As part of the spring grants cycle, the Forest Preserve Foundation’s board of directors approved grants totaling $130,000 in support of Youth Conservation Corps programs in the Forest Preserves of Cook County: • Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps $75,000 • Forest Preserve Experience $55,000 The Forest Preserve Experience program (FPE) and Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps (CCLC) […]
As burgeoning birdsong heralds the arc of winter into spring, we invite you to take a peek at the 2021 Forest Preserve Foundation Annual Report. In this review of a year with continued Covid-19 challenges, you’ll find hope and much to celebrate. We bring you photos from the field, thoughts from youth crew members, leadership news, […]
On Thursday, September 9, 2021, nearly 100 golfers joined the Forest Preserve Foundation for its 10th Annual Conservation Cup. The weather could not have been better, with bright blue skies embracing the lush green of the beautiful George Dunne International Golf Course. Following the challenges of the past two years, it was wonderful to see […]
The Forest Preserve Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to its board of directors, Claudette Grant, Rana Lee and Eric Rockhold. Their nominations were approved at the August board of directors meeting. “We are excited to have Claudette, Rana and Eric join our expanding board of directors.” Board Chair James […]
From the first time she participated in the Conservation Cup, Rana Lee has been a big booster of the Foundation’s major annual fundraiser. Supporting the Cup allows her to combine two passions: her love for golf and supporting young people. Because of that, we know she can’t wait to hit the green at this year’s […]
An accomplished nonprofit executive, Debra Walker Johnson has been named President & Executive Director of the Forest Preserve Foundation. Walker Johnson, a Chicago native, assumes her new role at the Foundation with more than 20 years of nonprofit executive management experience. “Debra brings the right combination of development experience and a deep understanding of our […]
As 2020 comes to an end, the Forest Preserve Foundation reflects on our impact and the resilience of our community during a year of such upheaval. We also look toward the new year in anticipation of upcoming ecological improvements in the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Here are four key restoration projects beginning next year […]
The Foundation has published its 2020 Annual Report. We hope that you will take a few minutes to read this overview of the Foundation’s past year. While this was a year of challenges and opportunities for the Forest Preserve Foundation, it adjusted operations and fundraising expectations in the face of the global coronavirus pandemic and […]
Black Friday is a week away, and we’re excited to continue one of our favorite seasonal traditions. The Foundation and our partner REI are pausing the holiday to-do lists to #optoutside instead of shopping on Black Friday. Spending your day off in nature is always an excellent way to unplug and unwind during a busy […]
The Forest Preserve Foundation had a tremendous response to its Oct. 22 symposium (recording above) that featured two panel discussions on the topic “Racial Equity and Access to Nature.” More than 300 people from around the country joined the virtual 90-minute program. Third annual An annual Foundation event, the symposium brought together six environmental leaders […]
