Winfield Post

07/12/2026

In GlobalFact keynote, Nina Jankowicz urges fact-checkers to keep up the fight.

07/09/2026

Visitors are reminded to be aware of their surroundings in the preserves. Coyotes are currently in "denning season," the time in summer when they raise young in shelters called dens. During this time, adults are more active, vocal, and protective. If you’re followed by a coyote, don’t panic. It’s likely escorting or “shadowing” you through its territory, keeping a calm eye on you to ensure you don’t bother its den.

If you encounter a coyote in a preserve, you can follow a few precautions:

🐶 Always keep your dog on a leash while enjoying the preserves.

📣 If a coyote approaches you, be big, loud and bold. Wave your hands above your head or hold your jacket wide open. Shout or use a whistle or horn. Don’t turn your back or run; calmly walk away facing the coyote.

👧 Keep yourself between coyotes and children.

🪵 If a coyote becomes aggressive — snaps, growls or snarls — throw sticks or clumps of dirt at the ground by its feet. Aim for its body if necessary but never its head.

📱 Report aggressive behavior on private property to your local municipality. Report encounters in a DuPage forest preserve to the Forest Preserve District at 630-933-7200.

For more information about living with coyotes visit https://www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/centers/wildlife-conservation/living-with-coyotes

07/08/2026

You've probably seen signs on the Path stating "no motor vehicles". Although it may seem counterintuitive, LOW-SPEED E-BIKES (class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes) ARE ALLOWED on DuPage County trails including the Prairie Path, and many other area trails. In Illinois, low-speed e-bikes (with fully operable pedals and motors under 750 watts) are not considered motor vehicles. DuPage County agrees. All other electric devices (e-motos, scooters, skateboards, unicycles, hoverboards, etc) are not allowed.*

The most important message on these signs is the 15mph speed limit. The IPPc couldn't agree more.

Enforcement of these rules is a challenge. The IPPc requests everyone's compliance for Path users' safety and enjoyment. The IPPc will continue dialogue with DuPage Co, Kane Co, Ride Illinois, Active Transportation Alliance, municipalities and others to identify and implement effective strategies to get path users to slow down. If you know of successful speed controls on other trails, please post here or email us at [email protected].

It all starts with communicating expectations.
- No electric devices allowed besides class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes.
- 15mph speed limit for everyone.

Thank you to everyone in compliance.

*Exception: Electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters are allowed for individuals with limited mobility.

*******************************************
JULY 8 RESPONSE:
It's no surprise that this post generated many comments, questions and opinions. This confirms that our advocacy priorities are (more-or-less) in line. The IPPc will continue advocating for safe travel speeds on the Path. Please note that the IPPc does not have the authority to establish or enforce Path rules BUT, thanks to our 900 members, we have a strong voice for influencing policy changes where appropriate (as requested by our members).

IPPc's position on excessive speeds:

1) 15mph is the most common trail speed limit in the region and across the country. The IPPc agrees with DuPage, Kane, area forest preserves and municipalities, that 15mph is appropriate for the Illinois Prairie Path.

2) E-bikes should not be banned because they enable people who can't ride a traditional bike to enjoy our trails. It's acceptable for anyone to ride an e-bike if they are courteous, responsible and do not exceed safe travel speeds. The problem is that electric devices have created more opportunity for abuse and recklessness. With partner organizations, we need to identify and implement strategies to reduce excessive speeds.

3) Education and enforcement present major challenges. Success is unlikely without the full support of entities that establish and enforce Path rules. The IPPc will push for more accountability and action.

4) Speeding encourages more speeding. That's how it works on expressways. If we can get some people to slow down (through education, enforcement, peer pressure, etc) that may eventually reduce the number of speeders.

5) The IPPc will continue to listen to our members and other Path users. Excessive speeds are a concern almost everywhere. Solutions are hard to come by. Please let us know of effective strategies you've seen elsewhere. We will advocate for implementation of those strategies on the Prairie Path. We welcome your ideas. There are some good & constructive ideas in this discussion. All IPPc board members are encouraged to read all these Facebook comments. Share your ideas and concerns in an upcoming IPPc board meeting; they're generally on the second Tuesday of each month. Please tell us you're coming so we can construct the agenda accordingly.

6) Reach out directly to local policymakers & stakeholders.
The State created the Illinois Vehicle code and approved new laws, BUT local entities can and do implement their own rules/restrictions.

DuPage County DOT. [email protected]. 630-407-6900
DuPage County Forest Preserve. [email protected]. 630-933-7200
Kane County Forest Preserve. [email protected]. 630-232-5980
Kane County DOT. [email protected]. 630-584-1170
Fox Valley Park District. [email protected]. 630-897-0516
Cook County. Contact Maywood, Bellwood, Hillside or Berkeley directly.

7) Reach out to the IPPc at [email protected], or (630) 752-0120 with additional concerns, questions or suggestions.

Thank you!!

07/04/2026

07/02/2026

What are you even celebrating?

American roots music can be traced back to the earliest days of this country. It’s an oral tradition; a storytelling of daily life, struggles, and triumphs.

American Music Festival celebrates these artists and the stories they bring to us from across the country and sometimes even our own backyard. It’s about celebrating their daily life, struggles, and triumphs.

Welcome to the 43rd year of this tradition at Fitzgeralds Nightclub, you’re in good hands with this crew.

07/02/2026

On July 2, 1776, 250 years ago today, the Continental Congress adopted the powerful words “Free and Independent” as part of the Lee Resolution, a critical 46-word addition to the Declaration of Independence. The clauses effectively declared that the thirteen colonies were independent from the British Empire. John Adams felt the occasion was so momentous that he mistakenly predicted that the adoption date of the Lee Resolution, July 2, would be celebrated by future generations as America’s birthday instead of July 4!

Visit our exhibition, "Free and Independent: The Declaration of Independence and the Words That Made the United States," before it closes July 18, to learn more about this essential founding document.

07/01/2026