Friends of the Forest Preserves

By Jeff Gahris, with contributions by Jeannine Kannegiesser and Audra Bonnet, Forest Preserve District of DuPage

The Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing ways for you to help care for our forest preserves. While the Forest Preserve District was created over 100 years ago, the Friends was incorporated as the District’s philanthropic partner in 2010. Many visitors who enjoy the preserves look for a way to give back by supporting various projects and initiatives. Perennial favorites for philanthropic support are care for the injured and orphaned native animals at Willowbrook Wildlife Center and forest preserve greatest needs, including habitat restoration, wildlife preservation, green energy development, and environmental sustainability.

On July 25, 2023, Brook McDonald, CEO of The Conservation Foundation, presented a donation to the Friends for restoration work at the West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve, honoring the legacy of the West Chicago Prairie Stewardship Group. The Conservation Foundation had been the fiscal agent of the volunteer stewardship group, which was founded in 1982. This is an outstanding example of volunteer support and involvement that supports our fabulous green spaces.

The 358-acre West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve was purchased in 1979 by West Chicago and the Forest Preserve District, with additional acreage added in later years. Here you will find 600 species of native plants and animals. It includes the Truitt-Hoff Nature Preserve. Nine areas in DuPage forest preserves are dedicated as either an Illinois Nature Preserve or Illinois Land and Water Reserve by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, adding extra protections for these high-quality natural areas.

Join the Friends of the Forest Preserve District at some of their upcoming events, including:

• Aug. 12 at 9 a.m. – First Friends Forest Tour at Danada Forest Preserve
• Sept. 7 at 10 a.m. – Duck Race at St. James Farm Forest Preserve
• Sept. 14 at 5:30 p.m. – Night for Nature at St. James Farm Forest Preserve
• Oct. 7 – Visit the Friends at the Fall Festival at Danada Equestrian Center
• Nov. 14 – Annual meeting and reception at The Preserve at Oak Meadows
• Nov. 28 – Giving Tuesday Online Giving Day

The Friends’ volunteer board of directors generally meets bimonthly on the fourth Tuesday. Current members are Chair Diane Addante, Vice Chair Bob Watt, Treasurer Ashley Guest, Secretary Carl Schultz, Ex-Officio Member Jeff Gahris, and members Brian Battle, Penny Chanez, Karyn Charvat, Mike Dyer, Larry Larson, David Stang, and Joseph Suchecki.

Additional information about the Friends is available at dupageforest.org/friends.