What if the thing you’ve been missing is not another show to stream, another errand to run or another doomscroll on your phone, but a chance to do something that has real meaning in your community? Volunteering in the Forest Preserves of Cook County turns free time into impact, curiosity into connection and ordinary days […]
The forest preserves touch people’s lives in so many ways. For Mary Rapp and her spouse Allison Downing, the Preserves provided a place to experience wonder when needed most. Mary had always loved walking in the woods, where she felt a deep connection to the earth. An excellent nature photographer, she was awed by the […]
We invite you to enjoy our 2024 annual report, featuring photos that bring you close to the action and maps that give you a bird’s eye view of where work took place. See youth crews learning and working or hear about their experiences in their own words. Learn how restoration helps improve the quality of life for […]
On Thursday, September 5th, 2024, the Forest Preserve Foundation’s 13th annual Conservation Cup drew golfers and non-golfers from across Cook County to the stunning George Dunne National Golf Course in Southwest suburban Oak Forest. Guests were welcomed by blue skies, fluffy white clouds, rich green forests, shimmering lakes, and bright yellow blooms of native goldenrod […]
Three days after intense heat, tornado warnings, and damaging winds rocked the region, perfect weather graced the inaugural Jazz in the Preserves outdoor concert fundraiser held by the Forest Preserve Foundation on July 18th. Over one hundred concertgoers relaxed on blankets, lawn chairs and picnic tables at Thatcher Woods Pavilion while jazz notes melded with […]
The Forest Preserve Foundation was awarded a $20,000 grant from Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund in support of the Forest Preserve Experience program. We are grateful for the generous support of this Conservation Corps youth program that is central to the mission of the Foundation and that of the Forest Preserves of Cook […]
Leadership at the Forest Preserves of Cook County Financial Department and the Forest Preserve Foundation partnered to get their teams out from behind their computer screens and into the Preserves for a field trip. We connected with each other and with nature, while also learning more about the Preserves and the powerful projects our work […]
Jalanni Matthews, Chicago Program Coordinator, Student Conservation Association. Jalanni Matthews’ warm presence is matched only by his passionate dedication to keeping nature healthy. Since 2014 when he first joined a crew as a high school sophomore, Jalanni has brought his whole self, worked hard, learned, and built relationships in every avenue and connection provided by […]
At the Forest Preserve Foundation Board of Directors Seed Collecting Event on September 30th an energetic group of board members, staff and community members connected with nature and with each other, learned about restoration, and helped make sure native species thrive. Fall leaf color gets all the press, but down on the ground and up-close, […]
On Thursday, September 7, 2023, more than 80 golfers joined the Forest Preserve Foundation for the 12th Annual Conservation Cup. The rain cleared just in time, bringing lovely temperatures to the gorgeous George Dunne National Golf Course, known for its striking views and championship caliber play. Foursomes not only competed for the cup title, but […]
