Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County reached out to the community to help it envision the future of three beloved forest preserves: Blackwell, Greene Valley and Waterfall Glen. As part of the discovery phase of this process, FPDDC hosted an online survey and virtual public meetings.

For background information on any of the three forest preserves, visit the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Website dupageforest.org.

If you are interested in viewing survey and engagement results, scroll below.

If you would like to view our timeline,  click here. 

View master plans for Blackwell, Greene Valley, and Waterfall Glen using the buttons below:

Review the following Draft Vision and Goals, and updated framework plans for Blackwell, Greene Valley, and Waterfall Glen.

Vision - Draft

Forest Preserve is a regional destination within a larger network of thousands of acres of open space in the heart of west-central DuPage County. With key connections to regional trails, Blackwell links thousands of people to nature. Blackwell protects ecological assets and habitats such as McKee Marsh, oak and hickory woodlands, prairies, grasslands, and wetlands. The preserve provides users with many resource-based recreational opportunities including water and winter sports, camping, archery, wildlife watching, an off-leash dog area and diverse trail experiences.  Blackwell also serves a critical role in the District’s operations by providing staff support areas and its native plant nursery.

Goals - Draft

Natural Resources Goals 

• Manage natural areas to increase habitat quality and value.
• Maintain and improve wildlife and insect diversity and quality.
• Reduce impacts and disturbance to natural resources.

Physical Resources Goals

• Improve vehicular access, circulation and parking.
• Improve the functionality, efficiency and connectivity of trails.
• Improve the user experience at existing recreational areas.
• Provide resource-based recreational opportunities.
• Make enhancements at the landfill that further the District’s mission.
• Increase operational efficiency by making improvements to support infrastructure.

Cultural Resources Goals

• Recognize significant cultural elements of the Preserve.
• Cultivate awareness and appreciation for native ecosystems and natural resource management efforts at the preserve.

View the framework plan for Blackwell using the button below:

Vision - Draft

Greene Valley, located in southern DuPage County, is a popular destination for neighbors and the broader community at large to enjoy hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, wildlife watching and visits to the off-leash dog area. It is well connected to regional trails and is readily accessible to surrounding neighborhoods. Natural resource assets and cultural history contribute to Greene Valley’s unique character.

Goals - Draft

Natural Resources Goals 

• Manage natural areas to increase habitat quality and value.
• Maintain and improve wildlife and insect diversity and quality.
• Reduce impacts and disturbance to natural resources.

Physical Resources Goals

• Improve vehicular access, circulation and parking.
• Improve the functionality, efficiency and connectivity of trails.
• Provide Natural Resource Management Program support infrastructure.
• Make improvements at the landfill that further the District’s mission.
• Improve the user experience at existing recreational areas.
• Provide resource-based recreational opportunities.
• Reduce structures with no identified District use.

Cultural Resources Goals

• Recognize significant cultural elements of the Preserve.
• Cultivate awareness and appreciation for native ecosystems and management efforts at the preserve.

View the framework plan for Greene Valley using the button below:

Vision - Draft

Waterfall Glen is one of the county’s most ecologically diverse preserves and is also a top regional destination for residents of DuPage County and beyond who come to experience its unique landforms, natural areas and extensive loop trail system.  Visitors can experience scenic beauty and engage in unstructured nature exploration at the Rocky Glen Waterfall and other hidden gems. Connections to regional trails and thoughtful vehicular accommodations make the preserve accessible while preserving itsnatural character.

Goals - Draft

Natural Resources Goals 

• Manage natural areas to increase habitat quality and value.
• Maintain and improve wildlife and insect diversity and quality.
• Reduce impacts and disturbance to natural resources.

Physical Resources Goals

• Improve vehicular access, circulation and parking.
• Improve infrastructure to reduce impacts of high use and congestion.
• Improve functionality, efficiency and connectivity of trails.
• Improve the user experience at existing recreational areas.
• Provide resource-based recreational opportunities.
• Reduce structures with no identified District use.

Cultural Resources Goals

• Recognize significant cultural elements of the Preserve.
• Cultivate awareness and appreciation for native ecosystems and natural resource management efforts at the preserve.

View the framework plan for Waterfall Glen using the button below:

Discovery of the critical issues for each property that will inform the plans.

Analysis of the existing conditions and user concern for potential improvements

Ideas for various ways to improve and maintain aspects of the properties

Refinement of the ideas into a preferred plan that reflects stakeholder concerns

Delivery of a final plan that is a clear road map for implementation of projects

 Click here to view the Discovery and Analysis Report 

Stantec staff visited the the three Forest Preserves in April to meet with the Forest Preserve District staff and to take inventory of the site. Stantec staff took photographs of the site and documented key findings.