Forest preserve district offers free wood chips May 2

Posted April 23, 2026 12:18 am

By Brittany Kovach, Forest Preserve District of Kane County

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County is offering free wood chips to the public on Saturday, May 2.

Wood chips will be available for pickup at two locations from 8 a.m. to noon at Burnidge Forest Preserve in Elgin and also at Big Rock Forest Preserve in Big Rock.

Forest preserve district staff will be on hand to help load with a tractor at both sites.

Nondistrict machinery to load is not permitted. Residents should bring their own shovels and containers. The public is welcome to take as many wood chips as they can haul away, while supplies last.

The chips are from hardwood trees removed throughout Kane County because of storm damage or clearing efforts.

Burnidge Forest Preserve is located at 14N035 Coombs Road in Elgin. Enter off Coombs Road.

Big Rock Forest Preserve is located at 46W072 Jericho Road in Big Rock. Signs within both preserves will direct people to the pile location.

For more information, contact the Forest Preserve District of Kane County at (630) 232-5980, visit kaneforest.com or find the district on social media by searching @forestpreserve.