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, […]
Rana Lee Shares Memories of a “Bigger Backyard” & Why She Supports the Forest Preserve Foundation
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 […]
2022 Conservation Cup Succeeds in Fundraising and Raising Fun
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 […]
Forest Preserve Foundation Awards $130,000 in Grants for Two Youth Conservation Corps Programs
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) […]
Forest Preserve Foundation 2021 Annual Report Offers Hope and Much to Celebrate
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, […]
2021 Conservation Cup Raises a Record $220,000
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 […]
Claudette Grant, Rana Lee and Eric Rockhold named to Foundation Board of Directors
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 […]
Co-chair Rana Lee brings big-hearted enthusiasm to the Conservation Cup Host Committee
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 […]
Debra Walker Johnson named President and Executive director
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 […]
Looking Ahead to Restoration Work in 2021
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 […]