DON’T MISS FALL COLORS IN DU PAGE FOREST PRESERVES

October means that it’s time to enjoy the season’s short-lived color displays, and white there are countless ways to experience changes in the landscape at all of the over 60 forest preserve in DuPage County, a few fall favorites offer beautiful views year after year.
      The woods at Maple Grove Forest Preserve in Downers Grove are known for intense colors. The preserve is composed mostly of black, silver and sugar maples, which develop into golden tones that seem to shine from every leaf in the forest. Take the winding 1.1-mile trail for a pleasant stroll that also passes through an oak savanna.
      The scenic overlook at Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville offers a unique view of the fall colors — a view from almost 200 feet above the surrounding forests. The overlook is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through October, weather permitting. Drive to the parking lot atop the overlook via an access road located off Greene Road south of 79th Street. To explore the beautiful fall colors of Greene Valley from a more down-to earth perspective, travel over 9 miles of trails crossing a variety of habitats.
      Of course trees don’t offer the only show in town. DuPage County’s prairies have late-blooming flowers, such as asters in cream, cornflower blue and purple and grasses turn striking shades of orange, red, yellow and even blue. Wander the footpaths at West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve in West Chicago to experience one of the area’s most diverse prairies.
     
      Meacham Grove Forest Preserve in Bloomingdale is home to several ecosystems — a lake, streams, wetlands, meadows and mature woodlands — that support hundreds of species of native plants. In the 40-acre grove on the west side of the preserve, which was recently named an Illinois State Nature Preserve, stately maples, oaks and hickories often display bold colors on their leaves while broad-leaved goldenrods and Drummond’s asters show off bright flowers from the forest floor.
      Other forest preserves to visit for beautiful colors include West DuPage Woods in West Chicago, Waterfall Glen in Darien, Churchill Woods in Glen Ellyn, Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook, Blackwell in Warrenville, and Danada and Herrick Lake in Wheaton.
      Admission and parking are free at DuPage County forest preserves, and most are open from one hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset. For information on these and other forest preserves, or to request a free trails guide, call Visitor Services at 630-933-7248.
      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.