Plans & Current Projects

Learn more about the Forest Preserves latest restoration projects, active site plans and improvements and foundational master plans.

On this page:

Major Restoration Projects
Site Plans & Improvements
Master Plans

Major Restoration Projects

two people hiking on the Palos Trail System

Swallow Cliff and Palos Trail System Upgrades

an American coot in the wetlands at Paul Douglas Preserve

Paul Douglas Wetland Restoration

A photo showcasing invasive brush.

Tinley Creek Watershed Restoration

A photo showcasing invasive brush.

Thorn Creek Watershed Restoration

two Forest Preserves staff members, one standing on a trail, one standing below in an area with erosion issues

Tinley Creek Ravines Restoration

a savanna at Deer Grove

Deer Grove-West Restoration

Completed Restoration Projects

Site Plans & Improvements

A scene of a newly paved trail spur, enhancing the Poplar Creek Trail System.

Requests for New or Improved Facilities, Amenities & Infrastructure

Sauk Trail Woods Vision Plan & Improvements

The Caldwell Woods Warming Shelter building

Caldwell Preserves Vision Plan & Improvements

River Oaks Golf Course overhead taken from a drone

Golf Course Concept Engagement

A group of hikers walking along the boardwalk of the Des Plaines River Trail System.

Des Plaines River Trail Improvements

close up of the statue at Chicago Portage National Historic Site

Chicago Portage Historic Site Master Plan

Plants around a lagoon at Skokie Lagoons.

Winnetka Stormwater Management Wetlands Project at Skokie Lagoons

rendering of a design for the new Skokie Lagoons Boathouse

Skokie Lagoons Boathouse

a trail marker with a picnic grove and the Major Taylor Trail in the background

Dan Ryan Woods Major Taylor Trail Corridor Improvements

The dam on the North Branch of the Chicago River at Chick Evans Golf Course.

Dam Removals

Master Plans

North Branch Trail during fall at Miami Woods

Capital Improvement Plan
2024

a bur oak savanna

Sustainability & Climate Resiliency Plan / Clean Energy Framework
2018 & 2021

grassland in the foreground and woodland in the background at Spring Creek

Natural and Cultural Resources Master Plan
2015

A sign with directions on the North Branch Trail at Skokie Lagoons

Gateway Master Plan
2015

a flower at Ted Stone Forest

Next Century Conservation Plan
2014

Four people walking along a primitive trail at Deer Grove-East

Trail Master Plan
2014

a person poses next to a poster with details of the Forest Preserves Camping Master Plan

Camping Master Plan
2013

two children in the nature play area at Crabtree Nature Center

Recreation Master Plan
2013

Arnold Randall introducing the Centennial Campaign Plan.

Centennial Campaign Plan
2013

people walking at Bluff Spring Fen

Land Acquisition Plan & Southeast Cook County Land Acquisition Plan
2012 & 2019