About the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Our Vision

The Vision of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is to be a forest preserve district jeweled in open space that connects nature and people and serves as a model of dynamic leadership, inspiring excellence in environmental ethics, resource education and compatible recreation.

Our Mission

The Mission of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands, and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna, and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure, and recreation of its citizens.

History

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County was established in 1915 when voters cast ballots to protect against the removal of woodlands. For the first year of operation, $8,000 was appropriated to create, manage and maintain the new forest preserve. County supervisors who governed the District spent the next two years working out operating details for the fifth county forest preserve district in the country. In 1917, the first tax levy was made and the first preserve land was purchased: 79 acres in Oak Brook, called York Woods. Today, the Forest Preserve District owns and manages more than 24,000 acres and has an annual budget of more than $175 million. Each year, more than 3.1 million people visit the Forest Preserve District's 600+ acres of shimmering lakes, 60 miles of river and streams, and over 100 miles of trails that offer scenic views and many fun ways to enjoy your leisure time.

Board of Commissioners

The Forest Preserve District's Board of Commissioners translates the open space needs of county residents into ordinances designed to protect and enhance natural areas and to ensure an enjoyable experience for all. It is divided into six committees that determine policy by first reviewing items being considered and then making recommendations for approval by the full Commission.

Since December 2002, when the Commission was restructed, the Forest Preserve District has been governed by a seven-member board. One member is elected from each of the six county districts to a staggered four-year term. The seventh Commissioner, the president, is elected by the county at large by popular vote.

District Departments

There are currently 307 full-time, 47 part-time and more than 250 seasonal employees who carry out the daily operations of the Forest Preserve District. Their work encompasses 12 departments:

• Office of Education
• Office of Environmental Services
• Office of Finance (1.8 MB PDF)
• Office of Golf Operations
• Office of Law Enforcement
• Office of Human Resources
• Office of Information Technology
• Office of Land Management
• Office of Land Preservation
• Office of Natural Resources
• Office of Planning
• Office of Public Affairs

Funding

Funds for District operations and programs come primarily from property taxes and the sale of bonds. Only 2.7 percent of all county property taxes go to support the Forest Preserve District. Additional financial assistance comes from support groups that lend a hand to the four special facilities through fund-raising efforts, as well as fees collected for specific services. The District's enterprise operations, which include three golf facilities and two gas-to-energy facilities, generate enterprise revenues. Click here for more information about permits and fees.

Land Management

The District continues to acquire parcels (12 KB PDF) of valuable open spaces throughout the county to keep pace with the continuous sprawl of the urban landscape. Properties are evaluated based on their fair market value and are considered based on the land’s natural condition, resident flora and fauna, and other features such as connectivity to greenways, river ways and existing preserves. The District focuses on managing the land through an innovative program to restore and preserve the county’s ecosystems, in conjunction with ongoing efforts in reforestation and prairie restoration. The controlled use of fire and other natural resource management methods continue to be used as tools in clearing natural areas of aggressive non-native plants and encouraging the growth of wildflowers and other native plant species. Click here for more information on the District's Land Management program.

Educational Programs

The District's six special facilities (Danada Equestrian Center, Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, Kline Creek Farm, Mayslake Peabody Estate, James "Pate" Philip State Park and Willowbrook Wildlife Center) conduct a variety of educational programs throughout the year, ranging from cross-country ski tours to programs that explore how wild animals survive in our urban environment. A listing of all District programs and special events is published in our quarterly publication, The DuPage Conservationist. The District also publishes teachers guides, which describe many of the programs available for school groups as well as teacher workshops and self-guided programs. All programs are open to the public and reservations may be necessary as group size is limited. For more information on public or school group programs, call the phone number listed under the facility you wish to visit. Click here for more information on the District's educational programs.

Recreational Activities

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite open-air activities, such as birding, boating, camping, fishing, picnicking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding or hiking, at many preserves throughout the District. Click here for more information on the District's recreational activities.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers play a valuable role in the District's educational and natural resource management programs by sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with the public. Click here for more information on the District's volunteer program.

Freedom of Information Act

Download our Freedom of Information Act request form (76 KB PDF)