Carl Schultz, a Republican, is running for president of the DuPage County Forest Preserve Board in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Democrat Daniel Hebreard.

Asked why he is seeking the office, Schultz said in the Elmhurst Beacon's candidate questionnaire: "My belief is that our forest preserves are a gift we pass on from one generation to the next. We should enjoy what we have been given and work hard to pass along something better than we received."

Candidate information

Party: Republican

Occupation and work history: "Bachelor's degree in horticulture from the University of Illinois. Owner/horticulturist of Horticultural Consultants. Connecting people with nature is my life's work. Forest Preserve Commissioner, serving for 10 years. During that time, I was Deputy Treasurer and then Treasurer. I started a non-profit for the District, raising over $3 million."

Education: "Naperville Central High School Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from the University of Illinois"

Family: "Wife: Caryn Children: Rowan and Allison

My Grandfather was the farm advisor in DuPage County for the University of Illinois Extension Service."

Experience and public service

Previous elected or appointed offices: "Elected Forest Preserve Commissioner for Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Appointed Township Trustee for Naperville Township."

Schultz also serves as a director of the Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, according to a district resolution adopted in 2025.

On the issues

Critical differences with other candidates: Schultz contrasted his record with the current board president's on spending and project management. "He has raised the Budget by 70% in 7 years but only added about 85 acres. As Commissioner, I added over 1,450 acres," Schultz said in our questionnaire. He cited the Willowbrook Wildlife Center as an example: "He had a no-bid guaranteed not to exceed $25.5 million contract for Willowbrook Wildlife Center that ended up costing over $30 million and an astonishing 20 months late." Schultz added: "I concentrate on connecting people with nature. He is building over 140,000 sq ft (3.2 acres under roof) of buildings the people will never even walk in."

Past accomplishments: "As Commissioner, I added over 1450 acres of land, improved natural resources (6 Nature Preserves and 2 Land and Water Preserves designations), added trails, Urban Stream Research Center, archery range, dog park, picnic shelter and more. I started a non-profit that supports the District mission. I raised public interest in the historic Greene Barn and completed the first phase of restoration and stabilization."

Best advice received: Schultz recalled his grandfather's words: "Pennies grow to dollars and seeds grow to trees." He said: "An acorn is small, but it germinates and starts to grow, until one day you're sitting under a mighty oak. If you want to accomplish something, you take an idea and work on it every day."

Candidate responses were collected through the Elmhurst Beacon's questionnaire and are presented in the candidate's own words. Responses have been excerpted for length.