Cook County Forest Preserves Board Authorize Funds for Advertising and Promotional Services

Cook County Forest Preserve District Board of  Commissioners meeting 
February 3, 2026

Item #26-0015  Advertising and Promotional Services Fiscal Impact  

• The Forest Preserves of Cook County requested authorization for the General Superintendent to have discretionary spending up to $300,000 per year for up to two years 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 promotions include focused geographic and demographic outreach to communities that have been underserved. 

Commissioners asked about efforts to reach out to school educators, local tourism offices, seniors and veterans. Some commissioners mentioned the value of the forest preserve calendars to promote the Forest Preserve.  Part of the activities will include tabling at Farmer’s Markets.  

General Superintendent Bianchi shared updates about restoration and the value of the Green Corps in restoration and seed gathering work.  The Green Corps is a paid job training program for individuals with barriers to employment. A goal of the Cook County Forest Preserves is to be a national model for conservation. Lastly, the upcoming calendar of events was shared with a focus on Black History month and lunar events. 

Observers:  Laura Davis and Sabine Scholz