The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County invites supporters of Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn to join its annual “Night Owl Ball” fundraising gala on Saturday, March 15 from
6 to 11 p.m. at the Hilton Lisle/Naperville, 3003 Corporate West Dr. in Lisle.

Resident birds of prey from Willowbrook — some of the very wildlife the center supports — will greet guests who will enjoy a cocktail hour, three-course meal, music, dancing, and silent and live auctions for items such as a behind-the-scenes tour at Willowbrook, scout-level tickets at a White Sox game, round-trip airfare, hotel stays, framed work by a local nature photographer, and hand-painted birdhouses.

Tickets are $75 each and $675 for tables of eight and are available at Willowbrook at 525 S. Park Blvd., online at dupageforest.org/NightOwlBall, or by phone at 630-942-6200. The Hilton is also offering room discounts. Use code CFPD online at hiltonlislenaperville.com or by phone at 800-552-2599.

“This fundraiser will primarily support cage improvements,” says Sandy Fejt, site manager at Willowbrook Wildlife Center. “Willowbrook takes in almost all of DuPage County’s native wildlife species, so creating new types of enclosures and improving our existing structures is a constant need for us in order to give the best care possible for rehabilitating and resident animals.”

Willowbrook Wildlife Center is open daily, and its staff and volunteers admit over 8,000 injured animals each year. Some permanently disabled animals become residents that help visitors learn about native wildlife. The center also annually offers hundreds of educational programs and experiences. To learn more, visit dupageforest.org/WillowbrookWildlifeCenter or call 630-942-6200.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County owns and manages 25,000 acres of prairies, woodlands and wetlands. Each year its 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, five education centers and scores of programs welcome over 4 million visitors. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube pages.