Willowbrook Wildlife Center
Location
The entrance is located on the east side of Park Boulevard at Fawell Boulevard (formerly 22nd Street), across from the College of DuPage. It is approximately one mile north of Butterfield Road (Route 56).
Preserve Maps
Willowbrook Wildlife Center is a rehabilitation facility that provides care and medical treatment for injured and orphaned animals that are native to northeastern Illinois. As an education center, Willowbrook also serves as a resource for understanding the natural world and provides learning experiences for DuPage County residents to help them live in harmony with diverse, healthy wildlife populations.
The center opened in 1952 as Willowbrook Wildlife Haven, a rehabilitation center and refuge operated by individuals concerned about the welfare of wild animals. In 1956, Willowbrook Forest Preserve was deeded to the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. In 1981, after almost 30 years of operation, the facility was renamed Willowbrook Wildlife Center. At that time, an education and treatment center and an outdoor exhibit area were constructed.
Visitor Center
The Willowbrook Visitor Center features a close-up view of wild native species. Windows provide a view of the kitchen and nursery where staff and volunteers prepare specialized diets and care for baby animals. A classroom and an indoor discovery area with hands-on, interactive exhibits including games, puzzles and a puppet play station offer exploration for children. The center also features modern restrooms, a drinking fountain, general forest preserve and trail-use information, and a gift shop that carries Willowbrook and wildlife-related merchandise.
Nature Trail
A self-guided tour, Willowbrook's Nature Trail provides an opportunity to learn about wildlife and the prairie, savanna, woodland and wetland habitats of the county. A half-mile outer loop and a shorter inner loop travel through 40 acres of restored habitats complete with interpretive signs and inviting benches.
Wildlife Rehabilitation
One of Willowbrook's goals is to provide care and treatment to DuPage County's native and migrant wildlife. Every year, qualified and dedicated staff, with the help of trained volunteers, tend to thousands of wild animals brought to the center for care. Only native species are accepted for treatment, but Willowbrook attempts to refer individuals with nonnative animals to appropriate organizations. Once an animal's health is restored, it is released back into its habitat in a DuPage County forest preserve.
Outdoor Exhibits
Wild species native to DuPage County that have permanent disabilities are provided homes along the center's outdoor-exhibit trail. Residents include bald and golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, owls, red foxes, groundhogs, raccoons and opossums. Although Willowbrook's animals no longer forage for food, a variety of items stuffed with food and placed in the animals' cages provide mental and physical enrichment.
Picnic Areas
The wildlife center has an open-air picnic area and picnic shelter near the south end of the parking lot. Reservations are not required.
Educational Programs
Willowbrook Wildlife Center presents scheduled educational programs throughout the year to individuals as well as to school, youth, Scout and adult-community groups. Topics include insects, mammal tracking, birds of prey and prehistoric animals. The center also offers programming that meets Illinois' state-curriculum standards to promote wildlife education in the classroom. For more information on any of these programs and associated fees, contact Willowbrook at (630) 942-6200.
Butterfly Garden
Willowbrook's butterfly garden showcases practical, aesthetic landscape ideas to attract native and migrating butterflies and other wildlife species to the backyard. Interpretive signs introduce necessary elements to provide suitable habitat including food, water and shelter. The area contains native bushes and perennial and annual flowers, all identified by tags, and a sensory garden that abounds with sights, smells and textures. A pond with a trickling waterfall offers visitors listening and viewing enjoyment. An educational-display cabin features a butterfly life-cycle puzzle and play area and binoculars for a close-up view of nectaring butterflies and blooming plants. The exhibit is provided through the support from the University of Illinois Extension's Master Gardeners.
Volunteer Opportunities
Willowbrook Wildlife Center is a tremendous place to share a passion for animals and their well-being and to promote an understanding of the native species that live in DuPage County. Willowbrook volunteers participate in a wide variety of activities and, in turn, create a memorable experience for visitors. From preparing specialized diets for animals to lending a hand as raptor educators, participants in the volunteer program play a critical part in the center's operations. Working with Willowbrook's staff, animal-care volunteers clean cages and assist with captive rearing of orphaned animals. Volunteer educators play an important role by communicating the center's message, visiting schools and interacting with thousands of visitors at Willowbrook every year.
For more information on volunteer opportunities at Willowbrook Wildlife Center, contact the Forest Preserve District's Volunteer Services office at (630) 933-7681 or by e-mail at volunteer@dupageforest.com.
Accessibility
For special accessibility needs or concerns, please contact the District's ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days in advance of your visit.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5000, Wheaton, IL 60189-5000
email: forest@dupageforest.com (630) 933-7200 Fax: (630) 933-7204 TTY: (800) 526-0857