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 […]
The Forest Preserve Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to its board of directors: Kandace Lenti, Managing Director, Executive Vice President, Government, Nonprofit & Healthcare Banking, Wintrust Bank; Dr. Michael Adkesson, President & CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society, Director of Brookfield Zoo; and Ankur Udani, Director, PwC. We had the opportunity […]
Warm sun, wildflowers, and the lilting songs of birds greeted the Forest Preserve Foundation Board of Directors as they arrived at River Trail Nature Center for their May board meeting. Before getting down to business, board members received a tour guided by Ranger Brian, aka interpretive naturalist Brian Winters, who highlighted work done by Chicago […]
In the far northwest corner of Cook County sits a natural wilderness that hums with life: Spring Lake Nature Preserve. A rich diversity of butterflies, dragonflies, frogs, tiger salamanders, birds, otters, beavers, rare shrews, owls, cranes, fish, mussels, insects, and other living things call this nature preserve home. Spring Creek, one of the most pristine […]
We invite you to enjoy our 2022 Forest Preserve Foundation Annual Report. In this review of a year of renewal and reconnecting, you’ll find evidence of both hard work and fun. The “fundraising and raising fun” theme of our annual Conservation Cup golf event raised the bar on both. And take a look at photos, […]
In this video Rana Lee shares memories of her childhood weekends spent exploring the Forest Preserves of Cook County, or what she thought of as a “bigger backyard.” Appreciating what a gift those visits were, as well as the gifts the Preserves continue to offer her as an adult, Rana shares why she supports the […]
At the Forest Preserve Foundation’s 11th Annual Conservation Cup on Thursday, September 8, 2022, over 100 golfers, along with some non-golfers, played, laughed, connected and enjoyed the beautiful George W. Dunne National Golf Course. The event raised $238,000 to support the Foundation’s mission: to engage in protecting and restoring the treasured natural habitats of the […]
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) […]
