Dupage Policy Journal

The DuPage Forest Preserve District is inviting the public to support habitat restoration and wildlife conservation through its annual fundraiser, A Night for Nature. The event will take place on Thursday, September 15, from 5 to 9 p.m. at St. James Farm in Warrenville.

Organized by the Forest Preserve District and its nonprofit partner, Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, the event aims to raise $25,000 for habitat restoration and native wildlife in forest preserves.

Tickets are priced at $100 per person and will be available starting August 1 for individuals aged 21 and older. Attendees can also participate in a rubber duck race by sponsoring a duck for $25, with a chance to win $500. The race will occur on September 16 along Spring Brook at St. James Farm, with online sales ending on September 14 at 4 p.m. The Wheaton Lions Club sponsors this segment of the event.

Photos from the duck race and an announcement of the winner will be posted on the Friends' Facebook page at 6 p.m. on September 16.

The event will also feature a silent auction where guests can bid on unique experiences within forest preserves as well as products and services donated by local businesses.

“A Night for Nature was started in 2018 as a way to encourage support for the District’s wildlife areas and projects that connect people to nature,” said Karyn Charvat, Friends board member and event committee chair. “It is an amazing opportunity to experience one of our beautiful preserves while contributing to a sustainable environment that enhances the quality of life for all DuPage County residents.”

Beginning September 13, stories about various conservation efforts by the District will be shared over four days on its Facebook page. These stories include initiatives such as conserving the federally endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly, improving facilities at Willowbrook Wildlife Center, and restoring wildlife habitats at Blackwell Forest Preserve.

“We are grateful to the Friends for its efforts to help raise funds in support of the Forest Preserve District’s mission to restore habitats and sustain wildlife while providing programs to connect people to nature,” said DuPage Forest Preserve District President Hebreard.

The Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County extends thanks to community partners and sponsors including ComEd, Domtar Paper, Edward Jones financial advisor Mike Dyer, Wheaton Bank & Trust, and The Conservation Foundation.

The organization emphasizes its commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, belongingness while ensuring facilities and activities are free from discrimination or harassment.