Racial Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to and actively working toward equity, diversity and inclusion in our workplace, with our partners, in our communities and throughout Cook County. This work is ongoing, and we continue to listen and learn as we continue to operationalize equity—translating commitments into tangible actions. To be a successful organization and fully serve Cook County, we need to ensure everyone is welcome at the Forest Preserves. We pledge to do our part to achieve that fundamental goal.

On this page:

Diversity & Inclusion Statement
Work Toward Our REDI Goals
Position Papers & Annual Reports
Racial Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (REDI) Committee

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

The Forest Preserves of Cook County is one of the largest public conservation districts in the country. We strive to protect a diverse array of ecosystems that shelter thousands of different plants and animals which provide the residents of Cook County and its visitors with clean air, healthy waterways, and many different opportunities to explore and take respite in nature.

The more than 70,000 acres of public land that we protect harbor some of the last best examples of our natural heritage, as well as culturally significant historic sites. We recognize that if these public lands are to thrive, they must be treasured by a diversity of residents who advocate and care for the health of the Preserves.

We welcome and value each resident and visitor who comes with unique experiences and characteristics. We believe that we are stronger when we respect, accept and learn from our similarities and differences.

What We Believe and What We Are Committing to Doing

We value diversity in all aspects of our work and are committed to enhancing our cultural competency in order to best serve and engage Cook County residents in caring for the health and enjoyment of our natural and cultural heritage.

Our Staff

We value our employees and the different talents, expertise and viewpoints that each brings to the table. We commit to providing a constructive, safe and positive work atmosphere and infrastructure that promotes mutual respect and empowers individuals to thrive in their jobs.

Our Partners and Volunteers

We value collaborative relationships and the expertise and insight that a diverse pool of partners, organizations and volunteers can provide to guide, inform, and accomplish our work. We commit to strengthening and deepening connections with existing partners and to establishing new partnerships to comprehensively advance the mission of the Forest Preserves.

Our Vendors

We value the innovation, resilience and flexibility that accompany working with diverse businesses in Cook County. We commit to encouraging participation from historically underrepresented groups in our procurement process.

Our Visitors

We value the people of Cook County on whose behalf we hold and care for the Forest Preserves and strive to ensure that all people feel welcome and have the opportunity to enjoy nature in the Forest Preserves. We commit to offering a variety of experiences which reflect our commitment to inclusivity and are relevant to many different individuals and communities.

To explore the wide array of programming that we offer, please visit our Events Page.

Work Toward Our REDI Goals

To operationalize our commitment to making the Forest Preserves a welcoming space for all—in the preserves, within our organization and in our work with partners—the Forest Preserves continues to find opportunities to include more people and reach those who may have not connected to nature through the Forest Preserves in the past. This list is a spotlight on some of our largest projects that advance our REDI goals, with the most recent first:

Added all-terrain wheelchairs to our nature centers and campgrounds, allowing people with mobility disabilities to use paved and unpaved trails.
Piloted LinkedIn Learning to expand access to professional development opportunities for all employees.
Launched LanguageLine services to assist visitors with diverse language needs with direct translation in real-time and expanded translation of printed materials in other languages, including a Spanish translation of our Fishing Guide.
Developed new evaluation systems to ensure fair and inclusive staff assessments.
Increased group transportation options to the Forest Preserves, Chicago Botanic Garden and Brookfield Zoo through the Nature Express and Volunteer Voyagers bus programs.
Released the award-winning Southeast Cook County Land Acquisition Plan to focus on this underserved part of the county and subsequently have added 600 acres of new preserves.
Created an Accessibility website page with information for people with disabilities to enjoy the preserves, including lists of accessible campsites, picnic shelters, boat launches and fishing areas.
Connected to the diversity of Cook County residents with more events and social media celebration around opportunities like Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Pride, Hispanic Heritage Month and more.
Increased professional certifications for staff by removing barriers to participate in trainings—including scheduling, work location, staffing and communication issues.
Expanded availability of the Forest Preserves quarterly Event Guide and other promotional materials in economically disadvantaged communities.

Position Papers & Annual Reports

Racial Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (REDI) Committee

Formed in November 2018 and comprised of employees from across the organization, the REDI Committee has a mission to foster an inclusive and respectful workplace culture and ensure equitable access to district services and opportunities for all Cook County residents. The REDI Committee supports this mission by training staff and improving internal practices to strengthen how we work, serve and grow together as an organization.

The Committee began by restructuring internal processes to align with the Forest Preserves’ core value to be a place where everyone will feel welcome in the Forest Preserves, while equipping staff with tools to move forward equity initiatives. Today, this work continues through cross-departmental collaboration that embeds equity into operations—strengthening internal systems and expanding access, engagement and benefits for all Cook County residents.