70,000 acres of wild and wonderful in Cook County, IL. Don’t you sometime just want to escape?
Explore the natural beauty of Cook County for an hour, a day or even a night. When you’re surrounded by 70,000 acres of wild and wonderful, there’s no better place to feel free. This page has been created for the Forest Preserves of Cook County and its visitors to share news, ideas and events. We welcome your engagement and feedback, but will remove the following kinds of comments and posts:
- Ob
scene or explicit comments.
- Personal attacks, insults, or threatening language.
- Private, personal information published without consent.
- Commercial promotions or spam.
- Comments that are off-topic or that link to material that is off-topic.
- Comments attacking or denigrating any person or group on the basis of their race, color, s*x, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, s*xual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, gender identity or membership in any group included in the District's Non-Discrimination Policy.
Operating as usual
📸: Joseph Peabody
📍: Crabtree Nature Center, January 2021
Crabtree Nature Center’s more than 1,000 acres of rolling, glacier-formed landscape showcases of all the major ecosystems of the Forest Preserves—woodlands, savannas, prairies and wetlands.
Our fall prescribed fire season is underway!
Did you know? Prescribed burning is an important management tool for natural areas which mimics wildfires that our native prairies and woodlands have adapted to over millennia.
Learn more: https://fpdcc.com/prescribed-burns-help-natural-areas-thrive/
📸: Brian Saame
📍: Spears Woods
Thank you to our Board of Commissioners, who today officially accepted the new funding provided by Cook County voters who overwhelmingly passed the referendum. The Board also adopted our amended FY2023 budget. We are excited to get started!
View the amendments:
Learn more about the Forest Preserves of Cook County 2023 budget and related information. On this page: Budget Recommendation Public Hearings Proposed
Some misinformation was recently shared on social media about the parking lots at the stairs at Swallow Cliff Woods. Forest Preserves Police have no record of carjackings or armed robberies at the site. Over the weekend, one car did have its window broken while unattended, and items were stolen. But we want to be clear that this is not common and Swallow Cliff is not a “high crime” area—fewer than a half dozen motor vehicle burglaries at the site occurred in 2022.
Public safety is one of our highest priorities at the Forest Preserves. Everyone should be safe and feel safe while visiting the preserves. Our Police regularly patrol the preserves across Cook County and work to provide a presence at popular locations such as Swallow Cliff.
You can help! When visiting the Forest Preserves, be sure to secure your vehicle and belongings. Before heading out on the trail, lock your car and set the alarm if you have one. Don’t leave valuables in your car. If you see suspicious activity, call 911. If you'd like to learn more about being a visible presence and another set of eyes and ears in the preserves, visit our website to learn about our Trail Watch program.
This year—and every year—we at the Forest Preserves are grateful for all the Cook County residents who enjoy and support our nearly 70,000 acres of wild & wonderful.
📸: Howard Greenblatt, September 2020
📍: Wolf Road Prairie
The Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners will meet on Wednesday, November 30 at 1 pm to vote on the amended and restated tax levy, as well as revenue and expenditure amendments to the FY 2023 budget, following the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Wildlife Habitat Protection Referendum on the November 8th ballot.
The public can review the proposed budget amendments and register to provide comment during these meetings:
Learn more about the Forest Preserves of Cook County 2023 budget and related information. On this page: Budget Recommendation Public Hearings Proposed
Did you know? The Forest Preserves of Cook County has 27 Illinois Nature Preserves and five Illinois Land and Water Reserves, totaling approximately 10,405 acres, the most of any local agency in the state.
Illinois Nature Preserves protect rare plants, animals and other unique natural features—including now uncommon ecosystems like tall grass prairies, oak savannas, sandstone bluffs, wetlands and bogs.
Learn more about these special places:
The Forest Preserves of Cook County has 27 Illinois Nature Preserves and five Illinois Land and Water Reserves, totaling approximately 10,405 acres, the
📸: Busse Woods by Maria Sacha - October 2020
Plan your visit: https://fpdcc.com/places/locations/busse-woods/
If you have time, skills and enthusiasm to give, consider volunteering with the Forest Preserves of Cook County to help make your preserves healthier.
Our Volunteer Resources team works with volunteer site stewards leading ecological restoration at more than 90 sites across the Forest Preserves, and manages programs that allow you to get involved with nature education, trail safety, scientific monitoring and more.
Get involved:
The Forest Preserves of Cook County’s nearly 70,000 acres of woodlands, prairies and wetlands provide endless, year-round opportunities to get outside,
It’s National Take a Hike Day!
Join us this afternoon for a guided hike at Sauk Trail Woods: https://fpdcc.com/event/national-take-a-hike-day-sauk-trail-woods/
Country Lane Woods: https://fpdcc.com/event/national-take-a-hike-day/
Or plan a hike on your own using our interactive web map: https://map.fpdcc.com/
Explore this interactive map of the Forest Preserves of Cook County—nearly 70,000 acres of woodlands, prairies, savannas and wetlands in & around Chicago
It’s ! Today we’re learning about lichens.
Have you ever wondered what is the deal with lichens? Found in a variety of habitats across the globe, lichens are a symbiotic union between a filamentous fungus (mycobiont) and an alga, cyanobacterium, or both (photobiont). The mycobiont provides the habitat for the photobiont to survive, and in return, the photobiont provides food in the form of sugars through photosynthesis.
The growth characteristics of lichens are almost fully dependent on the fungus. The three main growth forms for lichens are crustose, foliose and fruticose. Crustose lichens can look like variously textured crusts growing upon bark, soil, rock, etc. Foliose lichens appear leaf-like and have a clear upper and lower cortex (surface). Finally, fruticose lichens are three-dimensional, appear almost shrub-like, and do not have a clear upper and lower surface.
Aside from their fascinating diversity and beauty, why are lichens important? Certain lichens are excellent bioindicators of forest health due to their sensitivity to pollution. Since lichens can absorb everything in their atmosphere, scientists can extract and analyze various pollutant levels such as heavy metals, carbon and sulfur. Additionally, they provide forage, shelter and building materials for numerous mammals, birds and insects.
On your next visit to the Forest Preserves, take the time to observe the incredible diversity of these tiny wonders!
Photos: crustose lichen, fruticose lichen, foliose lichen, by Wes Wallace
Join us on Sat, Nov 19 for Sand Ridge Heritage Day!
Explore the rich heritage and cultural history of the Calumet Region and people’s interaction with the land through living history, interactive displays, demonstrations and guided walks.
Learn more:
Explore the rich heritage and cultural history of the Calumet Region and people’s interaction with the land through living history, interactive displays,
Forest Preserves police recently participated in a joint search and rescue training at Beck Lake, hosted by the Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security. Our officers conduct thousands of high-visibility patrols in the preserves annually, on and off the trails, on foot, by bicycle, boat, and other methods.
Looking for a new set of trails to explore? With ridges and valleys that wind through peaceful oak woodlands and miles of looping and connecting unpaved trails, the Sag Valley Trail System takes visitors to some of the most remote areas of Cook County.
Plan your visit:
The Sag Valley Trail System's miles of looping and connecting unpaved trails take visitors to some of the most remote areas of Cook County. On this page:
Spend the night in nature! ⛺️
All 2023 dates to spend a night under the stars camping at one of the Forest Preserves’ five campgrounds opens on November 15.
Plan your camping trip:
Whether you’re camping in a tent, cabin, bunkhouse or RV, you’ll get an immersive, round-the-clock nature experience in the Forest Preserves of Cook
Starting on Tuesday, November 15 at 8 a.m., Cook County residents and visitors can reserve a spot for 2023 celebrations—from birthdays and reunions to holidays and special event gatherings—while surrounded by nature in the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
Learn more:
The Forest Preserves’ nearly 300 picnic groves, including more than 40 accessible shelters, are popular locations for outdoor events of all sizes. On this
📸: Great Blue Heron by Edward Boe
📍: Crabtree Nature Center, February 2021
Standing motionless or slowly wading in shallow water, great blue herons (Ardea herodias) patiently wait for their food. With a swift thrust of the bill, they snap up small prey or stab larger fish—then swallow them whole.
What is the only mammal that can fly? The bat! 🦇
There are more than 1,330 species of bats in the world and nine of those species have been documented in Cook County within the last four decades.
You may not see these nocturnal creatures very often, so read on for five fun facts about bats:
What is the only mammal that can fly? The bat! There are more than 1,330 species of bats in the world and nine of those species have been documented in
Thank you!
The referendum on yesterday's ballot in Cook County to provide more funding to the Forest Preserves passed with overwhelming support. It’s amazing to see how many people deeply appreciate all the benefits our public lands provide the residents, wildlife and environment of Cook County.
Our work begins today on enacting plans to expand ecological restoration work, add more land to the preserve system, address critical long-term needs, continue to grow our programming and public outreach, and more.
📸: Busse Woods by Philip Walker, August 2021
We are initiating a name change for the Des Plaines Trail.
To highlight its path along the Des Plaines River, and to align with the trail’s name as it continues north from Cook County, the trail will be renamed the Des Plaines River Trail.
Cook County residents may submit a public comment at this time: https://bit.ly/3zZ9ELa
$7.9 million investment includes a new bridge over Lawrence Avenue November 3, 2022 — The Forest Preserves of Cook County will begin construction
📣 Major renovations are beginning on a 1.2-mile segment of the Des Plaines River Trail between Bryn Mawr Avenue in Chicago and Lawrence Avenue in Norridge.
This $7.9 million investment will repair and upgrade the unpaved trail surface and add approximately 1,000 feet of boardwalk in a section near the river that frequently floods to raise the path profile above the 100-year river flood elevation. Plans also include the installation of a pedestrian bridge taking trail users over Lawrence Avenue.
Learn more:
$7.9 million investment includes a new bridge over Lawrence Avenue November 3, 2022 — The Forest Preserves of Cook County will begin construction
📸: Crab Spider by Edward Boe
📍: Crabtree Nature Center, September 2021
Miss the October Forest Way newsletter? Catch up on the latest news and events from the Forest Preserves of Cook County!
Starting on Tuesday, November 15 at 8 a.m., Cook County residents and visitors can reserve a spot for 2023 celebrations—from birthdays and reunions to holidays and special event gatherings—while surrounded by nature in the Forest Preserves of Cook County. All 2023 dates to spend a night under th...
No tricks, just a treat!
Here are the runners up from the 2022 Forest Preserves of Cook County Photo Contest!
The Forest Preserves of Cook County doesn't need your leaves and pumpkins! Residents should not dump leaves, yard clippings, fallen branches or any yard waste into the Forest Preserves. 🍂🎃
Read on to learn where yard waste belongs instead:
Residents should not dump leaves, yard clippings, fallen branches or any yard waste into the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Instead, your yard waste
Today, the Forest Preserves of Cook County celebrates the ribbon cutting of a new accessible kayak/canoe launch site at Schuth’s Grove! Paddlers now have a new option for exploring the Des Plaines River in Central Cook County.
In addition to the new launch site, the Schuth’s Grove parking lot was completely reconstructed with porous unit paving to improve stormwater drainage and provide water quality benefits to the Des Plaines River.
📸: Kevin Coyote-Trust
📍: Paw Paw Woods, October 2019
Today, we are celebrating the ribbon cutting on 13.3 miles of single-track trails for mountain bike riders and trail runners among woodlands, grasslands and wetlands in Paul Douglas Forest Preserve, located in Hoffman Estates.
Following the success of the popular Palos Preserves single-track trails in Southwest Cook County—a long-standing partnership between the Forest Preserves of Cook County and the Chicago Area Mountain Bikers (CAMBr)—this new location features multiple loops, varying in difficulty for trail users of all experience levels.
Looking for a way to enjoy a beautiful fall weekend in nature? Join us at River Trail Nature Center for the annual Fall Festival on Sunday, Oct 16!
Celebrate the season with a special day of autumn fun. Live entertainment & storytelling, beekeeping demonstrations, animal encounters, pumpkin painting, honey sales, activities and more! Admission is free; there may be small fees for some activities and food.
Learn more: https://fpdcc.com/event/fall-festival-dont-miss/
As part of our efforts, some of our Landscape Maintenance & Resource Management staff came together last week for a stewardship day at McGinnis Slough, working together to remove invasive shrubs & trees and learn about native habitats.
A big thank you to everyone who came out to our 💚 Heart Your Park Days of Service! Volunteers have been an essential force in the evolution of the Forest Preserves of Cook County over the past century. We very much appreciate the contributions of our volunteers.
And thank you to our partners, National Recreation and Park Association & CITGO Fueling Good!
📸: Fidencio Marbella
📍: Thatcher Woods - October, 2020
Nestled along the Des Plaines River, the 245-acre Thatcher Woods is home to a diverse range of bird species and plant life, making this combination of floodplain forest, savanna and prairie a hot spot for bird watching and nature exploration.
Celebrate with us!
Join the Latinx Outdoors! Program at Irene Hernandez Family Picnic Area on Saturday, Oct 15 (https://fpdcc.com/event/latinx-outdoors/).
Find more events: fpdcc.com/events.
In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, join us for an afternoon of nature-based activities, storytelling, crafts and projects.
It’s going to be a beautiful fall weekend! ☀️🍂
Join us for fun programs and events, including the 69th Annual Powwow at Schiller Woods-East, Halloween Hoot ‘n Howl at Keystone Park in River Forest, numerous guided walks, photography and more.
Plan your outing: https://fpdcc.com/events/
Sign up for the Forest Way and receive the latest Forest Preserves news, events and volunteer opportunities each month. View past newsletters.
It's ! Today we're learning about the seven native species of woodpeckers that can be spotted in the Forest Preserves of Cook County!
Check out this throwback blog: https://fpdcc.com/know-7-native-woodpeckers-in-cook-county/
If you’ve ever walked along a trail in a forest preserve, you’ve probably heard the fast drumming coming from up above. That noise is coming from
🎣Our 2022 fall inland trout fishing season begins Oct. 15 at Axehead Lake in Park Ridge, Belleau Lake in Des Plaines, Busse Reservoir-North Pool in Elk Grove Village, Sag Quarry-East in Lemont, Horsetail Lake in Palos Park & Green Lake in Calumet City.
Learn more: https://fpdcc.com/forest-preserves-of-cook-county-prepares-for-fall-2022-trout-fishing-season/
Celebrate with us!
Join the R.I.P Stewardship Day at Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center Saturday, Oct 8 (https://fpdcc.com/event/r-i-p-stewardship-8/).
Find more events: fpdcc.com/events.
Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Tools, gloves and a snack provided. Closed-toed shoes & long pants encouraged. Ages 18+ or 17 years
536 N Harlem Avenue
River Forest, IL
60305
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Live feed of the proceedings of the Board meeting held on Tuesday, September 20 at Rolling Knolls Pavilion
Explore what’s Wild & Wonderful in the Forest Preserves of Cook County! The Forest Preserves' Wild & Wonderful video series teaches young children and people of all ages about our native plants and wildlife. It's part of Project Rainbow, Cook County Government's family-focused initiative designed to address education barriers and learning loss exacerbated by the pandemic. Check out the first Wild & Wonderful episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVg8noXnMc5Pf9sVU3RiU1yYTtEelUOkR And learn more about #ProjectRainbow: https://projectrainbow.cookcountyil.gov/
Take a moment to enjoy 30 seconds at Burnham Prairie. The wetlands at Burnham Prairie are attractive breeding grounds for marsh birds, including common gallinule, Virginia rail and American bittern. Restoration efforts here focus on protecting the mix of marsh, wet sand prairie and savanna that keeps these birds coming back to raise their young. The Forest Preserves worked with the US Army Corps of Engineers to build an earthen berm to prevent polluted stormwater from entering the wetlands. And ongoing invasive species control, including prescribed burns, protects the native plants that help these marsh birds thrive. Plan your visit: https://fpdcc.com/places/locations/burnham-prairie/
Take a moment to enjoy 30 seconds at Wampum Lake. Wampum Lake has been a long-time favorite site for visitors of all ages looking for a beautiful setting in south suburban Cook County. With nearly 1 mile of shoreline, the lake itself offers excellent year-round fishing opportunities, and the 412-acre site has shaded picnic groves and large open spaces to play catch. Thanks to restoration efforts, Wampum Lake is also a place to see high-quality natural habitats. In 2019, 380 acres was dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve. The site features a mosaic of sand seep, freshwater marsh, dry-mesic upland forest, wet floodplain forest and eroding bluff community. Thorn Creek runs through Wampum Lake, beginning at the southwest corner of the site and flowing up to the northwest side of the lake. Plan your visit: https://fpdcc.com/places/locations/wampum-lake/
Take a moment to enjoy 30 seconds at Eggers Grove. Located on the far Southeast Side of Chicago, Eggers Grove is a stunning site with a unique habitat composition, combining dry, wooded ridges where spring wildflowers thrive with long, narrow wetlands filled with sedges, marsh grasses, wildflowers and waterfowl. Nearly every part of Eggers Grove has been touched by restoration, and today offers ample birding opportunities and breathtaking scenery that is juxtaposed with the Calumet region’s industry and utility—highlighting that nature can thrive even in the most unlikely locations when given the care it needs. Plan your visit: https://fpdcc.com/places/locations/eggers-grove/
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