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

Asked in a Surround Sound News questionnaire why he is running, Schultz said: "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."

He added: "My campaign is about protecting our natural legacy, making our forest preserves truly accessible for every family, and delivering responsible stewardship you can trust."

Candidate information

Party: Republican

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

Family: "Wife: Caryn" and "Children: Rowan and Allison." Schultz noted: "My Grandfather was the farm advisor in DuPage County for the University of Illinois Extension Service."

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."

Experience and public service

Schultz has held elected and appointed office. Asked about his public service, he said in our questionnaire: "Elected Forest Preserve Commissioner for Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Appointed Township Trustee for Naperville Township."

BallotReady profile data lists Schultz as a District 5 commissioner from 2002 to 2012 and owner of Horticultural Consultants since 1986. A district resolution also lists him as a director of the Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

On the issues

Critical differences from other candidates: Schultz drew sharp contrasts with the current board president 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 pointed to specific projects: "I led the way to restore and stabilize the Greene Barn on time and under budget. 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. He spent $750,000 each for unheated bathrooms that would fit in a two car garage that are locked up for half the year so the pipes don't freeze."

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."

Schultz did not name the current board president in his response. No response from that officeholder appears in the record.

Past accomplishments: Asked what qualifies him for the job, Schultz said: "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."

Schultz's responses come from a Surround Sound News candidate questionnaire. Answers are presented verbatim. His opponent, Daniel Hebreard, also appears on the general election ballot.

Best advice: "My Grandfather told me, 'Pennies grow to dollars and seeds grow to trees.' An acorn is small, but it germinates and starts to grow, until one day you're sitting under a mighty oak."