The Forest Preserves may never know how much snow will cover its 70,000 acres on any given winter day, but our crews are always ready with nearly 60 snowplows and salt trucks. When winter weather arrives, the Preserves open as quickly as possible to be safe for all visitors—and for the environment, too.

Three brining trucks from the Landscape Maintenance Division hit the road before the first flake hits the ground at priority locations among the 251 parking lots across the preserves, facilities such as nature centers, campgrounds, pavilions, off-leash dog areas, sledding hills, visitor centers, the volunteer resource center, police stations and maintenance yards.

Brining before the snow arrives is part of the Forest Preserves’ aim to limit the amount of salt put down on parking lots. Excess salt can get into waterways and the soil that supports native plants. By diluting with water, brine makes it easier for plows to get down to the pavement surface and remove all snow and ice, allowing salt to be used conservatively in the middle of lots and entrances so that cars entering and exiting will spread it around.

The Forest Preserves has worked with the Salt Smart Collaborative to train on the best practices for salting. It’s also a great resource for residents to use at home in their driveways and on the sidewalk.

Once snow hits the ground, plow trucks start to clear parking lots across the Forest Preserves, using the priority list and where the heaviest snowfall has piled up to determine where to begin. Depending on conditions, preserves can be reopened within a few hours, or it may take two or three days. Sledding hills open at 10 a.m. when there is a minimum of 3” of snow and the Forest Preserves will always aim to open them on time.

Even with these efforts, Landscape Maintenance Director Alma Arias reminds everyone to remain cautious while driving for potential icy spots. And she points out that the best way to check if a location is open is to check the Forest Preserves Closures & Alerts page or to call a division office.

Here is a list of Forest Preserves maintenance yards and the best phone number to call:

Central Region 

Indian Boundary – 773-625-0606 

Salt Creek – 708-447-0091 
 

North Region 

Des Plaines – 312-550-6240 

North Branch – 847-647-2240 

Northwest – 847-4378330 
 

Southeast Region 

Calumet – 773-233-3766 

Thorn Creek – 708-474-1221 
 

Southwest Region 

Palos – 708-839-5617 

Tinley Creek – 708-385-7650