DuPage County campus awarded arboretum accreditation

There's more than just buildings and parking lots on DuPage County's sprawling government complex in Wheaton.

County officials say the 202-acre campus also is home to more than 2,800 trees representing 42 different species. And over the past several years, there have been efforts to grow, restore and enhance the quality of vegetation on the property.

As a result, DuPage has received a certificate recognizing its campus as an arboretum.

The Morton Arboretum, in partnership with the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program, awarded the property a Level 1 accreditation "for achieving certain arboreta and botanic standards."

County board member Jim Healy said officials are ecstatic about the designation, which is the first of four levels that could be achieved. He said DuPage is dedicated to enhancing the aesthetics of the campus for the use and enjoyment of its employees and all residents.

"The campus shouldn't just be for government work," said Healy, who is chairman of the county's public works committee. "We have a lot land there, and we can put in some great trails around the place."

He said the desire is to create a beautiful place for people to walk.

To reach that goal, the county plans to continue diversifying the species on the campus, as well as incorporating native trees, shrubs and plants. The campus also features a green roof, native gardens and recently restored 16 acres of woodland and wetland along nearby Winfield Creek.