DuPage forest preserve pursues purchase of Wayne property

DuPage County forest preserve officials want to add roughly 32 acres in Wayne to the district’s land holdings.

Forest preserve commissioners have authorized district officials to negotiate for the acquisition of the property on the west side of Powis Road and roughly a quarter mile south of Army Trail Road.

“This is a continuation of the board’s commitment to our residents to pursue appropriate land purchases to protect open spaces today and for future generations,” Forest Preserve President Daniel Hebreard said.

The acquisition of the property would “preserve the wildlife and natural resource connection with Dunham Forest Preserve,” documents state. Roughly 9.4 acres are wetland. It also contains a house and small barns.

Last year, the district finalized the $12 million purchase of the Gladstone Ridge property along Leask Lane near Wheaton. It was the site of a longtime horse-boarding center.