The DuPage County Forest Preserve has a challenge - or eight - for you
Visitors to DuPage forest preserves can share their photos from eight "challenges" for a chance to win exciting experiences and cool outdoor gear in the "DuPage Forest Preserves Discovery Challenge" through Sept. 30.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is teaming with L.L. Bean in Oak Brook, one of its community partners, to offer the contest.
Participants can choose their challenge, take photos in DuPage forest preserves and submit their photos at dupageforest.org. Winners will be chosen from eligible entries in random drawings on July 1, Aug. 1, Sept. 2, Oct. 1 and Oct. 4. Complete contest rules, entry forms and a gallery of photo submissions are available at the same contest link.
Grand prizes include a camping package with a $250 L.L. Bean gift card, tent, sleeping bag, backpack, and weekend stay at the Blackwell Family Campground or a kayak package with kayak, paddle, life jacket, and guided kayaking tour.
Other prizes include a boat rental at Blackwell Forest Preserve, an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour for four of Willowbrook Wildlife Center, a tour for four of Mayslake Peabody Estate, and a hands-on grooming lesson for two at Danada Equestrian Center.
The contest has eight challenge activities. Visitors can enter each more than once, but multiple entries for the same challenge must be at different preserves.
• Head for the Lake. Discover more than 30 DuPage forest preserve lakes and 45 miles of rivers.
• Visit a Special Destination. Visit up to six special DuPage forest preserve destinations with distinct exhibits and buildings that focus on the county's natural or cultural history.
• Go to a Program or Event. Attend one or more of the DuPage Forest Preserve District's nature-related programs and activities for grown-ups, kids, families and groups and large special events year-round.
• Hit the Trails. Hike, bike or run on 145 miles of DuPage forest preserve trails.
• Explore a Natural Area. Discover the woods, prairies and wetlands that are home to diverse native plants and wildlife in the DuPage forest preserves.
• Relax! Watch a sunset, listen to the birds, practice yoga, or watch the clouds in a DuPage forest preserve.
• Attend an L.L. Bean Clinic. Get ready for your next outdoor adventure by attending a free in-store clinic at L.L. Bean in Oak Brook led by a forest preserve district naturalist or ranger. Clinics are Tick Identification and Prevention (July 6); Favorite Local Paddling Spots (July 10 or Aug. 3); Wildlife Tracking 101 (July 20); Basic Map and Compass (Aug. 7); and Birding and Binocular Fundamentals (Aug. 17).