The Conservationist | Winter 2012

CCoonsenserrvvaattionistionistA Quarterly Publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

tthhee

Winter 2012

In many ways, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage Countyfaces the same challenges as other government agencies andmany corporations, but for nearly a century its stewardshipstrategy has provided a good open-space return on countyresidents’ tax investments. This success, though, has not been bychance, for as Thomas Edison once said, “Good fortune is whathappens when opportunity meets with planning.”

Early in the District’s history, its leaders developed a long-termand aggressive land-acquisition strategy to line forest preservesalong rivers and streams to provide miles of contiguous corridorsfor people and wildlife. In the process of achieving that goal, theDistrict has preserved nearly 12 percent of the county’s landmass;over 60 forest preserves balance the effects of development whileproviding safe havens for hundreds of plant and animal species.

Today, we continue to cultivate those plans. Lands oncepurchased as picnic groves now provide additional recreationalopportunities in the form of regional trails, shelters, fishing piers,off-leash dog areas, an archery range and boat-rental facilities.Five of our forest preserves host acclaimed educational centerswhere current and future generations can learn about our naturaland cultural histories and the importance of preserving them.And floodwater-storage systems and water-recharge areas withinthe preserves offer their own benefits to DuPage communities.

Along the way, the District’s conservative financial approach hasbalanced public interest for new services with financial stability, andwe continue to do our best to make our resources go further tosupport our mission of conservation, recreation and education. Weinvolve a strong network of volunteers and corporate andconservation partners and actively seek additional revenue fromgrants and donations to help green things up, roll out new trails,and build educational and enjoyable places to learn, play and relax.

Rest assured that we will continue to plan ahead for an equallysuccessful future, and as we embark on a new year, I hope youinclude DuPage County’s forest preserves in plans of your own.

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

from the president

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

PresidentD. “Dewey” Pierotti Jr., Addison

CommissionersMarsha Murphy, Addison — District 1

Joseph F. Cantore, Oakbrook Terrace — District 2Linda Painter, Hinsdale — District 3

Michael Formento, Glen Ellyn — District 4Carl Schultz, Aurora — District 5

Roger G. Kotecki, Warrenville — District 6

Executive DirectorBrent Manning

BOARD MEETINGSFor schedules and agendas, visit dupageforest.org.

ITHE CONSERVATIONISTWinter 2012, Vol. 48, No. 1

EditorWilliam Weidner

Associate EditorBeth Schirott

Editorial AssistantsJohanna BiedronJayne Bohner

Audra Mason BonnetBonnie Olszewski

Graphic DesignerDeanna Eichenauer

IFOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT

OF DUPAGE COUNTYP.O. Box 5000, Wheaton, IL 60189(630) 933-7200, TTY (800) 526-0857

dupageforest.org

Subscriptions to The Conservationist, a ForestPreserve District of DuPage County quarterlypublication, are free for DuPage Countyresidents and $5 per year for nonresidents. To subscribe, call (630) 933-7085 or [email protected].

dupageforest .org 3

conteVol. 48,

nNo. 1 | Winter

ts2012

4 News & Notes

6 CSI DuPage: The Dead of Winter

8 Winter Calendar

16 Trail Talk

17 Winter on the Farm

20 Explore

22 Directory

23 Map

On the cover: Weasel © Kurt Schumacher

OUR MissionTo 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

6

8

16

17

20

© Peter Vagt

© Jo

nathan W

isner

news & notesDISTRICT PURSUES NATURE PRESERVE STATUS AT FIVE SITES

The Board of Commissioners has directed staff to pursue Illinois Nature Preservestatus for areas within five forest preserves: the 8-acre Glacial Ridge area ofChurchill Woods in Glen Ellyn, 76 acres at Des Plaines Riverway in Burr Ridge,the 49-acre west grove of Meacham Grove in Bloomingdale, the 257-acre BrewsterCreek Marsh area of Pratt’s Wayne Woods in Wayne and 111 acres of Swift Prairiein Addison. The designations would permanently protect these high-quality naturalareas by voluntarily restricting future land use to preserve natural conditions. The District may receive preliminary approval from the Illinois Nature PreservesCommission by early 2012. From there, the District would develop managementplans and final agreements to present to its Board of Commissioners for approval.

PUBLIC MeetingsForest Preserve District Board ofCommissioners meetings and planningsessions are open to the public andare held at District headquarters at3S580 Naperville Road in Wheaton.Schedules and agendas are available inadvance on the District’s website,dupageforest.org. Commissionmeetings normally take place the firstand third Tuesdays of the month at 9 a.m. Planning sessions normally takeplace the second and fourth Tuesdaysof the month at 9 a.m. At both, theboard hears comments from thepublic and reports from staff anddiscusses District business; atcommission meetings, the board alsovotes on agenda items.

OFF-LEASH DOG AREA IMPROVEMENTS

The District is in the permitting stageof a project that will convert 2.15 milesof turf and wood-chip trails to 8-foot-wide crushed-limestone trails at the off-leash dog areas at Blackwell ForestPreserve in Warrenville, East BranchForest Preserve in Glendale Heights,and Springbrook Prairie and GreeneValley forest preserves in Naperville.Construction is scheduled to begin inthe spring or summer of 2012.

© W

ayne Lam

pa

4 The Conservationist | Winter 2012

LAND AcquisitionThe Forest Preserve District recentlyacquired 10.2 acres in Bloomingdalethat are adjacent to East BranchForest Preserve in Glendale Heights.The property is on the west side ofValley View Road one-quarter milesouth of Army Trail Road and containsflood plain and a small creek thatflows 250 feet to the west into theEast Branch of the DuPage River. TheIllinois Clean Energy CommunityFoundation awarded the District aNatural Areas Land Acquisition Grantfor $482,500 to use toward the$1,065,000 purchase price.

In addition, the District took possessionof 2.7 acres adjacent to Fullerton ParkForest Preserve in Addison on the northside of Fullerton Avenue west ofStewart Avenue. The property containsflood plain and maintains open spacefor wildlife habitat.

SUPPORT THE FORESTPRESERVES TODAY

The Forest Preserve District is pleasedto announce its new online donationsWeb page, which allows individualsand businesses to adopt an animal atWillowbrook Wildlife Center in GlenEllyn, sponsor the St. James FarmFamily Field Day in Warrenville orsupport other conservation-,education- or recreation-relatedprograms and initiatives. Simply visitdupageforest.org, and click on“Donate” to explore the many waysyou can make a difference in yourlocal forest preserves.

SNOWY, Frozen FunBefore you put on your mittens andhead outdoors, visit the “WinterActivities” page in the “Recreation”section of dupageforest.org forinformation on cross-country skiing,snow tubing, ice fishing and otherseasonal fun.

© Gary Davis

FROM the FieldThis fall, District arborists planted 950 trees and shrubs at forest preserves across thecounty. Ninety percent of the plants were from the District’s own nursery. Crewsinventoried each by size, age and health and installed deer and beaver deterrents asneeded. Many of the trees replaced those lost to storms, old age, beaver damage ordisease. Some replaced trees that the arborists felt were particularly susceptible toemerald ash borer infestations or Dutch elm disease. Others will help control erosion,provide screening or enhance picnic areas, campgrounds or new trails, such as one atChurchill Woods Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn.

MANY ThanksThe Forest Preserve District thanks the following donors who contributed to itsefforts between July 1 and Nov. 1.

Event SponsorsArboretum View AnimalHospital

Barrington SaddleryBright Horizons EarlyEducation & Preschool

Brunswick Zone RoselleChiro One Wellness CentersCorporate Center

ChiroSolutionsThe Cloud FoundationCollege of DuPageConnie’s PizzaThe Conservation FoundationConsummate CanineCostco WholesaleCurrent Dog TrainingDC Spinal Wellness andSports Rehabilitation, Ltd.

DePaw University CanineCampus, Inc.

Eagle Academy of Martial ArtsEngineering ResourceAssociates, Inc.

Family Health and Wellness Clinic

Geneva Lakes JewelryGreyhounds Only Adoptionand Rescue

Heartland Food CorporationHickory River SmokehouseHilton Chicago/Indian Lakes Resort

Hoving Pit StopIllinois American WaterInvisible Fence BrandJason’s DeliJuice Plus

Land O’Lakes Purina Feeds, LLCLombard Animal ClinicLuxe Home InteriorsLynfred WineryMalnati Organization, IncMesirow FinancialMom.comThe Mystery ShopNarnia Pet Behavior and Training

Noodles & CompanyOlympic Chiropractic andPhysical Therapy

PACE Suburban Bus CompanyPatch.comPlank Road Folk Music SocietyProsek’s Greenhouse andMilitary Model Shop, Inc.

Radio DisneyREIRobert W. Baird and Co.Rosati’s Pizza of WheatonSardee IndustriesSeguin Gardens and GiftsSuburban Home CareSummit ChiropracticSylvan Learning CenterTesting Service CorporationTFD Writing ServicesTom and Eddie’sUncle Bub’s Award Winning BBQ

US CellularWERV — 95.9 The RiverWest Suburban CommunityPantry

Wheaton Orthodontic Center— Dr. David Allen, DDS

Wheaton Park District —Cosley Zoo

Whole Foods Market HinsdaleWhole Foods Market WheatonWhole Foods MarketWillowbrook

Wight and CompanyWilliams Associates Architects, Ltd.

Woodridge Animal Hospital

Gifts of NoteCommissioner Joseph Cantore$3,267 – St. James Farm,Fullersburg Woods,Mayslake Peabody Estate,Willowbrook WildlifeCenter and OutdoorExplorers Summer Camp

BP Foundation, Fabric ofAmerica Fund$2,440 – in honor ofvolunteer Patricia Banaszak

Allstate Foundation$2,500 – St. James FarmVolunteer Workday

Wally Hastings$5,000 – Mayslake HallRestoration

Aunt Marlene Foundation$12,000 – Observe YourPreserve

International Paper Foundation$1,500 – OutdoorExplorers Summer Camp

Lieselotte Gengler$1,000 – Mayslake HallRestoration

dupageforest .org 5

ONLINE Project UpdatesAre you looking for information onnew trails or other forest preserveimprovements? Then visit “Plans andProjects” under “District News” atdupageforest.org for updates andimages of forest preserve projects.

STAY UPDATED YOUR WAY

Sign up today for Forest Preserve Districtupdates on Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeand Flickr. (Look for DuPageForest onTwitter and YouTube.) Plus, enjoy TheConservationist 24/7 at dupageforest.org.If you prefer to read The Conservationistonline, e-mail [email protected],and have your mailed copy discontinued.

BRING THE Outdoors InInvite a Forest Preserve District speaker toyour next meeting, and learn the latestabout DuPage County’s forest preserves,from ecological restoration projects toinnovative, hands-on educationalprograms. Speakers are availablethrough April. Call (630) 933-7246.


Winter might not seem like an excitingtime to walk through a forest preserve, but if you’re

an armchair detective or cop-show aficionado, you mightenjoy a few regular visits. The frozen, snow-covered, relativelyquiet landscape can contain a variety of well-preserved naturalmysteries that might go unnoticed at other times of the year.

Here are four minimysteries encountered on the trails ofDuPage forest preserves in winters past. It’s important toremember that these accounts are not actual crimes but merelyreal-life predator-prey encounters that are part of the natural foodweb. A wild animal’s motive to attack another is most often toobtain food and occasionally to defend itself or its young. Still,the particulars are a little graphic and may not be for the faint ofheart. Read on if you find this wildness interesting, and see if youcan solve these whodunits and identify the main characters.

An Inside JobOn a sunny February afternoon, a frosty stand of

goldenrods at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton

CSI DuPage:The Dead of Winterby JACK MACRAE, NATURALIST, WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER

showed signs of vandalism — or more. Something had rippedopen and emptied a fat, globular growth on one of the stems.To solve the mystery, nature detectives needed only to run afew background checks.

In autumn, some insects deposit eggs inside the stems ofplants. Each egg develops into a larva, which spends thewinter inside the fibrous vegetation. As the larva gets bigger,the plant grows around it, creating a bulge called a “gall.” In

>The hole in this goldenrod gall shows signs of a predatortrying to access the grub inside.

© Jonathan W

isne

dupageforest .org 7

spring, the larva eats its way to freedom. This could havebeen an inside job, but the empty gall was found in winter.

So what happened? Some birds such as chickadees and downywoodpeckers seek out high-calorie foods, especially in winter, andinsect larvae fit the bill (literally). The tough outer layer of a gallthat surrounds a juicy meal is no deterrent. Either bird will use itsbeak to reach the grub inside. If the entry point was a neat roundhole, the predator was a woodpecker. In this case, the ragged,torn opening meant it was a hungry black-capped chickadee.

Snowy EvidenceIt was an early morning in February near a pond at

Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn. The fresh snowshowed signs of a struggle. There were clumps of fur anddrops of frozen blood but no body. The prints of one animalled to the site of the attack and were joined by prints fromanother, but there were none leaving the scene.

After several minutes, naturalist investigators gathered thefollowing information. The fur was from an eastern cottontail,as was the first set of prints. The short distance between printsindicated the animal was moving slowly when assailed,unaware of any danger. If it was fleeing, it would have been ina full sprint, and the prints would have been farther apart.

The second set of prints was from the talons of a sizableraptor. Additional marks were from the flight feathers on the tipsof the bird’s wings, and with a wingspan of 36 inches, this birdhad long, broad wings. Other marks were from its breast and tailfeathers. The snow even preserved signs of the bird’s “mantling”behavior, in which it covered its meal with its wings.

The clues pointed to one conclusion: the classic predator-prey relationship between cottontails and great horned owls.

Gruesome RemainsIt was the middle of March at Fullersburg Woods Forest

Preserve in Oak Brook. The remains from several animals layat the base of a tree. There was a wing and a foot from a

mallard. The hind leg of an eastern cottontail was a footaway. Someone later noticed the wing of a northern flickerand more cottontail feet. The mystery deepened. Why werethere parts from different species? What predator would placefood scraps at the base of a tree?

The answer appeared when a large shape silently launchedfrom the tree, landed in another and hooted. High in thebranches was the stick nest of a great horned owl and a femalekeeping her owlets warm inside. Great horned owls care for theirchicks in pairs, and while the female roosts, the male deliversfood for their young. The remains at the base of the tree weresimply uneaten parts of meals that had fallen from the nest.

Mystery in the MeadowOn a frigid January day, a trail at James “Pate” Philip State

Park in Bartlett was the site of a gruesome discovery: fiveheadless meadow voles.

Naturalists could not rule out a raptor, but it would have beena small one, such as a kestrel. A larger bird would have takenthe vole in one gulp. They later hypothesized it was the work ofa weasel, an efficient predator that can dispatch a vole with asingle bite to the cervical vertebrate. Its modus operandi mayseem harsh, but its actions are beneficial not only for the weaselbut also for the ecosystem. A quick attack ensures greater successand a shorter fight, which means the weasel uses less energy.When prey is abundant, multiple attacks mean the weasel canafford to eat only the most nutritious parts, leaving the rest forthankful scavengers. More importantly, without weasels,populations of voles, mice and other small mammals could easilyoverrun an otherwise ecologically balanced habitat. Despite thisstrong theory, though, this particular mystery remains unsolved.

So, the next time you go on a walk in the winter woods,look closely at the freshly fallen snow around you, and playthe part of a nature detective looking for clues to additionalwildlife mysteries. There’s much to be learned about thenatural world in trying to crack the case. •

>This perfectly preserved “crime scene” shows evidence of a predator-preyencounter between a rabbit and an owl that swooped in for an attack.

© www.StanTekiela.com

>A weasel’s coat — usually red or brown with a white belly — becomesfully white in winter to camouflage it when the snow falls.

© Ron Dudley


winter calendarSee pages 10 through 15 for program descriptions.

January1 Archery for Beginners

3 Archery for All Ages

4 Archery for All Ages

5 Knitting for BeginnersSit and Stitch

6 Owl Prowl

7 Hard-Water Classic Ice Fishing TournamentVolunteer Restoration Workday

8 Archery for All AgesPromoting Environmental Awareness in Kids

10 Exploring Watercolors Begins

11 Archery for Active Adults

12 Art Journaling BeginsKnitting for BeginnersSit and Stitch

13 Amphibians: A Closer Look

2931

10

17

24

11

18

25

12

19

26

13

20

27

7

14

21

28

29

8

15

22

30

9

16

23

M TW F STS

28

7

14

21

1

8

15

22

2

9

16

23

3

10

17

24

4

11

18

25

26

5

12

19

27

6

13

20

M TW F STS

27

6

13

20

28

7

14

21

29

1

8

15

22

30

2

9

16

23

31

3

10

17

24

25

4

11

18

26

5

12

19

M TW F STS654321 mar

jan

feb

14 Music at Mayslake“Nature Calls: Answer and Volunteer!” Open House

15 Archery for All AgesIce Fishing for BeginnersOwls of DuPage Volunteer Restoration Workday

19 Ice HarvestingKnitting for BeginnersSit and Stitch

21 Beekeeping for BeginnersIce Fishing for BeginnersIce HarvestingVolunteer Restoration Workday

22 Cast-Iron CookingIce Harvesting

26 Ice HarvestingKnitting for BeginnersSit and Stitch

29 Snowshoe Hike

dupageforest .org 9

February4 Taffy-Pulling Party

Volunteer Restoration WorkdayWonders of Winter

5 Ice Fishing for Beginners

8 “Nature Calls: Answer and Volunteer!” Q-and-A Session

9 WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake

11 Romantic Night HikeTaffy-Pulling PartyVolunteer Restoration Workday

12 Archery for BeginnersWild Dogs of DuPage

18 Ice Fishing for BeginnersTaffy-Pulling Party

19 Cast-Iron CookingVolunteer Restoration Workday

20 Ice Fishing for BeginnersTapping Into Fun

24 Raptors: A Closer Look

25 Volunteer Restoration Workday

26 Snowshoe Hike

March2 Sap Collectors

3 Maple SugaringVolunteer Restoration Workday

4 Maple Sugaring

8 WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake

9 Bread-Baking ClassSap Collectors

10 Bread-Baking ClassVolunteer Restoration Workday

11 Get Sticky! Maple Syrup SundaysThe Return of the Large Predators

13 Home-Schoolers Nature Hike

16 Sap Collectors

17 Acappellago ConcertWhen Darkness Falls

18 Cub Scout Adventure: From Sap to SyrupGet Sticky! Maple Syrup SundaysVolunteer Restoration Workday

19 Spring Night Hike

23 Woodcocks: A Closer Look

31 Trout Fishing for KidsVolunteer Restoration Workday


winter calendar

Acappellago ConcertEnjoy the a cappella sounds of Acappellago as they perform“Escape to … Where Time Flies.” $15 per adult; $12 perstudent or senior. For tickets, call (708) 484-3797, ext. 2.

Mar 17 7 – 9 p.m. Mayslake Peabody Estate

Amphibians: A Closer LookThis home-school field trip will focus on the frogs, toads andsalamanders that live in and around our area. Ages 5 and up;under 18 with an adult. $5 per family. Registration beginsDec. 26. Call (630) 942-6200.

Jan 13 6:30 – 8 p.m. Willowbrook

Archery for Active AdultsTry your hand at archery indoors at a nationally registeredlandmark. Equipment provided. Ages 50 and up. Free.Registration begins Dec. 28. Call (630) 933-7248.

Jan 11 10 – 11:30 a.m. Mayslake Peabody Estate

Archery for All AgesLearn basic archery techniques in an indoor setting. Equipmentprovided. Ages 7 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free.Registration begins two weeks prior. Call (630) 933-7248.

Jan 3 10 – 11:30 a.m. Mayslake Peabody EstateJan 4 10 – 11:30 a.m. Mayslake Peabody EstateJan 8 1 – 2:30 p.m. Mayslake Peabody EstateJan 15 1 – 2:30 p.m. Mayslake Peabody Estate

Archery for BeginnersDiscover the basic techniques of this classic sport, and learnabout equipment and rules in an indoor setting. Equipmentprovided. Ages 7 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free.Registration begins two weeks prior. Call (630) 933-7248.

Jan 1 1 – 3 p.m. Herrick LakeFeb 12 1 – 3 p.m. Herrick Lake

Art JournalingFind your creative voice using several different mediums inthis six-part class. Adults only. $135 per person. To register,call (630) 206-9566.

Jan 12 – Feb 16 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Mayslake Peabody EstateThursdays

Beekeeping for Beginners Learn about the honeybee and beekeeping, including how to assemble a hive and care for a colony, during this six-session course. Course will meet monthly on Saturdays;additional dates will be determined at the first session.Adults only. $25 per person (includes book). To register,call (630) 876-5900.

Jan 21 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Kline Creek Farm

Bread-Baking ClassLearn how to bake bread the way that it was done in the1890s, and take home a pan of rolls along with instructionsand recipes. Ages 10 and up; under 15 with an adult. $25 per person. To register, call (630) 876-5900.

Mar 9 10 – 11:30 a.m. Kline Creek FarmMar 9 1 – 2:30 p.m. Kline Creek FarmMar 10 10 – 11:30 a.m. Kline Creek FarmMar 10 1 – 2:30 p.m. Kline Creek Farm

Cast-Iron CookingHelp prepare a hearty meal over an open campfire, and learntips for cooking with cast iron. Ages 5 and up; under 18 withan adult. $10 per person ages 13 and up; $5 ages 5 – 12.Registration begins two weeks prior. Call (630) 933-7248.

Jan 22 1 – 3:30 p.m. Herrick LakeFeb 19 1 – 3:30 p.m. Herrick Lake

dupageforest .org 11

Cub Scout Adventure: From Sap to SyrupCub Scouts, learn how sap from maple trees is turned intodelicious syrup, and try a taste over ice cream. $6 per Scout.To register, call (630) 876-5900.

Mar 18 9:30, 10, 10:30 and 11 a.m. Kline Creek Farmand 12:30, 1, 1:30, 2, 2:30 and 3 p.m.

Exploring WatercolorsDuring this six-part class, explore and enhance your ownartistic style while enjoying the process of watercolorpainting in a beautiful and relaxed setting. Adults only.$125 per person. To register, call (630) 206-9566.

Jan 10 – Feb 14 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Mayslake Peabody EstateTuesdays

Get Sticky! Maple Syrup SundaysTake a self-guided stroll through the woods, and discover thesecret of turning tree sap into syrup. Activities ongoing. Allages. Free. Registration not required. Call (630) 850-8110.

Mar 11 Noon – 4 p.m. Fullersburg WoodsMar 18 Noon – 4 p.m. Fullersburg Woods

Hard-Water Classic Ice Fishing TournamentTake part in a competitive ice fishing tournament onBlackwell’s Silver Lake. Awards ceremony and raffle willfollow fishing. Anglers must bring their own bait and gear. All ages. $15 per person at signmeup.com/79739; $20 per person on tournament day. Call (630) 876-5931.

Jan 7 Noon – 3:30 p.m. Blackwell

1890s LivingKline Creek Farm in West Chicago(630) 876-5900

Registration is not required for these free programs.

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

Jan. 7 – March 31 Saturdays 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

MEET THE BEEKEEPERSLearn about the important role that bees serve in ourfood supply, and see how beekeeping equipment isused. Beekeepers will be on hand to talk about caringfor bees.

Jan. 8 – March 25Sundays 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

LAMBINGSee the season’s new lambs — some as they’re being born— and learn the role livestock played on an 1890s farm.

February. Call for estimated due dates. Thursdays – Mondays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

COURTING IN THE 1890SHear excerpts from love letters written in the late 19thcentury, and learn about the role that a home’s parlorplayed in courtship during a house tour.

Feb. 2 – 27Thursdays – Mondays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the hour

© Peter Vagt


winter calendar

Home-Schoolers Nature Hike Learn about natural and cultural histories while exploring aforest preserve. Ages 5 and up; under 18 with an adult. $5 perfamily. Registration begins March 1. Call (630) 942-6200.

Mar 13 1 – 3 p.m. Greene Valley

Ice Fishing for BeginnersLearn the basics of ice fishing, including safety, equipment,techniques and tips for forest preserve lakes. Fishing willfollow if conditions permit. Equipment and bait provided.Ages 6 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registrationbegins two weeks prior. Call (630) 933-7248.

Jan 15 1 – 3 p.m. Herrick LakeJan 21 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Songbird SloughFeb 5 1 – 3 p.m. Herrick LakeFeb 18 1 – 4 p.m. Pratt’s Wayne WoodsFeb 20 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Wood Dale Grove

Ice HarvestingSee the tools and techniques farm families used to cut and store ice before mechanical refrigeration. Weatherpermitting, help cut and transport ice from the lake to the icehouse. All ages. Free. Registration not required. Call (630) 876-5900.

Jan 19 1 – 4 p.m. Kline Creek FarmJan 21 1 – 4 p.m. Kline Creek Farm Jan 22 1 – 4 p.m. Kline Creek FarmJan 26 1 – 4 p.m. Kline Creek Farm

Knitting for Beginners Learn the foundational skills of knitting, and learn to knit a dishcloth. Take home yarn, knitting needles and a pattern.Ages 10 and up; under 15 with an adult. $25 per person. To register, call (630) 876-5900.

Jan 5 10 – 11 a.m. Kline Creek Farm Jan 12 10 – 11 a.m. Kline Creek Farm Jan 19 10 – 11 a.m. Kline Creek Farm Jan 26 10 – 11 a.m. Kline Creek Farm

Maple SugaringSee how 1890s farm families tapped trees and boiled thecollected sap into maple syrup and sugar. Then, try to tap atree yourself. Activities ongoing. All ages. Free. Registrationnot required. Call (630) 876-5900.

Mar 3 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Kline Creek FarmMar 4 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Kline Creek Farm

Music at Mayslake Enjoy an evening of baroque and classical music featuringcellist Katinka Kleijn and members of the ElmhurstSymphony Orchestra. Ages 8 and up; under 18 with anadult. $31 per adult; $7 per student; $65 per family. Fortickets, call (630) 941-0202.

Jan 14 7 – 9 p.m. Mayslake Peabody Estate

“Nature Calls: Answer and Volunteer!”Open HouseFind out how to become a District volunteer with DanadaEquestrian Center, Development, Education, FullersburgWoods Nature Education Center, Kline Creek Farm,Mayslake Peabody Estate, Natural Resource Management,St. James Farm, Trail Patrol, Volunteer Ranger Experience,Volunteer Services and Willowbrook Wildlife Center.Registration not required. Call (630) 933-7681.

Jan 14 9 a.m. – noon Danada/Headquarters

“Nature Calls: Answer and Volunteer!”Q-and-A SessionGet details about the Forest Preserve District’s volunteerprograms. Ask questions, and decide which option fits yourinterests and schedule. Call (630) 933-7681.

Feb 8 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Danada/Headquarters


Owl ProwlDiscover the adaptations that make owls excellentnighttime hunters. Then, take a short hike, and try to callin wild screech and great horned owls for a closer look. Ages6 and up; under 18 with an adult. $5 per person. To register,call (630) 850-8110.

Jan 6 6 – 8 p.m. Fullersburg Woods

Owls of DuPageFind out why people give a hoot about owls, and learnabout the species that live in DuPage. Ages 10 and up;under 16 with an adult. Free. Registration begins Jan 2.Call (630) 942-6200.

Jan 15 2 – 3:30 p.m. Willowbrook

Promoting Environmental Awarenessin KidsLearn how to experience the outdoors through “Leave NoTrace” camping. Ages 5 and up; under 18 with an adult.Free. Registration begins Dec. 27. Call (630) 933-7248.

Jan 8 1 – 3 p.m. Herrick Lake

Raptors: A Closer LookMeet the resident raptors of Willowbrook, and learn aboutthe raptors of the area in this home-school field trip. Ages 5and up; under 18 with an adult. $5 per family. Registrationbegins Feb. 1. Call (630) 942-6200.

Feb 24 6:30 – 8 p.m. Willowbrook

The Return of the Large PredatorsLearn the stories and facts behind wolf, cougar and bearsightings in northern Illinois. Ages 14 and up. Free.Registration begins Feb. 26. Call (630) 942-6200.

Mar 11 2 – 3:30 p.m. Willowbrook

Romantic Night HikeEnjoy a lantern-lit self-guided walk through the woodswith your sweetheart; then, warm up with hot cocoaaround a cozy fire. Adults only. $10 per couple. To register,call (630) 850-8110.

Feb 11 7 – 9 p.m. Fullersburg Woods

Sap CollectorsHike to the sugarbush to collect sap from sugar maple trees.Ages 6 and up; under 14 with an adult. $3 per person. To register, call (630) 850-8110.

Mar 2 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Fullersburg WoodsMar 9 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Fullersburg WoodsMar 16 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Fullersburg Woods

Cultural EventsMayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brookmayslakepeabody.com

FIRST FOLIO THEATRE PRESENTS “UNNECESSARY FARCE”Doors slamming, clothes flying and bagpipes bleatingadd to hilarious mayhem in the Chicago premiere of thislaugh-out-loud comedy by Paul Slade Smith. Adults only.Tickets $26 – $37. Call (630) 986-8067 or visitwww.firstfolio.org.

Feb. 4 – March 4Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m.Sundays 3 p.m.

RESTORATION-IN-PROGRESS TOURSLearn about the past — and future — of this historic1920s Tudor Revival-style mansion. $5 per person.Registration required for group tours. Call (630) 206-9566.

Beginning Jan. 18Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.Saturdays at 9:30, 10, 11 and 11:30 a.m.


winter calendar

Sit and StitchGather in the farmhouse kitchen for tea and cookies as youwork on your own handwork, such as crochet, quilting andknitting. Ages 10 and up; under 15 with an adult. Free.Registration not required. Call (630) 876-5900.

Jan 5 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Kline Creek Farm Jan 12 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Kline Creek Farm Jan 19 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Kline Creek Farm Jan 26 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Kline Creek Farm

Snowshoe HikeLearn the history and basic safety of snowshoeing. Then,step into a pair of snowshoes, and hit the trail with a ranger.Ages 10 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registrationbegins two weeks prior. Call (630) 933-7248.

Jan 29 1 – 3 p.m. Herrick LakeFeb 26 1 – 3 p.m. Herrick Lake

Horse-Drawn Sleigh RidesDanada Equestrian Center in WheatonTake a ride through prairies and woodlands of DanadaForest Preserve, and learn about the features of this historicpreserve. $5 per person ages 13 and up; $2 ages 5 – 12;under 5 free. Rides are 12 – 15 minutes long. Wagons willbe used if there is less than 4 inches of packed snow onthe trail. Groups of 15 or more are encouraged to reserveprivate sleigh rides. Call (630) 668-6012.

Jan. 1 – Feb. 26Sundays Noon – 3 p.m.

Spring Night HikeExperience a forest preserve after dark, when animals areaccustomed to going about their activities undisturbed. Ages7 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration beginsMarch 5. Call (630) 206-9581.

Mar 19 7 – 8:30 p.m. Mayslake Peabody Estate

Taffy-Pulling PartyTour an 1890s farmhouse, and learn how kids lived more thana century ago. Then, make taffy from molasses to take homeduring this one-hour program. Ages 6 and up; under 18 withan adult. $6 per person. To register, call (630) 876-5900.

Feb 4 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. and Kline Creek Farm1:15 and 2:30 p.m.



Tapping Into FunHike to the sugarbush to tap a sugar maple tree, and learnhow syrup is made. Ages 6 and up; under 14 with an adult.$3 per person. To register, call (630) 850-8110.

Feb 20 10 – 11:30 a.m. Fullersburg WoodsFeb 20 1 – 2:30 p.m. Fullersburg Woods

Trout Fishing for KidsIntroduce your young anglers to trout fishing at this preseasonspecial event that’s just for kids 15 and under. Bait provided.Free. Registration not required. Call (630) 933-7668.

Mar 31 8 a.m. – noon Wood Dale Grove


Volunteer Restoration WorkdayHelp restore a natural area by removing nonnativevegetation or planting seed.All ages; under 14 with an adult. Free. To register, call (630) 933-7681 at least five business days in advance. Groups or five or more must call 10 business days in advance.

Jan 7 9 a.m. – noon Springbrook PrairieJan 15 9 a.m. – noon Springbrook PrairieJan 21 9 a.m. – noon Fullersburg WoodsFeb 4 1 – 4 p.m. Springbrook PrairieFeb 11 9 a.m. – noon Fullersburg WoodsFeb 19 1 – 4 p.m. Springbrook PrairieFeb 25 9 a.m. – noon Springbrook PrairieMar 3 9 a.m. – noon Springbrook PrairieMar 10 9 a.m. – noon Fullersburg WoodsMar 18 1 – 4 p.m. Springbrook PrairieMar 31 9 a.m. – noon Springbrook Prairie

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

Jan 7 9 a.m. – noon West Chicago PrairieJan 21 1 – 4 p.m. West Chicago PrairieFeb 4 9 a.m. – noon West Chicago PrairieMar 3 9 a.m. – noon West Chicago PrairieMar 18 9 a.m. – noon West Chicago PrairieMar 31 9 a.m. – noon West Chicago Prairie

WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake Enjoy an evening of high-quality jazz brought to you byMayslake Peabody Estate, WDCB Public Radio and thePianoForte Foundation. Adults only. $25 premium seating;$20 general admission; and $18 for seniors over 65, studentsand groups of six or more. For tickets, call (630) 206-9566.

Feb 9 7:30 – 9 p.m. Mayslake Peabody EstateClaudia Hommel and Bobby Schiff

Mar 8 7:30 – 9 p.m. Mayslake Peabody EstateBob Dogan Quintet

When Darkness FallsHike through the dark woods with a ranger, and discoverwhat it’s like to use your senses like a nocturnal predator.Ages 6 and up; under 16 with an adult. Free. Registrationbegins March 5. Call (630) 933-7248.

Mar 17 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Waterfall Glen

Wild Dogs of DuPageLearn the natural history of wild dogs, including the foxesand coyotes that make DuPage County home. Ages 10 and up; under 16 with an adult. Free. Registration begins Jan. 29. Call (630) 942-6200.

Feb 12 2 – 3:30 p.m. Willowbrook

Wonders of WinterDiscover the fun of visiting a forest preserve in winterthrough horse-drawn hayrides, ice fishing, geocaching,nature hikes and more. Activities ongoing. All ages. Free.Registration not required. Call (630) 933-7248.

Feb 4 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Mayslake Peabody Estate

Woodcocks: A Closer LookThis home-school field trip will take you on an old-fashioned “snipe hunt” to listen and look for woodcocks.Ages 5 and up; under 18 with an adult. $5 per family.Registration begins March 1. Call (630) 942-6200.

Mar 23 6:30 – 8 p.m. James “Pate” Phillip State Park

Snow TubingMount Hoy at Blackwell Forest Preserve in WarrenvilleTake an 800-foot ride down Mount Hoy when 3 or moreinches of snow covers the hill. All ages. $4 per innertube per day. (District inner tubes only.) For snowconditions, call the Outdoor Report at (630) 871-6422.

December – FebruarySaturdays, Sundays and School HolidaysDaily Dec. 17 – Jan. 1 (except Dec. 25)9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Rentals end at 3:30 p.m.)


trail talk

VOLUNTEERING by the NumbersEach year, thousands of volunteers donate their time to the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Last year,their efforts equated to an in-kind value of over $2 million. Check out these other impressive numbers for a peek atthe many ways volunteers support the District’s mission of conservation, education and recreation 365 days a year.

h3our,s c2ontr3ibut1ed by

1,216 volunteers at 46workdays at St. JamesFarm Forest Preserve in Warrenville

s1tair9s cl,im0bed2 by0

docents leading tours of Mayslake Hall atMayslake PeabodyEstate in Oak Brook

p9ou,nd5s o0f gr0ain fed

to horses at DanadaEquestrian Center in Wheaton

2hou,rs6 don2ate4d by 63

volunteers to patrolhiking and biking trailsthroughout the preserves

p1ou,nd4s o0f ho0ney

processed for sale atKline Creek Farm inWest Chicago

p2upp4et s3hows presented

at Fullersburg WoodsNature EducationCenter in Oak Brook

h2ou9rs o0f assistance

offered during 187recreational programsthrough the VolunteerRanger Experience

s6pec0ies of butterflies

and 49 of dragonfliesidentified by NaturalResource Managementvolunteer monitors

b9ow8ls a,nd5 pl5ates0 used

— and washed — tofeed the animals atWillowbrook WildlifeCenter in Glen Ellyn

Want to learn more about volunteering? Attend the informational open house on Jan. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon at the District’s headquarters in Wheaton, or call Volunteer Services at (630) 933-7681.

ADVECTION FROSTThese tiny, spiky ice crystals form when cold breezes blow overtrees, shrubs, grasses and other objects and the water vapor inthe air freezes. Advection frost usually forms on the side of anobject that faces the wind. The similar phenomenon ofhoarfrost deposits ice crystals on all sides of a cold surface.

WINTERon the Farm

by DENNIS BUCK, HERITAGE INTERPRETER, KLINE CREEK FARM

During last year’s brutal winter, I regularly experienced a sense of gratitude during my daily 40-minute morning drive in the dark toKline Creek Farm in West Chicago, one that few of my fellow commuters

likely shared. What, you may ask, could ease such a dreaded routine? It’s simple: theappreciation of how difficult life could really be. Let me set a scene.

A clattering alarm clock startles away a dream. It’s 4 a.m. on Jan. 12, 1894. The sunwon’t rise for three more hours, so the day’s work begins in the dark. It’s about 40degrees inside the farmhouse, and the first person out of bed lights a few kerosenelamps and some kindling in the sitting room stove and kitchen range, the only islands



of warmth for the rest of the family to run to beforehurrying into their clothes.

Inside the house, the farmer’s wife prepares the first of theday’s five meals to power the family. Even with the constantneed to step outside into the frigid air to fetch wood andwater, the thought of standing over the wood-fired oven forhours of baking and cooking still sounds better than milkingthe cow with painfully cold fingers, which she will need to doshortly. At some point this morning, one of the children willalso need to go out to collect the eggs from the chicken coop,even though shorter days mean fewer eggs to sell.

As the mother passes the milk house on her way back fromthe barn, she overhears two of her children nervously practicingpoems as they put the fresh milk on ice. They’ve rehearseddiligently every night this week in preparation for their recitalsin front of the school today. Their mom smiles to herself as sheimagines them opening their lunch pails to find the reward fortheir hard work: chicken soup and the two best apples she couldscrounge from the cellar. Benjamin School is about a three-milewalk, so they will be running in soon to collect their books.The school has been growing and now boasts over 20 studentsbetween the ages of 7 and 15. Because the children contributesignificantly to the household, the academic calendar is basedon the needs of farm families. Classes start after the fall harvestand stop in the spring for planting.

In winter, farm activity becomes focused on simplesurvival. In warm weather, livestock spend most of the timegrazing for food in the fields, but the end of green grass meansthe start of daily feeding routines. After breakfast, the farmerand older sons haul grain and hay to feed the animals takingshelter in the barn, which means there will be manure to

haul away later. And someone will need to chop open theiced-over water troughs at least twice before the day is done.

Thankfully, livestock is hardy and with care andmanagement can withstand winter quite well. Their thick hidesand increasingly hairy coats provide most of the protection theywill need during the day, and simple wooden windbreaks orsheds supply the rest. The farmer will bring animals into thebarn during severe weather, but they prefer to be outside evenin the snowy or rainy cold. The stomachs of cows, horses andsheep are basically fermentation chambers, and one of the by-products of fermentation is heat. The additional grain and haythe farmer adds to their diets helps keep them warm by not onlyadding layers of fat but also generating heat from within.

After tending to the livestock in the morning, the farmermoves on to building projects, repairs in the workshop or onthe forge, or even bigger tasks. Since the first Decembersnow, the family has been cutting, hauling, splitting andstacking wood. A good layer of snow not only makes it easierto drag logs and limbs but also blankets dirt and rocks thatcould otherwise embed in the wood and dull saws and axes.The timber they buck and split today will heat the home andprovide building materials next fall after it has cured.

The family is fortunate to live near a little lake, so laterthis month they will cut, haul and store ice for the icehouse.Once they insulate the cut blocks with straw, they’ll haveenough ice to chill the farm’s milk products and to keep foodfrom spoiling until the weather again turns cold. Today afterlunch, the farmer makes his way to the workshop to sharpenand oil the saw that will help them do the job.

Back in the farmhouse, his wife counts the jars oftomatoes, squash, beans, cucumbers, cherries and other


produce she set up months earlier to get the family throughthese lean times. She needs to periodically inventory hersupply so she can best ration what remains. After she’s done,she grabs one filled with bright tomatoes. She’ll serve it withmacaroni as part of tonight’s supper.

She notices that there’s still sunlight coming into theparlor, so she asks her daughter to grab the mending basket.They place two chairs near a window. It’s drafty, but it’s thebest light in the house for repairing a torn shirt and darning afew socks. Settings like this give them time not only to takecare of chores but also to chat for a while.

Every member of the family is yearning for signs of spring,and one of the first will occur in the cold gray of February:the lambing season. The farmer must do what he can today,though, to increase his odds of a prosperous return. He checksin on the ewes later in the afternoon to make sure they’reeating enough and staying healthy and notices some rottenwood in two of the pens in the fold. He’ll have to makerepairs before the lambs’ arrival so they will have adequateshelter until they are strong enough to contend with theweather and the rest of the flock.

As the day winds to a close and the farmer walks back tothe house for supper, he pauses by the orchard and shakes hishead. It’s a little early to start pruning, but he wasn’t able toget through the entire orchard before the sap started to flowlast year. The branches of the pear trees grew so closetogether that sunlight couldn’t penetrate the canopy, and as aresult, he ended up with a poor harvest. And that cherry treeis getting too tall to easily reach. But tomorrow is Saturday,and the children will be home all day, so after dinner he’llpull out the volume of “Prairie Farmer” with the article on

pear trees. He’ll have the older children read it so they canstart pruning the trees to the correct height and shape.

This daily routine of hard work, harsh weather and limiteddaylight makes winter a lonely time for farm families stuckindoors and separated from their neighbors not only by distancebut also by deep snow. Any activity — learning a new knittingstitch or quilting pattern, celebrating the holidays, cooking afew batches of candy — turns into a good excuse to get togetherwith friends, keep social networks vibrant and perhaps evenbegin a romance. And everyone looks forward to a true rite ofspring when temperatures in March rise above freezing duringthe day before dropping below at night. These are conditionsthat force sweet sap to run through the maples, sap everyonewill gather together to tap and boil into delicious syrup.

Today, Kline Creek Farm stands as an educational living-history farm, but in many respects, it operates as it did in the1890s. Staff and volunteers chop all of the wood by hand andcook over the wood-burning stove. We stock the icehouseand look forward to spring lambs and maple sugar time. Wehaul hay to the livestock every morning and clean the stallsbefore we leave. (And yes, we break through the ice in thewater troughs once or twice in between.) One maindifference, though, is that we welcome visitors to alsoexperience these once-vital skills so they can have a betterunderstanding of DuPage County’s agricultural heritage. Infact, the calendar in this issue of The Conservationist is filledwith over a dozen Kline Creek Farm winter programs thatfeature blacksmithing, maple sugaring, courting, taffy pulling,knitting, ice cutting and more. Join us, and I guarantee at thevery least a newfound appreciation for indoor plumbing andcentral heat on your ride home. •


6

explore Herrick Lake Forest Preserve

Historic Herrick Lakeby JAY JOHNSON, OFFICE OF LAND MANAGEMENT

I f the Forest Preserve District of DuPageCounty stands on a foundation of conservation,education and recreation, then the 896-acre Herrick

Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton is one of the mainbuilding blocks that rests on top of that sturdy base.

For history buffs, Herrick Lake offers a look intoDuPage County’s past. Before the first European settlersarrived in the 1800s, the land was home to differentgroups of American Indians, the last being thePotawatomi. In fact, the Potawatomis’ well-used trails tothe north and south provided the original routes for thecurrent (and now much busier) Butterfield andWarrenville roads.

In March 1843, Ira Herrick purchased the marshy lakeand 80 acres of dense woods. His new homestead wasclose to a small settlement called Wheaton. Members ofthe Herrick family continued to own and farm land in andaround the area until 1925, when they sold the first 78acres to the District. Old fence rows, woodlot edges andfields of European grasses are all that remain of the land’sagricultural past.

Today, one of the most alluring features of this forestpreserve continues to be the namesake lake that IraHerrick purchased 168 years ago. Few people know it’sone of only two naturally formed lakes in the county.Fishing, even through the ice, is a popular pastime here,and anglers can catch good-sized bass, bluegill and catfishall year long. In spring and summer, anglers andnonanglers alike can also explore the interior of the 22-acre lake via rented canoes, kayaks or rowboats.

At one point, an area just south of the lake was hometo a youth-group campground, but the five campsitesclosed in 1998. Today, the only camp amenity at HerrickLake is the 1940s-era cabin in the northwest corner,which youth groups can reserve year-round.

In January and February, the cabin becomes center stagefor a series of Sunday programs that introduces the publicto archery, ice fishing and other ways to enjoy DuPageforest preserves in winter. On Jan. 22, for example, rangerswill lead “Cast-Iron Cooking,” which will demonstrateways to prepare pizza, cornbread, Cajun jambalaya, HeartyHerrick Lake Chili, Mountain Man Breakfast Skillet, andcakes and pies by campfire. Flip to the calendar on Page 8,and look for Sunday programs at Herrick Lake for details.

Regardless of the time of year, one of the best ways toexperience Herrick Lake is via its 5-mile trail system. Themain route is the 2.3-mile Danada-Herrick Lake RegionalTrail, a federally designated National Recreation Trail thatconnects with shorter trails within Herrick Lake and withDanada Forest Preserve in Wheaton to the east. And onceconstruction ends on Butterfield Road, the west end of thetrail will again link directly with the Illinois Prairie PathAurora Spur, which leads to St. James Farm, WarrenvilleGrove and Blackwell forest preserves in Warrenville. Inthe meantime, trail users can take Weisbrook Road northto reach the Aurora Spur.

In summer, Herrick Lake’s trails buzz with joggers,bikers and equestrians, who use the scenic routes forexercise as well as a way to view some of the preserve’s700 species of plants and animals. But in winter, it’s quite


© Jerry Kum

ery

© Jerry Kum

ery

<

Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)

<

Northern cardinal(Cardinalis cardinalis)

<

Downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)

<

White-breasted nuthatch(Sitta carolinensis)

© Jerry Kum

ery

the reverse. Visitors experience more peacefulexplorations through quieter terrain by foot, snowshoe orcross-country ski. Rangers even groom the trails forclassical and freestyle skiing when conditions allow.American tree sparrows, black-capped chickadees, downywoodpeckers, northern cardinals, white-breastednuthatches and white-throated sparrows dot the dormantwoodlands and prairies while salamanders, frogs andturtles hibernate below the icy cattails and aquatic grassesthat line Herrick Marsh along the Green Heron Trail.

Still, with all that Herrick Lake has to offer, mostpeople think of the preserve as the land of family reunionsand intimate picnics. (For me, it’s memories of the late1970s, when I drove from the northeast corner of thecounty to rent a canoe and enjoy an afternoon with myhigh school buddies at that place we’d heard so muchabout “way out in the country.”) One popular spot overthe years has been the stone and timber shelter on thesouth side of the lake, the handiwork of the CivilianConservation Corp from the 1930s. The fireplace insidethe open structure offers an ideal warming and gatheringstation for a family or group that’s meeting at HerrickLake for an afternoon of fishing or hitting the trails.Groups need to call Visitor Services at least three businessdays in advance at (630) 933-7248, though, to reserve theshelter or any of the preserve’s other picnic options.

Herrick Lake is certainly a longtime favorite, andalthough the surrounding area has changed, the appealand landscape of this historic preserve remains the same.And after all, that’s what forest preserves are all about! •

North

Quick Look at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve

For a detailed map of Herrick Lake, visit dupageforest.org.

Blackwell and Warrenville Grove forest preserves, West Branch Regional Trail and Illinois Prairie Path

Galusha Ave.

Her

rick

Rd.

Warrenville Rd

DanadaForest

Preserve

St. J

ames

Far

m F

ores

t Pre

serv

e

Washington St.

Wiesbrook Rd.

BluebirdTrail

GreenHeronTrail

Danada-Herrick Lake Regional Trail

MeadowlarkTrail

LakeTrail

HerrickLake

Boat RentalArea

SouthhShelterelter

HerrickMarsh

Butterfield Rd.56

SouthShelter

Youth-GroupGroCabinbin

Youth-GroupCabin


directory

GENERAL Contacts

HEADQUARTERS

Street Address3S580 Naperville RoadWheaton, IL 60189

The headquarters office is open Mondaythrough Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.The office is closed on Saturday, Sundayand select holidays.

Mailing AddressP.O. Box 5000Wheaton, IL 60189

Websitedupageforest.org

E-mail [email protected]

Main Number(630) 933-7200

TTY(800) 526-0857

THE CONSERVATIONISTSUBSCRIPTION 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 CLUB18W201 W. 63rd St.Westmont, IL 60559(630) 810-5330

MAPLE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB272 S. Addison RoadWood Dale, IL 60191(630) 616-8424

OAK MEADOWS GOLF CLUB900 N. Wood Dale RoadAddison, IL 60101(630) 595-0071

©Dav d Davis

PRESERVE HoursMost forest preserves are open dailyfrom one hour after sunrise until onehour after sunset.

ACCESSIBILITYIndividuals with accessibility needs orconcerns should contact the District’sADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 orTTY (800) 526-0857 at least threebusiness days before their visit.

EDUCATION Centers

DANADA EQUESTRIAN CENTER3S503 Naperville RoadWheaton, IL 60189(630) 668-6012

The center’s office is open Mondaythrough Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.and is closed on Saturday, Sunday andselect holidays.

FULLERSBURG WOODS NATUREEDUCATION CENTER3609 Spring RoadOak Brook, IL 60523(630) 850-8110

The center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on select holidays.

KLINE CREEK FARM1N600 County Farm RoadWest Chicago, IL 60185(630) 876-5900

The farm is open Thursday throughMonday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and isclosed on Tuesday, Wednesday andselect holidays.

MAYSLAKE PEABODY ESTATE1717 W. 31st St.Oak Brook, IL 60523(630) 206-9566

The estate is open only duringscheduled programs and events.

WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER525 S. Park Blvd.Glen Ellyn, IL 60137(630) 942-6200

The center and the surroundingWillowbrook Forest Preserve are opendaily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and areclosed on select holidays.

North

o e e Forest Preserve Property

o o Op d Jointly Owned, Leased or Operated o e e Forest Preserve Property

ke/ WaterwayLake/Pond/Waterway

WWetland

e k gEntrance/Parking

o e e Forest Preserve Trail

C k G ee Salt Creek Greenway Trail

o County Trail

S ouU.S. Route

S oState Route

e Interstate Route

U N*Unofficial Name

CHICAGOO’HAREINT’L.

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 Prair ie Path

Great Western Trail

Geneva Spur I l l inois Prair ie 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

Bloomingdale Rd.

Rose

lle R

d.

Gle

n El

lyn

Rd.

Swift

Rd.

Bloom

ingdale Rd

Rohlwing Rd.

Grace St.

Fullerton Ave

Lake St Mill Rd.

Addson Rd

Elizabeth Dr

Wood D

ale Rd.

Devon Ave

Pros

pect

Ave

.

Devon Ave

Foster Ave

Jefferson St 3rd Ave

Chu

rch

Rd.

Grand Ave

York Rd.

Va Ave.

Villa Ave.

Butterfield Rd. High Ridge Rd

Ardm

ore Ave.

Summ

it Ave.

Westm

ore Ave.

Mey

ers

Rd.

Highland A

ve.

St Charles Rd

Cresc

ent Blvd

Mai

n St

. M

ain

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

Scha

ffne

r Rd.

Weis

brook Rd.

Orc

hard

Rd.

War

renv

ille

Rd.

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

Jeffer on Ave Chicago Ave.

Yack

ley

Ave.

Colle

ge R

d.

H tchcockAve

H tchcockAve

Belmont Rd.

63rd St 63rd St

Maple Ave.

55th St

Clarendon H

ills Rd.

Garfield A

ve.

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

Woodw

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

Circle Ave.

Smith Rd.

Ger

ber R

d.

Med

nah

Rd.

M

edin

ah R

d.

Nordic Rd

Thorndale Ave

Elgin O’Hare

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.

Hobso

n Rd.

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.

Ar

ngton Hts Rd

LymanAve

O k Meadow Dr

O d GrandAve

York Rd.

Fron

tena

c Rd

.

Northgate Rd Westgate Rd

BluffRd

WalterDr

Maple Ave.

Des Plaines P sRiverwayr

HiddenLake

Willowbrook

Broadview Slough

EastBranchRiverway

ChurchillWoodsCommunity

Park

EastBranch

SwiftPrairie

Spring Creek Reservoir

MedinahWetlands*

Pratt’sWayneWoods

Dunham

WayneGrove

TimberRidge

WinfieldMounds

West Chicago Prairie

LincolnMarsh

BelleauWoods

HerrickLake

Danada

HitchcockWoods

EgermannWoods

GoodrichWoods

West Branch Riverway

SpringbrookPrairie

CountryLakes*

BigWoods

Warrenville Grove

Blackwell

West DuPage Woods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

WoodDaleGrove

MapleMeadowsGolf Club

Oak Meadows Golf Club

Silver Creek

Wood Dale/ Itasca Reservoir

Salt Creek Marsh

Salt Creek Park

SongbirdSlough

York/HighRidge

Salt Creek Greenway

Mayslake

WoodRidge

aterfallGlen

St. James Farm

OakOakGroveGrove

Des PlainesDes PlainesRiverwayRiverway

GreenGreenMeadowsMeadows

GolfGolfCourseCourse

MapleMapleGroveGrove

ymanLymanWoodsWoods

HiddenHiddenLakeLake

WillowbrookWillowbrook

Broadview SloughBroadview Slough

GlenGlenOakOak

EastEastBranchBranchRiverwayRiverway

ChurchillChurchillWoodsWoods

ChurchillChurchillParkPark

CommunityCommunityParkPark

EastEastBranchBranch

SwiftSwiftPrairiePrairie

Spring CreekSpring CreekReservoirReservoir

MeachamMeachamGroveGrove

MedinahMedinahWetlands*Wetlands*

BlackBlackWillowWillowMarshMarsh

WestWestBranchBranch

PrattPratt’ssWayneWayneWoodsWoods

DunhamDunham

WayneWayneGroveGrove

TimberTimberRidgeRidge

Kline CreekKline CreekFarmFarm

WinfieldWinfieldMoundsMounds

West ChicagoWest ChicagoPrairiePrairie

LincolnLincolnMarshMarsh

BelleauBelleauWoodsWoods

HerrickHerrickLakeLake

DanadaDanada

HitchcockHitchcockWoodsWoods

EgermannEgermannWoodsWoods

Pioneer ParkPioneer Park

GoodrichGoodrichWoodsWoods

West BranchWest BranchRiverwayRiverway

SpringbrookSpringbrookPrairiePrairie

Night HeronNight HeronMarshMarsh

CountryCountryLakes*Lakes*

Big Big WoodsWoods

WarrenvilleWarrenville Grove Grove

BlackwellBlackwell

West DuPageWest DuPageWoodsWoods

McDowellMcDowellGroveGrove

GreeneGreeneValleyValley

HickoryHickoryGroveGrove

MallardMallardLakeLake

HawkHawkHollowHollow

FullertonFullertonParkPark CricketCricket

CreekCreek

FischerFischerWoodsWoods

WoodWoodDaleDaleGroveGrove

MapleMapleMeadowsMeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Oak MeadowsOak MeadowsGolf ClubGolf Club

Silver CreekSilver Creek

Wood Dale/Wood Dale/Itasca ReservoirItasca Reservoir

Salt CreekSalt CreekMarshMarsh

Salt Creek ParkSalt Creek Park

SongbirdSongbirdSloughSlough

York/HighYork/HighRidgeRidge

Salt CreekSalt CreekGreenwayGreenway

YorkYorkWoodsWoods

MayslakeMayslake

BrushBrushHillHill

FoxFoxHollowHollow

OldfieldOldfieldOaksOaks

WoodWoodRidgeRidge

aterfallWaterfallGlenGlen

St. JamesSt. JamesFarmFarm

294

PRSRT STDU.S. PostagePA I D

Carol Stream, ILPermit No. 96

please deliver to current resident

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

eehhtt

A Qu

CCarterly P

ooublicat

nsenseion of the Forest Pres

rrerve

vv Distric

aat of Du

ttPag

ionistioniste County Winter 2012

Good things happen when you make tracks to a DuPage forest preserve.

dupageforest.org

Documents

The Conservationist | Winter 2012