The start of a new year brings with it great potential. Many of us use it as an opportunity to reflect upon the previous year, and challenge ourselves to make changes in our day-to-day lives. Whatever those changes or goals may be, I urge you to consider how you can incorporate the Forest Preserves of Cook County into your 2016 plans.
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to try something new, check out this month’s Forest Way article on snowshoeing. History shows that we will get more snow in the coming weeks and months, and all areas of the Forest Preserves are open to snowshoeing. Some of our nature centers offer snowshoes to use free of charge.
Should one of your goals be to give back to your community, consider volunteering within the preserves. There are numerous ways to volunteer in the preserves, with opportunities including stewardship and our Adopt-A-Site and Trail Watch programs. Check out our Volunteer Page to learn more.
Spending more time with family and developing healthy habits are both popular New Year’s resolutions – and both can be accomplished by exploring the Forest Preserves. Our six nature centers offer a multitude of educational and family-oriented events that can be enjoyed by everyone, and our five new campgrounds offer plenty of opportunity to make new memories. And with 300 miles of marked trails for winter hiking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing, and numerous lakes and ponds that can be used for ice skating, exercising within the preserves can be a pleasant activity. Take a look at our winter brochure for more ideas on events and programs to enjoy with family and friends.
With nearly 70,000 acres of land, the Forest Preserves offer plenty of opportunity to achieve a variety of goals. Whatever your New Year’s resolutions may be, we hope to see you in the preserves.
Happy New Year!
Toni Preckwinkle, President
Forest Preserves of Cook County