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 County
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's partner with local and national organizations in support of their mission to inspire people to enjoy, love and conserve the great outdoors. In the past five years alone, they have donated more than $100 million to conservation, community and outdoor education programs.
The Forest Preserve Experience program helps the Forest Preserves meet their restoration goals by mobilizing young people to care for the natural lands within the Forest Preserves. Focus is on teamwork, basic job skills, hard work, and environmental education.
Low-income communities and communities of color are often left with fewer opportunities to build meaningful relationships with nature. The Forest Preserve Experience Program is a paid summer experience that addresses the logistical and cultural barriers to equitable access to nature.
Invasive non-native buckthorn, which was brought here to form hedges because it grows densely and quickly, chokes out native plants, with negative ripple effects on native wildlife.
Before and after removing invasive species.
“I didn’t know much about nature or outdoors before this program. I wanted to get a job, get paid and build working skills. But as I got out here and kept doing it, I realized I appreciate being in nature.”
Are you interested in partnering with the Forest Preserve Foundation to help keep our natural lands healthy while also removing barriers to equitable access to nature? Please donate and join us in this work!
The Forest Preserve Experience is a partnership program coordinated by Friends of the Forest Preserves and the Forest Preserves of Cook County, with generous support from the Housing Authority of Cook County, Forest Preserve Foundation, and Cook County Bureau of Economic Development.