2015 – 2016 Year in Review
From the President Throughout 2015, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s centennial year, we celebrated the many ways we’ve been able to connect people to nature over the past 100 years. Our on-going efforts continue to build on this proud heritage of conservation, preservation, restoration, and excellent community service that focus on our commitment to financial stewardship and sustainability. Strategic plans are helping us better define our direction and prioritize our goals. For example, our plan to overhaul District operations led to 51 employees taking voluntary early retirement in 2015. Slightly less than half were replaced. We had a reduction in staff of 28 employees, which resulted in a total savings of more than $2 million in annual compensation costs. Thanks to the support, professionalism and teamwork of our staff members,
Contact Us
we realigned responsibilities to create a more efficient, streamlined environment.
By Phone (630) 933-7200
DuPage taxpayers and community members are benefitting from other efforts as well.
On the Web dupageforest.org Via Email forest@dupageforest.org On Facebook facebook.com/dupageforest
Working with other agencies allows us to pursue projects such as improvements at Oak Meadows Golf Preserve, our largest capital improvement effort in recent history. We’re integrating new technology and now have a 24/7 online reservation system to improve operating efficiencies and public access and reduce costs. We’ve also restructured portions of our debt to take advantage of low interest rates. Working together, our staff, volunteers, partners, supporters and board work to conserve the natural areas and resources entrusted to our care to make our county’s forest preserves – and life in DuPage County – the best they can be.
Joseph F. Cantore President, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
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Table of Contents 2 From the President 4 Who We Are 6 Guiding Principles 8 Connecting People to Nature 14 Conservation Efforts 16 Celebrating a Century 18 Working Together 22 Financial Sustainability Cover photo Š Mark Baldwin
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Who We Are Our Vision The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is a nationally recognized conservation agency that envisions a community in which all citizens share a connection with nature and an appreciation for cultural history
Our Mission 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 DuPage County’s citizens
Our Purpose To acquire, preserve, protect and restore the natural resources in DuPage County while providing opportunities for people to connect with nature
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Board of Commissioners President
Joseph F. Cantore, Oak Brook
Commissioners
Marsha Murphy, Addison — District 1 Jeffrey Redick, Elmhurst — District 2 Linda Painter, Hinsdale — District 3 Tim Whelan, Wheaton — District 4 Mary Lou Wehrli, Naperville — District 5 Al Murphy, West Chicago — District 6
Places to Visit Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Headquarters 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton, IL 60189 (630) 933-7200 Danada Equestrian Center 3S507 Naperville Road Wheaton, IL 60189 (630) 668-6012 Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 850-8110
Kline Creek Farm 1N600 County Farm Road West Chicago, IL 60185 (630) 876-5900
Green Meadows Golf Course 18W201 W. 63rd St. Westmont, IL 60559 (630) 810-5330
Mayslake Peabody Estate 1717 W. 31st St. Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 206-9566
Maple Meadows Golf Course 272 S. Addison Road Wood Dale, IL 60191 (630) 616-8424
Willowbrook Wildlife Center 525 S. Park Blvd. Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 (630) 942-6200
Oak Meadows Golf Preserve 900 N. Wood Dale Road Addison, IL 60101 (630) 595-0071
Michael Hullihan became executive director of the Forest Preserve District in August 2015. His public- and private-sector experience includes seven years as public works director and village engineer for the village of Oak Brook and time as vice president of Gannett Fleming, a global company focused on infrastructure solutions. Hullihan is also a retired lieutenant colonel with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “It’s an honor and a privilege to be part of this winning team,” said Hullihan. “I’m looking forward to working for an organization with first-class facilities and natural areas and a team of professionals from many different disciplines.” 5
Guiding Principles
The Forest Preserve District is committed to
STEWARDSHIP
revitalizing the county’s natural areas and providing better
The District serves as a responsible steward of the
ways for people to access and experience them.
financial and natural resources that have been entrusted to it by the citizens of DuPage County. We adhere to the principle of excellence in all we do, and our actions are guided by a basic respect for nature, one another and the communities we serve.
SUSTAINABILITY The District values sustainability from an organizational and environmental perspective. To ensure its long-term ability to continue its mission, the District is guided by a commitment to financial and operational sustainability. The District is also committed to the responsible and sustainable preservation and use of the natural lands, 6
Š Mark Baldwin
INNOVATION As a leader in our field we seek innovative ways to integrate new technology, engage our public, respond to changing needs and advance our mission and vision.
EMPOWERMENT We will provide a supportive working environment that waterways, plant and animal life under its protection for
respects and relies upon each individual’s expertise, skills
current and future generations.
and diversity while encouraging teamwork, creativity and professional development.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT We strive to continuously engage the communities
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
and individuals we serve in an ongoing dialogue and
We seek to honor and represent the growing diversity within
partnership to improve our relationships and foster
our community in our practices, programs and services,
greater trust and collaboration around common goals.
communications and the accessibility of our preserves. 7
Connecting People to Nature DuPage County residents value the health and
related activities from their computers, tablets or mobile
social benefits nature and natural areas provide, and the
devices by visiting dupageforest.org and clicking “Register.�
District is dedicated to improving and expanding the places and experiences forest preserves offer so close to home.
ONLINE REGISTRATION AND RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE 24/7 In late 2015 the District established an online registration system, giving visitors a convenient way to sign up for archery, fishing, hiking, paddling, nature and volunteer programs day or night. They can also use the site to make camping and picnic reservations up to 12 months in advance; purchase permits for off-leash dog areas, private boats and model crafts; and manage all of their nature8
ST. JAMES FARM OPENS NEW 2-MILE TRAIL A new 2-mile crushed limestone trail now connects visitors at St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville with the Illinois Prairie Path. The trail circles the main
and eastern areas of the farm, following historic alignments and tree-lined promenades, which minimizes habitat disturbances while creating scenic outdoor experiences and easier access to many features of the preserve. A $200,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration for the Recreational Trails Program Resources) funded part of the construction.
HAWK HOLLOW ADDS OFF-LEASH DOG AREA
The trail is one of several planned public-access
Dog owners with valid District permits gained an expansive
improvements for St. James Farm. In 2012 the District
new off-leash dog area in September 2015 at Hawk Hollow
completed a new entrance and 100-car parking lot off
Forest Preserve in Bartlett. Located at Stearns Road and
Winfield Road, and in 2013 it added a welcome plaza.
Bittersweet Drive, the 34-acre area has a 59-car parking
By late 2017 the east side of the preserve will have sewer
lot, a 29.2-acre area with 1.2 miles of limestone trails, 2.1
and water lines and the north side will have a 1-mile trail
acres for dogs of all sizes, and almost a full acre just for dogs
near Spring Brook.
under 25 pounds. All of the areas are fenced.
(administered by the Illinois Department of Natural
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A key feature of the new facility is its rotating activity fields, which allow the District to close one area to give the turf a rest while keeping a second area open for use. The off-leash area was part of the 2012 cooperative agreement between the District and CN, which allowed the railway and transportation company to use 5 acres at Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve in Wayne for track improvements in exchange for roughly $3.1 million in
came from the Friends of the Forest Preserve District of
forest preserve habitat and recreational improvements.
DuPage County. District bonds and planning, construction and development monies funded the balance.
MAYSLAKE HALL ADDS COURTYARD TO RESTORATION SUCCESS LIST
A beloved cultural and historical gem of DuPage
In 2015 Mayslake Hall at Mayslake Peabody Estate in
through the arts. Updates over the past few years have
Oak Brook received $720,000 in restoration work on
helped make the space available for educational and
the rear courtyard and breakfast porch area. The project
cultural programming, corporate retreats, meetings, and
restored the exterior brickwork to a recessed, or “raked,”
special events.
mortar-joint finish; replaced barge boards and 21 second-
The building was commissioned in 1919 by Francis
story windows; repaired the chimney, stucco, copper
Stuyvesant Peabody; renowned Chicago architect
scuppers and downspouts; and replaced limestone lintels.
Benjamin H. Marshall designed the Tudor Revival-style
The Mayslake Hall Restoration Society contributed
mansion. The Forest Preserve District purchased the
more than $100,000 to the project. More than $28,000
property in 1993.
County, Mayslake Hall introduces people to nature
STRUCTURAL REPAIRS UNDERWAY AT GRAUE MILL The first phase of maintenance and structural repairs are underway at the 163-year-old Graue Mill and Museum at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook. When completed near the end of 2016, the project will make the mill more resilient to future floods by tuck-pointing and stabilizing the foundation walls, portions of the millrace and basement floor and by adding a moisture-control barrier to the exterior. In addition, contractors will move components of the electrical system from the basement, reinforce portions of the basement floor and pour new foundation supports for the mill’s wooden gear works. The District awarded a $576,190 contract for this work. The nonprofit DuPage Graue Mill Corporation, which operates the mill for the District, agreed to fund 10
$25,000 in repairs to the mill and jib crane assemblies,
the construction of a native wildlife recovery building, the
which will allow milling demonstrations to resume.
expansion and renovation of an existing support building,
In 2013 inspections of the mill found several areas of
and the creation of a 99-car permeable paver parking lot.
concern. A significant flood that same year contributed preserve the mill and ensure the long-term stability of the
WAYFINDING SIGNS IMPROVE NAVIGATION AT WATERFALL GLEN
structure. The District hopes to fund a second phase of
In fall 2015 the District installed 19 new wayfinding
improvements at a later date.
posts and 19 mileage markers along 9.5 miles of trails at
The only operating gristmill in the Chicago
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien.
area, Graue Mill is also one of the area’s remaining
The District developed the
authenticated Underground Railroad “stations.” It was
new navigational sign system
listed in the National Register of Historic Places in
using comments it received via
May 1975 and recognized in 1981 as an Illinois Historic
online and trailside surveys and
Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the American
open houses from more than
Society of Mechanical Engineers. It is the only gristmill
1,100 hikers, joggers, bikers,
so designated on a national or local level.
bird-watchers and other visitors.
to further deterioration. The resulting repairs will
The four-sided posts have trail
WILDLIFE CENTER WINS AWARD FOR LANDSCAPING
names and directional arrows
Improvements at Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen
lots, forest preserve features and
Ellyn earned the District the 2015 Vivian Ball Landscape
connecting trails.
Award from the village of Glen Ellyn. Updates included
Fullersburg Woods Forest
as well as distances to parking
Preserve in Oak Brook, Danada and Herrick Lake forest preserves in Wheaton, and St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville are scheduled to receive the updated posts and markers in fall 2016.
EAGLE SCOUT HELPS STOCK TWO DISTRICT LAKES WITH HYBRID BLUEGILL Thanks to the efforts of Naperville Eagle Scout Quinn Draz, more than 3,800 hybrid bluegill found new homes in the 19-acre Herrick Lake at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton and the catch-and-release Sand Pond at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Working with Forest Preserve District ecologists, Draz started “Funds for Fish,” a campaign to raise $5,000 to introduce the bluegills to forest preserve waters to attract 11
young anglers. The hybrid grows quickly but tends to spawn infrequently. This means the fish are less likely to overpopulate lakes but more likely to grow into trophy-size catches. Draz launched the campaign to honor his mentor, District ecologist Don LaBrose, who passed away in 2012. LaBrose, himself an Eagle Scout, helped Draz plan his Eagle Scout project, which created 30 submersible fish habitats and 18 fishing-line collection stations for DuPage County forest preserves. Draz received more than $5,600 in “Funds for Fish” contributions from more than 50 donors, including the Riverside Fishing Club, DuPage Rivers Fly Tyers, the Illinois Smallmouth Alliance, and family members and friends of both Draz and LaBrose.
RESIDENTS EMBRACE “FOREST FITNESS WALKS” A recent Stanford University study revealed walking through nature physically changes the way blood flows to the brain and makes people feel more attentive and happier. “Forest Fitness Walks” led by Fullersburg Woods naturalist Dave Andrusyk have been helping DuPage 12
County residents reap the documented benefits of nature walks for six years. “Forest Fitness Walks” offer residents a unique way to access and experience nature. Andrusyk leads walkers along District forest preserve trails once a week and points out sights of interests and wildlife such as birds, deer, squirrels, muskrats and coyotes. He challenges participants with increasingly longer routes to help them build endurance. He also varies the trails so participants see new scenery. In the recent fall and spring sessions, 336 participated and hiked 1,448 total miles.
of students with mobility or other impairments, and
Fall hikes occur October through mid-December
volunteers from Com Ed and the School Association
while spring hikes take place April through early June.
for Special Education in DuPage County assisted
Most walks have been scheduled on Monday mornings; a
with activities.
special 10-mile walk ends each session.
MODEL AIRFIELD OPENS AT PRATT’S WAYNE WOODS The District opened its relocated model airfield at Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve in Wayne with an open house and “fun fly” event in July 2015. Located on Stearns Road across the street from James “Pate” Philip State Park, the airfield features a 40-car parking lot, 300-foot asphalt runway, 23-acre overfly zone and 4-acre mowed turf area.
RANGERS AND NATURALISTS HOST “SPECIAL NEEDS OUTDOOR EDUCATION DAY” About 500 students from nearly 50 DuPage County schools participated in “Special Needs Outdoor Education Day” in May 2016 at St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Children kayaked, fished, rode tractor-drawn wagons and enjoyed rare close looks at some of the wildlife that call the forest preserves home, including a native fox snake. The District’s Community Services & Education department tailored the experiences to meet the needs 13
Conservation Efforts No matter what you call them – natural
to use heavy equipment without disturbing the soil.
areas, open spaces, prairies, woodlands, wetlands –
By removing these specific types of trees and shrubs,
large stretches of undeveloped land are what most people
more sunlight will be able to reach the soil, a huge benefit
think about when they think of DuPage County’s
for oaks, hickories, hazelnuts, ironwoods and a variety of
forest preserves.
wildflowers. When completed, the project will also give
BABCOCK GROVE AT CHURCHILL WOODS FOREST PRESERVE
visitors impressive shows of springtime wildflowers and views of the adjacent Churchill Prairie Nature Preserve.
degraded 25-acre Babcock Grove woodland at Churchill
DUNHAM FOREST PRESERVE WETLAND AND PRAIRIE
Woods Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn by removing
From a former plot of farmland, the District is creating
invasive, nonnative brush, such as honeysuckle and
212 acres of prairies and wetlands at Dunham Forest
buckthorn, as well as select, overcrowding weedy native
Preserve in Wayne. Plans also call for installing a scenic
trees, such as box elder and cherry. Completing this type
overlook, trail and parking lot.
of work in winter when the ground is frozen allows crews
Several partners are working with the District to
Over the winter 2016 the District began to restore the
create the area. The DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference along with the Chicago Metro Planning Agency and the Illinois Department of Transportation are providing approximately $1.35 million in Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grant funding to build public access improvements. In addition, 135 acres of prairie will be funded and maintained by the Wayne Area Conservancy; 11 acres of wetlands are being mitigated by CN, the railway and transportation 14
Š Mike Shimer
It also earned “100 Best Fleets in North America� honors for the fourth year in a row in a contest sponsored by American City & Country Magazine. The District was company; and 27 acres of wetlands are being funded
the only conservation agency to make the Top 50 list.
by DuPage County Stormwater Management. Such a
Both awards programs honor top public-sector fleets at
partnership is a cost-effective way to restore natural
the municipal, county, state and federal levels.
habitat and connect people to nature in responsible ways.
The District fleet stands out for its variety of
Wetland restoration will happen in phases. Old drain
vehicles and for its focus on alternative fuels. In-house
tiles in this former farm field will be disabled to improve
crews maintain standard passenger vehicles as well as
hydrology. District crews will then seed in and plant
specialized equipment such as mowers and tractors.
native wetland species and begin intensive maintenance
Nearly all use hybrid technology or run on alternate fuels
efforts to keep goals on track for both hydrology and
such as compressed natural gas, liquid propane gas, E-8
vegetative quality.
and biodiesel. Using these alternatives has lowered fuel expenditures, reduced tailpipe emissions and lengthened
TOP 50 FLEET AWARD
vehicle lifespans.
Once again, the District was recognized for operating its fleet in an environmentally friendly and cost-efficient manner. For the second year in a row it was named one of the top 50 fleets in the nation by Government Fleet Magazine and the American Public Works Association. The awards program, sponsored by Ford Motor Company, recognizes operations performing at a high level, particularly in fleet leadership, competitiveness and efficiency, planning for the future, and overcoming challenges. 15
Celebrating a Century Throughout 2015 the District marked its 100th
Mallard Lake, Pratt’s Wayne Woods, Danada and Herrick
birthday with special programs to help residents enjoy
Lake. A group of community volunteers collaborated
their favorite pastimes and get outside and into the forest
with the District to establish the trail, which also offers
preserves for their daily dose of nature.
5-, 10- and 15-mile loops. Eleven new informational signs highlight historical
CLUES LEAD FOREST PRESERVE FANS ON MEDALLION SEARCH
locations along the way, from the Civilian Conservation
On June 7, 2015, the Forest Preserve District officially
Oak Brook and the discovery of a 13,000-year-old woolly
turned 100 and celebrated the milestone with a once-in-
mammoth skeleton at Blackwell Forest Preserve in
a-century event. The District
Warrenville to the reason the county’s second-largest forest
challenged visitors to get
preserve, which is in Darien, is called Waterfall Glen.
Corps’ effects on Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in
their daily dose of nature hidden in six preserves that
“BIO BLITZ” AND THE “CENTENNIAL NATURE FEST”
were good for running shoes,
On June 26, 2015, the Forest Preserve District kicked off
bikes, a fly-fishing package
its first-ever “Bio Blitz.” Over 24 hours, more than 130
and $2,500. Sleuths followed daily clues posted online
professional and citizen scientists supported by dozens of
and in the Daily Herald and discovered all six.
District employees and volunteers found and identified
by searching for medallions
more than 950 different kinds of plants, animals, lichen
DISTRICT UNVEILS 100-MILE COMMEMORATIVE TRAIL
and fungi across 3,700 acres in four forest preserves. Of
In July 2015 trail fans celebrated the debut of the
mosses were previously unobserved in DuPage County,
commemorative DuPage Forest Preserves Century Trail,
including some special finds.
those, 39 invertebrates, six lichens, 13 fungi and two
a 100-mile loop comprised of existing trails in 33 forest preserves, including Blackwell, McDowell Grove, Greene Valley, Waterfall Glen, Fullersburg Woods, York Woods,
• Two mosses likely new to Illinois (Bryum argentium mutucum and Ptychostomum bimum) • Two lichens not recorded in northeastern Illinois in more than 120 years (Arthothelium hallii and A. taediosum) • A butterfly on the state list of species in greatest need of conservation, the Dion skipper (Euphyes dion) • Several species of beetles and fungi previously unknown in DuPage County forest preserves
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© Mark Baldwin
• A parasitoid fly never before recorded in Illinois
Gold Sponsors Navistar
(Pteromicra similis Steyskal)
Daily Herald Media Group
• Sightings of the state-endangered black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) and osprey
Silver Sponsors
(Padion haliaetus)
Cabela’s
• Sightings of nine state-imperiled dragonfly and
Case IH, a brand of CNH Industrial
damselfly species
Chapman and Cutler LLP “Bio Blitz” wrapped up on June 27 as the District
Hoving Pit Stop
hosted its “Centennial Nature Fest” at St. James Farm
Wheaton Bank & Trust and Great Lakes Advisors, LLC
Forest Preserve in Warrenville, which welcomed an
Wight & Company
estimated 1,900 visitors. The District and 20 outside organizations offered more than 40 hands-on, nature-
Bronze Sponsors
related activities and chances to meet scientists as they
Robert W. Baird & Co.
brought in their “Bio Blitz” findings. Visitors learned
The Conservation Foundation
about biodiversity; met live frogs, turtles, snakes, birds
Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd.
and bats; and worked side-by-side with entomologists
Engineering Resource Associates, Inc.
from The Field Museum and Purdue University.
MCA Corporation Opal Enterprises Inc.
CENTENNIAL SPONSORS
Spraying Systems Co.
Thanks to the generous support of these sponsors, the Forest
Timothy Financial Counsel, Inc.
Preserve District organized events and provided prizes,
V3 Companies, Ltd.
crafts, children’s activities and refreshments for thousands of
Wills Burke Kelsey Associates, Ltd.
visitors at events throughout its celebratory year.
© Wayne Lampa
© Julie Kulak
Pleurotus pulmonarius
Dion skipper (Euphyes dion)
Ptychostomum bimum 17
Working Together The Forest Preserve District relies on the
adhering to its mission. In 2015 and 2016 the Board
strong partnerships it has formed with municipal,
of Commissioners approved several intergovernmental
county and state agencies to ensure it can provide
agreements that benefited forest preserve visitors and
the best amenities for DuPage County residents while
neighbors alike. DuPage County • Wetland mitigation at Oak Meadows Golf Preserve • Emergency telephone system services • North Central DuPage Regional Trail pedestrian bridge over County Farm Road connecting Mallard Lake and Hawk Hollow forest preserves • Projects and proposals for storage and maintenance of GIS data
CREEK RESTORATION AT ST. JAMES PRESERVE IN WARRENVILLE In fall 2015, more than 3,200 feet of creek restoration was completed on Spring Brook, a tributary of the West Branch of the DuPage River. The restoration area falls within the St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Depending on funding, a second phase of Spring Brook’s restoration at Blackwell Forest Preserve may begin in 2017 or 2018.
The District and other conservation-minded agencies, homeowners and volunteers have worked to restore
meandering streams such as this and rebuild wetlands in order to improve stormwater management and water quality and also to enhance the quality of lives in DuPage County.
Reconfiguring the creek involved adding twists and turns to
slow its flow and to reduce erosion not only in the preserve but also downstream. The creek bed now contains gravel, cobble and boulders to offer habitat for fish, microinvertebrates, mussels and other wildlife. Shallow stretches allow water to overflow the banks during heavy rains and move into a restored floodplain. Old drainage-tile channels have been disrupted to allow the former fields to hold water as wetlands again. As a result, the District can store more stormwater and provide valuable refuge for Wilson’s snipes, spotted sandpipers, Virginia rails, soras and other wetland species. 18
DISTRICT PARTNERS TO PROP UP POLLINATORS Without animal pollinators, about 80 percent of the planet’s 250,000 species of flowering plants could not produce seeds or fruits. As a result, the District is
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
committed to helping conserve and protect butterflies,
and Bartlett Park District
bees and other imperiled pollinator species. For years
Leasing, management and use of James “Pate”
its ecologists and volunteers have collected and spread
Philip State Park
seeds from several different kinds of milkweeds throughout the preserves. (Milkweed plants are the sole
Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, DuPage County
food source for monarch caterpillars.) More recently the
Stormwater Management, The Wetlands Initiative,
District has started to grow plants vital to other types of
WBK Engineering, LLC, The Conservation Foundation
butterflies and to avoid the use of products containing
and DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup
“neonicotinoids,” which are
Restoration of Spring Brook at St. James Farm
known to be harmful to flower-
Forest Preserve
visiting insects.
City of Warrenville
In 2016 the District joined
gardeners, municipalities and
Design, funding, implementation and maintenance of
other partners to roll out
trail improvements at Mack Road, Warrenville Grove
the red carpet to welcome
Forest Preserve and Maple Hill and a water-main
monarch butterflies to DuPage
system along Mack Road at Blackwell Forest Preserve
County by becoming a part of
© Glenn Perricone
the DuPage Monarch Project, whose members include
Village of Winfield
The Conservation Foundation, River Prairie Group of
Engineering services for West Branch DuPage River
the Sierra Club and Greater DuPage Wild Ones. As
Trail development from Winfield Mounds near
part of this collaboration, the District is distributing
Township Street to West DuPage Woods forest preserves
seed packets containing rose milkweed, New England aster, wild bergamot, foxglove beardtongue, yellow
Winfield Township Road District
coneflower, black-eyed Susan, stiff goldenrod and little
Signs along West Branch DuPage River Trail from
bluestem, an effort it began in 2015 when it handed
Winfield Mounds to West DuPage Woods forest preserves
out thousands of packets of milkweed seeds.
The District is also forging new partnerships and
has pledged $40,000 toward the Fox Valley Monarch
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Corridor Project’s National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
In addition to cooperating through intergovernmental
grant request, which is being coordinated by The
agreements, the Forest Preserve District regularly
Conservation Foundation. If awarded, the grant will
collaborates with scores of organizations on projects from
help increase the availability of insect host plants and
large-scale habitat restorations to programs that give
sources of nectar on 50 acres at Night Heron Marsh
homeowners tips on how to support the forest preserves
Forest Preserve in Aurora, which is within the Fox River
in their own backyards. Partners include municipalities,
Valley corridor. 19
park districts, townships and county departments as well as agencies on the state and federal level. Several recent partners and project descriptions include: Chicago Bird Collision Monitors Migrant bird rehabilitation College of DuPage WDCB 90.9 FM “Wild Things” radio program
GIFTS Mayslake Peabody Estate Individual Contributors $28,600 through the Friends of the Forest Preserve District for the restoration of the rear courtyard Willowbrook Wildlife Center Exelon $10,000 through the Friends of the Forest Preserve
The Conservation Foundation, River Prairie Group of
District for the sandhill crane exhibit and animal care
the Sierra Club and Greater DuPage Wild Ones
and rehabilitation
DuPage Monarch Project Blackwell and Herrick Lake Forest Preserves Lincoln Park Zoo Amphibian research Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Brookfield Zoo, Wheaton Park District Cosley Zoo and St. Charles Park District Hickory Knolls Discovery Center Blanding’s turtle recovery project School District 41 Problem-Based Learning Program Monarchs and milkweeds initiative University of Illinois Smallmouth bass research
Eagle Scout Quinn Draz, DuPage River Fly Tyers, Illinois Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, Illinois Smallmouth Alliance, Riverside Fishing Club and Individual Contributors $5,600 through the Friends of the Forest Preserve District for “Funds for Fish” for the release of 3,800 hybrid bluegill in memory of District ecologist Don LaBrose Ranger-Led Programs Rotary Club of Elmhurst, Sierra Club River Prairie Group and Individual Contributors $8,304 through the Friends of the Forest Preserve
Village of Glen Ellyn “Year of the Monarch” collaboration
District for a programming trailer to support Districtwide ranger-led recreational programs
FRIENDS OF THE FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF DUPAGE COUNTY Since its founding in 2013, the Friends of the Forest Preserve of DuPage County has strived to help advance the vision of the District through philanthropic endeavors. As a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit support group, it accepts tax-deductible gifts for priority projects, favorite forest preserves or areas where help is needed most.
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KLINE CREEK FARM VOLUNTEER NAMED BEEKEEPER OF THE YEAR In 2015 devoted District volunteer Dr. Lawrence DuBose was named Beekeeper of the Year by the Illinois State Beekeeper Association. DuBose volunteers at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago and has been beekeeping since 1933. The association selected DuBose for his lifelong interest in beekeeping and his tireless efforts to teach the public about the crucial role that honeybees play in agriculture. He helped establish the beekeeping program at Kline Creek Farm more than 30 years ago and donated $100,000 in 2010 to help construct the farm’s honey house. As a result, visitors today can learn about honeybees, pollination and environmental responsibility, and purchase honey volunteers process and package on site. Additionally, the farm’s “Busy as a Bee” program allows youth groups to meet a beekeeper, examine a hive and learn the roles of the bees inside.
VOLUNTEERS The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County could not
many new experiences to forest preserve visitors. During
offer many of its popular events and services without its
the 2014 – 2015 fiscal year, District volunteers donated
dedicated corps of volunteers. These individuals maintain
57,900 hours. That’s more than six and a half years’ worth
the momentum of long-standing programs and also bring
of contributions in just 365 days.
VOLUNTEERS’ CONTRIBUTIONS
Long-Term Volunteer Program Hours Volunteers Groups Danada Equestrian Center
13,627:11 83
7
Education & Research
159:30 7
—
Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center
1,331:33 61
1
Kline Creek Farm
9,064:17 94
—
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1,867:47 69
2
Natural Resources
6,786:23 226
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St. James Farm
1,735:00 64
25
Trail Patrol
2,878:15 67
—
Volunteer Ranger Experience
837:09 35
12
Willowbrook Wildlife Center
18,898:39 233
1
Special Event
723:23 110
4
TOTAL VALUE
$1,588,901.76
Based on Independent Sector’s Value of Volunteer Time
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Financial Sustainability For the 28th consecutive year, the nonprofit
recognized the District’s comprehensive annual financial
Government Finance Officers Association awarded the
report for fiscal year 2013 – 2014.
Forest Preserve District its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The association
GRANTS
developed the program to encourage agencies
Many agencies awarded grants to the Forest Preserve
and professionals who are its members to “prepare
District in 2015 and 2016, including those featured
comprehensive annual financial reports that evidence the
below. Some of these are multiyear grants, so the District
spirit of transparency and full disclosure.” The 2015 award
may not receive all funds in any given year. Illinois Department of Transportation, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and Federal
REFINANCED DEBT SAVES $6.5 MILLION In 2015 the District took advantage of low interest rates to complete refinancing of some of its financial debt. The result is a $6.5 million savings over 10 years, which will be passed on to DuPage taxpayers in the form of lower taxes over the next several years. During the refinancing process, Standard and Poor’s reaffirmed the District’s AAA financial rating, which is a point of pride for the District.
Highway Association $1.5 million for the North Central DuPage Regional Trail connection at Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve $777,000 for West Branch DuPage River Trail development from Blackwell to West DuPage Woods forest preserves U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administered by the Illinois EPA Illinois Clean Diesel Grant Program $23,387.50 for the conversion of five light-duty trucks to compressed natural gas
22
FISCAL YEAR 2014 – 2015 PROPERTY TAX ALLOCATION
REVENUES
While nearly three-quarters of a DuPage County
During the fiscal year, the combined revenues of the
homeowner’s tax bill goes to support schools,
District’s governmental and proprietary funds totaled
just 2 cents of every dollar paid funds all of the
$69,449,956.
services the Forest Preserve District provides.
Taxes 78%
During the tax year the homeowner of a house with a market value of $300,000 paid $169 to
Unrestricted Investment Earnings 8.2%
the District in property taxes.
Charges for Services 6.4% G rants & Contributions 4.2% Other 3.2%
© Mark Baldwin
EXPENDITURES The combined expenses of governmental and proprietary funds totaled $56,125,834. C onservation & Recreation 48.9%
School Districts 73.36%
General Government 18.1%
Cities & Villages 9.74% Fire & Other 5.47%
Long-term Debt 17.2%
Park Districts 5.09% County Government 2.63%
Business-type Activities 6.5%
Forest Preserve District 2.07%
Public Safety 6.4%
Townships 1.67%
CONTRIBUTIONS
P ublic Works 2.9%
Illinois State Toll Highway Authority
The District and DuPage County taxpayers have
Up to $2,000,000 for the restoration of Spring Brook at
benefitted from funding from the following organizations.
St. James Farm Forest Preserve
DuPage County Stormwater Management
McCormick Foundation Trust
$2,603,000 for stormwater management and wetland
$250,000 for the restoration of Spring Brook at
mitigation at Oak Meadows Golf Preserve
St. James Farm Forest Preserve
DuPage River Salt Creek Work Group $2,250,000 for dam removal and stream enhancements at Oak Meadows Golf Preserve 23
P.O. Box 5000 Wheaton, IL 60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 dupageforest.org
please deliver to current resident
© Mark Baldwin
NATURE BY THE NUMBERS Nearly
26,000
acres
60 145 30 13%
© Manuel Diaz
forest preserves
miles of trails
© Glenn Perricone
lakes and ponds
of DuPage County’s land are forest preserves
3,471 4.2 Hundreds
species of plants and animals
million annual visitors
of nature programs
each year
42 8,956 557 695
camps for kids and teens, ages 4 –14
off-leash dog area permits sold
boating permits
picnic shelter reservations made