Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners met April 24.
Here is the minutes provided by the Commissioners:
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Authorization as a public speaker shall only be granted to those individuals who have submitted in writing, their name, address, subject matter, and organization (if any) to the Secretary 24 hours in advance of the meeting. Duly authorized public speakers shall be called upon to deliver testimony at a time specified in the meeting agenda. Authorized public speakers who are not present during the specified time for public testimony will forfeit their allotted time to speak at the meeting. Public testimony must be germane to a specific item(s) on the meeting agenda, and the testimony must not exceed three minutes; the Secretary will keep track of the time and advise when the time for public testimony has expired. Persons authorized to provide public testimony shall not use vulgar, abusive, or otherwise inappropriate language when addressing the Board; failure to act appropriately; failure to speak to an item that is germane to the meeting, or failure to adhere to the time requirements may result in expulsion from the meeting and/or disqualify the person from providing future testimony.
PRESIDENT
18-0195
Sponsored by: TONI PRECKWINKLE (President), Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners
PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
BE IT ORDAINED, by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners, that Title 1 - Administrative, Chapter 8 - District Finances, Section 5 - Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises, Subsection (a) Subdivision I - General Provisions of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Code is hereby amended as follows:
D. Definitions.
E. Race- and Gender-Neutral Measures to Implement the Program.
F. Program Administration.
G. Contract Compliance Committee.
H. Program Goals.
I. Program Eligibility.
J. Utilization Plan; Commercially Useful Function.
K. Methods to Achieve Goals and Compliance.
L. Request for a Total or Partial Waiver of the Contract Specific Goals; Good Faith Efforts.
M. Calculating M/WBEPCE Participation.
N. Review of Contract Performance.
O. Prompt Payment of Firms.
P. Reporting and Review.
Q. Prohibited Provisions.
R. Sanctions and Penalties.
S. Established Business Participation in the Program.
T. Review and Sunset.
Full text of this Ordinance Amendment for 1-8-5a: Subdivision I - General Provisions can be found here :
Effective date: This ordinance amendment shall be in effect ninety (90) days after Board approval.
18-0196
Sponsored by: TONI PRECKWINKLE (President), Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners
PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
BE IT ORDAINED, by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners, that Title I - Administrative, Chapter 8 - District Finances, Section 5- Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises, Subsection (b) Subdivision II - Construction Ordinance of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Code is hereby amended as follows:
E. Definitions.
F. Program Administration.
G. Race- and Gender-Neutral Measures to Ensure Equal Opportunities for all Contractors and Subcontractors.
H. Program Eligibility.
I. Annual Aspirational Goals.
J. Project Specific Goals.
K. Counting MBE and WBE Participation.
L. Contract Pre-Award Compliance Procedures.
M. Contract Administration Procedures.
N. Sanctions and Penalties.
O O. Established Business Participation in the Program.
P. Program Review and Sunset.
Full text of this Ordinance Amendment for 1-8-5b: Subdivision II - Construction Ordinance can be found here:
Effective date: This ordinance shall be in effect ninety (90) days after Board approval.
18-0205
Presented by: ARNOLD RANDALL, General Superintendent
PROPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
Department: Planning and Development
Other Part(ies): State of Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
Request: Authorization to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with IDOT for construction of a trail connection and to pay the share of the cost attributed to the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”). The trail connection is located along the west side of Pulaski Road/Crawford Avenue on Forest Preserves’ property between Midlothian Meadows Preserve and Oak Forest Heritage Preserve.
Goods or Services: Construction and engineering for a trail connection along Pulaski Road/Crawford Avenue, from the Midlothian Meadows entrance, crossing 159th Street, to the Oak Forest Heritage Preserve. The Forest Preserves’ share of this cost is 20%, currently estimated at $17,710.00. With the addition of a 20% contingency the total cost is estimated not to exceed $21,252.00.
Agreement Number(s): N/A
Agreement Period: Perpetual
Fiscal Impact: $21,252.00
Accounts: Trail Accounts 51009.560063, 51025.560063, 51026.560063, 51054.560063, 51055.560063, 51056.560063, 51057.560063 and 51058.560063
District(s): 5
Summary: IDOT plans to improve the intersection of Pulaski Road/Crawford Avenue with 159th Street in Markham. These improvements include additional turn lanes, traffic signal replacement, and pedestrian and bicyclist accommodations, including crosswalk improvements.
The Forest Preserves requested a ten (10) feet wide asphalt shared-use path along the west side of Pulaski Road/Crawford Avenue that would provide a connection between the Midlothian Meadows Preserve and the Oak Forest Heritage Preserve. IDOT shall obtain all necessary rights of way, prepare plans and specifications, receive bids and award the contract, furnish engineering inspection during construction and direct the improvement to be built in accordance with the approved plans, specifications and contract.
The agreement provides for a 20% cost share by the Forest Preserves for the trail portion of the project only. The agreement includes provisions that could result in additional future costs to the Forest Preserves that are unknown at this time. Final agreement is subject to legal review and approval. The Forest Preserves previously granted an easement to IDOT to construct the shared-use path (Agenda Item 17-0172).
18-0206
Sponsored by: TONI PRECKWINKLE (President), Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
FUNDING RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the COOK COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT (DISTRICT) is authorized to enter into an AGREEMENT with the STATE OF ILLINOIS (STATE) for the improvement of US Route 6, known as Contract No. 62C07, STATE Section No.: 2016-002N; and
WHEREAS, in compliance with the aforementioned AGREEMENT, it is necessary for the DISTRICT to appropriate sufficient funds to pay its share of the cost of said improvement.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that there is hereby appropriated the sum of Seventeen Thousand Seven Hundred Ten Dollars ($17,710.00) from any money now or hereinafter allotted to the DISTRICT, to pay its share of the cost of this improvement as provided in the AGREEMENT; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon award of the contract for this improvement, the DISTRICT will pay to the STATE in a lump sum from any funds allotted to the DISTRICT an amount equal to 80% of its obligation incurred under the AGREEMENT, and will pay to said STATE the remainder of the obligation in a lump sum, upon completion of the project based on final costs.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the DISTRICT agrees to pay up to 20% contingency cost to provide any necessary funds for its share of the cost of this improvement if the amount appropriated herein proves to be insufficient.
OFFICE OF THE GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT
18-0160
Presented by: ARNOLD RANDALL, General Superintendent
PROPOSED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into a Partnership Agreement with Friends of the Chicago River, Chicago, Illinois.
Reason: Friends of the Chicago River has received a grant in the amount of $248,000.00 to support habitat improvement and repopulation efforts for native fish. The Forest Preserves, Friends of the Chicago River, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will collaborate to reconnect Mill Creek with the Cal-Sag channel to improve fish passage and breeding in Mill Creek. Work will be conducted at the junction of Mill Creek and the Cal-Sag channel within the McClaughrey Springs Woods Preserve.
The project will be conducted at no direct cost to the Forest Preserves. The Forest Preserves will contribute staff time and other in-kind services.
Contract period: Date of execution - 12/31/2019
Fiscal Impact: N/A
Account(s): N/A
Concurrences:
The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
District(s): 17
18-0213
Presented by: ARNOLD RANDALL, General Superintendent
PROPOSED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into a Partnership Agreement with Friends of the Forest Preserves.
Reason: Friends of the Forest Preserves (FOTFP), in partnership with Friends of the Chicago River, Chicago Ornithological Society and the North Branch Restoration Project and others, has received a grant from the Chi-Cal Rivers Fund in the amount of $110,398.00 to support the third phase of the Centennial Volunteers project. The Centennial Volunteers initiative focuses on building a network of volunteers dedicated to restoring habitat in the Chicago and the Calumet River basins, in particular at Beaubien Woods, Blue Star Memorial Woods, Clayton Smith Woods, Forest Glen Woods, LaBagh Woods, Kickapoo Woods, River Oaks Woods, and Whistler Woods. This project advances the goals of the Forest Preserves’ Next Century Conservation Plan to mobilize people to heal and nurture the land. The Forest Preserves proposes to contribute $40,000.00 in cash match to leverage $270,000.00 of cash and in-kind match that FOTFP, partners and volunteers are contributing to this Project with a total budget of $420,398.00.
Contract period: 4/30/2018 - 12/31/2019
Fiscal Impact: FY 2018 $20,000.00, FY 2019 $20,000.00
Account(s): Contractual Services 51001.520835
Concurrences:
The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
District(s): Districtwide
18-0199
Presented by: ARNOLD RANDALL, General Superintendent
PROPOSED CONTRACT
Department(s): Legal Department
Vendor: Alia Drug Testing, LLC, Chicago, Illinois
Request: The Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) requests authorization to utilize and piggyback off the Cook County contract with Alia Drug Testing, LLC., and, if the Cook County contract is renewed, to also exercise the renewal option on behalf of the Forest Preserves at the discretion of the General Superintendent. Cook County contract #1712-16459 is with Alia Drug Testing, LLC for on-site drug and alcohol testing. The contract is for the period of December 18, 2017 through December 17, 2020 with two (2) one-year renewal options.
Good(s) or Service(s): On-site drug and alcohol testing services
Contract Value: $140,000.00
Contract period: 5/1/2018 - 12/17/2020 with two (2) one-year renewal options
Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2018 $40,000.00, FY 2019 $50,000.00, FY 2020 $50,000.00
Accounts: Legal Services 51001.521055
Contract Number(s): 1712-16459 CC
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
The Vendor has met the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Ordinance Provisions.
District(s): Districtwide
Summary: To realize cost efficiency, the Forest Preserves would like to utilize, for drug and alcohol testing services, contract #1712-16459 of Cook County.
18-0200
Presented by: ARNOLD RANDALL, General Superintendent
PROPOSED CONTRACT
Department(s): Permits, Rentals, and Concessions
Vendor: Penn and Associates, Cleveland, Ohio
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute
Good(s) or Service(s): Customer satisfaction surveys
Contract Value: $30,000.00
Contract period: Thirty-Six (36) months from the issuance of the Purchase Order
Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2018 $10,000.00, FY 2019 $10,000.00, FY 2020 $10,000.00
Accounts: Professional Services Account 51001.520830
Contract Number(s): RFP 18-40-402
Concurrences:
The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
District(s): Districtwide
Summary: A Request for Proposals (RFP) was posted through the Forest Preserves website to obtain a consultant to survey patrons about their experiences holding picnics and other permitted events in the Forest Preserves. The consultant will analyze the survey responses, will identify trends, and will make recommendations to improve customer service. The Forest Preserves has been conducting these type of surveys for the past three (3) years.
A selection committee determined that Penn and Associates was the most qualified of the three (3) respondents to provide these survey services. None of the respondents were located in Cook County.
18-0208
Presented by: ARNOLD RANDALL, General Superintendent
APPROVAL TO EXERCISE CONTRACT RENEWAL OPTION
Department(s): General Office
Vendor: Marj Halperin Consulting, Chicago, Illinois
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to exercise a one (1) year contract extension option and an increase of the Marj Halperin Consulting contract
Good(s) or Service(s): Media and public relations consulting services for the Forest Preserves
Original Contract Period: 5/10/2016 - 5/9/2018
Proposed Contract Period Extension: 5/10/2018 - 5/9/2019
Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $180,000.00
Original Approval: $180,000.00
Previous Increase(s): N/A
This Increase Requested: $90,000.00
Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2018 $60,000.00, FY 2019 $30,000.00
Accounts: Advertising and Promotions 51001.520610, Professional Services 51001.520830
Contract Number(s): RFP 16-20-305
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
The Vendor has met the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Ordinance Provisions.
District(s): Districtwide
Summary: The Forest Preserves would like to exercise the one (1) year extension option to allow, Marj Halperin Consulting to support various communications initiatives in the effort to raise the public profile of the Forest Preserves as they relate to the goals outlined in the Next Century Conservation Plan, per contract. The communications consultant will work with the Communications Department to strategize, assist and execute events, public relations, media relations, crisis communications, overall messaging needs and other communications needs as directed. Marj Halperin Consulting was selected via a competitive process.
18-0212
Presented by: ARNOLD RANDALL, General Superintendent
PROPOSED PREVIOUSLY APPROVED ITEM AMENDMENT
Department: Resource Management
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to utilize additional accounts for tree planting and landscaping services provided by Clauss Brothers as part of contract #15-31-119. Additional accounts are being added to accommodate usage of the contract by other departments.
The contract was originally approved by the Board of Commissioners on 3/22/2016. An amendment was approved by the Board of Commissioners on 5/10/2016. All other details of the contract remain unchanged.
Accounts to be added are: Habitat Enhancement 51009/51058.521452; Habitat Restoration 51009/51058.521444; Recreation Supplies 51001.530230; Campground Supplies 51001.530262; Special Events 51001.520635; Material and Supplies 51001.530267; 51057.560060 and 51058.560060
Original Text of Item: 16-0194 with additions underlined
PROPOSED CONTRACT AMENDMENT
Department(s): Resource Management
Vendor: Clauss Brothers, Elgin, Illinois
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County to utilize additional accounts contract
Good(s) or Service(s): Tree planting and landscaping services
Original Contract Period: Date of execution to 3/22/2022
Proposed Contract Period Extension: N/A
Total Current Contract Amount Authority: Not to exceed $800,000.00 per twelve (12) months
Original Approval: 3/22/2016
Previous Increase(s): N/A
This Increase Requested: N/A
Estimated Fiscal Impact: Not to exceed $4,800,000.00 over six years
Accounts: EAB Tree Planting 51009.521454; Potential Grant Match and Work Fund 51009.521440; Grant and Mitigation Accounts 51010.5131; Habitat Enhancement 51009/51058.521452; Habitat Restoration 51009/51058.521444; Recreation Supplies 51001.530230; Campground Supplies 51001.530262; Special Events 51001.520635; Material and Supplies 51001.530267; Camp Accounts 25-6730 and 26-6730; Site Amenities Accounts 51025.560060, 51054.560060, 51055.560060, 510056.560060, 51057.560060 and 51058.560060; CIF Accounts 51009.560060 and 51009.560057
Contract Number(s): 15-31-119
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
The Vendor has met the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Ordinance Provisions.
District(s): Districtwide
Summary: Additional accounts are being added to accommodate grant-related work that may be covered under this contract. The contract was originally approved by the Board of Commissioners on 3/22/2016. All other details of the contract remain unchanged.
Contract #15-31-119 consists of comprehensive landscape design, irrigation and drainage system consultation, tree planting and maintenance, turf restoration, and landscape protection and maintenance services throughout the Preserves’ holdings.
18-0218
Presented by: ARNOLD RANDALL, General Superintendent
PROPOSED PREVIOUSLY APPROVED ITEM AMENDMENT
Department: Resource Management
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to utilize additional accounts for professional services provided by the Prairie Research Institute of the University of Illinois in 2018 related to the execution of the Natural and Cultural Resources Master Plan. Additional accounts are being added to accommodate departmental work that may be covered under this contract (task order).
This amendment applies to the existing task order, which was initially approved by the Board of Commissioners on 1/9/2018 and is valid through the end of calendar year 2018. All other details of the contract remain unchanged.
Item Number: 18-0111
Fiscal Impact: No additional fiscal impact
Account(s): Habitat Enhancement 51009.521452, Natural and Cultural Resources Master Plan 51009.520825, Habitat Restoration 51009.521444, Grant Match and Work Fund 51009.521440, Mitigation accounts: 51010.29982 and 51010.22522, Capital Improvement Bonds Fund, 51025 - 2012, Capital Improvement Bonds Fund 51026 - 2015, Construction and Development Funds 51057 and 51058, Professional Services/Real Estate Funds 51006.520000
District(s): Districtwide
Original Text of Item:
PROPOSED CONTRACT Department(s): Resource Management
Vendor: University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (“the Preserves”) to enter into and execute
Good(s) or Service(s):1. Develop a comprehensive monitoring plan integrating established priorities and protocols to devise strategies for collecting needed data specific to restoration units on appropriate timescales, managing and analyzing that data, and using the resulting information to help drive management decisions. 2. Develop a web-based tool for displaying restoration progress and communicating results to broader audiences. 3. Produce a document summarizing five (5) years of progress in work between the Forest Preserves and the Prairie Research Institute and how the work contributes to the Next Century Conservation Plan. 4. Continue site surveys and cataloguing of cultural resources. 5. Complete archaeological collections databases, reports, and geodatabases. 6. Perform desk evaluations of additional habitat restoration projects on archaeological resources. 7. Consult on interpretive signage for Gateway Sites and installation of signs raising public awareness of cultural resources contained within the Forest Preserves. 8. Host an archaeological internship program for six (6) individuals with a focus on field and lab work training. 9. Manage event stations at four (4) public events. 10. Assist with the design of an archaeological display stationed at a Nature Center, including analysis and research of relevant artifacts, signage and display content, and installation. 11. Conduct tours of archaeological sites, as needed. 12. Develop content related to the Forest Preserves’ cultural resources for advertisement on the Forest Preserve website and interactive map. 13. Develop pamphlets or other materials for self-guided archaeological tours.
Contract Value: Not to exceed $300,000.00 for calendar year 2018
Contract period: 1/9/2018 - 12/31/2018
Estimated Fiscal Impact: Not to exceed $300,000.00 for calendar year 2018
Accounts: Habitat Enhancement 51009.521452, Natural and Cultural Resources Master Plan 51009.520825, Habitat Restoration 51009.521444, Grant Match and Work Fund 51009.521440, Mitigation accounts: 51010.29982 and 51010.22522 Capital Improvement Bonds Fund, 51025 - 2012, Capital Improvement Bonds Fund 51026 - 2015, Construction and Development Funds 51057 and 51058.
Contract Number(s): FPD 2014-01101
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
District(s): Districtwide
Summary: This Contract (Task Order) is for natural resource prioritization, research, policy analysis, and other related resource preservation activities. The estimated contract amount is not to exceed $300,000.00.
On 10/1/2013, the Board of Commissioners authorized the Forest Preserves to enter into and execute an Intergovernmental Agreement from 10/1/2013 to 12/31/2018 with the Prairie Research Institute of the University of Illinois for the purpose of developing a Natural and Cultural Resources Management Plan, and to perform work pursuant to that plan on an annual basis. The Plan informs and prioritizes natural and cultural resource restoration management. As agreed by the Board on 10/1/2013, funding of subsequent work with the Prairie Research Institute is to be approved on a year to year basis.
The Forest Preserves now desire to enter into a new Task Order to complete such work.
18-0219
Presented by: ARNOLD RANDALL, General Superintendent
PROPOSED MISCELLANEOUS ITEM OF BUSINESS
Department: Office of the General Superintendent
Good(s) or Service(s): Advertising and Promotional Services
Fiscal Impact: $150,000.00
Accounts: Advertising and Promotional Services 51001.520610, Printing, Graphics & Video 51001.520490
Summary: The Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) is requesting authorization for the General Superintendent or a designee to have discretionary spending up to $150,000.00 through the remainder of 2018 for advertising and promotional services with a variety of media vendors to promote and showcase the amenities, programs and natural areas of the Forest Preserves. The media vendors would be engaged for periods less than one year. The advertising and promotional spending packages would be suggested by the Forest Preserves’ Communications Division and vetted based on the desired audience, frequency, reach and budget offered by local media. Media purchases would align with the goals of the 2018 Communications Plan which include an integrated marketing plan of electronic, print, broadcast and out of home (billboard) advertising. The marketing strategy also complements the short and long-term goals of the Next Century Conservation Plan as well as other short and long-term goals of the Forest Preserves.
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
District(s): Districtwide.end
18-0220
Presented by: ARNOLD RANDALL, General Superintendent
PROPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT AMENDMENT
Department: Finance and Administration
Other Part(ies): Cook County Government, Chicago, Illinois
Request: Authorization to amend the intergovernmental agreement between the County of Cook (the “County”) and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) for the reimbursement or payment for certain services rendered by various County departments and the Forest Preserves.
Goods or Services: The County and the Forest Preserves wish to extend the agreement for an additional year and restate/amend the Agreement to increase the amount of reimbursement or payment between the Forest Preserves and the County for various services rendered.
Agreement Number: N/A
Agreement Period: 1/1/2018, retroactively, to 12/31/2018
Fiscal Impact: $2,027,058.00 in expenditures and $229,530.00 in revenue
Accounts: Various districtwide corporate accounts
District(s): Districtwide
Summary: The County and the Forest Preserves entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement on 8/21/2012 authorizing the parties to perform various services for the other, in accordance with the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act. The parties agreed to provide various services and to provide reimbursement or payment for said services. The Intergovernmental Agreement was further amended on 4/25/2013, 6/18/2014, 9/8/2015, 11/15/2016, and 6/6/2017, to allow for additional cooperation. The Sixth Amended and Restated Intergovernmental Agreement consolidates the prior agreements into one Intergovernmental Agreement, so the parties can refer to one agreement. This amended IGA also allows the Forest Preserves to offset amounts due to the County for costs associated with a Dan Ryan Woods project.
18-0210
Presented by: ARNOLD RANDALL, General Superintendent
REPORT
Department: Finance and Administration
Request: Receive and File
Report Title: Procurement and Disbursements
Report Period: 2/1/2018 - 2/28/2018
Summary: Submitting the Procurements and Disbursements Report for the period of February 2018. The Report is to be received and filed in compliance with Section 1-8-2 (BB) of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County’s Code of Ordinances.end
18-0209
Presented by: ARNOLD RANDALL, General Superintendent
PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Department: Conservation & Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar - 4/24/2018 to 5/16/2018
Wednesday, 4/25; 4 - 7pm Archery 101; Bremen Grove 1, Tinley Park
Seasoned and new archers, learn proper technique, history and bow basics from certified instructors. Ages 10 & up. Groups of 10 or more must register; 708-386-4042
Thursday, 4/26; 5:30 - 7pm Camping 101: For Outdoor Youth Organizations; Camp Dan Beard, Northbrook Hands-on workshop for camping skills and teamwork. Learn basics: tent set-up, campfire building, proper dress, camping etiquette and more. Registration and adult supervision required. Register: experience.camping@cookcountyil.gov.
Saturday, 4/28; 1:30pm Zen Garden Relaxation; Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs Enjoy a mindful walk through nature to open up the senses; benefitting the body and the mind. After the walk, we will create a Zen Garden using natural materials to add balance and flow in our lives. Ages 10 & up. Limit 15.
Saturday, 4/28; 1pm Sagawau Science: Spring Wildflower Walk; Sagawau Environmental Learning, Lemont Take a closer look at wildflowers while walking through the woods. How are the leaves arranged? Are they hairy or smooth? Join us and gain a greater appreciation for these flowering beauties.
Saturday, 4/28; 1:30pm Spring Wildflower Walk; Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland Take a walk to observe and learn about our blooming native ephemeral wildflowers.
Sunday, 4/29; 1:30pm What’s in Bloom?; River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook Enjoy a walk to observe and learn about some native woodland flowers.
Friday, 5/04; 5 - 7pm Painting by the Pond - Spring Edition; Rolling Knolls, Elgin Explore nature through painting. Instructor-led session creating a Georgia O’Keefe-inspired painting of spring ephemeral flowers using a large tree slice as your canvas. All materials provided. Ages 21 & up. BYOB (no glass). $20 per person. Payment required upon registration. 708-386-4042
Saturday, 5/5; 6am - noon Birding Big Sit; Sagawau Environmental Learning, Lemont Sagawau is counting each individual bird as it visits a specific area. Bring your binoculars or borrow ours. Stay all morning or drop in for a few minutes. All ages.
Saturday, 5/5; 6am - 1pm The Big Sit!; River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Help us count the birds that live here. Registration preferred at least 2 days prior.
Saturdays, 5/5 & 12; 7 - 8:30am Morning Bird Walks; Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs Take an early morning walk through various habitats in search of migrating birds. Limited binoculars available. Bring binoculars if you have them. No registration required.
Saturday, 5/5-Sunday, 05/06 CLIC Training (Camping Leadership Immersion Course); Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest Gain the skills you need to confidently lead a camping trip for your group. This overnight course teaches camping equipment use and care, outdoor activities, teamwork, and nature-based education. Complete this course, then bring groups of up to 30 for overnight stays at Camp Sullivan, utilizing camping gear - tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking stove/cookware - from our gear library. Registration and information: experience.camping@cookcountyil.gov.
Sunday, 5/6; 11am - 3pm Spring Festival at Trailside; Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest Celebrate spring with a day of activities for all ages, including animal encounters, kids’ tree climb, guided wildflower walks, netting in the pond, seed planting, building a bird house to take home, and much more!
Sunday, 5/6; 1 pm Springtime Slitherers; Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills Come learn about some of our local snakes and their busy springtime activities, then go for a short hike to look for them.
Friday, 5/11; 3 - 5pm River Kayaking 101; Trailside Museum parking lot, River Forest Introductory class for new river kayakers. Technique and instruction provided prior to a short hands-on paddle along the Des Plaines River to Maywood Grove. Shuttle provided back to Trailside Museum. Registration required. 312-533-5751
Saturday, 5/12; 6am - noon International Migratory Bird Day and #birdthepreserves Big Sit; Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills Join us for a bird walk to see who is winging in and experience the perils of migration in our Migration Obstacle Course.
Saturday, 5/12; 9am - Noon Chicago River Day Clean-up Paddle; Kickapoo Woods, Riverdale Celebrate the 26th annual Chicago River Day on the Little Calumet River. Join us for river clean-up and land restoration. See chicagoriver.org for more information. All ages.
Saturday, 5/12; 1pm - 3pm
Conservation@Home: Gardening to Feed Pollinators; River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook Master Gardeners will share tips and give recommendations on what to plant in your garden to provide nectar to feed native pollinators from spring to fall. Presented by University of Illinois Extension North Cook Master Gardeners. Drop-in demonstration.
Saturday, 5/12; 9am - 2pm International Migratory Bird Day; Sagawau Environmental Learning, Lemont Celebrate and learn about one of the most important events in the Americas- bird migration! Join us for bird hikes, special exhibits, and learn how you can support bird conservation. All ages.
Saturday, 5/12; 6am -noon #birdthepreserves Big Sit; Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland Join Forest Preserves staff to watch as many bird species as possible when viewed from a fixed location within a 17-foot circle.
Sunday, 5/13; 1pm Makin’ Music Bluegrass Jam; Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest Join us on the second Sunday of every month for Trailside’s Bluegrass Jam. Make a simple instrument or bring your basses, fiddles, mandolins, guitars, and banjos. All are welcome to play or just listen. Held indoors if it rains. All ages.
Sunday, 5/13; 1pm The Secret Language of Flowers; Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills Flowers have been used to convey messages for years, but did you know that flowers “speak” to pollinators as well? Join a naturalist on a hike to learn about the language of flowers.
https://fpdcc.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx?From=RSS&Mode=All
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