Forest Preserve Board Observer Reports

Cook County Forest Preserve District 2026 Budget Approved

11/30/2025

Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Meeting
November 18, 2025

The Cook County Forest Preserves (CCFP) Commissioners unanimously approved the fiscal year 2026 budget.

The 2026 budget is $194.1 million dollars. This includes $31.3 million dollars to fund Brookfield Zoo Chicago and the Chicago Botanic Garden. The Corporate budget which funds the day-to-day operations of the Preserves is $92.6 million which also funds capital improvements, real estate acquisition and self insurance.
This budget was completed by the new CCFP Superintendent Adam Bianchi with the help of the CCFP commissioners and many staff members. The total budget increases by 2.5 percent, and the corporate budget by 3.7 percent over last year.
Fiscal Year 2026 will be the fourth Forest Preserves budget since the Referendum was overwhelmingly passed by the voters of Cook County, providing more than $40 million annually to invest in nature. Its impact is foundational for this year’s accomplishments.
September revenues exceeded $13.2 million.
One amendment was approved to the 2026 budget which will reallocate $51,000 for expanding the Underground Railroad project at several CCFP sites.

Additional items discussed:

Beaubien Woods: A state-of-the-art accessible canoe and kayak launch are completed. This is only the 4th accessible boat launch in Illinois. Also approved was the purchase of a small parcel of land from the Chicago Housing Authority from the Altgeld Gardens housing development for connections to Beaubien Woods.
The CCFPs partnered with the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab to provide a completely accessible camping experience for some of their patients. This was very successful and is planned again for 2026.
A long standing lawsuit involving the CCFP and the care of a coyote was dismissed in a detailed 30 page document.
The Sauk Trail Woods is now the first CCFP property that is 100% zero net energy.
CCFP received four different awards recently for the planning and improvements to the Des Plaines River Trail.
November 18 (day of meeting) was also the first day for people to make reservations for events in the CCFP and almost 1000 people called and booked over 700 events on just the first day.
Andrew Johnson, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, spoke to thank the CCFP commissioners for always recognizing the Land Acknowledgement of the Native People at all meetings. He talked about how meaningful that is to all Native People.

Observer - Deborah Halpern

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Forest Preserves Grant to Support Greencorps Chicago Conservation Corps

10/22/2025

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Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting
October 21, 2025

Board Action:

The Cook County Forest Preserves accepted a grant from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (25-0326). The funding of $220,200 will provide additional support to the Greencorps Chicago Conservation Corps program. Greencorps Chicago is Chicago’s green-industry employment program which provides job skills training for individuals with barriers to employment, including prior involvement in the criminal justice system. The Corps training prepares individuals for employment through practical field experience and technical training in environmentally related jobs.
An ordinance was approved to create a forest preserve near Beaubien Woods (25-0359). The ordinance is designed to connect lands which are part of Altgeld Gardens subdivision with Beaubien Woods and access to the Beaubien Woods Boat Launch. Forest Preserves will pay CHA five thousand dollars plus closing cost up to $10,000.00. This land acquisition advances the goals of the Forest Preserve’s Southeast Cook County Land Acquisition Plan.
The Cook County Forest Preserve commissioner’s board will continue to hold its regular meetings in 2026 on Tuesdays at 10am.

Public Speakers:

A couple of public speakers talked about the importance of the Greencorps and its role in changing lives.
Four public speakers advocated for a resolution supporting the Chicago Botanic Garden Workers (25-0377) and their bid to unionize. The speakers talked about safety issues and lack of attention by management. Commissioners supported the resolution.
A few public speakers asked for the Forest Preserves to allow stand up paddle boarding in the forests. It was shared that Lake County, DuPage and McHenry counties all allow paddle boarding in their forest preserves. The stated reason that the CC Forest Preserves do not allow paddle boarding is due to poor water quality and concerns with public health if boarders fall in the water.

Observer: Laura Davis and Marge Pearson

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Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Hears Update on Brookfield Zoo Next Century Plan

9/20/2025

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Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting
Thursday, September 9, 2025, 10:00 am Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL

Tony Preckwinkle called the meeting to order, roll was taken with 3 excused absences. A quorum was present. Pledge of Allegiance was said and the Land Acknowledgement was read. Brookfield Zoo was recognized by commissioners Aguilar and Moore. Benjamin Cox from Friends of the Forest Preserve was congratulated on receiving the Chicago Wilderness Forest and Nature Award. General Superintendent of Cook County Forest Preserve, Adam Bianchi gave a welcome statement.

CEO of Brookfield Zoo, Dr. Mike Adkesson, presented highlights and successes from the past year, The Next Century Plan and vision for the future. He discussed complimentary zoo access to military, school groups and low income residents of Cook County through partnerships with the Chicago Public library, Explore Illinois and Museums for All. In the first 3 months of the year they welcomed 31,000 guests through these partnerships (6% of attendance). He also highlighted the Health Wildlife Residency in partnership with University of Illinois, the Land Acknowledgement statement and community gatherings honoring Native Americans and youth programs.

Next Century Plan

Phase 1- Building of the Bramsen Tropical Forest and Natural Habitat which includes 4 outdoor primate habitats and indoor gorilla conservation center. This was their largest project to date, cost $66 million from private funding, was completed in 2 1⁄2 years, on budget and on time. Includes 3 acres of space, forest for animals, conservation stories, sculptures and cell phone drop off. Sculptures were made from wire snares and built by ex-poachers in Uganda and the cell phone drop off will reduce and remind us mineral mining for lithium destroys gorilla habitats in the wild. The Bramsen addition also includes an indoor gorilla conservation space and the King Leadership space. $53 million was also utilized for renovation of the Seven Seas, investment in the temporary Ferris Wheel, North American Prairie Aviary, addition of Koalas, Hamill Family Play Zoo added honey bees and backyard chickens, formal pool area and swamp area were renovated and $2 million was spent on pavement improvements.
Phase 2 - 35 acres will be developed into open savannah habitats for large African species including giraffes, zebra, and elephants. The Pacaderm building to be renovated along with spaces for African lions and hippos.

Dr. Matt Allender from the Department of Conservation Medicine and Science at Brookfield Zoo, gave an update regarding the Illinois Zoological and Wildlife Health Management Residency Program in collaboration with University of Illinois. He noted a nationwide shortage of wildlife veterinarians and was proud of their first resident to finish the program who will stay on in Cook County (Dr. Winter). This was the first program in the nation to train new vets in free ranging wildlife and save area wildlife. Cornell University is now the 2nd program modeled after the
Brookfield Zoo program. A second resident is currently in the program and a 3rd resident will begin in the summer.

Benjamin Cox from Friends of the Forest Preserve gave an update on the Conservation Core which he began in 2007 to introduce young people to the forest preserves and provide service opportunities. There have been 2500 alumni through partnership with the Forest Preserve and other organizations. He thanked the CCFP for supporting this program.

Members of the Conservation through Gardening program, which is a partnership between Brookfield Zoo and the Chicago communities of Englewood and Back of the Yards, thanked the Zoo for introducing the members of these communities to urban gardening. They described how children and residents learn about gardening, cooking with the fresh vegetables they had grown and the joy this brings.

All Committee items were approved including a grant project in collaboration with the Nature Conservancy to improve the ecological health of Powderhorn Lake and Eggers Grove. This includes 94 acres of habitat restoration. The grant was awarded for $225,000.

50 events are planned in the Forest Preserves between now and November. Refer to The Forest Preserve Fall Guide for further information (https://fpdcc.com/events/)

Observer - Linda Bareis

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CCFPD Board Meeting Held at Camp Sullivan

7/15/2025

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Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board Committee Meetings:
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Camp Sullivan, 14630 Oak Park Ave, Oak Forest, IL

Seven committees, including Litigation, Legislation, Rules, Finance, Workers Compensation, Zoological, and Real Estate all met. After attendance was taken for each committee meeting, all resolutions that were submitted were accepted unanimously without any discussion. All recommendations were passed in the Board Meeting that followed immediately after.

Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board Meeting
Camp Sullivan, 14630 Oak Park Ave, Oak Forest, IL

Tony Preckwinkle called the meeting to order, roll was taken with a quorum of 15 present (Gainer and Moore were absent), the Pledge said, and The Land Acknowledgment was read.

Board Actions:

Commissioner Miller, of the sixth District, welcomed visitors to Camp Sullivan and gave a brief history of the area. Camp Sullivan makes up one third of the total acreage of the CCFP and is one of their five camp grounds. Unique features include an antique barn and a climbing wall. It is a great place to host events and has an incredibly rich history with many connections to the Underground Railroad.
The Conservation and Policy Council report was given by Dr. Ryan Niegle from Moraine Valley Community College. He stated support for the resolutions before the Board on the Des Plaines River Trail contract and the contract for four zero emissions refuse trucks. The trucks will be financed in part with a grant from the EPA. In collaboration, IDOT will make ambitious improvements to the Des Plaines River Trail including the construction of a new pedestrian bridge over railroad tracks in Des Plaines that will significantly improve safety and user experience.
Adam D. Bianchi was unanimously, with no discussion, approved to serve as the general superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. If interested in his resume go to: https://fpdcc.com/adam-bianchi-nominated-as-forest-preserves-of-cook-county-general-
A resolution authorizing a joint funding agreement and engineering services agreement with Illinois Department of Transportation for the Des Plaines River Trail reconstruction and an agreement to relocate utilities and pay utility relocation and other miscellaneous cost related to the bike and pedestrian bridge construction passed unanimously with no discussion.
Also passed unanimously, with no discussion, were proposals to enter into contracts to purchase 4 electronic load master refuse trucks, 14 Ford F series vehicles, 8 Ford Explorer Hybrid Police utility vehicles. Other contract included organic grow crop farming, keyless entry systems for off leash dog areas, petroleum services for fuel stations, heating and cooling improvements at River Forest, and various bridge repairs.
Commissioner Kevin Morrison moved and it was passed without discussion that the proposed interagency agreement amendment with the Chicago Zoological Society Brookfield IL for maintenance and operation of the Zoological Park on lands in the forest reserves be extended and declared the forest reserves of Cook County’s support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Lastly, a motion was made to honor Eileen Figel. She has served as Interim General Superintendent since January 2024 and was the Deputy General Superintendent since July 2014. Each commissioner took a turn in giving anecdotes that illustrated her contributions and leadership in all areas of forest preserve operations. She was praised for her commitment to infrastructure, programming, staff development, and creation of a culture based on equity and inclusion. Her leadership and tireless advocacy contributed to voters’ approval of a tax referendum. She guided the staff through challenging situations and it was clear that she was respected and loved by all. A huge cake was brought before the commissioners and everyone was invited downstairs for lunch and a slice of cake.

Observer: Janis Westlund

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Sustainability Efforts Reflected in FPD Annual Report

6/15/2025

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Cook County Forest Preserve (CCFP)
Board of Commissioners Meeting
Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Notes from the Commissioners’ meeting include:

The Finance Committee stated that in this year’s annual report it will show CCFP costs for fuel were down and cost for electricity were up as a result of improving sustainability efforts throughout the CCFP toward clean energy which includes more electric vehicles to lower their carbon footprint.
The Real Estate Committee announced the creation of a new 37 acre Forest Preserve near Sweet Woods in southeast Cook County in the 5th District.
The annual Diversity Report for the CCFP showed that 61% of contracts were awarded to minority/women run businesses. There were also 19 outreach programs conducted to assist vendors in applying to the Forest Preserves.
Commissioner McCaskill came to talk with this Observer about how much she appreciates the work of the League of Women Voters and then went on to talk about the 11 new all terrain wheelchairs now available at two different CCFP locations and efforts to increase the accessibility of the Forest Preserves for those with disabilities. There is also water accessibility recently built at the Beaubien Woods.
The Shedd Aquarium was recognized for their outstanding support of the CCFP over the past 10 years in the areas of restoration and protection of the land and waterways and animals throughout the Forest Preserves. Lisa Dunkau Lopez and others from the Shedd were recognized at the meeting. Ms. Lopez discussed how the partnership with the Shedd includes research, restoration of 21 monitored wetlands including the Skokie Lagoons. As well as teaching over 600 volunteers including highschool students on restoration methods.
Finally, the Busse Forest nature Preserve added an expansion of 767 acres in northwest Cook County.

Observer - Deborah Halpern

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Cook County Forest Preserve District Adds Additional 37 Acres

5/11/2025

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Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Meeting
May 6, 2025 at the Botanic Garden

Items of Interest:

The Commissioners approved the purchase of 37.04 Acres at 20278 Cottage Grove Ave, Glenwood, to create a Forest preserve near Sweet Woods, with closing costs of $2,970,000.00.
The Botanic Garden and the Zoo get capital Improvement monies from the Referendum. The Botanic Garden is growing and providing seed and plugs for restoration sites.
The Report of the Finance committee meeting showed that in Corporate Fund analysis, Non-tax revenue was up $33.5M and expenditures were down.
The Real Estate Committee agreement was approved by the Commissioners with New Trier High School for access drive and underground sewer line (total .23 Acres) In exchange for payment of license fees and use of School District parking for Forest Preserves patrons and permittees.
In the Public Testimony time, Kevin Allen Ake from the Elk Grove Historical Association used his 3 minutes to request that they could get permission to place cameras at the Elk Pasture so that people can see the Elk, to educate the people, as the Elk mostly hide in the woods. The Association has the monies. Just need permission. President Preckwinkle referred that to staff to contact Mr Ake.

Observer - Barbara Palmer

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<<Previous

Cook County Forest Preserve District 2026 Budget Approved

Forest Preserves Grant to Support Greencorps Chicago Conservation Corps

Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Hears Update on Brookfield Zoo Next Century Plan

CCFPD Board Meeting Held at Camp Sullivan

Sustainability Efforts Reflected in FPD Annual Report

Cook County Forest Preserve District Adds Additional 37 Acres

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