DuPage forest preserve planning year-round wagon rides

DuPage County Forest Preserve District officials are planning to offer horse-drawn wagon rides year-round to expand opportunities for recreation and education at three preserves.

Details about the program expansion were revealed this week. The plan is to increase the number of horse-drawn wagon rides starting in the fall.

The rides first will be offered in September through November at Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton. Then they'll take place in December and January at St. James Farm Forest Preserve near Warrenville. Finally, the April and May rides will take place at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago.

Robert Lahey, the district's director of community services and education, said the rides will enhance the visitor experience in the preserves.

"We're looking to connect more people to nature at more locations, which supports our district mission," Lahey told forest preserve commissioners. Officials also want to increase opportunities for public and private rides, he said.

Public rides would be offered on Saturdays and Sundays at all three locations. In addition, St. James Farm would have public rides during holiday weeks.

Rides also would be offered during special events at other locations, including Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook and Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn.

Commissioner Linda Painter said having more horse-drawn wagon rides is a good idea. "People enjoy the horses, and I think it's a great plan," she said.

Officials were asked if there are enough horses and staff to run the program. The district is planning to use six draft horses.

"All staff that has been involved in the discussion to date has indicated that we can accommodate the needs of this program with the personnel and the horses, assuming that we keep both healthy every step of the way," Lahey said.