Dupage Policy Journal

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is launching the "Take a Hike!" challenge in September, encouraging residents to explore local natural areas through various guided walks and hikes.

One of the events, Wildflower Walk, invites participants to join a plant expert for a leisurely stroll to enjoy summer blooms. Attendees will learn about native flowers, their identification, and varieties suitable for home gardening. This event is open to individuals aged 18 and up at a cost of $5 per person. Registration can be completed online or by calling 630-933-7248.

The Summer Prairie Walk offers an opportunity to stretch one's legs and appreciate late-summer prairie blooms on a guided walk spanning 1 to 2 miles. Participants will also learn how to identify common DuPage plants. This event is open to those aged 12 and up; minors must be accompanied by an adult. The fee is $5 per person, with registration available online or via phone.

For those interested in evening activities, the Evening Forest Hike provides healthy exercise while exploring a DuPage forest preserve on a guided hike ranging from 3 to 5 miles. This event targets adults aged 18 and up, with a participation fee of $5 per person. Registration details remain consistent with other events.

Another similar offering is the Forest Hike, which focuses on quick-paced exploration of forest preserves over a distance of 3 to 5 miles. It follows the same age restriction and registration process as the Evening Forest Hike.

Additionally, Get Your Feet Wet allows participants to explore the newly restored Spring Brook while learning about stream ecosystems and their inhabitants such as crayfish, mussels, fish, and underwater insects. This educational walk is designed for adults aged 18 and up at $5 per person.

The Forest Preserve District has been fostering connections between people and nature for over a century. Annually attracting more than 6.2 million visitors across its numerous forest preserves, trails, education centers, and programs, it remains committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, belongingness as well as providing discrimination-free facilities and activities.

For further information or registration details regarding these events or other offerings by the district, individuals can call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org where they can also access links to e-newsletters and social media pages including Facebook, Twitter Instagram,and TikTok.

"We strive to connect all people to nature," stated representatives from the district.

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