DuPage forest district open houses showcase archery, stream restoration

Outdoor explorers can experience two special facilities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at Blackwell Forest Preserve near Warrenville during the free Archery and Urban Stream Research Center open houses of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

At the archery range, participants will get an introduction to the sport and learn about the three different portions of the district's range. They'll learn about the activity's history and equipment and then try out their skills under the guidance of a certified instructor.

At the Urban Stream Research Center, visitors will go inside to see how the district is fighting aquatic invasive species and propagating native freshwater mussels and endangered Blanding's turtles. They'll get their feet wet by helping ecologists collect crayfish and aquatic insects from Spring Brook and learn about simple things they can do at home to help lower the effect they have on local waterways.

Visitors also will find out about the upcoming large-scale restoration project that will improve Spring Brook and interact with the district's partners for the work, including DuPage County Stormwater Management, the Wetlands Initiative, the Conservation Foundation, DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup, Wheaton Sanitary District and Wills Burke Kelsey Associates.

All ages are welcome at both open houses, but those younger than 18 must be with an adult. The main entrance to Blackwell Forest Preserve is on Butterfield Road, a quarter-mile mile west of Winfield Road, in Warrenville.

To learn more about archery activities, call (630) 933-7248. To learn more about the Urban Stream Research Center, call (630) 933-7227.