Two friends use creativity to raise funds for their favorite preserve

Inspired by many hours spent at Thatcher Woods with their families, Maeve Mascarenhas of Forest Park and Carl Faust of River Forest, both 11, have chosen this River Forest site for their annual “Giving Project.”

The two friends have been selling hand-made projects for the past five years to benefit animals and the environment. This year, they have produced postcards featuring their own nature photographs to raise money for the Forest Preserve Foundation. The funds will be directed toward the purchase of restoration equipment to be used by site stewards and Conservation Corps workers.

Anyone inspired by these caring young individuals may purchase their artwork by contacting carl@faustintel.com or match their efforts with a gift to the Forest Preserve Foundation.