Naperville residents are invited to ask questions and share their thoughts on the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s upcoming five-year master plan for its 62 forest preserves.
It is the district’s first comprehensive development plan since 1992. Six community meetings have been set through October to focus on “natural areas and the educational and recreational programs” offered in the preserves, according to a press release.
Each meeting is to run from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The one for Naperville-area residents and others in the forest preserve’s District 5 is scheduled for Oct. 18 at the Naperville Municipal Center, at 400 S. Eagle St.
Other sessions are set for Sept. 19 at the Itasca Community Library, at 500 W. Irving Park Road in Itasca; Sept. 26 at the Mayslake Peabody Estate, at 1717 W. 31st St. in Oak Brook; Oct. 3 at the West Chicago Park District ARC Center, at 201 W. National St. in West Chicago; Oct. 25 in Health and Science Center Room #1301 at the College of DuPage, at 425 Fawell Blvd. in Glen Ellyn; and Oct. 30 at Indian Prairie Public Library, at 401 Plainfield Road in Darien.
District officials also are mailing and emailing surveys to randomly-selected households and collecting opinions online, according to the release. Details and updates will be posted at dupageforest.org/master-plan.
Since the last master plan, more than 70 miles of new trails have been installed and 2,600 acres of high-quality habitat have been preserved, the release stated. In addition, the Urban Stream Research and Timber Ridge Visitor centers have been built as well as the Maple Meadows clubhouse and the Danada House annex, among other facilities and amenities.
“These preserves are yours, and should reflect the type of nature programs and recreational activities you’re interested in,” said Joe Cantore, district president. The sessions and surveys provide “your chance to share your vision with us.”
More information is available at dupageforest.org,, or by calling 630-933-7200.
