DuPage forest district to unveil Century Trail

As part of its yearlong centennial celebration, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County this weekend will unveil its new 100-mile, commemorative DuPage Forest Preserves Century Trail.

The event runs 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 11, at Danada Forest Preserve, 3S580 Naperville Road, Wheaton, and will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony and 5-, 10- and 15-mile looped bike rides starting at 9 a.m. Teams, shirts and costumes are welcome, and the first 500 registrants will receive a special gift. Turn-by-turn directions and a Map My Ride DuPage Forest Preserves Century Trail route also will be available.

The morning will feature exhibits on trail etiquette, bike safety, background on DuPage County plants and animals, and information on how visitors can earn free golf and collector's pins with the district's centennial golf, hiking and biking challenges.

The DuPage Forest Preserves Century Trail travels through 33 forest preserves, including the district's 10 most popular: Blackwell, McDowell Grove, Greene Valley, Waterfall Glen, Fullersburg Woods, York Woods, Mallard Lake, Pratt's Wayne Woods, Danada and Herrick Lake.

It also features 11 informational signs that point out historical details, such as the Civilian Conservation Corps' effect on Fullersburg Woods, the discovery of a 13,000-year-old woolly mammoth skeleton at Blackwell, and the reason the county's second-largest preserve is called Waterfall Glen.

"As you explore this scenic commemorative trail, you'll not only get your daily dose of nature, but also pick up fascinating facts about the forest preserves themselves," said Joe Cantore, president of the district.

The trail was the result of a collaborative effort between the forest district and a group of community volunteers who wanted a special way to mark the agency's centennial.

"Our forest preserves are beautiful places with so many ways to enjoy them," said Terry Witt, a member of the centennial community group and director of advocacy at Spin Doctor Cyclewerks in Bartlett.

"Taking a bicycle ride on our trails is a fun way to recognize and celebrate the first 100 years of all the efforts that protect our environment."

"The Century Trail provides another avenue for DuPage County residents to connect with nature while also exploring the preserves' rich history," forest district Commissioner Jeff Redick said.

The trail kickoff is one of many events and programs celebrating the Forest Preserve District's centennial in 2015. For a complete listing, visit dupageforest.org/100years.