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 in a Downers Grove Wire questionnaire why he is seeking the office, 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: Asked about his education, Schultz said in our questionnaire, "Naperville Central High School … Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from the University of Illinois."

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

Occupation: Schultz said, "Owner/horticulturist of Horticultural Consultants. Connecting people with nature is my life's work."

Experience and public service

Schultz said in our questionnaire that his work history includes a "Bachelor's degree in horticulture from the University of Illinois … 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."

Asked about previous offices, Schultz said, "Elected Forest Preserve Commissioner for Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Appointed Township Trustee for Naperville Township."

BallotReady records show Schultz served as commissioner for District 5 from 2002 to 2012 and has owned Horticultural Consultants since 1986. A Forest Preserve District resolution lists him as a director of the Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County as of April 2025.

On the issues

Differences from other candidates: Asked what sets him apart, Schultz said, "There are two differences between me and the current President. How we deal with the taxpayers dollars and how we oversee projects."

He said, "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 also said the current president "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."

Past accomplishments: 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." He also said, "I raised public interest in the historic Greene Barn and completed the first phase of restoration and stabilization."

Best advice: Schultz said, "My Grandfather told me, 'Pennies grow to dollars and seeds grow to trees.' … If you want to accomplish something, you take an idea and work on it every day. You don't let up. Then one day you will be amazed at what you have done."

Schultz's responses were collected through a Downers Grove Wire candidate questionnaire. Answers are presented in the candidate's own words.