Natural Area Management

Parks and Trails

More than 50 percent of Fox Valley Park District property is maintained in a natural state. Woods, prairies, wetland and grasslands offer district residents opportunities to view wildlife and reflect on nature right in our community.

The district uses several methods to manage invasive plants in these natural areas, including selective spraying, annual mowing and prescribed burning. Prescribed burning is one of the best tools in natural area management because it weeds out invasive plants and benefits native plants by reducing competition and returning nutrients to the soil. Notices will be placed at targeted park properties prior to prescribed burns.

In addition to properties that have been managed with fire for years, such as Red Oak Nature Center and Stuart Sports Complex, the district conducted a controlled burn of the Oakhurst Wetland in 2007. If there are questions regarding the district’s natural area management practices, call 630-897-0516.

Park District's Arbor Day program
traces its roots to local schools

Spring 2010 marks the 51st year of the Fox Valley Park District's Arbor Day program. In that time, more than 2,200 trees have been planted at local schools, and the District has used each occasion to educate young students on the value and benefits trees bring to our lives and our communities. Read story.