Join us Sunday!!! Touch-A-Truck, tree climbing, local honey for sale, birding and more! Concessions available. 11AM-3PM.
Archive for the ‘Crabtree Nature Center’ Category
Kids are welcome to Explore the Forest tomorrow at Crabtree Nature Center
Posted in Crabtree Nature Center, Entertainment, FPDCC on May 31, 2025| Leave a Comment »
Forest Preserves of Cook County May 2025 Newsletter
Posted in Crabtree Nature Center, FPDCC, Horizon Farm on May 27, 2025| Leave a Comment »
White-tailed deer are skilled jumpers; some can clear hurdles of up to 8 feet high and can soar horizontally for up to 30 feet in a single leap. | White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), Photo by: Derek Jordan
In this Issue:
- Forest Preserves Adds Innovative Electric Garbage Trucks to Green Fleet
- Find Peace in Nature during Mental Health Awareness Month
- Seed Amplification Program Creating Habitats that Thrive
- Spring Takes Flight: Where to Spot Birds During Their Migration; Soar into AAPI Heritage Month at Kite Fest!; Adventure for All: Adaptive Events Open the Outdoors to Everyone; Forest Preserves Police Teach Safety for National Bicycle Safety Month; Jazz in the Preserves? Yes, at the July 24 Forest Preserve Foundation Concert
- Upcoming Events
- Volunteer Opportunities
Read the May newsletter here.
Forest Preserves of Cook County April 2025 Newsletter
Posted in Crabtree Nature Center, FPDCC, Horizon Farm on April 16, 2025| Leave a Comment »
Busse Forest supports a wide range of animal and plant species across several types of habitats. Within its footprint is the Busse Forest Nature Preserve, which boasts National Natural Landmark status. | Photo by: Michelle Puszka
In this issue:
- Explore, Restore and Connect with Nature This Earth Day
- Visit Us at Share the Trail Stops: A Friendly Way to Enjoy the Outdoors Together
- A Ribbit Rhapsody: Frog Calls of the Forest Preserves
- Discover a Champion Tree in the Forest Preserves
- Latest News: Simplify Your Picnic Planning & Save with a Permit Package!; Going Batty for Bats? Join Us for a Nighttime Adventure!; Step Outside and Thrive: Senior Events That Promote Healthy Living; Foundation Story of Love, Loss, and Nature’s Embrace
- Upcoming Events
- Volunteer Opportunities: Earth Month
Read the April newsletter here.
It’s time to slash the number of Illinois local governments
Posted in Better Government Association, Chicago Tribune, Civic Federation of Chicago, Cook, County, Crabtree Nature Center, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Ethics, FPDCC, Look For The Union Label, OP/Ed, Organizations, Politics, Property Taxes, Springfield, Taxes, The Chicago Way, Topics Of Interest, Transparency, Unions on April 6, 2025| 1 Comment »
A trap to catch female and pregnant mosquitos is set up by the Northwest Mosquito Abatement District near the Crabtree Nature Center in Barrington, June 6, 2019. The governmental organization is one of four Cook County mosquito abatement districts. | Jośe M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune
By Joe Ferguson and David Greising | Published in the Chicago Tribune
Illinois has 8,923 local governments — more than any other state. Texas, which has more than double Illinois’ 12.7 million residents and nearly five times Illinois’ land mass, is next-highest, with 5,433 government units — about two-thirds as many as Illinois’.
Our state’s extraordinary number of local governments contributes to increased costs, overlapping jurisdictions, duplication of effort, a lack of transparency and accountability and, often, outright corruption. Other states manage to deliver services effectively without this bureaucratic sprawl, and Illinois should do the same.
With so many governments providing a smorgasbord of services, it is difficult to understand which governmental unit provides which service, how they operate and how well they perform. Because many local governments and their operations are so obscure, there are abundant opportunities for unethical behavior and corruption. The Cook County Office of Inspector General has documented unethical hiring practices and conflicts of interest by board trustees at the South Cook County Mosquito Abatement District. Recent media reports have uncovered fraud, embezzlement and graft totaling millions of dollars at several Illinois special districts.
A prime example of unnecessary local government is the four Cook County mosquito abatement districts. The Civic Federation recently released the first-ever comprehensive examination of the governance, finance and transparency of these governmental units.
In 2022, the districts collected nearly $11 million in revenue, mostly from property taxes. Yet they varied widely in the transparency of publicly available information. Most strikingly, there was a distinct disparity in the amount of service provided between the south Cook County district, which covers the city of Chicago south of 87th Street and 53 other communities, and the other three districts, raising concerns about the equitable application of environmental policies in Cook County. Dissolving the Cook County mosquito abatement districts could easily be done by incorporating their functions into Cook County government, which already offers some vector control services.
To be clear, mosquito abatement is a vital public health service, as are many of the other services offered by Illinois’ thousands of government bodies. However, there is simply no compelling reason to maintain separate taxing bodies for services that larger governments could deliver more efficiently, equitably and transparently. Gov. JB Pritzker acknowledged as much in his recent budget address, calling for streamlining local government by simplifying the process to eliminate or consolidate townships.
The Better Government Association has been promoting “smart streamlining” for more than a decade, backing a 2014 state consolidation measure. Similarly, the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club has long highlighted that Illinois’ thousands of local governments not only shield officials from public pressure to deliver services in the most effective and efficient manner but also lead to inefficiencies that have been blamed for Illinois’ local tax rates, which are some of the highest in the nation.
In short, dissolving small, anachronistic, single-purpose local governments and incorporating their functions into municipal or county governments can reduce spending and improve efficiency by eliminating redundant management positions, tapping into the pooled resources a larger jurisdiction possesses and accessing economies of scale for purchasing. Most importantly, consolidating local governments can substantially improve transparency and accountability to residents.
To his credit, Pritzker has focused on this issue almost since the beginning of his time in office. He signed a law in 2019 that allows citizens to petition for the dissolution of their local governments and another that enabled the dissolution of drainage districts in the state. In his fiscal year 2026 state budget proposal, Pritzker included initiatives to make it easier to dissolve and consolidate townships. However, those bills have stalled in committee. Moving these initiatives forward will require strong leadership from the governor and legislators.
The Civic Federation and Better Government Association urge the state of Illinois to approve these bills. Doing so would make it easier to dissolve hundreds of unnecessary government entities — including the Cook County mosquito abatement districts — and incorporate their functions into larger governments.
During this period of uncertain and shifting federal funding, when local governments are looking to tighten their belts and local taxes continue to rise, now is the time for action. Illinois residents deserve a more efficient and effective governmental system than the current chaotic mix of unaccountable jurisdictions.
Joe Ferguson is president of the Civic Federation of Chicago. David Greising is president of the Better Government Association
Forest Preserves of Cook County March 2025 Newsletter
Posted in Crabtree Nature Center, FPDCC, Horizon Farm on March 23, 2025| Leave a Comment »
Coyotes inhabit virtually every available territory in Cook County, so most of us have a coyote neighbor—even if we haven’t seen it yet. They even live in the most developed parts of the city of Chicago. | Coyote (Canis latrans), Photo by: Vonda Zwick
In this issue:
- Closing Swallow Cliff’s Unofficial Trails Breathing New Life into Nature
- Protect, Preserve and Get Paid—Jobs in the Forest Preserves Await
- Forest Preserves Celebrates Women’s History Month
- Latest News: Feathered Friends Need You! 2025 Birdhouse Building Contest Set to Begin; Tap into Spring: Join Us for the Third Annual Trash Bash on April 5 & 26; Foundation 2024 in Review: Stories of Restoration, Resiliency and Inspiration
- Upcoming Events
- Volunteer Opportunities: Trail Watch
March newsletter here.
Forest Preserves of Cook County February 2025 Newsletter
Posted in Chicago Botanic Garden, Crabtree Nature Center, FPDCC, Horizon Farm on February 27, 2025| Leave a Comment »
Visitors to grasslands might sight a short-eared owl during the daytime — unlike other native owl species in the Forest Preserves—while they hunt prey such as mice and voles. | Short-eared owl (Asio flammeus), Photo by: Phillip Stosberg
In this issue:
- We Are Here for You
- Forest Preserves Achieves American Humane Certified™ Distinction for Animal Care, Welfare and Wellbeing
- Survival in the Forest Preserves: How Wildlife Takes on the Winter Elements
- Segregation in the Forest Preserves: A History Lesson
- Representation on the Slopes: Sagawau Celebrates Black Skiers
- Latest News: Help Make the Trails Safer for Everyone with Cook County’s Safety Action Plan; Applications Open for Youth Outdoor Ambassador Program; Chicago Botanic Garden’s Annual Orchid Show Open Through March 23; The Forest Preserve Foundation Helps Sustain the Forest Preserves We Love
- Upcoming Events
- Volunteer Opportunities: Group Litter Cleanups
Read more here.
The Forest Preserves Achieves the American Humane Certified™ Distinction for Animal Care, Welfare and Wellbeing
Posted in Animal Welfare, Crabtree Nature Center, FPDCC, Horizon Farm, Press Release on January 18, 2025| Leave a Comment »
American Humane Society, the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare practices, announced today that the Forest Preserves of Cook County has earned the distinction of American Humane Certified™ for its high standards of care and treatment of animals at its six nature centers.
“We are thrilled that the Forest Preserves of Cook County have met the standards to become American Humane Certified,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society. “These preserves not only house and protect important native species but also teach visitors about their essential role in our ecosystems. This certification provides American Humane Society with the opportunity to recognize the extensive reach of the animal welfare movement at zoos, aquariums and conservation parks around the world.”
To be recognized as American Humane Certified, the Forest Preserves of Cook County passed a rigorous independent assessment that reviewed the wellbeing of animals in their care. The unique process is guided by the latest science and best practices and is informed by respected veterinarians and experts in the fields of animal welfare, animal science, zoology and ethics who have decades of experience in protecting animals.
The independent validation process provides visitors with confidence that the institution is meeting a high benchmark of care. The process includes submission of a pre-audit application, followed by an onsite audit that assesses animal welfare. Factors considered during the audit include, but are not limited to, housing, food, water, lighting, shade, sound, activity levels, and the training of staff who are interacting with the animals. The benchmarks are species specific.
“The Ambassador Animal program at the Forest Preserves is yet another way visitors enjoy and learn about the native animals that live right here in Cook County. American Humane Society’s certification is recognition of the excellence that our staff, systems, facilities and care provide to our animal partners,” said Forest Preserves of Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle.
For decades, the Forest Preserves of Cook County has housed animals that teach tens of thousands of visitors annually about native species and their importance to the local ecosystems. More than 50 species and 120 animals that could not survive in the wild now call five of the Forest Preserves’ six nature centers home, including red-tailed hawk, coyote, blue spotted salamander, barred owl and painted turtles. In 2022, the Forest Preserves released a report on its care of these ambassador animals, which included a recommendation to pursue American Humane Certification.
“We are proud and pleased to receive the American Humane Certification. American Humane Society’s rigorous, science-based evaluation is the latest and most extensive third-party validation that we are providing an appropriate home and care for our ambassador animals,” said Eileen Figel, the interim general superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
The American Humane Certified™ program is the first certification effort solely dedicated to helping verify the welfare and humane treatment of animals living in zoos, aquariums and conservation centers across the globe. The program enforces rigorous, science-based, and comprehensive criteria for animal welfare that are reviewed by an independent Scientific Advisory Committee comprised of world-renowned leaders in the fields of animal science, animal behavior and animal ethics. The audit helps to verify good practices at deserving zoos and aquariums and offers increased assurance to visitors that the institution they are visiting is worthy of their support.
“The Forest Preserves of Cook County continues to work ahead of the curve in providing excellent care to all the flora and fauna inhabiting our natural lands,” said Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton. “In 2022 I requested a full review of the Animal Ambassador Program, and the Forest Preserves pursued both academic review and an American Humane Certification. This certification provides further support of the Forest Preserves’ dedication to ensuring Cook County’s emerald resource continues to shine brightly for decades to come.”
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Forest Preserves of Cook County January 2025 Newsletter
Posted in Crabtree Nature Center, FPDCC, Horizon Farm on January 14, 2025| Leave a Comment »
As skilled flyers, eastern bluebirds will catch some insects mid-flight and often hover while foraging for food rather than landing on the ground or in tree branches. | Eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis), Photo by: Alex Haza
In this issue:
- Join Us for an MLK Day of Service
- Forest Preserves Gives College Students Hands-On Experience Like No Other
- Interrupt Your Winter Hibernation with Visits to the Forest Preserves
- Latest News: Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Chicago Botanic Garden Offer Free Admission Opportunities; Become a Concessionaire in the Forest Preserves; We Don’t Want Your Trees!; Save the Date: Athletic Field Permits Open February 3; Save the Date for the Foundation’s Second Annual Jazz in the Preserves
- Upcoming Events, and
- Volunteer Opportunities: Calling Frog Survey
Read more here.
Forest Preserves of Cook County December 2024 Newsletter
Posted in Crabtree Nature Center, FPDCC, Horizon Farm on December 26, 2024| Leave a Comment »
Commonly confused with the similar-looking hairy woodpecker, the downy woodpecker is one of the smallest members of the family. This tiny yet nimble bird lives in the cavities of trees and primarily eats insects. | Downy woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens), Photo by: Becca Hallstedt
In this issue:
- Forest Preserves Reaches Major Milestone: More Than 70,000 Acres
- Osprey Found in South America, One Year After Banding in Forest Preserves
- Setting Your Intentions for the New Year? The Forest Preserves Can Help
- Clearing the Way: Forest Preserves Prepares for Winter Weather
- Latest News: Get Your 2025 Wall Calendars & Winter Guides!; Chill Thrills: Winter Camping in the Forest Preserves; Happy Holidays from the Forest Preserve Foundation!
- Upcoming Events
- Volunteer Opportunities: Tree TLC
Read more here.
Crabtree Nature Center Wildlife and Nature Photography Meetup Saturday
Posted in Crabtree Nature Center, Entertainment on December 4, 2024| Leave a Comment »
Interested in sharing your love for photography with others or just starting out and looking for tips, spend the morning with this photography group that meets, walks, talks, and of course snaps away at Crabtree?
Our December Meetup is coming up! Join us this Saturday, December 7th at Crabtree Nature Center.
We look forward to seeing you there!
***Note that our presentation on exposure and camera settings/modes has been postponed until our January meeting because the presenter is recovering from COVID and won’t be able to attend. We apologize for the inconvenience. ***
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