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Chinese Delegation Visits Forest Preserves

Representatives from the city of Shenzhen, China at Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

More than 20 delegates from various municipal departments from the city of Shenzhen, a large metropolis of 18 million in southern China, visited the Forest Preserves of Cook County on Monday, Nov. 9, to learn about the history, conservation efforts and public outreach of the Forest Preserves.

The delegates met with General Superintendent Arnold Randall at Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center for an overview of the preserves, and were given an opportunity to explore the nature center’s live animals and exhibits.

Following the presentation, the delegates headed to Camp Bullfrog Lake to learn about the Forest Preserves’ implementation of family camping and revitalization of five new campgrounds.

The delegates will spend a total of three months in Chicago, returning home mid-December, and are exploring both the city and county governments as well as the various cultural opportunities available in the area. Shenzhen is an economically booming city with a large industry and freight port, similar to Chicago, but is shifting to more tech-oriented jobs. The city has been dubbed the “Silicon Valley” of China.