This spring, the Forest Preserves of Cook County is heralding a new beginning. As part of our centennial celebration, a special commission of civic leaders presented the Forest Preserves with a renewed vision for the future: the Next Century Conservation Plan.

This ambitious plan lays out a set of bold actions to make Cook County a national leader in urban conservation. It highlights the preserves as one of the region’s greatest assets—for the environment, the economy, and our quality of life. It also acknowledges that these fragile native ecosystems are at risk.

The plan calls for the Forest Preserves to make a massive commitment to habitat restoration, expand protected lands by at least 30 percent and create a permanent Conservation Corps. It also strives to make the preserves more inviting and accessible to allCook County residents.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read the plan.

We need your help to accomplish this plan’s far-reaching goals. The next time you’re headed out for a hike, an owl program or a restoration workday, take someone along who has yet to experience the preserves. Then find other ways to get involved—for ideas, read the Forest WAy email newsletter or visit our Volunteer Page.