The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is celebrating 100 years of connecting people to nature with a variety of centennial-themed activities and programs throughout 2015.
On June 7, 1915, DuPage County residents voted 1,650 to 1,175 in favor of creating the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.
“In 1915, newspapers, businesses, civic groups and conservation advocates campaigned in favor of, and voters — both men and women — approved the referendum that would make a DuPage County forest preserve district a reality,” said Forest Preserve District of DuPage County President Joe Cantore. “Without such firm conviction from so many different corners of society, the initiative might not have passed.”
Here is the District’s 2015 celebratory centennial lineup.
Centennial Golf Challenge
Purchase and golf a combined 100 holes at any District course, and get a certificate for a free 18-hole round.
When Until July 31
Where Oak Meadows, Maple Meadows and Green Meadows golf courses
Details Register at http://dupagegolf.com
Centennial Hiking Challenge
Start tracking miles along your favorite forest preserve trails. Log 100 miles and get a cool commemorative pin.
When Through 2015
Where Various forest preserves
Details dupageforest.org/hikingchallenge
Centennial Medallion Search
Use clues and your knowledge of the preserves to find hidden coins and win prizes!
When Starts June 7
Where That’s the fun part. It’s hidden, and you have to find out where!
Details dupageforest.org/medallion
When Art and Nature Meet
Stroll the grounds and enjoy nature-inspired art.
When June 14 ‒ Oct. 23
Where Mayslake Peabody Estate
Details mayslakepeabody.com
Centennial Nature Fest
Get to know the county’s native plants and animals, and learn what it takes to create the rich habitats that make our forest preserves such awesome places to visit.
When Saturday, June 27, 11 a.m. ‒ 5 p.m.
Where St. James Farm Forest Preserve
Details dupageforest.org/naturefest
(Un)rest and Relaxation: A Look into 1915
Learn about 1915 by exploring events, fads and cultures.
When July 1 ‒ Aug. 12
Mondays ‒ Fridays, 9 a.m. ‒ 3 p.m.
Saturdays, 9 a.m. ‒ 3 p.m.
Where Mayslake Peabody Estate
Details mayslakepeabody.com
Wheaton Fourth of July Parade
The Forest Preserve District is hitting the road, and we’ll be looking for you in the crowd!
When Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m. ‒ 1 p.m.
Where Downtown Wheaton
Details wheatonparkdistrict.com/events/july4/
DuPage Forest Preserves Century Trail Kickoff
Be a part of history! Join us for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and then take a 5-, 10- or 15-mile looped bike ride along this commemorative 100-mile trail.
When Saturday, July 11, 8 a.m. ‒ Noon
Where Forest Preserve District Headquarters at Danada Forest Preserve
Details dupageforest.org/100years
Take Part in Art
Create nature-inspired art through a variety of techniques and activities.
When Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m. ‒ 2 p.m.
Where Mayslake Peabody Estate
Details mayslakepeabody.com
Country Fair
Step into 1915 at a special country fair featuring a genuine flea circus, games, horse-drawn hayrides and other period entertainment.
When Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 5 & 6, 10 a.m. ‒ 4 p.m.
Where Kline Creek Farm
Details dupageforest.org/100years
Naperville Last Fling Parade
The Forest Preserve District is hitting the road, and we’ll be looking for you!
When Monday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. ‒ 1 p.m.
Where Downtown Naperville
Details lastfling.org
Danada Fall Festival
Continue our season of celebration at our largest event! Enjoy equestrian performances, hayrides, children’s activities, educational displays, food and more.
When Sunday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m. ‒5 p.m.
Where Danada Equestrian Center
Details dupageforest.org/100years
DuPage Through the Artist’s Eye
Enjoy works of art inspired by DuPage forest preserves.
When Nov. 3 ‒ Dec. 9
Mondays ‒ Fridays, 9 a.m. ‒ 3 p.m.
Saturdays, 9 a.m. ‒ 1 p.m.
Where Mayslake Peabody Estate
Details mayslakepeabody.com
100 Stories for 100 Years
Employees, volunteers and forest preserve fans are sharing some of their favorite stories, and we’re sharing 100 of them online.
When Throughout 2015
Where dupageforest.org/stories100years.aspx
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.