FINISH YOUR HOLIDAY LIST WITH GIFTS FROM DU PAGE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES

Complete your holiday shopping, and support the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s mission of conservation, education and recreation with unique gifts from your favorite nature areas. 
      At Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton, take home a piece of art made by the center’s own Crystal the painting horse. Pick up her work on a T-shirt or on a canvas, with prices starting at $5 for a
6-inch square minipainting. Other choices include lucky horseshoes worn by Danada horses, Danada logo wear and gift certificates for hayrides and sleigh rides. The Danada Equestrian Center office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 3S507 Naperville Road. Call 630-668-6012.
      At Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago, shop for old-fashioned ornaments and décor, fruit preserves and jam, honey from the farm’s hives and much more. Take home a rolling pin to make springerle cookies, and check out many historic recipe books. Other gift options include old-fashioned toys, needlework kits and items handmade on the farm. The farm’s visitor center and gift shop is open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1N600 County Farm Road. Call 630-876-5900.
      Head to Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn for a selection of toys, games and stuffed animals to please wildlife fans of any age. Shop among bird feeders and books on nature, and check out custom tote bags, T-shirts and mugs. Make sure to pick up a copy of the center’s annual calendar featuring scenes of local plants and animals. Willowbrook Wildlife Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to
5 p.m. at 525 S. Park Blvd. Call 630-942-6200.
   
      Stop by the District’s headquarters in Wheaton for water bottles, notecards and tote-style picnic blankets. Take home a pair of custom-designed socks featuring a hiking theme, animal tracks or native wildflowers. The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 3S580 Naperville Road. Call 630-933-7248.
      Established in 1915, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County manages over 25,000 acres of prairies, woodlands and wetlands. Each year, over 4.3 million visitors enjoy the District’s 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, five education centers, and scores of scheduled programs and events. To learn more, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org.