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Read the winter 2010 edition of The Conservationist produced by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.
Citation preview
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
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
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
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
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
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3
10
17
24
4
11
18
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5
12
19
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13
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7
14
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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
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
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
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
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2431
3
10
17
25
4
11
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M TW F STS2
9
16
23
3
10
17
24
4
11
18
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12
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13
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14
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M TW F STS
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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