The Forest Preserves of Cook County is bustling with activity throughout November, and with fall’s unseasonably warm weather, now is a beautiful time to visit your favorite preserve. Hikes along our trails will feature a palette of warm autumn hues, and our six Nature Centers are offering educational programs on how nature is preparing for winter and seasonal birds.

In this issue of the Forest Way, readers will learn about an upcoming cultural history forum presented by the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Illinois State Archaeological Survey and The Field Museum. Attendees will learn about the more than 600 archaeology sites in the Forest Preserves, what these sites can tell us about our region’s past and how they have shaped our future. The forum is free, and will be hosted at in The Field Museum’s James Simpson Theatre.

Also in this month’s issue is a story on the Palos Corps, formally known as the Calumet Invasive Species Conservation Corps. Through a partnership with Friends of the Forest Preserves, this highly trained crew is performing integral restoration work at two of the Forest Preserves’ top-priority sites: Spears Woods and Dan McMahon Woods. Visitors will notice a dramatic difference in these sites as the crew’s work continues through the season, and is followed by ongoing stewardship and volunteer activities.

Finally, readers will learn about the benefits of prescribed burning. This ecological management tool is done each spring and fall, and mimics the wildfires to which our native prairies and woodlands have adapted to over millennia.

We hope to see you in the Preserves!

Toni Preckwinkle, President
Forest Preserves of Cook County