Making DuPage a little cleaner

Four-year-old Caleb Scoles of Roselle was all business Saturday at the East Branch Forest Preserve clean-up effort.

He couldn't wait to coax his father, Dan, away from the Glendale Heights forest preserve entrance so the pair could get down to removing trash from around the shores of the preserve's pond.

Using a pair of long-handled tongs to pluck a crushed soda can from the shoreline, Caleb announced, "Got it."

He watched as his father uncoiled a length of fishing line wrapped around a downed tree trunk and deposited it in a trash bag.

Dan Scoles said his son has been learning about environmental responsibility since he was a toddler.

"We get out quite a bit. This is his third work day," he said.

Dan Scoles works for NOW Foods, located just a few yards from the preserve. The company has a long-standing commitment to helping the DuPage County Forest Preserve District with clean-up and conservation projects.

The two were among a handful of volunteers gathered at the preserve to participate in one of many Make A Difference Day projects going on throughout DuPage County. The annual event inspires thousands of people all over the country to get involved with efforts to improve local communities.

"We're going to get the preserve all cleaned up and ready for winter," said Chris Linnell, volunteer services coordinator for the district.

Jerry Droszcz, who recently moved to Winfield, arrived early to clear debris from the preserve.

Because he often uses the forest preserve district's bicycle trails, dog parks and fields, he said he felt the need to give back to the community.

"The (forest preserve) district is one of the reasons we moved here," he said.

As the sun peeked out from behind clouds, the group gathered for coffee and a nature lesson from ranger Marty Jandura.

Displaying pelts and skulls of a raccoon, skunk, fox, beaver, mink and coyote, Jandura said, "These are all animals we've got out here in DuPage County."

Then it was time to disperse and hunt for debris.

"Just be careful out there, it's a little slippery," Jandura called after the volunteers.

Dan Scoles said sloshing through pond water was an inevitably for his son.

"He will get in the water," he said. "He was swimming last time."