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 […]
Foundation and Forest Preserves Finance Field Trip
Leadership at the Forest Preserves of Cook County Financial Department and the Forest Preserve Foundation partnered to get their teams out from behind their computer screens and into the Preserves for a field trip. We connected with each other and with nature, while also learning more about the Preserves and the powerful projects our work […]
Meet Jalanni Matthews, a Shining Example of the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders
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 […]
Forest Preserve Foundation Board Seed Collecting Event: Contributing, Learning and Connecting
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, […]
2023 Conservation Cup Inspirational, Fun and Successful
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 […]
Kandace Lenti, Dr. Michael Adkesson, and Ankur Udani Named to Forest Preserve Foundation Board
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 […]
Board Visits River Trail Nature Center
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 […]
Restoration Support for Spring Lake Nature Preserve
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 […]
Forest Preserve Foundation 2022 Annual Report Celebrates Fun and Hard Work
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 […]