DBC members can help in the restoration and management of habitat for birds in our DuPage County Forest Preserves while having fun at the same time. The Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, the 501 (C) (3) charitable organization that raises private donations to support District programs, is holding two fundraising and fun events in September. All monies raised will be used to restore and manage wildlife habitat in the County.
The first event is a rubber Duck Race on September 5 at St. James Farm Forest Preserve. You can purchase a duck to enter the race and have a chance to win the $500 first prize. Racing duck entries are $25 each or five for $100. You can cheer your duck on as it races down Spring Brook to the finish line, but you do not need to be present to win. Information and entry forms are available on-line at www.dupageforest.org/friends.
The Friends is also holding their annual fundraising event—A Night For Nature—on Thursday, September 12 from 5-8:30 pm. The event will be held at St James Farm Forest Preserve and is a fun evening outside at the pavilion with dinner, music, drinks and lots of great fellowship with like-minded friends and colleagues. Also included are wagon rides around the preserve, campfires, and a silent auction of great gifts and experiences. Tickets to this wonderful event are $100 each.
All proceeds will benefit habitat restoration and wildlife preservation in our DuPage County Forest Preserves. A Friends’ donor has issued a challenge grant to match the monies raised at A Night for Nature up to $7500, so your donation will go even further. Tickets, gift opportunities to the silent auction, and donation information are available at www.dupageforest.org/night-for-nature or you can call the Friends office at 630-871-6400.
As birders in DuPage County, we know that the forest preserves provide essentially all of the areas where we can go to enjoy our hobby and find birds. Without continued management and care, bird habitat in DuPage will decline and there will be fewer birds for us to see. Please consider supporting our local forest preserves by purchasing Duck Race entries and A Night For Nature tickets today or making a donation to the Friends.