Dumping pumpkins in forest preserves affects ecosystem
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is asking residents not to dump leftover pumpkins in area forest preserves.
Pumpkins aren’t part of the local ecosystems and can negatively affect the ecological balance of the area, forest district officials said in a news release.
Pumpkins dumped near roadways can attract wildlife, putting them at risk of being hit by cars. Animals do not need the supplemental food, and it increases the risk of animals spreading disease, the release said.
Pumpkins also can smother native plants vital to local wildlife. As they decompose, they become breeding grounds for bacteria, fungi and viruses, and could negatively affect plants and soil, the district said.
“When we introduce foreign organic matter, like pumpkins, we inadvertently tip the scales, impacting not just wildlife but also the soil,” district ecologist Scott Kobal said in a statement. “These changes to the forest floor might take years to reverse.”
Dumping anything in the forest preserves is illegal and can result in fines.
It’s better to compost leftover Halloween pumpkins at home or at a local composting facility. Many towns, including Naperville, also offer pumpkin “smash” events where they can be dropped off for composting.
Naperville’s free smash will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Ron Ory Community Garden Plots, 811 S. West St. The goal is to keep pumpkins out of landfills, the park district said on its website.
All candles, metal or decorations should be removed before recycling.
Don’t worry if you see more coyotes in fall, winter: county
Residents may be seeing more coyotes in the area right now as the young leave their parents in search of mates and their own territories, experts say.
Sightings of coyotes will increase between now and February, according to a Forest Preserve District of DuPage County news release. Young coyotes are looking for a home, but are forced to look for unclaimed areas because so many are already occupied.
They’re also more visible in the winter because there is less vegetation to hide them and snow makes them easier to see, forest officials said.
An increase in sightings doesn’t mean an increase in the coyote population, but residents with pets should be especially vigilant and need to keep dogs on a lease when in a forest preserve, the release said.
“It’s smart to stay with your dog and keep it leashed in your yard, too,” district ecologist Dan Thompson said in a news release. “Even if you’ve never seen a coyote in your neighborhood, they’re there.”
While uncommon, coyotes can target dogs to eliminate perceived threats to their young and competition for food. However, most of the time, they coexist with dogs without incident.
Hungry coyotes may be drawn to unsecured garbage cans, pet food, compost piles, bird feeders or fallen fruit under trees and shrubs, the release said.
