Cook County FPD Board Honors Maintenance Employees

Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Meeting
May 5, 2026

The commissioners honored the 1,600 annual employees that perform maintenance of the Forest Preserve Districts 70,000 acres.

Mark Templeton, chair of the Conservation and Policy Committee, presented the following statistics:

• 2.2 million individuals participated in on site programs
• 94% increase in community partnerships and collaborative programs from 501 in 2024 to >1000 in 2025
• 18,000 acres in active restoration
• 95,000 volunteer hours representing a conservative estimate of $3.3 million in labor costs

Proposals for members of conservation and policy council include:

• Term limits to maximize input from many local experts
• Members need to attend at least 1 commission’s meeting annually
• Spend time in forest preserves
• Recommendations for disclosures and reclusions

Other Board Action:

• 5 acres are to be added to Orland Grasslands with the purchase of land commonly referred to as 9750 167th street, Orland Hills.  The land includes parts of Marley creek and wetlands. The cost is up to $610,000
• The intergovernmental agreement with Barrington Hills Park District was extended for 5 years with options 3 additional 5 year renewals.  BHPD has been maintaining the trails and equestrian event facilities at Spring Lake Preserve since July 11, 2006.
• Nicor Gas Co. was granted license to locate, operate and maintain approximately 754 feet of existing gas main along the east side of Rand Road. This is required due to rebuilding of Rand Road by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
• The upcoming proposed calendar of events will focus on migratory birds and recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander’s month.  There will also be an event focusing accessibility to nature at Little Red School House on May 30th.

Observer - Margaret Pearson