DuPage County Adopt-A-Trail
The Adopt-a-Trail Program allows civic and private interest groups to adopt segments of the Illinois Prairie Path or Great Western Trail for the purpose of litter collection.
Work materials (work gloves, safety vests, and garbage bags) and informational/warning signage will be provided by the County. Groups are required to work 4 times annually between March and November. This program provides an ideal alternative to the Adopt-a-Highway for youth groups to perform community service in a more relaxed environment.
The Adopt-a-Trail Program is managed through the Division of Transportation's Highway Permitting Department at 421 N. County Farm Road Wheaton, IL 60187-2553. Email Adoptahwy@dupagecounty.gov for more details, or call the department's main office at 630-407-6900 Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 4:30 pm (excluding holidays). The Adopt-a-Trail Program application can be found at the Division of Transportation’s permits page.
Illinois Prairie Path Not-for-Profit Corporation
The Illinois Prairie Path (IPPc) is a not-for-profit corporation comprised of volunteers who advocate on behalf of the Prairie Path trail. When the Chicago, Aurora, and Elgin Railway was abandoned in 1963, the IPPc's founders advocated for constructing a path on the improved railroad bed. Throughout ensuing years, the IPPc converted segments of the abandoned railway into the modern alignment of the Prairie Path. Today, most of the right of way for the Prairie Path in DuPage is owned and maintained by the DuPage County Division of Transportation. However, IPPc continues to play a prominent role in advocacy, public engagement, and improving the quality of the Prairie Path experience that is treasured by DuPage residents and visitors.
To learn more about the IPPc and become a member, go to their website at www.ipp.org.
Friends of the Great Western Trails
The Friends of the Great Western Trails is a volunteer group dedicated to advocacy and awareness about the Great Western Trail. To learn more and become a member, visit their website at www.friendsofthegreatwesterntrails.com.
Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
The Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County advances the vision of the Forest Preserve District through philanthropic endeavors. Gifts from numerous individuals, companies and organizations help the Forest Preserve District carry out its mission of maintaining and sustaining nearly 26,000 acres, which include 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, 30 lakes and six education centers.
To learn more about how you can support or join the Friends of the Forest Preserve, go to www.dupageforest.org/friends.
Trees for Trails - Tree Donation Program
In an effort to offset the expected effects of Emerald Ash Borer, Dutch Elm Disease, storm damage and other causes for the loss of trees, DuPage County and The Illinois Prairie Path not-for-profit corporation have established a new partnership to encourages donations of trees for the trail system. Donations of any amount are welcome.
If you would like more information on this program, view the Trees for Trails Informational Flyer.
