New funding grows three Conservation Corps programs by 37 percent

More than 40 youth and young adults have summer jobs this year through the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s Conservation Corps programs thanks to a program expansion made possible by funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

Recognized for collaborative and successful Conservation Corps programs, the Forest Preserves is the sole recipient of the newly created IDNR Youth and Young Adult Conservation Corps (YYACC) grant. Since 2005, these three Conservation Corps programs have engaged more than 3,500 people. With the $344,000 YYACC grant, this year’s offerings have been able to add crews, equipment and more.

“In Cook County, we know the impact of meaningful youth and young adult employment. Not only are we providing hands-on experiences in technical and professional conservation practices, the Forest Preserves and our partners are teaching participants crucial soft skills needed in any industry,” says Forest Preserves of Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle.  “We are immensely grateful to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for supporting these programs and hope they may serve as a model for broader Conservation Corps efforts across all of Illinois.”

“This program reinforces IDNR’s commitment to youth development and growing the conservation workforce. Our goal is to create lifelong interest in conservation work and service in the next generation of Illinoisans,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “This grant would not be possible without support from Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly, and we’re thrilled for the opportunity to partner with Cook County Forest Preserve District to expand access to its Conservation Corps programming.”

Conservation Corps programs are managed in partnership with Friends of the Forest Preserves, the Student Conservation Association and Audubon Great Lakes. The three programs benefitting from the YYACC grant:

Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps: 10 new crew members (25 percent expansion)

Partner: Student Conservation Association

Current high school students or recent graduates work on teams to build trails, remove invasive plants, mulch trees, and more. During the five-week program, participants also experience environmental education and nature-based recreational activities to put their hard work into context and to inspire the next generation of environmental advocates.

Forest Preserve Experience Program: 24 new crew members (33 percent expansion)

Partners: Friends of the Forest Preserves, Housing Authority of Cook County

Youth work to help their community’s environment through river and lake clean-up activities, tree mulching and invasive plant removal efforts in their local forest preserves. Participants come from families who utilize the services of the Housing Authority of Cook County. The five weeks include basic skills training, as well.

Audubon Habitat Restoration Internship: 7 new crew members (100 percent expansion)

Partner: Audubon Great Lakes

Interns assist with the management and restoration of wetlands, prairies, savannas and woodlands with special emphasis on grassland birds and their habitats. Interns gain valuable professional networks and technical skills training, including ecology training and native plant identification, and participants earn a State of Illinois Pesticide License.  Successful graduates are prepared and desirable candidates for entry-level jobs in forestry, land management and related fields.

Participants in the expanded programs are paid $15 to $24 per hour depending upon position and are provided with essential services such as transportation to the preserves, supplies, and work clothing that ensures access to all.

Learn more about Conservation Corps in the Forest Preserves of Cook County: fpdcc.com/nature/conservation-corps-programs/

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About the Forest Preserves of Cook County
Don’t you sometimes just want to escape? Explore the natural beauty of Cook County for an hour, a day or even a night. When you’re surrounded by 70,000 acres of wild and wonderful there’s no better place to feel free.