Itasca-area forest preserve closed for upgrade

A new construction project at Songbird Slough near Itasca will close the forest preserve for the rest of the year, but will soon mean more recreation opportunities for residents.

The preserve closed this week for safety reasons, as workers construct a 1.1-mile asphalt trail. The trail will separate pedestrian and bicycle traffic from the existing vehicle drive and offer connections to the surrounding neighborhood near downtown Itasca.

“We definitely want to develop it so it's more pedestrian- and bike-friendly, especially since Songbird Slough has lots of nice green space and a picnic shelter,” said Bonnie Olszewski, spokeswoman for the DuPage County Forest Preserve District. “The neighborhood connections will also be good for people who are riding their bikes or walking their dogs from home, since now they won't have to drive to get to the main entrance.”

The new trail will begin at the preserve's main entrance on Mill Road and lead to the parking lot and picnic shelter. Along the way, users will find informal shaded rest stops with natural log benches.

The project's price tag is about $690,000 for design, permits and construction, forest preserve officials said. Money will come from the district's annual capital development funds. Officials said work should be complete in late 2011.

The 391-acre Songbird Slough already attracts people who bike, fish, hike, picnic or watch the grassland birds and songbirds who live in the preserve. The preserve is a combination of natural and constructed wetlands, fishing ponds, restored prairies and meadows. It also offers stormwater detention to protect area homes and businesses from flooding.

For details or to see a map of the forest preserve's improvements, visit dupageforest.org and click the “Plans and Projects” heading within the “District News” section.