are closed but chances are theyrsquove seen and heard you coming long before yoursquove spotted them If they feel yoursquove gotten too close they will quickly disappear

Last but not least winter is a great time to view waterfowl Many ducks including male wood ducks are in their

brightest plumage and even mallards look stunning on the icy water Always look closely at large flocks of mallards or Canada geese you might notice the luminous irises of a common goldeneye or the comically large bill of a northern shoveler mingling in the crowd

Of course you canrsquot see any of these amazing animals unless you get outside this winter for a snowbird adventure at a DuPage County forest preserve near you bull

FINDING FEATHERED FRIENDS in Forest Preserves 1 Avoid brightly colored clothing Some birds will flush at the

first sight of you The longer it takes them to spot you the better your chances are of getting a good look at them

2 Itrsquos called bird-watching not bird talking Loud noises can scare birds so keep conversation as quiet as possible and turn off cell phones

3 Take your time and slowly scan an area Often birds are silent and will reveal themselves only with subtle movements

4 Leave Fido at home A recent study showed that dog walking in woodlands leads to a 35 percent reduction in bird diversity and a 41 percent reduction in abundance

5 In spring attend ldquoFullersBird Fridaysrdquo at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and ldquoBirding at Willowbrookrdquo at Willowbrook Wildlife Center These naturalist-led bird walks are great for beginning birders

wwwdupageforest org 19

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve explore

More Than Meets the Eye

by JAYNE BOHNER OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

6or many people driving down County Farm Road Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in West Chicago is the home of Kline Creek Farm the Forest

Preserve District of DuPage Countyrsquos 200-acre 1890s living-history farm but the farm is just a part of a remarkable 1148-acre forest preserve

The crops at Kline Creek Farm and a few dozen tillable acres to the north serve as reminders of the arearsquos agricultural roots but within a stretch of land north of the Great Western Trail the Forest Preserve District has converted former fields to more native habitat By removing clay tiles that farmers once installed to drain the soil District ecologists have restored the natural hydrology to the land where they have subsequently planted native wetland species like cattails bulrushes and water plantains In drier areas by removing tree lines that once grew along old fence rows they have created more open grasslands which theyrsquove seeded with flora like big and little bluestem black-eyed Susans lead plant and prairie clover In summer the prairie plants accommodate ground-nesting birds like eastern meadowlarks and savanna sparrows but this time of year they feed American tree sparrows juncos fox sparrows and white-throated sparrows while their stems pods and dried leaves create a natural architecture that displays the seasonrsquos powdery snows

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is also home to a natural savanna Klein Savanna which borders the

F north side of the Illinois Prairie Path just west of Klein Creek Its diversity of plant life makes it one of the highest quality ecosystems in the District Here dormant Allegheny shadblows also known as Allegheny serviceberries wait for spring to trigger their production of fragrant clusters of white flowers and juicy fruits Bare white and bur oaks and shagbark hickories stand over frozen ground that in a few months will erupt with trilliums spring beauties and trout lilies or thaw into ephemeral ponds that will broadcast the sounds of chorus frogs and American toads In summer when foxglove beard tongues and Jacobrsquos ladders bloom the verdant savanna will sing with woodland birds like northern orioles nuthatches black-capped chickadees and scarlet tanagers Winter though promises glimpses of great horned owls which begin nesting in February when the barren landscape makes it easier for adults and fledglings to spot prey

For fans of either the Great Western Trail or the Illinois Prairie Path Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is an ideal starting point Those who want to begin their excursions farther west

often use the small lot on Prince Crossing Road just north of the Great Western Trail (An upland grove east of the parking lot on the south side of the trail is home to a stately white oak roughly 50 inches in diameter 90 feet tall and two to three centuries old) Hikers bikers and cross-country skiers looking for more amenities may instead choose the Kline Creek Farm parking lot on

20 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea)

lt Fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

copy G M

cElroyVIREOcopy

J P Myers

White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

lt Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

North

Quick Look

For a detailed map of Timber Ridge visit wwwdupageforestorg

North Ave

St Charles Rd

Indian Knoll Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Geneva Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Winfield Rd

Kline Creek Farm

Opening Spring 2010

Visitor Center

I llinois P rairie P ath E lgin Spu r

I llinois P rairie P ath G enev a Spu r

G reat W estern T rail

64

Hawthorne Ln

Coun

ty F

arm

Rd

KleinCreek

TimberLake

SpringLake

West BranchDuPage River

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve

KleinSavanna

County Farm Road near the Timber Ridge Visitor Center The centerrsquos drinking fountains and heated restrooms are open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset The interior of the center which houses displays relating to the farmstead and a gift shop is only open during Kline Creek Farmrsquos regular operating hours Thursdays through Mondays from 9 am until 5 pm For information on Kline Creek Farm exhibits educational programs and special events call the farm at (630) 876-5900

The County Farm Road parking lot connects to a 1-mile north-south Forest Preserve District trail that joins the Great Western Trail with the Illinois Prairie Path It also leads to a moderate 05-mile gravel trail that takes anglers to Timber Lake The 17-acre lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet and offers largemouth bass bluegill channel catfish crappie green sunfish carp and black bullheads (A second smaller lake Spring Lake lies in the interior of the forest preserve It boasts being one of only two natural lakes in the county but is inaccessible by trail)

An anticipated addition to Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is a 30-car parking lot on Prince Crossing Road roughly 04 mile north of Geneva Road Opening in spring 2010 the area will give visitors access to a western portion of the preserve via a 075-mile looped trail with two overlooks near the wetland informally known as the Geneva Road Marsh This time of year oases of open water on the marsh are packed with mallards dabbling for seeds and aquatic vegetation but by summer egrets and great blue herons will again be standing in the shallows picking frogs from the white water lilies that will eventually unfurl over the entire marsh bull

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

ltcopy

Joseph Weibler lt

wwwdupageforest org 21

directory

GENERAL Contacts

HEADQUARTERS

Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189

The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm The office is closed on Saturday Sunday and select holidays

Mailing Address PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

Web Site wwwdupageforestorg

E-mail Address forestdupageforestorg

Main Number (630) 933-7200

TTY (800) 526-0857

THE CONSERVATIONIST SUBSCRIPTION LINE (630) 933-7085

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (630) 933-7097

LAW ENFORCEMENT (630) 933-7240

THE OUTDOOR REPORT (630) 871-6422

VISITOR SERVICES (630) 933-7248

VOLUNTEER SERVICES (630) 933-7681

GOLF Clubs

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

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 272 S Addison Road Wood Dale IL 60191 (630) 616-8424

OAK MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 900 N Wood Dale Road Addison IL 60101 (630) 595-1800

copy J P Myers

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 Districtrsquos ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit

EDUCATION Centers

DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 3S503 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189 (630) 668-6012

The centerrsquos office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 430 pm and is closed on select holidays

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook IL 60523 (630) 850-8110

The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm 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 am to 5 pm and is closed on Tuesday Wednesday and select holidays

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

The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER 525 S Park Blvd Glen Ellyn IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and are closed on select holidays

22 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

North

o e e opForest Preserve Property

n d o e e opForest Preserve Property

o eLakePondWaterway

WetWetland

e gEntranceParking

o e Forest Preserve Trail

opo d Proposed Trail

Co County Trail

U ouUS Route

S oState Route

e RInterstate Route

U Unofficial Name

CHICAGOOrsquoHAREINTrsquoL

AIRPORT

THE MORTONARBORETUM

ARGONNENATIONAL

LABORATORY

FERMI NATIONALACCELERATORLABORATORY

DUPAGECOUNTYAIRPORT

CANT GNY

DUPAGECOUNTYCOMPLEX

C a r o l S t r e a m

G l e n d a l eH e i g h t s

A u r o r a

S t C h a r l e s

W a y n e

B a r t l e t t

W e s tC h i c a g o

L o m b a r d

G l e nE l l y n

H a n o v e rP a r k

B l o o m i n g d a l e

A d d i s o n

W h e a t o n

W o o d r i d g e

N a p e r v i l l e

D a r i e n

W i l l o w b r o o k

B u r rR i d g e

H i n s d a l e

W e s t m o n t

C l a r e n d o nH i l l s

O a k B r o o k

D o w n e r sG r o v e

O a k b r o o kT e r r a c e

E l m h u r s t

V i l l aP a r k

E l k G r o v e

W o o d D a l e

B e n s e n v i l l e

R o s e l l e

L i s l e

W a r r e n v i l l e

I t a s c a

W i n f i e l d

I l l inois Prairie Path

Great Western Trai l

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prairie Path

Batavia Spur

Aurora Spur

Aurora

Spur

Elgin Spur

West Branch DuPage River

East BranchDuPage River

Des Plaines River

SaltCreek

SpringbrookCreek

School St

Gro

ve A

ve

Montrose Ave

Rive

r Rd

20

19

83

83

55

53

53

53290

290

355

355

34

34

59

59

64

38

56

88

88

Stearns Rd

Smith Rd

Powis Rd

Pow

is Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Munger Rd

Klei

n Rd

Bart

lett

Rd

Greenbrook Blvd

Cloverdale Rd

Thorn Rd

Cou

nty

Farm

Rd

Schick Rd Schick Rd

Kuhn

Rd

Fair

Oak

s Rd

North Ave

Gar

y A

ve

Schm

ale

Rd

Bu de te Ave

Bloomingdal e Rd

Rose

lle R

d

Gl e

n E l

lyn

R d

Swift

Rd

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd

Grac e St

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd

Add

son Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd

Devon Ave

Prospect Ave

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd

Grand Ave

York Rd

Va Ave

Vill a Ave

Butterfield Rd High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave

Summ

it Ave

West m

ore A ve

Mey

ers

Rd

Highland A

ve

St Charles Rd

Cres

cent Blvd

Mai

n St

M

a in

St

Hill Ave

Pennsylvan a Ave

Harrison St

Main St

St Charles Rd

St Charles Rd

Roosevelt Rd Wes

t St

Geneva Rd

Harrison Ave

Manchester Rd

Jewell Rd

H ghlake Rd

Ind an Kno

Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Washington St

Arbor A

ve

Downs Dr

ndus

tra

Dr

Kres

s R

d

Kautz Rd

Fabyan Pkwy

Batavia Rd

Purnell Rd

Winf

ield

Rd

Mack Rd

Sch a

ffne

r Rd

Weis

brook Rd

Orc

hard

Rd

War

renv

ille R

d

Plamondon Rd

Nap

ervi

lle R

d

Blan

char

d St

Butterfield Rd

Fawell Blvd

Park

Blv

d

Finley Rd

31st St Oakbrook Rd

Midw

est Ave

22nd St Harger Rd

Sprng Rd

York Rd

Spring Rd

Chicago Ave

35th St Cass A

ve

Hig

hlan

d A

ve

Naperville Rd

Leask Ln

Nape

rvil

e Rd

Warrenville Rd

Her

rick

Rd

Wnf

ed

Rd

Bilter Rd

Ferry Rd

Diehl Rd Diehl Rd

Eola

Rd

Raymond Dr

Mill St

Doug as Ave

Jefferson Ave Chicago Ave

Yack

ley

Ave

Col

lege

Rd

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd

Garfield A

ve

Harvester Rd

Em

Rd

Jol et Rd

Cou

nty

Line

Rd

91st St

Madison St

Fairv

iew

Ave

Main St

Ma

n St

75th St

Plainfield Rd

Cass A

ve

87th St Oldfield Rd

Wood w

ard Ave

83rd St

Gre

ene

Rd

75th St

79th St

Hobson Rd

Weh

rli R

d

Nap

er B

lvd

Was

hing

ton

St

Washington St

87th St

Modaff Rd

Gartner Rd

Aurora Ave

New York St

Liberty St

75th St

Rickert Dr

Montgomery Rd 83rd St

Bluff Rd

Cass Ave

Lem

ont R

d

Inter

naiona e Pkwy

River Rd

North Aurora Rd

Irving Park Rd

Gary s M ll Rd

Maple Ave

Circle Ave

Smith Rd

Ger

ber R

d

Med

nah

Rd

M

edi n

ah R

d

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin OrsquoHare

Geneva Rd

Bilter Rd

DuPage Pkwy

Shor

e Rd

Ogden Ave

Book

Rd

Jackson Ave

Pa

nfed-N

aperve Rd

Abbeywood Dr

Ranc

h V

ew D

r

Hobson R

d

Hitcock Ave

Manning Rd

Lem

on

t Rd

Gi bert Ave

Finley

Rd

Adam

s St

Wilson Ave

Park

Blv

d

College Rd

Army Trail Rd

Naper Blvd

Green Tra ls Dr

Ferry Rd

Mor

ton

Rd

Davey Rd

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd

Fron

tena

c Rd

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Des Plaines Pl esRiverwayRi r

e

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands

rsquosWWooW

Du

aynenev

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWo s

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWo s

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes

e

owowvv

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

kHighRidge

Salt Cre k Greenway

Woodd

G

e a

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

Gr enGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

manLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlandsWetlands

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

We tWestBranchBranch

PrattPrattrsquossWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

ayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWo sWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWo sWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakesLakes

Woo sWoods

W renvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoo sWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneV leyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

kHighYorkHighRidgeRidge

Salt Cre kSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

erfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St JamesSt JamesFarmFarm

Des Plaines Des Plaines

294

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt

Page 19: The Conservationist Winter 2010

copy A amp J BinnsVIREO

copy

G BartleyVIREO 9

copy F K SchleicherVIREO

10

11

7

8

copy Brian Tang

copy R CurtisVIREO

lt 1 Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2 American black duck (Anas rubripes) 3 American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) 4 Hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 5 Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 6 American robin (Turdus migratorius) 7 Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8 Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 9 White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 10 Brown creeper (Certhia americana) 11 Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

make it worth watching but itrsquos also an incredibly intelligent bird with a wide array of fascinating behaviors including mimicry For years there has been a blue jay at Fullersburg Woods that does a dead-on impression of a Cooperrsquos hawk which routinely fools birders Its imitation of a red-tailed hawk is respectable but its red-shouldered-hawk act needs some work

Speaking of blue jays and hawks have you ever heard a small flock of blue jays making a racket in the treetops If you take the time to investigate yoursquoll often find the jays mobbing a hawk or an owl trying to persuade the predator to leave their territory The jays arenrsquot trying to annoy you theyrsquore just telling you that therersquos another incredible bird nearby

Winter birders should remember too to focus on more than just branches Some of the most handsome and interesting species can be found hanging out on trunks As red-bellied downy and hairy woodpeckers hunt for food their reds blacks and whites stand out against the drab browns and grays of the bark White-breasted nuthatches grunt their way down tree trunks head first as they busily wedge seeds into the bark but well-camouflaged brown creepers steadily spiral their way up

If you visit the forest preserves soon after they open itrsquos not uncommon to see a great horned owl wrapping up its nighttime winter hunting or an eastern screech owl perching at the entrance to a tree cavity or wood-duck house as it soaks in a little heat from the sun Use your binoculars to view them from afar though It may look as if their eyes are closed but chances are theyrsquove seen and heard you coming long before yoursquove spotted them If they feel yoursquove gotten too close they will quickly disappear

Last but not least winter is a great time to view waterfowl Many ducks including male wood ducks are in their

brightest plumage and even mallards look stunning on the icy water Always look closely at large flocks of mallards or Canada geese you might notice the luminous irises of a common goldeneye or the comically large bill of a northern shoveler mingling in the crowd

Of course you canrsquot see any of these amazing animals unless you get outside this winter for a snowbird adventure at a DuPage County forest preserve near you bull

FINDING FEATHERED FRIENDS in Forest Preserves 1 Avoid brightly colored clothing Some birds will flush at the

first sight of you The longer it takes them to spot you the better your chances are of getting a good look at them

2 Itrsquos called bird-watching not bird talking Loud noises can scare birds so keep conversation as quiet as possible and turn off cell phones

3 Take your time and slowly scan an area Often birds are silent and will reveal themselves only with subtle movements

4 Leave Fido at home A recent study showed that dog walking in woodlands leads to a 35 percent reduction in bird diversity and a 41 percent reduction in abundance

5 In spring attend ldquoFullersBird Fridaysrdquo at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and ldquoBirding at Willowbrookrdquo at Willowbrook Wildlife Center These naturalist-led bird walks are great for beginning birders

wwwdupageforest org 19

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve explore

More Than Meets the Eye

by JAYNE BOHNER OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

6or many people driving down County Farm Road Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in West Chicago is the home of Kline Creek Farm the Forest

Preserve District of DuPage Countyrsquos 200-acre 1890s living-history farm but the farm is just a part of a remarkable 1148-acre forest preserve

The crops at Kline Creek Farm and a few dozen tillable acres to the north serve as reminders of the arearsquos agricultural roots but within a stretch of land north of the Great Western Trail the Forest Preserve District has converted former fields to more native habitat By removing clay tiles that farmers once installed to drain the soil District ecologists have restored the natural hydrology to the land where they have subsequently planted native wetland species like cattails bulrushes and water plantains In drier areas by removing tree lines that once grew along old fence rows they have created more open grasslands which theyrsquove seeded with flora like big and little bluestem black-eyed Susans lead plant and prairie clover In summer the prairie plants accommodate ground-nesting birds like eastern meadowlarks and savanna sparrows but this time of year they feed American tree sparrows juncos fox sparrows and white-throated sparrows while their stems pods and dried leaves create a natural architecture that displays the seasonrsquos powdery snows

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is also home to a natural savanna Klein Savanna which borders the

F north side of the Illinois Prairie Path just west of Klein Creek Its diversity of plant life makes it one of the highest quality ecosystems in the District Here dormant Allegheny shadblows also known as Allegheny serviceberries wait for spring to trigger their production of fragrant clusters of white flowers and juicy fruits Bare white and bur oaks and shagbark hickories stand over frozen ground that in a few months will erupt with trilliums spring beauties and trout lilies or thaw into ephemeral ponds that will broadcast the sounds of chorus frogs and American toads In summer when foxglove beard tongues and Jacobrsquos ladders bloom the verdant savanna will sing with woodland birds like northern orioles nuthatches black-capped chickadees and scarlet tanagers Winter though promises glimpses of great horned owls which begin nesting in February when the barren landscape makes it easier for adults and fledglings to spot prey

For fans of either the Great Western Trail or the Illinois Prairie Path Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is an ideal starting point Those who want to begin their excursions farther west

often use the small lot on Prince Crossing Road just north of the Great Western Trail (An upland grove east of the parking lot on the south side of the trail is home to a stately white oak roughly 50 inches in diameter 90 feet tall and two to three centuries old) Hikers bikers and cross-country skiers looking for more amenities may instead choose the Kline Creek Farm parking lot on

20 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea)

lt Fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

copy G M

cElroyVIREOcopy

J P Myers

White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

lt Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

North

Quick Look

For a detailed map of Timber Ridge visit wwwdupageforestorg

North Ave

St Charles Rd

Indian Knoll Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Geneva Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Winfield Rd

Kline Creek Farm

Opening Spring 2010

Visitor Center

I llinois P rairie P ath E lgin Spu r

I llinois P rairie P ath G enev a Spu r

G reat W estern T rail

64

Hawthorne Ln

Coun

ty F

arm

Rd

KleinCreek

TimberLake

SpringLake

West BranchDuPage River

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve

KleinSavanna

County Farm Road near the Timber Ridge Visitor Center The centerrsquos drinking fountains and heated restrooms are open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset The interior of the center which houses displays relating to the farmstead and a gift shop is only open during Kline Creek Farmrsquos regular operating hours Thursdays through Mondays from 9 am until 5 pm For information on Kline Creek Farm exhibits educational programs and special events call the farm at (630) 876-5900

The County Farm Road parking lot connects to a 1-mile north-south Forest Preserve District trail that joins the Great Western Trail with the Illinois Prairie Path It also leads to a moderate 05-mile gravel trail that takes anglers to Timber Lake The 17-acre lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet and offers largemouth bass bluegill channel catfish crappie green sunfish carp and black bullheads (A second smaller lake Spring Lake lies in the interior of the forest preserve It boasts being one of only two natural lakes in the county but is inaccessible by trail)

An anticipated addition to Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is a 30-car parking lot on Prince Crossing Road roughly 04 mile north of Geneva Road Opening in spring 2010 the area will give visitors access to a western portion of the preserve via a 075-mile looped trail with two overlooks near the wetland informally known as the Geneva Road Marsh This time of year oases of open water on the marsh are packed with mallards dabbling for seeds and aquatic vegetation but by summer egrets and great blue herons will again be standing in the shallows picking frogs from the white water lilies that will eventually unfurl over the entire marsh bull

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

ltcopy

Joseph Weibler lt

wwwdupageforest org 21

directory

GENERAL Contacts

HEADQUARTERS

Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189

The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm The office is closed on Saturday Sunday and select holidays

Mailing Address PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

Web Site wwwdupageforestorg

E-mail Address forestdupageforestorg

Main Number (630) 933-7200

TTY (800) 526-0857

THE CONSERVATIONIST SUBSCRIPTION LINE (630) 933-7085

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (630) 933-7097

LAW ENFORCEMENT (630) 933-7240

THE OUTDOOR REPORT (630) 871-6422

VISITOR SERVICES (630) 933-7248

VOLUNTEER SERVICES (630) 933-7681

GOLF Clubs

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

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 272 S Addison Road Wood Dale IL 60191 (630) 616-8424

OAK MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 900 N Wood Dale Road Addison IL 60101 (630) 595-1800

copy J P Myers

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 Districtrsquos ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit

EDUCATION Centers

DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 3S503 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189 (630) 668-6012

The centerrsquos office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 430 pm and is closed on select holidays

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook IL 60523 (630) 850-8110

The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm 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 am to 5 pm and is closed on Tuesday Wednesday and select holidays

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

The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER 525 S Park Blvd Glen Ellyn IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and are closed on select holidays

22 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

North

o e e opForest Preserve Property

n d o e e opForest Preserve Property

o eLakePondWaterway

WetWetland

e gEntranceParking

o e Forest Preserve Trail

opo d Proposed Trail

Co County Trail

U ouUS Route

S oState Route

e RInterstate Route

U Unofficial Name

CHICAGOOrsquoHAREINTrsquoL

AIRPORT

THE MORTONARBORETUM

ARGONNENATIONAL

LABORATORY

FERMI NATIONALACCELERATORLABORATORY

DUPAGECOUNTYAIRPORT

CANT GNY

DUPAGECOUNTYCOMPLEX

C a r o l S t r e a m

G l e n d a l eH e i g h t s

A u r o r a

S t C h a r l e s

W a y n e

B a r t l e t t

W e s tC h i c a g o

L o m b a r d

G l e nE l l y n

H a n o v e rP a r k

B l o o m i n g d a l e

A d d i s o n

W h e a t o n

W o o d r i d g e

N a p e r v i l l e

D a r i e n

W i l l o w b r o o k

B u r rR i d g e

H i n s d a l e

W e s t m o n t

C l a r e n d o nH i l l s

O a k B r o o k

D o w n e r sG r o v e

O a k b r o o kT e r r a c e

E l m h u r s t

V i l l aP a r k

E l k G r o v e

W o o d D a l e

B e n s e n v i l l e

R o s e l l e

L i s l e

W a r r e n v i l l e

I t a s c a

W i n f i e l d

I l l inois Prairie Path

Great Western Trai l

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prairie Path

Batavia Spur

Aurora Spur

Aurora

Spur

Elgin Spur

West Branch DuPage River

East BranchDuPage River

Des Plaines River

SaltCreek

SpringbrookCreek

School St

Gro

ve A

ve

Montrose Ave

Rive

r Rd

20

19

83

83

55

53

53

53290

290

355

355

34

34

59

59

64

38

56

88

88

Stearns Rd

Smith Rd

Powis Rd

Pow

is Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Munger Rd

Klei

n Rd

Bart

lett

Rd

Greenbrook Blvd

Cloverdale Rd

Thorn Rd

Cou

nty

Farm

Rd

Schick Rd Schick Rd

Kuhn

Rd

Fair

Oak

s Rd

North Ave

Gar

y A

ve

Schm

ale

Rd

Bu de te Ave

Bloomingdal e Rd

Rose

lle R

d

Gl e

n E l

lyn

R d

Swift

Rd

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd

Grac e St

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd

Add

son Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd

Devon Ave

Prospect Ave

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd

Grand Ave

York Rd

Va Ave

Vill a Ave

Butterfield Rd High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave

Summ

it Ave

West m

ore A ve

Mey

ers

Rd

Highland A

ve

St Charles Rd

Cres

cent Blvd

Mai

n St

M

a in

St

Hill Ave

Pennsylvan a Ave

Harrison St

Main St

St Charles Rd

St Charles Rd

Roosevelt Rd Wes

t St

Geneva Rd

Harrison Ave

Manchester Rd

Jewell Rd

H ghlake Rd

Ind an Kno

Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Washington St

Arbor A

ve

Downs Dr

ndus

tra

Dr

Kres

s R

d

Kautz Rd

Fabyan Pkwy

Batavia Rd

Purnell Rd

Winf

ield

Rd

Mack Rd

Sch a

ffne

r Rd

Weis

brook Rd

Orc

hard

Rd

War

renv

ille R

d

Plamondon Rd

Nap

ervi

lle R

d

Blan

char

d St

Butterfield Rd

Fawell Blvd

Park

Blv

d

Finley Rd

31st St Oakbrook Rd

Midw

est Ave

22nd St Harger Rd

Sprng Rd

York Rd

Spring Rd

Chicago Ave

35th St Cass A

ve

Hig

hlan

d A

ve

Naperville Rd

Leask Ln

Nape

rvil

e Rd

Warrenville Rd

Her

rick

Rd

Wnf

ed

Rd

Bilter Rd

Ferry Rd

Diehl Rd Diehl Rd

Eola

Rd

Raymond Dr

Mill St

Doug as Ave

Jefferson Ave Chicago Ave

Yack

ley

Ave

Col

lege

Rd

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd

Garfield A

ve

Harvester Rd

Em

Rd

Jol et Rd

Cou

nty

Line

Rd

91st St

Madison St

Fairv

iew

Ave

Main St

Ma

n St

75th St

Plainfield Rd

Cass A

ve

87th St Oldfield Rd

Wood w

ard Ave

83rd St

Gre

ene

Rd

75th St

79th St

Hobson Rd

Weh

rli R

d

Nap

er B

lvd

Was

hing

ton

St

Washington St

87th St

Modaff Rd

Gartner Rd

Aurora Ave

New York St

Liberty St

75th St

Rickert Dr

Montgomery Rd 83rd St

Bluff Rd

Cass Ave

Lem

ont R

d

Inter

naiona e Pkwy

River Rd

North Aurora Rd

Irving Park Rd

Gary s M ll Rd

Maple Ave

Circle Ave

Smith Rd

Ger

ber R

d

Med

nah

Rd

M

edi n

ah R

d

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin OrsquoHare

Geneva Rd

Bilter Rd

DuPage Pkwy

Shor

e Rd

Ogden Ave

Book

Rd

Jackson Ave

Pa

nfed-N

aperve Rd

Abbeywood Dr

Ranc

h V

ew D

r

Hobson R

d

Hitcock Ave

Manning Rd

Lem

on

t Rd

Gi bert Ave

Finley

Rd

Adam

s St

Wilson Ave

Park

Blv

d

College Rd

Army Trail Rd

Naper Blvd

Green Tra ls Dr

Ferry Rd

Mor

ton

Rd

Davey Rd

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd

Fron

tena

c Rd

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Des Plaines Pl esRiverwayRi r

e

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands

rsquosWWooW

Du

aynenev

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWo s

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWo s

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes

e

owowvv

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

kHighRidge

Salt Cre k Greenway

Woodd

G

e a

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

Gr enGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

manLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlandsWetlands

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

We tWestBranchBranch

PrattPrattrsquossWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

ayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWo sWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWo sWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakesLakes

Woo sWoods

W renvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoo sWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneV leyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

kHighYorkHighRidgeRidge

Salt Cre kSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

erfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St JamesSt JamesFarmFarm

Des Plaines Des Plaines

294

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt

Page 20: The Conservationist Winter 2010

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve explore

More Than Meets the Eye

by JAYNE BOHNER OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

6or many people driving down County Farm Road Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in West Chicago is the home of Kline Creek Farm the Forest

Preserve District of DuPage Countyrsquos 200-acre 1890s living-history farm but the farm is just a part of a remarkable 1148-acre forest preserve

The crops at Kline Creek Farm and a few dozen tillable acres to the north serve as reminders of the arearsquos agricultural roots but within a stretch of land north of the Great Western Trail the Forest Preserve District has converted former fields to more native habitat By removing clay tiles that farmers once installed to drain the soil District ecologists have restored the natural hydrology to the land where they have subsequently planted native wetland species like cattails bulrushes and water plantains In drier areas by removing tree lines that once grew along old fence rows they have created more open grasslands which theyrsquove seeded with flora like big and little bluestem black-eyed Susans lead plant and prairie clover In summer the prairie plants accommodate ground-nesting birds like eastern meadowlarks and savanna sparrows but this time of year they feed American tree sparrows juncos fox sparrows and white-throated sparrows while their stems pods and dried leaves create a natural architecture that displays the seasonrsquos powdery snows

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is also home to a natural savanna Klein Savanna which borders the

F north side of the Illinois Prairie Path just west of Klein Creek Its diversity of plant life makes it one of the highest quality ecosystems in the District Here dormant Allegheny shadblows also known as Allegheny serviceberries wait for spring to trigger their production of fragrant clusters of white flowers and juicy fruits Bare white and bur oaks and shagbark hickories stand over frozen ground that in a few months will erupt with trilliums spring beauties and trout lilies or thaw into ephemeral ponds that will broadcast the sounds of chorus frogs and American toads In summer when foxglove beard tongues and Jacobrsquos ladders bloom the verdant savanna will sing with woodland birds like northern orioles nuthatches black-capped chickadees and scarlet tanagers Winter though promises glimpses of great horned owls which begin nesting in February when the barren landscape makes it easier for adults and fledglings to spot prey

For fans of either the Great Western Trail or the Illinois Prairie Path Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is an ideal starting point Those who want to begin their excursions farther west

often use the small lot on Prince Crossing Road just north of the Great Western Trail (An upland grove east of the parking lot on the south side of the trail is home to a stately white oak roughly 50 inches in diameter 90 feet tall and two to three centuries old) Hikers bikers and cross-country skiers looking for more amenities may instead choose the Kline Creek Farm parking lot on

20 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea)

lt Fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

copy G M

cElroyVIREOcopy

J P Myers

White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

lt Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

North

Quick Look

For a detailed map of Timber Ridge visit wwwdupageforestorg

North Ave

St Charles Rd

Indian Knoll Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Geneva Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Winfield Rd

Kline Creek Farm

Opening Spring 2010

Visitor Center

I llinois P rairie P ath E lgin Spu r

I llinois P rairie P ath G enev a Spu r

G reat W estern T rail

64

Hawthorne Ln

Coun

ty F

arm

Rd

KleinCreek

TimberLake

SpringLake

West BranchDuPage River

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve

KleinSavanna

County Farm Road near the Timber Ridge Visitor Center The centerrsquos drinking fountains and heated restrooms are open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset The interior of the center which houses displays relating to the farmstead and a gift shop is only open during Kline Creek Farmrsquos regular operating hours Thursdays through Mondays from 9 am until 5 pm For information on Kline Creek Farm exhibits educational programs and special events call the farm at (630) 876-5900

The County Farm Road parking lot connects to a 1-mile north-south Forest Preserve District trail that joins the Great Western Trail with the Illinois Prairie Path It also leads to a moderate 05-mile gravel trail that takes anglers to Timber Lake The 17-acre lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet and offers largemouth bass bluegill channel catfish crappie green sunfish carp and black bullheads (A second smaller lake Spring Lake lies in the interior of the forest preserve It boasts being one of only two natural lakes in the county but is inaccessible by trail)

An anticipated addition to Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is a 30-car parking lot on Prince Crossing Road roughly 04 mile north of Geneva Road Opening in spring 2010 the area will give visitors access to a western portion of the preserve via a 075-mile looped trail with two overlooks near the wetland informally known as the Geneva Road Marsh This time of year oases of open water on the marsh are packed with mallards dabbling for seeds and aquatic vegetation but by summer egrets and great blue herons will again be standing in the shallows picking frogs from the white water lilies that will eventually unfurl over the entire marsh bull

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

ltcopy

Joseph Weibler lt

wwwdupageforest org 21

directory

GENERAL Contacts

HEADQUARTERS

Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189

The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm The office is closed on Saturday Sunday and select holidays

Mailing Address PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

Web Site wwwdupageforestorg

E-mail Address forestdupageforestorg

Main Number (630) 933-7200

TTY (800) 526-0857

THE CONSERVATIONIST SUBSCRIPTION LINE (630) 933-7085

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (630) 933-7097

LAW ENFORCEMENT (630) 933-7240

THE OUTDOOR REPORT (630) 871-6422

VISITOR SERVICES (630) 933-7248

VOLUNTEER SERVICES (630) 933-7681

GOLF Clubs

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

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 272 S Addison Road Wood Dale IL 60191 (630) 616-8424

OAK MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 900 N Wood Dale Road Addison IL 60101 (630) 595-1800

copy J P Myers

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 Districtrsquos ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit

EDUCATION Centers

DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 3S503 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189 (630) 668-6012

The centerrsquos office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 430 pm and is closed on select holidays

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook IL 60523 (630) 850-8110

The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm 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 am to 5 pm and is closed on Tuesday Wednesday and select holidays

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

The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER 525 S Park Blvd Glen Ellyn IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and are closed on select holidays

22 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

North

o e e opForest Preserve Property

n d o e e opForest Preserve Property

o eLakePondWaterway

WetWetland

e gEntranceParking

o e Forest Preserve Trail

opo d Proposed Trail

Co County Trail

U ouUS Route

S oState Route

e RInterstate Route

U Unofficial Name

CHICAGOOrsquoHAREINTrsquoL

AIRPORT

THE MORTONARBORETUM

ARGONNENATIONAL

LABORATORY

FERMI NATIONALACCELERATORLABORATORY

DUPAGECOUNTYAIRPORT

CANT GNY

DUPAGECOUNTYCOMPLEX

C a r o l S t r e a m

G l e n d a l eH e i g h t s

A u r o r a

S t C h a r l e s

W a y n e

B a r t l e t t

W e s tC h i c a g o

L o m b a r d

G l e nE l l y n

H a n o v e rP a r k

B l o o m i n g d a l e

A d d i s o n

W h e a t o n

W o o d r i d g e

N a p e r v i l l e

D a r i e n

W i l l o w b r o o k

B u r rR i d g e

H i n s d a l e

W e s t m o n t

C l a r e n d o nH i l l s

O a k B r o o k

D o w n e r sG r o v e

O a k b r o o kT e r r a c e

E l m h u r s t

V i l l aP a r k

E l k G r o v e

W o o d D a l e

B e n s e n v i l l e

R o s e l l e

L i s l e

W a r r e n v i l l e

I t a s c a

W i n f i e l d

I l l inois Prairie Path

Great Western Trai l

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prairie Path

Batavia Spur

Aurora Spur

Aurora

Spur

Elgin Spur

West Branch DuPage River

East BranchDuPage River

Des Plaines River

SaltCreek

SpringbrookCreek

School St

Gro

ve A

ve

Montrose Ave

Rive

r Rd

20

19

83

83

55

53

53

53290

290

355

355

34

34

59

59

64

38

56

88

88

Stearns Rd

Smith Rd

Powis Rd

Pow

is Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Munger Rd

Klei

n Rd

Bart

lett

Rd

Greenbrook Blvd

Cloverdale Rd

Thorn Rd

Cou

nty

Farm

Rd

Schick Rd Schick Rd

Kuhn

Rd

Fair

Oak

s Rd

North Ave

Gar

y A

ve

Schm

ale

Rd

Bu de te Ave

Bloomingdal e Rd

Rose

lle R

d

Gl e

n E l

lyn

R d

Swift

Rd

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd

Grac e St

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd

Add

son Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd

Devon Ave

Prospect Ave

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd

Grand Ave

York Rd

Va Ave

Vill a Ave

Butterfield Rd High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave

Summ

it Ave

West m

ore A ve

Mey

ers

Rd

Highland A

ve

St Charles Rd

Cres

cent Blvd

Mai

n St

M

a in

St

Hill Ave

Pennsylvan a Ave

Harrison St

Main St

St Charles Rd

St Charles Rd

Roosevelt Rd Wes

t St

Geneva Rd

Harrison Ave

Manchester Rd

Jewell Rd

H ghlake Rd

Ind an Kno

Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Washington St

Arbor A

ve

Downs Dr

ndus

tra

Dr

Kres

s R

d

Kautz Rd

Fabyan Pkwy

Batavia Rd

Purnell Rd

Winf

ield

Rd

Mack Rd

Sch a

ffne

r Rd

Weis

brook Rd

Orc

hard

Rd

War

renv

ille R

d

Plamondon Rd

Nap

ervi

lle R

d

Blan

char

d St

Butterfield Rd

Fawell Blvd

Park

Blv

d

Finley Rd

31st St Oakbrook Rd

Midw

est Ave

22nd St Harger Rd

Sprng Rd

York Rd

Spring Rd

Chicago Ave

35th St Cass A

ve

Hig

hlan

d A

ve

Naperville Rd

Leask Ln

Nape

rvil

e Rd

Warrenville Rd

Her

rick

Rd

Wnf

ed

Rd

Bilter Rd

Ferry Rd

Diehl Rd Diehl Rd

Eola

Rd

Raymond Dr

Mill St

Doug as Ave

Jefferson Ave Chicago Ave

Yack

ley

Ave

Col

lege

Rd

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd

Garfield A

ve

Harvester Rd

Em

Rd

Jol et Rd

Cou

nty

Line

Rd

91st St

Madison St

Fairv

iew

Ave

Main St

Ma

n St

75th St

Plainfield Rd

Cass A

ve

87th St Oldfield Rd

Wood w

ard Ave

83rd St

Gre

ene

Rd

75th St

79th St

Hobson Rd

Weh

rli R

d

Nap

er B

lvd

Was

hing

ton

St

Washington St

87th St

Modaff Rd

Gartner Rd

Aurora Ave

New York St

Liberty St

75th St

Rickert Dr

Montgomery Rd 83rd St

Bluff Rd

Cass Ave

Lem

ont R

d

Inter

naiona e Pkwy

River Rd

North Aurora Rd

Irving Park Rd

Gary s M ll Rd

Maple Ave

Circle Ave

Smith Rd

Ger

ber R

d

Med

nah

Rd

M

edi n

ah R

d

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin OrsquoHare

Geneva Rd

Bilter Rd

DuPage Pkwy

Shor

e Rd

Ogden Ave

Book

Rd

Jackson Ave

Pa

nfed-N

aperve Rd

Abbeywood Dr

Ranc

h V

ew D

r

Hobson R

d

Hitcock Ave

Manning Rd

Lem

on

t Rd

Gi bert Ave

Finley

Rd

Adam

s St

Wilson Ave

Park

Blv

d

College Rd

Army Trail Rd

Naper Blvd

Green Tra ls Dr

Ferry Rd

Mor

ton

Rd

Davey Rd

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd

Fron

tena

c Rd

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Des Plaines Pl esRiverwayRi r

e

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands

rsquosWWooW

Du

aynenev

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWo s

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWo s

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes

e

owowvv

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

kHighRidge

Salt Cre k Greenway

Woodd

G

e a

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

Gr enGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

manLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlandsWetlands

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

We tWestBranchBranch

PrattPrattrsquossWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

ayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWo sWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWo sWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakesLakes

Woo sWoods

W renvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoo sWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneV leyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

kHighYorkHighRidgeRidge

Salt Cre kSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

erfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St JamesSt JamesFarmFarm

Des Plaines Des Plaines

294

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt

Page 21: The Conservationist Winter 2010

American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea)

lt Fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

copy G M

cElroyVIREOcopy

J P Myers

White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

lt Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

North

Quick Look

For a detailed map of Timber Ridge visit wwwdupageforestorg

North Ave

St Charles Rd

Indian Knoll Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Geneva Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Winfield Rd

Kline Creek Farm

Opening Spring 2010

Visitor Center

I llinois P rairie P ath E lgin Spu r

I llinois P rairie P ath G enev a Spu r

G reat W estern T rail

64

Hawthorne Ln

Coun

ty F

arm

Rd

KleinCreek

TimberLake

SpringLake

West BranchDuPage River

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve

KleinSavanna

County Farm Road near the Timber Ridge Visitor Center The centerrsquos drinking fountains and heated restrooms are open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset The interior of the center which houses displays relating to the farmstead and a gift shop is only open during Kline Creek Farmrsquos regular operating hours Thursdays through Mondays from 9 am until 5 pm For information on Kline Creek Farm exhibits educational programs and special events call the farm at (630) 876-5900

The County Farm Road parking lot connects to a 1-mile north-south Forest Preserve District trail that joins the Great Western Trail with the Illinois Prairie Path It also leads to a moderate 05-mile gravel trail that takes anglers to Timber Lake The 17-acre lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet and offers largemouth bass bluegill channel catfish crappie green sunfish carp and black bullheads (A second smaller lake Spring Lake lies in the interior of the forest preserve It boasts being one of only two natural lakes in the county but is inaccessible by trail)

An anticipated addition to Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is a 30-car parking lot on Prince Crossing Road roughly 04 mile north of Geneva Road Opening in spring 2010 the area will give visitors access to a western portion of the preserve via a 075-mile looped trail with two overlooks near the wetland informally known as the Geneva Road Marsh This time of year oases of open water on the marsh are packed with mallards dabbling for seeds and aquatic vegetation but by summer egrets and great blue herons will again be standing in the shallows picking frogs from the white water lilies that will eventually unfurl over the entire marsh bull

copy Dr M

StubblefieldVIREO

copy R CurtisVIREO

ltcopy

Joseph Weibler lt

wwwdupageforest org 21

directory

GENERAL Contacts

HEADQUARTERS

Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189

The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm The office is closed on Saturday Sunday and select holidays

Mailing Address PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

Web Site wwwdupageforestorg

E-mail Address forestdupageforestorg

Main Number (630) 933-7200

TTY (800) 526-0857

THE CONSERVATIONIST SUBSCRIPTION LINE (630) 933-7085

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (630) 933-7097

LAW ENFORCEMENT (630) 933-7240

THE OUTDOOR REPORT (630) 871-6422

VISITOR SERVICES (630) 933-7248

VOLUNTEER SERVICES (630) 933-7681

GOLF Clubs

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

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 272 S Addison Road Wood Dale IL 60191 (630) 616-8424

OAK MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 900 N Wood Dale Road Addison IL 60101 (630) 595-1800

copy J P Myers

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 Districtrsquos ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit

EDUCATION Centers

DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 3S503 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189 (630) 668-6012

The centerrsquos office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 430 pm and is closed on select holidays

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook IL 60523 (630) 850-8110

The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm 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 am to 5 pm and is closed on Tuesday Wednesday and select holidays

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

The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER 525 S Park Blvd Glen Ellyn IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and are closed on select holidays

22 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

North

o e e opForest Preserve Property

n d o e e opForest Preserve Property

o eLakePondWaterway

WetWetland

e gEntranceParking

o e Forest Preserve Trail

opo d Proposed Trail

Co County Trail

U ouUS Route

S oState Route

e RInterstate Route

U Unofficial Name

CHICAGOOrsquoHAREINTrsquoL

AIRPORT

THE MORTONARBORETUM

ARGONNENATIONAL

LABORATORY

FERMI NATIONALACCELERATORLABORATORY

DUPAGECOUNTYAIRPORT

CANT GNY

DUPAGECOUNTYCOMPLEX

C a r o l S t r e a m

G l e n d a l eH e i g h t s

A u r o r a

S t C h a r l e s

W a y n e

B a r t l e t t

W e s tC h i c a g o

L o m b a r d

G l e nE l l y n

H a n o v e rP a r k

B l o o m i n g d a l e

A d d i s o n

W h e a t o n

W o o d r i d g e

N a p e r v i l l e

D a r i e n

W i l l o w b r o o k

B u r rR i d g e

H i n s d a l e

W e s t m o n t

C l a r e n d o nH i l l s

O a k B r o o k

D o w n e r sG r o v e

O a k b r o o kT e r r a c e

E l m h u r s t

V i l l aP a r k

E l k G r o v e

W o o d D a l e

B e n s e n v i l l e

R o s e l l e

L i s l e

W a r r e n v i l l e

I t a s c a

W i n f i e l d

I l l inois Prairie Path

Great Western Trai l

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prairie Path

Batavia Spur

Aurora Spur

Aurora

Spur

Elgin Spur

West Branch DuPage River

East BranchDuPage River

Des Plaines River

SaltCreek

SpringbrookCreek

School St

Gro

ve A

ve

Montrose Ave

Rive

r Rd

20

19

83

83

55

53

53

53290

290

355

355

34

34

59

59

64

38

56

88

88

Stearns Rd

Smith Rd

Powis Rd

Pow

is Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Munger Rd

Klei

n Rd

Bart

lett

Rd

Greenbrook Blvd

Cloverdale Rd

Thorn Rd

Cou

nty

Farm

Rd

Schick Rd Schick Rd

Kuhn

Rd

Fair

Oak

s Rd

North Ave

Gar

y A

ve

Schm

ale

Rd

Bu de te Ave

Bloomingdal e Rd

Rose

lle R

d

Gl e

n E l

lyn

R d

Swift

Rd

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd

Grac e St

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd

Add

son Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd

Devon Ave

Prospect Ave

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd

Grand Ave

York Rd

Va Ave

Vill a Ave

Butterfield Rd High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave

Summ

it Ave

West m

ore A ve

Mey

ers

Rd

Highland A

ve

St Charles Rd

Cres

cent Blvd

Mai

n St

M

a in

St

Hill Ave

Pennsylvan a Ave

Harrison St

Main St

St Charles Rd

St Charles Rd

Roosevelt Rd Wes

t St

Geneva Rd

Harrison Ave

Manchester Rd

Jewell Rd

H ghlake Rd

Ind an Kno

Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Washington St

Arbor A

ve

Downs Dr

ndus

tra

Dr

Kres

s R

d

Kautz Rd

Fabyan Pkwy

Batavia Rd

Purnell Rd

Winf

ield

Rd

Mack Rd

Sch a

ffne

r Rd

Weis

brook Rd

Orc

hard

Rd

War

renv

ille R

d

Plamondon Rd

Nap

ervi

lle R

d

Blan

char

d St

Butterfield Rd

Fawell Blvd

Park

Blv

d

Finley Rd

31st St Oakbrook Rd

Midw

est Ave

22nd St Harger Rd

Sprng Rd

York Rd

Spring Rd

Chicago Ave

35th St Cass A

ve

Hig

hlan

d A

ve

Naperville Rd

Leask Ln

Nape

rvil

e Rd

Warrenville Rd

Her

rick

Rd

Wnf

ed

Rd

Bilter Rd

Ferry Rd

Diehl Rd Diehl Rd

Eola

Rd

Raymond Dr

Mill St

Doug as Ave

Jefferson Ave Chicago Ave

Yack

ley

Ave

Col

lege

Rd

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd

Garfield A

ve

Harvester Rd

Em

Rd

Jol et Rd

Cou

nty

Line

Rd

91st St

Madison St

Fairv

iew

Ave

Main St

Ma

n St

75th St

Plainfield Rd

Cass A

ve

87th St Oldfield Rd

Wood w

ard Ave

83rd St

Gre

ene

Rd

75th St

79th St

Hobson Rd

Weh

rli R

d

Nap

er B

lvd

Was

hing

ton

St

Washington St

87th St

Modaff Rd

Gartner Rd

Aurora Ave

New York St

Liberty St

75th St

Rickert Dr

Montgomery Rd 83rd St

Bluff Rd

Cass Ave

Lem

ont R

d

Inter

naiona e Pkwy

River Rd

North Aurora Rd

Irving Park Rd

Gary s M ll Rd

Maple Ave

Circle Ave

Smith Rd

Ger

ber R

d

Med

nah

Rd

M

edi n

ah R

d

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin OrsquoHare

Geneva Rd

Bilter Rd

DuPage Pkwy

Shor

e Rd

Ogden Ave

Book

Rd

Jackson Ave

Pa

nfed-N

aperve Rd

Abbeywood Dr

Ranc

h V

ew D

r

Hobson R

d

Hitcock Ave

Manning Rd

Lem

on

t Rd

Gi bert Ave

Finley

Rd

Adam

s St

Wilson Ave

Park

Blv

d

College Rd

Army Trail Rd

Naper Blvd

Green Tra ls Dr

Ferry Rd

Mor

ton

Rd

Davey Rd

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd

Fron

tena

c Rd

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Des Plaines Pl esRiverwayRi r

e

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands

rsquosWWooW

Du

aynenev

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWo s

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWo s

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes

e

owowvv

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

kHighRidge

Salt Cre k Greenway

Woodd

G

e a

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

Gr enGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

manLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlandsWetlands

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

We tWestBranchBranch

PrattPrattrsquossWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

ayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWo sWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWo sWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakesLakes

Woo sWoods

W renvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoo sWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneV leyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

kHighYorkHighRidgeRidge

Salt Cre kSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

erfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St JamesSt JamesFarmFarm

Des Plaines Des Plaines

294

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt

Page 22: The Conservationist Winter 2010

directory

GENERAL Contacts

HEADQUARTERS

Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189

The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm The office is closed on Saturday Sunday and select holidays

Mailing Address PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189

Web Site wwwdupageforestorg

E-mail Address forestdupageforestorg

Main Number (630) 933-7200

TTY (800) 526-0857

THE CONSERVATIONIST SUBSCRIPTION LINE (630) 933-7085

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (630) 933-7097

LAW ENFORCEMENT (630) 933-7240

THE OUTDOOR REPORT (630) 871-6422

VISITOR SERVICES (630) 933-7248

VOLUNTEER SERVICES (630) 933-7681

GOLF Clubs

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

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 272 S Addison Road Wood Dale IL 60191 (630) 616-8424

OAK MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 900 N Wood Dale Road Addison IL 60101 (630) 595-1800

copy J P Myers

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 Districtrsquos ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit

EDUCATION Centers

DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 3S503 Naperville Road Wheaton IL 60189 (630) 668-6012

The centerrsquos office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 430 pm and is closed on select holidays

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATURE EDUCATION CENTER 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook IL 60523 (630) 850-8110

The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm 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 am to 5 pm and is closed on Tuesday Wednesday and select holidays

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

The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER 525 S Park Blvd Glen Ellyn IL 60137 (630) 942-6200

The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and are closed on select holidays

22 The Conservationist | Winter 2010

North

o e e opForest Preserve Property

n d o e e opForest Preserve Property

o eLakePondWaterway

WetWetland

e gEntranceParking

o e Forest Preserve Trail

opo d Proposed Trail

Co County Trail

U ouUS Route

S oState Route

e RInterstate Route

U Unofficial Name

CHICAGOOrsquoHAREINTrsquoL

AIRPORT

THE MORTONARBORETUM

ARGONNENATIONAL

LABORATORY

FERMI NATIONALACCELERATORLABORATORY

DUPAGECOUNTYAIRPORT

CANT GNY

DUPAGECOUNTYCOMPLEX

C a r o l S t r e a m

G l e n d a l eH e i g h t s

A u r o r a

S t C h a r l e s

W a y n e

B a r t l e t t

W e s tC h i c a g o

L o m b a r d

G l e nE l l y n

H a n o v e rP a r k

B l o o m i n g d a l e

A d d i s o n

W h e a t o n

W o o d r i d g e

N a p e r v i l l e

D a r i e n

W i l l o w b r o o k

B u r rR i d g e

H i n s d a l e

W e s t m o n t

C l a r e n d o nH i l l s

O a k B r o o k

D o w n e r sG r o v e

O a k b r o o kT e r r a c e

E l m h u r s t

V i l l aP a r k

E l k G r o v e

W o o d D a l e

B e n s e n v i l l e

R o s e l l e

L i s l e

W a r r e n v i l l e

I t a s c a

W i n f i e l d

I l l inois Prairie Path

Great Western Trai l

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prairie Path

Batavia Spur

Aurora Spur

Aurora

Spur

Elgin Spur

West Branch DuPage River

East BranchDuPage River

Des Plaines River

SaltCreek

SpringbrookCreek

School St

Gro

ve A

ve

Montrose Ave

Rive

r Rd

20

19

83

83

55

53

53

53290

290

355

355

34

34

59

59

64

38

56

88

88

Stearns Rd

Smith Rd

Powis Rd

Pow

is Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Munger Rd

Klei

n Rd

Bart

lett

Rd

Greenbrook Blvd

Cloverdale Rd

Thorn Rd

Cou

nty

Farm

Rd

Schick Rd Schick Rd

Kuhn

Rd

Fair

Oak

s Rd

North Ave

Gar

y A

ve

Schm

ale

Rd

Bu de te Ave

Bloomingdal e Rd

Rose

lle R

d

Gl e

n E l

lyn

R d

Swift

Rd

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd

Grac e St

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd

Add

son Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd

Devon Ave

Prospect Ave

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd

Grand Ave

York Rd

Va Ave

Vill a Ave

Butterfield Rd High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave

Summ

it Ave

West m

ore A ve

Mey

ers

Rd

Highland A

ve

St Charles Rd

Cres

cent Blvd

Mai

n St

M

a in

St

Hill Ave

Pennsylvan a Ave

Harrison St

Main St

St Charles Rd

St Charles Rd

Roosevelt Rd Wes

t St

Geneva Rd

Harrison Ave

Manchester Rd

Jewell Rd

H ghlake Rd

Ind an Kno

Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Washington St

Arbor A

ve

Downs Dr

ndus

tra

Dr

Kres

s R

d

Kautz Rd

Fabyan Pkwy

Batavia Rd

Purnell Rd

Winf

ield

Rd

Mack Rd

Sch a

ffne

r Rd

Weis

brook Rd

Orc

hard

Rd

War

renv

ille R

d

Plamondon Rd

Nap

ervi

lle R

d

Blan

char

d St

Butterfield Rd

Fawell Blvd

Park

Blv

d

Finley Rd

31st St Oakbrook Rd

Midw

est Ave

22nd St Harger Rd

Sprng Rd

York Rd

Spring Rd

Chicago Ave

35th St Cass A

ve

Hig

hlan

d A

ve

Naperville Rd

Leask Ln

Nape

rvil

e Rd

Warrenville Rd

Her

rick

Rd

Wnf

ed

Rd

Bilter Rd

Ferry Rd

Diehl Rd Diehl Rd

Eola

Rd

Raymond Dr

Mill St

Doug as Ave

Jefferson Ave Chicago Ave

Yack

ley

Ave

Col

lege

Rd

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd

Garfield A

ve

Harvester Rd

Em

Rd

Jol et Rd

Cou

nty

Line

Rd

91st St

Madison St

Fairv

iew

Ave

Main St

Ma

n St

75th St

Plainfield Rd

Cass A

ve

87th St Oldfield Rd

Wood w

ard Ave

83rd St

Gre

ene

Rd

75th St

79th St

Hobson Rd

Weh

rli R

d

Nap

er B

lvd

Was

hing

ton

St

Washington St

87th St

Modaff Rd

Gartner Rd

Aurora Ave

New York St

Liberty St

75th St

Rickert Dr

Montgomery Rd 83rd St

Bluff Rd

Cass Ave

Lem

ont R

d

Inter

naiona e Pkwy

River Rd

North Aurora Rd

Irving Park Rd

Gary s M ll Rd

Maple Ave

Circle Ave

Smith Rd

Ger

ber R

d

Med

nah

Rd

M

edi n

ah R

d

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin OrsquoHare

Geneva Rd

Bilter Rd

DuPage Pkwy

Shor

e Rd

Ogden Ave

Book

Rd

Jackson Ave

Pa

nfed-N

aperve Rd

Abbeywood Dr

Ranc

h V

ew D

r

Hobson R

d

Hitcock Ave

Manning Rd

Lem

on

t Rd

Gi bert Ave

Finley

Rd

Adam

s St

Wilson Ave

Park

Blv

d

College Rd

Army Trail Rd

Naper Blvd

Green Tra ls Dr

Ferry Rd

Mor

ton

Rd

Davey Rd

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd

Fron

tena

c Rd

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Des Plaines Pl esRiverwayRi r

e

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands

rsquosWWooW

Du

aynenev

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWo s

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWo s

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes

e

owowvv

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

kHighRidge

Salt Cre k Greenway

Woodd

G

e a

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

Gr enGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

manLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlandsWetlands

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

We tWestBranchBranch

PrattPrattrsquossWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

ayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWo sWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWo sWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakesLakes

Woo sWoods

W renvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoo sWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneV leyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

kHighYorkHighRidgeRidge

Salt Cre kSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

erfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St JamesSt JamesFarmFarm

Des Plaines Des Plaines

294

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt

Page 23: The Conservationist Winter 2010

North

o e e opForest Preserve Property

n d o e e opForest Preserve Property

o eLakePondWaterway

WetWetland

e gEntranceParking

o e Forest Preserve Trail

opo d Proposed Trail

Co County Trail

U ouUS Route

S oState Route

e RInterstate Route

U Unofficial Name

CHICAGOOrsquoHAREINTrsquoL

AIRPORT

THE MORTONARBORETUM

ARGONNENATIONAL

LABORATORY

FERMI NATIONALACCELERATORLABORATORY

DUPAGECOUNTYAIRPORT

CANT GNY

DUPAGECOUNTYCOMPLEX

C a r o l S t r e a m

G l e n d a l eH e i g h t s

A u r o r a

S t C h a r l e s

W a y n e

B a r t l e t t

W e s tC h i c a g o

L o m b a r d

G l e nE l l y n

H a n o v e rP a r k

B l o o m i n g d a l e

A d d i s o n

W h e a t o n

W o o d r i d g e

N a p e r v i l l e

D a r i e n

W i l l o w b r o o k

B u r rR i d g e

H i n s d a l e

W e s t m o n t

C l a r e n d o nH i l l s

O a k B r o o k

D o w n e r sG r o v e

O a k b r o o kT e r r a c e

E l m h u r s t

V i l l aP a r k

E l k G r o v e

W o o d D a l e

B e n s e n v i l l e

R o s e l l e

L i s l e

W a r r e n v i l l e

I t a s c a

W i n f i e l d

I l l inois Prairie Path

Great Western Trai l

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prairie Path

Batavia Spur

Aurora Spur

Aurora

Spur

Elgin Spur

West Branch DuPage River

East BranchDuPage River

Des Plaines River

SaltCreek

SpringbrookCreek

School St

Gro

ve A

ve

Montrose Ave

Rive

r Rd

20

19

83

83

55

53

53

53290

290

355

355

34

34

59

59

64

38

56

88

88

Stearns Rd

Smith Rd

Powis Rd

Pow

is Rd

Hawthorne Ln

Munger Rd

Klei

n Rd

Bart

lett

Rd

Greenbrook Blvd

Cloverdale Rd

Thorn Rd

Cou

nty

Farm

Rd

Schick Rd Schick Rd

Kuhn

Rd

Fair

Oak

s Rd

North Ave

Gar

y A

ve

Schm

ale

Rd

Bu de te Ave

Bloomingdal e Rd

Rose

lle R

d

Gl e

n E l

lyn

R d

Swift

Rd

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd

Grac e St

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd

Add

son Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd

Devon Ave

Prospect Ave

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd

Grand Ave

York Rd

Va Ave

Vill a Ave

Butterfield Rd High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave

Summ

it Ave

West m

ore A ve

Mey

ers

Rd

Highland A

ve

St Charles Rd

Cres

cent Blvd

Mai

n St

M

a in

St

Hill Ave

Pennsylvan a Ave

Harrison St

Main St

St Charles Rd

St Charles Rd

Roosevelt Rd Wes

t St

Geneva Rd

Harrison Ave

Manchester Rd

Jewell Rd

H ghlake Rd

Ind an Kno

Rd

Prin

ce C

ross

ing

Rd

Washington St

Arbor A

ve

Downs Dr

ndus

tra

Dr

Kres

s R

d

Kautz Rd

Fabyan Pkwy

Batavia Rd

Purnell Rd

Winf

ield

Rd

Mack Rd

Sch a

ffne

r Rd

Weis

brook Rd

Orc

hard

Rd

War

renv

ille R

d

Plamondon Rd

Nap

ervi

lle R

d

Blan

char

d St

Butterfield Rd

Fawell Blvd

Park

Blv

d

Finley Rd

31st St Oakbrook Rd

Midw

est Ave

22nd St Harger Rd

Sprng Rd

York Rd

Spring Rd

Chicago Ave

35th St Cass A

ve

Hig

hlan

d A

ve

Naperville Rd

Leask Ln

Nape

rvil

e Rd

Warrenville Rd

Her

rick

Rd

Wnf

ed

Rd

Bilter Rd

Ferry Rd

Diehl Rd Diehl Rd

Eola

Rd

Raymond Dr

Mill St

Doug as Ave

Jefferson Ave Chicago Ave

Yack

ley

Ave

Col

lege

Rd

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd

Garfield A

ve

Harvester Rd

Em

Rd

Jol et Rd

Cou

nty

Line

Rd

91st St

Madison St

Fairv

iew

Ave

Main St

Ma

n St

75th St

Plainfield Rd

Cass A

ve

87th St Oldfield Rd

Wood w

ard Ave

83rd St

Gre

ene

Rd

75th St

79th St

Hobson Rd

Weh

rli R

d

Nap

er B

lvd

Was

hing

ton

St

Washington St

87th St

Modaff Rd

Gartner Rd

Aurora Ave

New York St

Liberty St

75th St

Rickert Dr

Montgomery Rd 83rd St

Bluff Rd

Cass Ave

Lem

ont R

d

Inter

naiona e Pkwy

River Rd

North Aurora Rd

Irving Park Rd

Gary s M ll Rd

Maple Ave

Circle Ave

Smith Rd

Ger

ber R

d

Med

nah

Rd

M

edi n

ah R

d

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin OrsquoHare

Geneva Rd

Bilter Rd

DuPage Pkwy

Shor

e Rd

Ogden Ave

Book

Rd

Jackson Ave

Pa

nfed-N

aperve Rd

Abbeywood Dr

Ranc

h V

ew D

r

Hobson R

d

Hitcock Ave

Manning Rd

Lem

on

t Rd

Gi bert Ave

Finley

Rd

Adam

s St

Wilson Ave

Park

Blv

d

College Rd

Army Trail Rd

Naper Blvd

Green Tra ls Dr

Ferry Rd

Mor

ton

Rd

Davey Rd

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd

Fron

tena

c Rd

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Des Plaines Pl esRiverwayRi r

e

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands

rsquosWWooW

Du

aynenev

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWo s

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWo s

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes

e

owowvv

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

kHighRidge

Salt Cre k Greenway

Woodd

G

e a

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

Gr enGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

manLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlandsWetlands

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

We tWestBranchBranch

PrattPrattrsquossWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

ayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWo sWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWo sWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakesLakes

Woo sWoods

W renvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoo sWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneV leyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

kHighYorkHighRidgeRidge

Salt Cre kSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

erfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St JamesSt JamesFarmFarm

Des Plaines Des Plaines

294

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt

Page 24: The Conservationist Winter 2010

PO Box 5000 Wheaton IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 wwwdupageforestorg

please deliver to current resident

PRSRT STD US Postage

P A I D Carol Stream IL Permit No 96

CC

oonse

nserrvvaat

tionistionist

A Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Winter 2010

t th he e

Good things happen when you play in the snowwwwdupageforestorg

copy Peter Vagt