Interns head out of the office for a day in the field to learn about the work we support.
About the Foundation
Our mission
The Foundation’s mission is to engage in protecting and restoring the treasured natural habitats within the Forest Preserves of Cook County and to enhance the outdoor experiences of all communities. We do this by encouraging and administering private gifts to further the Forest Preserve’s mission and goals.
Programs we support
Our programmatic goal is to increase access to the Preserves for a greater diversity of visitors and to deepen their awareness, appreciation and commitment to the health of the Preserves. Our ongoing initiatives include:
Restoration: Pollution, invasive plants, and the changing climate continue to posesignificant risks to the health of our natural areas. Ongoing restoration is essential in reversing these damaging effects.
Funding supports restoration in areas of the highest need, where invasice species threaten sensitive ecosystems and where habitats have been damaged. Resotration supports wildlife, heatlhy communities, and climate resiliency.
Conservation Corps: Summer and year-round internships for teenagers and young adults to gain paid work experience and exposure to careers in conservation, while advancing restoration goals in the preserves.
Accessibility and Cultural Engagement: We fund programs that nourish cultural engagement and eliminate cultural barriers to equitable access.
Tree Dedications: Opportunities of those who wish to honor a special person or occasion in the preserves.
Planned Giving
Mission Critical Programs
Donation in Someone's Name
Conservation Cup Annual Fundraiser
Jazz in the Preserves Annual Fundraiser
More information can be found in our Year in Review
Anti‐Discrimination Policy
Forest Preserve Foundation is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, termination, promotion, transfer, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation and training.