Quinn Fulmer: 2026 candidate for DuPage County Forest Preserve Board District 1

Bio

Office sought: DuPage County Forest Preserve Commissioner District 1

City: Roselle

Age: 25

Occupation: Landscaper / Habitat Restoration

Previous offices held: Roselle School Board District 12

Q&A

Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?

I’ve been passionate about conservation my entire life, which has taken the form of removing invasive species and in wildlife habitat management. I’m running to ensure that 50 years from now, the next generations will have a healthier and more resilient forest preserve system. I’m running to ensure the latest and greatest in habitat restoration and wildlife management is implemented throughout our preserves. I’ve studied ecology across the globe and have seen what works and what doesn’t. With over a decade of species-specific wildlife management across 9 states under my belt, I’ve been able to see the effects of what I’ve done with my own two hands with my own two eyes. I’m especially proud that rare native plants are thriving now where once only invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle grew. The native pollinators follow the native plants, so the birds and other wildlife aren’t far behind. Looking at the preserve today, it’s clear that some areas need some serious attention to address the invasive plant issue. Restoring these invasive plant choked areas not only benefits local wildlife; it also opens up more land to be accessible for other recreational activities.

If you are an incumbent, describe a few important initiatives you’ve led. If you’re not an incumbent, describe a few ways you would contribute to the board.

I intend to bring a naturalist’s touch to the board. I have in depth knowledge of the area habitats, and the complex species-specific relationships within them. In my years working at Lake Park HS, I’ve been a big advocate for sustainable land stewardship and community engagement. As the Earth Club sponsor, I’ve resurrected the school greenhouse, long delegated as another storage room, back to plant production with the students. The wildflowers and vegetables we grow there are planted around campus or in our community garden. By partnering with civics class students and local Boy Scout troops, we’ve also transformed much of Lake Park's landscaping from common invasive species like burning bush and wintercreeper to a diverse and thriving native plant garden, which helps not just with habitat and pollinator restoration but also water conservation and flood mitigation. My in-depth knowledge of the natural world, advocacy for community involvement and education, and my fiscal awareness from my current position on the Roselle School District 12 board, gives me an expert ecologist’s view to the Forest Preserve board that we really need, all while making sure the budget is sound.

What are the forest preserve district’s open space needs, and how should it address them?

Forest preserves are a vital place to many DuPage residents for all sorts of recreational purposes. Whether visitors are fishing for fun or food, hiking for exercise, picnicking, observing wildlife, or just trying to clear their head, the forest preserves must provide access to all of these opportunities and more to ensure the stakeholder residents of DuPage have their tax dollars represented in a transparent manner. Ensuring trails, bridges, fishing docks, and pavilions are well maintained are crucial not only for the enjoyment of visitors, but for their safety. Despite its name, the forest preserve district manages delicate wetland and prairie ecosystems too, and these ecosystems are actually hurt by tree encroachment. Ensuring woody encroachment is dealt with effectively will make sure that sensitive prairie birds like Henslow’s sparrow and Northern Bobwhite, whose populations are currently dwindling, will continue to have a home here for generations. Forest Preserve lands also serve as a front line defense against flooding and carbon emissions. Wetlands catch runoff, and deep native roots are a carbon sink. A healthier environment will make for a healthier human population.

What role should the forest preserve play in preserving historic buildings on its land?

Historic buildings and farms on preserve land are popular attractions for visitors both young and old. Whether they’re looking to appreciate the architecture of a century ago, or trying to enjoy a peek into the past of old farm life, none of it would be possible without well maintained buildings. Peabody Estate, perhaps the single most recognizable forest preserve structure, is due to start renovations this year. Historic structures across all preserves should be closely monitored to ensure any repairs are done in a timely manner. Deferred maintenance doesn’t only lower visitor enjoyment, but could also risk structural integrity as a whole.

Describe your position regarding the state of the forest preserve district's budget. What chief threats do you see looming in the future, and how should the district handle them?

While I believe the current board has been doing a great job with the budget, there are a few things to consider. Several grants that had helped the forest preserve district previously are set to expire in 2026. Historically, the majority of wildlife habitat restoration grants have been for waterfowl and gamebirds. We should explore organizations like Ducks Unlimited or National Wild Turkey Federation, among others, to help fund wetland and forest restoration and ease strain on the budget. My unique expertise in native bird conservation can help in our applications to these grants, and I can draw on my previous successes in obtaining and using grants to their maximum benefit.

Name one concrete program you’ll create or personnel move you’ll make to make the forest preserve district more successful. Explain how it will be funded and how you will overcome obstacles to initiating it.

I believe that there is wasted wildlife management and education potential in many areas of the forest preserve system. Species like the Eastern bluebird, Barred owl, Prothonotary warbler, and purple martin are all relatively uncommon here. While currently rare, these species are also easy to manage with the right habitat, which we already have in many places. With additions as easy and inexpensive as installing well placed birdhouses, we can see a noticeable increase of these species, among many others within our preserves. My Eagle Scout project was installing birdhouses for different native species around the Roselle Park District. If the Forest Preserve district were to partner with local scout troops, most of these houses could be provided solely through volunteer work. The Forest preserve already has a dedicated breeding bird survey volunteer group: monitoring of birdhouses to ensure use by native species could be entrusted to them. I’d like to see the Forest Preserve district promote more participation in citizen science. Bird banding workshops are a great way to do this, as well as fostering community engagement.