Forest Preserve & Conservation Symposium Sessions

Join us for an immersive, on-site exploration of one of DuPage County’s most ambitious ecological restoration efforts—Spring Brook. Once a straightened, channelized stream, this section of Spring Brook has been thoughtfully transformed into a naturally meandering waterway, designed to improve water quality, support diverse aquatic life, and restore the stream's ecological function. Led by Scott Meister, Natural Resources Manager with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, this guided walking tour will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the restoration process. You’ll learn firsthand how science, strategy, and sustainability come together to breathe new life into aquatic ecosystems. Learning Objectives: 1. Discover the innovative engineering and ecological methods used to stabilize banks, reconnect floodplains, and restore the natural curves of the stream channel. 2. Delve into the fascinating life cycle of freshwater mussels and hear about the District’s efforts to reestablish these important filter feeders in Spring Brook No. 1 and beyond. 3. Understand how this project fits into a larger, landscape-scale vision to improve the health of DuPage waterways through repeated dam removals and ongoing habitat restoration.

Creating accessible and engaging outdoor events for people with disabilities requires thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and a commitment to inclusivity. SRAs offer expertise, resources, and community connections that can help ensure outdoor events are welcoming and enjoyable for all involved. In this session, we will use DePage Forest Preserve District's Rich Laren Outdoor Education Day as a case study to discuss collaboration with an SRA and offer practical takeaways to create impactful experiences for visitors with disabilities. Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will learn strategies for collaborating with SRAs, including communication, creating shared goals, and resource sharing. 2. Participants will learn best practices for creating accessible events with hands on programming. 3. Participants will learn how to navigate common challenges associated with accessible outdoor events.