The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is removing all horse-related performances and activities from its “Family Field Day at St. James Farm” on Saturday, May 23 due to a deadly virus that is affecting horses in the Midwest.
“Although we are not aware of any cases in DuPage County, we’re proceeding proactively to prevent the further spread of this deadly equine disease,” said Forest Preserve District of DuPage County President Joe Cantore.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has confirmed that two horses in Illinois have tested positive for the highly contagious equine herpesvirus-1, which is spread by direct horse-to-horse contact or contact with contaminated objects.
Despite the change in the horse-related lineup, the District’s annual “Family Field Day at St. James Farm” promises to offer family fun with a variety of nature-oriented programs and activities. At the event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors can meet District naturalists, interpreters, rangers and volunteers; watch dog obedience and field trials; and view dairy demonstrations. They can take tractor-drawn hay rides, meet live birds of prey from the Northern Illinois Raptor Center, try fishing and archery, participate in barn tours and enjoy live music.
There will also be displays of vintage tractors with ties to the forest preserve’s agricultural history and a collection of the District’s award-winning alternative-fuel vehicles showcasing ecofriendly technology.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for 100 years. More than 4 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, five education centers and scores of programs each year. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube pages.