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Natural Resource Management

Natural Resource Management

The Woodridge Park District is dedicated to preserving native plant communities, wildlife diversity, and water quality throughout the District. A Natural Resource Management Plan was created to serve as a tool to educate residents about the District’s natural resource management techniques. A list of natural area sites and habitat types, as well as descriptions of those areas can be found in the plan.

Natural Resource Management Plan Overview

The Woodridge Park District owns and manages 150 parcels totaling 682 acres which consist of 40 sites, 26 prairies, 20 ponds, 30 woodlands, 16 streams, and approximately 28 wetlands. These sites contain a variety of native plants, wildlife and water features. The District’s Parks, Planning and Development Department is dedicated to preserving and managing these natural areas.

View full Natural Resources Management Plan

Prescribed Burns

The Woodridge Park District typically conducts prescribed burns in parks and properties in the spring and fall when weather conditions are suitable. Prescribed burns are part of a natural areas management process and will be conducted by trained Park District staff or an experienced contractor and supervised by an Illinois Certified Burn Manager. Controlled burns are a management technique used for improving site conditions for high-quality native plants while reducing invasive weeds.

During  prescribed burns, smoke conditions will occur, but shall be kept to a minimum. Should any of your family members have health situations that may be affected by these conditions, please contact the Park District.

Questions/Concerns?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding prescribed burns, please contact Chris Pollack, Natural Resource Manager, at 630-353-3373 or cpollack@woodridgeparks.org.

Visit the Rainout Line webpage or subscribe for alerts via the Rainout Line app to receive prescribed burns updates: www.woodridgeparks.org/rainout-line.

Parks/sites where prescribed burns may occur:

• 63rd Street Park
• Boundary Hill Woods
• Caddie Corner Park
• Cypress Cove
• Falconridge Park
• Hawthorne Hill Woods
• Heritage Parkway
• Ides Grove West
• Mending Wall Park
• Orchard Hill Park
• Pond #54
• Rutgers/Peters Basin
• Seven Bridges Park
• Summerhill Park
• Timber’s Edge
• Vicente Outlot A
• Vicente Outlot D
• Vicente Outlot E
• Water Tower Reserve Outlot A
• Water Tower Reserve Outlot C
• Westminster Park

 

Living with Coyotes

Coyotes are occasionally spotted in the winter including parks and schools. They tend to shy away from human beings, but have been known to attack unattended small pets. The park district would like to remind residents of these tips provided by the Forest Preserve of DuPage County:

  • Keep pet food and watering dishes inside, especially at night.
  • Do not allow spillage to accumulate around bird feeders.
  • Keep grills and barbecues clean: even small food scraps may attract animals.
  • Keep garbage cans indoors.
  • Keep dogs and cats leashed and stay with our pets outside, especially during the evening and early morning when coyotes are most active.

If you feel a coyote is dangerous, please call the Village of Woodridge Police Department at 911. To learn more about living in harmony with DuPage County’s native wildlife, visit the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s website.


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