Cook County Forest Preserve District Expands African American History Programming

Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting 
January 14, 2025 
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• The Cook County Forest Preserves shared the expanded engagement opportunities with the Cook County Forest Preserve Commissioners regarding Underground Railroad sites, African American Water Trail, Beaubien Youth Outdoor Ambassadors program and Juneteenth events.  Part of this expansion is due to a $4 million improvement project that made the Beaubien Boat Launch site more amenable for groups. 
• Tom Shepherd, Executive Director, Underground Railroad Historic Tours and Presentations- formerly Little Calumet - shared an update with the Commissioners regarding the expansion and popularity of the tours.  The tours usually fill up within two days. He indicated that the tours are now part of the Midwest Underground Railroad network. 
• Commissioner Donna Miller spoke to the value of these educational opportunities and called out the League of Women Voters for bringing groups to these sites. 
• The commissioners were reminded that Beaubien Woods is a National Historic Landmark. 
• Interim General Superintendent, Eileen Figel, reported that the Forest Preserves of Cook County was awarded a Certificate of Approval in the American Humane Association for its Ambassador Animal Program at its six nature centers. This approval involved an auditor who spent a week at the Nature Centers, observing the Ambassador Animals, reviewing procedures and records and talking with and observing staff as they provided husbandry, enrichment and programming with and for the Ambassador Animals. The certificate award is based on best practices and evidence-based principles. The report commended the Forest Preserve staff on their dedicated work on behalf of the animals in their care. 
• The new commissioner, Dr. Kisha McCaskill, received applause as she joined the commissioners meeting. 

Observer:   Laura Davis