The Forest Preserves of Cook County is throwing a party with fun events across Cook County, and everyone is invited!

Join us as we celebrate National Public Lands Day with bike rides, salsa dancing, a powwow, a hike under the stars and more.

“As we turn the page on another successful season in the Forest Preserves, throwing a party with all of our friends is the best way to kick off what’s to come,” says Forest Preserves Interim General Superintendent Eileen Figel. “Party for the Preserves is the perfect day to celebrate nature, culture and community!” 

Eight big events—all free and open to all—are planned as part of this year’s Party for the Preserves:

Fall events through the end of November are available in the Fall 2024 Guide. 

What is the Party for the Preserves? 

Since 1994, National Public Lands Day has mobilized volunteers on the fourth Saturday in September to celebrate and care for something we all share—our nation’s public lands. Nationwide, more than 70,000 participants are expected to join in trail maintenance, clean ups, tree planting, invasive species removal, as well as hikes and other fun activities. 

Saturday’s Party for the Preserves events are focused on fun, but it’s important to note that much of Cook County’s 70,000 acres of forest preserves rely on volunteers to help make them healthier and better places to visit. 

“Volunteers help advocate for and support the Forest Preserves in stewarding the land through a variety of programs,” says Kris DaPra, manager of Volunteer Resources. “But not everyone has to become a volunteer. The Forest Preserves belong to the people of Cook County, and we want everyone to be able to appreciate and enjoy these incredible public lands. If they want to also help, that’s great, too.” 

Aside from the Forest Preserves’ volunteers, the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission plays another big role in protecting this land. The commission oversees more than 600 natural sites considered to be the state’s most rare, natural areas, which are almost all that is left of the way the state looked in the early 1800s. Of those sites, 33 are in the Forest Preserves of Cook County, comprising nearly 11,000 acres of unspoiled natural heritage. This is the most of any local agency in the state. 

Preserving nature, providing informative activities, and creating space for fun are all part of the mission of the Forest Preserves, Figel says: “The celebration does not end after September 28 as we hope people of all ages visit the Forest Preserves throughout the fall. We’re excited to share the beauty of our preserves and inspire our community to embrace the outdoors.” 

For more information on volunteering opportunities with the Forest Preserves, visit the Volunteer Page.