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 our candidate 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."

Candidate information

Party: Republican

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."

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

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

According to BallotReady profile data, Schultz served as a District 5 commissioner from 2002 to 2012. He has owned Horticultural Consultants since 1986, according to the same source. A district resolution lists him as a director of the Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County as of April 2025.

Asked what accomplishments show he can handle 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. I served as Treasurer for the District, President Pro Tem and Chaired several committees."

On the issues

Asked about the critical differences between himself and other candidates, 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 cited budget growth and project costs: "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 pointed to specific projects, saying: "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 are locked up for half the year so the pipes don't freeze. They were 7 months late."

Schultz said: "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's questionnaire responses reference "the current President" but do not name the individual. No response from the incumbent appears in the evidence on record, and these claims have not been independently verified.

Schultz's responses come from a Surround Sound News candidate questionnaire. Answers are presented in the candidate's own words.