May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Join us as we celebrate with events like a Nighttime Discovery Celebration that honors Asian-Pacific traditions related to the wonders of the moon, a chance for children to try their hand at the ancient and creative Japanese art of Gyotaku, and a Haiku Walk at Trailside Museum of Natural History.

The Forest Preserves strives to ensure that all people feel welcome and have the opportunity to enjoy nature in the Forest Preserves. We support our Asian American Pacific Islander visitors, colleagues, partners and volunteers, and AAPI communities in Cook County and across the country. Rising rates of racism, violence and xenophobia against Asian American Pacific Islander individuals and communities cannot be ignored or dismissed; racist language fuels hate and endangers lives. It must end. We add our voice to the call for justice and accountability.

We acknowledge we have our own work to do here at the Forest Preserves, and we renew our pledge to be part of the change toward racial equity in our society. No one should be made to feel unsafe because of their race—not in the forest preserves, not at their schools, not at a store, not anywhere.