In the United States, we are privileged with a bounty of protected land. The profound natural beauty of this country, from the National Parks to the Forest Preserves of Cook County, is a cornerstone of our national identity. Unfortunately, an abundance of public land alone does not guarantee widespread access to nature. For non-white people, […]
One wildly and widely engrossing day at 2019 Wild Things Conference
By Clarmarie Keenan If you’re into nature—and even if you’re not—the daylong biennial Wild Things Conference was bound to offer something for you. I got my chance to experience this mingling of conservation change-makers, experts and enthusiasts at this year’s conference. And it was one wildly engrossing day. The conference took place Feb. 23 at […]
Foundation panel discussion showcases impact of the Forest Preserves
Experiences in the Forest Preserves of Cook County inspire people in very personal ways. After working last summer in the Preserves as a Student Conservation Association (SCA)/Conservation Corps intern, Nylah Ali sees herself becoming a plant biologist one day. Leslie Fenton, who grew up “almost right on top of Bemis Woods,” supports the Preserves by serving […]
Billy Casper VP Bill Rehanek works to ensure Conservation Cup success
Bill Rehanek, senior vice president, operations, Billy Casper Golf Since the beginning of the Conservation Cup golf outing and fundraiser, Bill Rehanek has been there to make sure everything runs smoothly. The PGA professional is the senior vice president, operations for Billy Casper Golf, which manages the George W. Dunne National Golf course, where the […]
One Earth Film Festival offers family program in Thatcher Woods
Are you looking for something to do this weekend? The Forest Preserves of Cook County has you covered. Come out on Sat., March 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a youth and family program put on by the One Earth Film Festival. The festival will feature three films on environmental topics at the […]
Warm up to winter in the Preserves
Winter hit Chicago with full force recently, but that doesn’t mean we need to huddle inside. The Forest Preserves of Cook County offer numerous fun outdoor activities. Winter in the Preserves means cross country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, or ice skating on one of the many frozen ponds. Feeling inspired by the 2018 Winter Olympics? Put […]
Prescribing Nature as Medicine: The Key to a Healthy Lifestyle
Spending time is nature is one of the keys to a healthy lifestyle. This article, written by Lydia Uhlir of the Forest Preserves of Cook Country, originally appeared in the Illinois Pediatrician newsletter. Basic principles of a healthy lifestyle include, eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, limiting alcohol and abstaining from smoking, AND just as […]
OPRF High School students design public art pieces for Preserves
A model of the student-designed nature art that will be erected in preserves. AFTER: The finished “Rose” sculpture at Forest Preserves of Cook County headquarters in River Forest. OPRF High School students design public art for Preserves OPRF High School art students with Transit Studio artists and teachers. Standing around a table in a large […]