Conservation
Since 1915, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has acquired and maintained land to protect and preserve the area’s flora, fauna and scenic beauty for county citizens. Today, the District actively manages or restores a significant percentage of its 25,000 acres.
For a list of DuPage Country forest preserves, visit Forest Preserves.
The Forest Preserve District’s picnic shelters, trails, parking lots and other developed areas make up only 10 percent of the forest preserve system. The remaining 90 percent remains in a natural state. To that end, the District works to create ecological conditions that sustain and preserve native plant and animal communities in DuPage County’s prairies, wetlands and woodlands.
To learn about Forest Preserve District plant and animal surveys, habitat-restoration efforts, and natural-resource-management volunteer opportunities, visit Managing DuPage County's Natural Resources.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County develops land-preservation efforts that
- Protect prairies, wetlands and woodlands
- Secure habitat for native plants and animals
- Create greenways
- Provide space for trails, picnic areas and other recreational amenities
- Support local flood-control efforts
- Improve the quality of life for all DuPage County citizens
To learn about recent accomplishments, efforts by forest preserve, and conservation easements visit, Preserving Open Spaces.