Forest Preserve Kicks Off Weekly 'Forest Fitness Walk' Series in April

Submission by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County will kick off its “Forest Fitness Walk” series in April.

The brisk weekly hikes are scheduled for 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the following forest preserves: Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook on April 11; Maple Grove in Downers Grove on April 18; Oldfield Oaks in Darien on April 25; Hidden Lake in Downers Grove on May 2; Meacham Grove in Bloomingdale on May 9; Greene Valley in Naperville on May 16; Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago on May 23; and Blackwell in Warrenville on June 6.

In addition there will be a special 10-mile “Forest Fitness Walk” 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 13 at Springbrook Prairie in Naperville.

“Whether you join us for just one or come back each week, you’ll be able to explore some of the county’s most popular trails and experience the beauty of the outdoors,” said program leader Dave Andrusyk, a naturalist at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center.

Hikes are for adults 18 and older and cost $4 per person per hike online with advanced registration or $6 at the walk.

“Forest Fitness Walks are a great way to combine the health benefits of walking while getting your daily dose of nature,” said Forest Preserve District Commissioner Linda Painter, District 3.

The District offers more than 145 miles of trails for walking and jogging. Many take visitors through some of the county’s most scenic natural areas. Trail access is always free, and most forest preserves are open daily from one hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset. Maps are available at onsite information kiosks, online or by request at forest@dupageforest.org or 630-933-7248.

“A walk in the woods improves memory, reduces stress and burns calories,” said Forest Preserve District of DuPage County President Joe Cantore.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for more than 100 years. More than 4 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, five education centers and scores of programs each year. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTubepages.