Forest Preserves Grant to Support Greencorps Chicago Conservation Corps

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