Aquatic Life

Watershed Map - General DNR Ecosystem Partnership Program

DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup Watershed Links

Officers and Committees Membership Meeting Info and Minutes

C2000 Grant Program

Watershed Planning Main Watershed Plan Goals Water Quality Status Pollutants of Concern Watershed Based Approach Implementation Plan Milestones and Evaluation

Stormwater Main Pollutant Loadings

Best Management Practices

DC Floodplain Ordinance Illicit Discharge Detection Program Winter Storm Management CPESC Certification Program Technical Workshops Calendar

Existing Conditions BMP Application Model Recommendations

DuPage County Stormwater BMP Manual Conservation@Home Rain Barrels Rain Gardens Local BMP Examples

In the Water Main Bioassessment Monitoring Plan Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring The Dam Page Restoration Projects DO Improvement Stud

On the Ground Main Trails

Upland Restoration

Conservation@Home

Openlands Water Trails DuPage County Trail Plan

Local Projects CW Restoration Guidelines

Volunteer Opportunities

FAQs Conservation@Home Household Hazardous Waste Info Recreational Opportunities School Resources Landowner Resources Calendar

Storm Drain Stenciling RiverSweep RiverCare

Water Quality Primer Watersheds Water Quality Impacts Aquatic Life Monitoring Program Development Wastewater Primer

Water Quality Regulations

Documents Glossary

Clean Water Awards

NPDES Phase II TMDL

Here are some of the critters you migth see in and around the rivers and streams of DuPage County:

Birds

Green Heron—Butorides virescens Look for these medium sized birds perched along low branches looking for fish in the river.
Belted Kingfisher—Ceryle alcyon Watch for the Kingfisher perched on tree branches or power lines preparing to dive for fish.
Great Blue Heron—Ardea herodias Look for this large bird wading in the river hunting for fish, frogs and mussels.
Great Egret-Casmerodius albus Great egrets are smaller than the Great Blue Heron, a brilliant white with dark legs and a yellow bill. They can be seen hunting for fish throughout the river system as well as in wetlands and ponds.

Reptiles & Amphibians

Queen Snake—Regina septemvittata Queen snakes are fairly rare, but can be found in places that have rocky outcrops. They are non-venomous and can be seen basking on rocks or swimming in the river.
Painted Turtle—Chrysemys picta Painted turtles are the most common turtle found on the river or in ponds and lakes. They can be seen basking on logs from a distance, they quickly slide back into the water when they see something coming.
Snapping Turtle—Chelydra serpentina The snapper is the largest turtle found in the watershed. It can be seen basking on logs or found on land in May looking for a dry place to lay eggs. Snappers have very strong and sharp jaws—stay clear.

Fish & Mussels

Johnny Darter—Etheostoma nigrum Johnny darters are in the perch family and only grow to be 2-3 inches long. They are a good sign of improving water quality and can be found along the lower West Branch and main stem DuPage River.
White Heelsplitter—Lasmigona complanata White heelspitters are one of the more common mussels found in the river, although mussels in general are no longer commonly found hroughout the watershed. They are very flat and can be 3-5 inches across. They're one of the reasons it's a good idea to wear shoes when wading in the river!