$20 Million in Improvements Coming to Willowbrook Wildlife Center

Glen Ellyn trustees have approved the permit and variations necessary for the Village’s Willowbrook Wildlife Rehabilitation Center to begin its $17- to $21-million decade-long renovation this fall, the Chicago Tribune reports.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the Center (opened 1956,) which is run by the DuPage County Forest Preserve District and focuses on treating injured wildlife and educating the public about nature, plans a two-phase renovation: first expanding the service building and parking lot this fall, then in 5-10 years improving the central building and animal habitats/exhibits.

"This plan isn't just about expanding room or parking spaces or exhibit spaces," the paper quoted Tim Whelan, commissioner of DuPage Forest Preserve District 4, telling the Board. "It goes beyond that. It's a plan to ensure Willowbrook remains a resource center for which all of DuPage County can be proud."

The finished new WWRC will be larger, include restored wetlands and conserve the forest preserve’s rainwater runoff, the paper said.

Read the full story at the Chicago Tribune website.