Education

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County offers a variety of educational programs and learning opportunities for thousands of residents and patrons annually.

Education Centers

The Forest Preserve District’s five education centers provide unique conservation-, education- and recreation-related learning experiences for visitors of all ages.

• Danada Equestrian Center  
• Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center  
• Kline Creek Farm  
• Mayslake Peabody Estate
• Willowbrook Wildlife Center

Education Resources

For Teachers

The Forest Preserve District offers a variety of engaging, educational experiences for teachers and their students, such as field trips, outreach programs and self-guided activities, many of which meet state curriculum standards. Professional development opportunities are also available. For details, call the District’s education outreach manager at (630) 933-7208.

Earth Partnership for Schools 
The Earth Partnership Program started in 1991 as an outgrowth of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum's focus on ecological restoration as a way of establishing a positive relationship between people and the land. Today, this program assists teachers in establishing restoration projects on school sites and provide the tools for building a curriculum that incorporates restoration into almost any subject area. Visit Earth Partnership for Schools-Chicago Partnership to learn more.

Educational Loan Boxes
Educational loan boxes are a wonderful way for teachers to enhance curricula and introduce students to DuPage County’s natural and cultural history. Each box contains suggested lesson and activity outlines, books, DVDs, and specimens for students to examine, and all materials align with Illinois Learning Standards.

Forest Preserve District and Illinois Department of Natural Resources boxes are available, and teachers can borrow any of them for up to two weeks by calling Mayslake Peabody Estate at (630) 206-9586.

For Civic Groups

The Nature’s Ambassadors Speakers’ Bureau keeps citizens abreast of Forest Preserve District programs and amenities. Visit Nature’s Ambassadors for a current list of programs.

Just For Kids

Learn about some of the plants and animals that live in DuPage County’s forest preserves, visit Just For Kids.

To learn about the fun and educational summer camps offered for kids ages 6 to 17 or to download a registration form, visit Camps for Kids.

For Everyone

For upcoming education-, recreation- and conservation-related programs, visit the Calendar of Events.

For the latest issue of the Forest Preserve District’s quarterly publication, visit The Conservationist.