Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County was established in 1915, when voters cast ballots to protect against the removal of woodlands.
In 1917, the first tax levy was made, and the first preserve land was purchased: 79 acres (320,000 m2) in Oak Brook, called York Woods.
The 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.
With almost 25,000 acres (100 km2) containing 31 lakes, 145 miles (233 km) of trails and 1,450 picnic tables, DuPage County's forest preserves offer outdoor enthusiasts opportunities to enjoy their favorite open-air activities, such as birding, boating, camping, fishing, picnicking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, bicycling or hiking.
Danada programs are designed to give a holistic approach to horses and their daily care and to teach basic riding skills to participants 12 and older.
In addition, on the second Sunday of every October, the equestrian center hosts the Danada Fall Festival, a day-long celebration of the horse that features demonstrations by several breeds, educational displays, food, music and children's activities.
The visitor center features interactive, educational displays, including exhibits on modern flora and fauna as well as on the area's natural history, such as the remains of a 13,000-year-old woolly mammoth.
Adults and schoolchildren alike have the opportunity to get a closer look at native plants and animals by exploring preserve trails or joining scheduled programming.
Kline Creek Farm is open to the public year-round from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM (Central Time), Thursday through Monday and is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
A restored farmhouse and barn are located near working reproductions of a summer kitchen, chicken coop, wagon shed and other farm buildings that have been built with historical accuracy by staff members and volunteers.
Visitors can browse through the gift shop, enjoy historical exhibits that provide glimpses into 1890s life on the family farm, and pick up a booklet that relates details about the farmstead.
The climate-controlled environment and fully accessible facilities also make the center a perfect starting point or rest stop for trail users.
Mayslake Hall, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a 39-room Tudor Revival mansion built between 1919 and 1921 for coal baron Francis Stuyvesant Peabody.
The Forest Preserve District is working to make the hall available to the public for a variety of special events, such as seminars, workshops, receptions, conferences, and school programs, and currently offers paid, guided tours.
Oak Meadows' 1920s Tudor-style clubhouse was severely damaged on February 26, 2009, by what is believed to be a lightning strike, which caused the roof and floors to collapse.
[1] The 439-acre (1.78 km2) McDowell Grove Forest Preserve is located on the West Branch of the DuPage River and was the site of a Civilian Conservation Camp and a US Army Signal Corps training center.
