BOAT RENTALS TO OPEN AT BLACKWELL FOREST PRESERVE

      Personal flotation device on? Check. The oars are in place? Check. You’ve gotten instruction on boating safety and navigation? Check. You’re ready to hit the waters of Silver Lake at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville by rented rowboat, canoe or kayak.
      The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s boat-rental facility will open for weekend days at Blackwell on April 6, operating from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Boat rentals will be offered daily from Memorial Day (May 27) through Labor Day (Sept. 2), operating from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekends. After Labor Day, boat-rental operations will return to weekends only through Sept. 29, operating from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
      Rentals will also be available at Herrick Lake at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton beginning May 4. Then, both facilities will have the same operating schedules and hours.
      Canoes, kayaks and rowboats are available at both lakes for $10 per hour and $50 per day. Rowboats with trolling motors are available only at Blackwell for $15 per hour and $75 per day.
      Anglers will be interested to know that both facilities also offer bait for sale. Night crawlers cost $2.50 for one dozen, and wax worms cost $2.50 for three dozen.
      Good things happen when you explore the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s 60 forest preserves and five education facilities. For information on ways to experience conservation, education and recreation in your neck of the woods, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org.