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Archive for the ‘Friends of Forest Preserves’ Category

Winter break is coming. What to do to keep the kids away from the screens? 

Posted in Entertainment, FPDCC, Friends of Forest Preserves on December 21, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Friends of the Forest Preserves, FOTFP, is encouraging you to get some fresh air and have some fun in the forest preserves over winter break. “The Cook County forest preserves in winter are not as crowded but they are just as beautiful as the rest of the year. There are great adventures close by that don’t cost a fortune and don’t require batteries or a charger, said Benjamin Cox, Executive Director of Friends of the Forest Preserves.

Friends of the Forest Preserves has five ways to get outdoors over the coming weeks:

  1. Take a hike.  For real. Take a hike.
  2. Volunteer There is still time to take part in a volunteer workday in one of the Cook County forest preserves. Specific locations available here.
  3. Ski Take advantage of the weather and try our cross country skiing or snowshoeing.
  4.  Solstice Cook County Forest Preserves are hosting a variety of day time and night time adventures for the solstice.
  5. Go big. Take the family for a hike along the famed Outer Loop.  The Cook County Forest Preserves from a special ring around the city from the lakefront to suburban edges and offering dozens of interesting walks no matter what your brood is into. Make a big hike now or plan for one down the road.

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About Friends of the Forest Preserves FOTFP:

Friends of the Forest Preserves unites people to protect, promote, and care for the forest preserves in Cook County, Illinois to ensure land, water, and life thrive in the forest preserves.

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Welcome the Beauty of Winter in Community with Friends of the Forest Preserves

Posted in Entertainment, FPDCC, Friends of Forest Preserves, Topics Of Interest on November 29, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Open House at Beverly Lake Trailhead in Hoffman Estates on Sunday, December 7th

CHICAGO – Celebrate the winter season with Friends of the Forest Preserves (FOTFP) and Grounding with the Season, a wellness workshop led by V4ME Wellness. Cook County residents are invited to attend a free Open House at Beverly Lake Trailhead in Hoffman Estates on Sunday, December 7th from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Activities include:
  • Mindful nature walk to connect with the landscape and embrace the season
  • Cozy bonfire to gather, reflect, and warm up together
  • Art-making and creative expression inspired by nature
  • Hands-on stewardship through invasive brush clearing and burning
  • Seasonal refreshments including roasted sweet potatoes, herbal tea, and chocolate
This event is free and open to participants ages 13 and up. Minors must be accompanied by a chaperone.
Event Details: Sunday, December 7th | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
  • 10:00–10:45AM | Wellness Workshop with Ana Way
  • 10:45 AM–12:15 PM | Hands-on Stewardship Activity
  • 12:15–1:00 PM | Food, Fire and Reflections

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Preckwinkle Taps US Forest Service Official to Lead Cook County’s Forest Preserve District

Posted in Animal Welfare, Aunt Blabby, Barrington Hills Park District, BraveHearts, Commercial Horse Boarding, Cook, County, Crabtree Nature Center, Fox River Valley Hunt, FPDCC, Friends of Forest Preserves, FRVPC, Horizon Farm, Horse Boarding, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Massbach Hounds, Politics, Preckwinkle's Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Riding Club Commission, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, Spring Creek Stewards, Taxes, Unions on June 25, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle has nominated Adam Bianchi (pictured) to lead the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. |Courtesy of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County

By Erica Demarest | WTTW

Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle has nominated a former district ranger with the U.S. Forest Service to serve as the general superintendent of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.

Adam Bianchi has more than 17 years of experience in public land and natural resource management with the U.S. Forest Service, according to a news release.

Bianchi previously served as district ranger for the White River National Forest’s Dillon Ranger District in Colorado. The 312,000-acre site near Denver includes two congressionally designated wilderness areas, two major reservoirs, 14 campgrounds, four ski resorts and nearly 500 miles of hiking, biking and winter sports trails.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the next General Superintendent at the Forest Preserves of Cook County,” Bianchi said in a statement. “This marks an exciting opportunity in my career dedicated to conserving forests, wildlife habitats and wetlands, while expanding access and welcoming more people to connect with their incredible public lands.”

If confirmed, Bianchi will oversee more than 70,000 acres of Cook County land that includes campgrounds, trails, boating centers, picnic groves, golf courses and aquatic centers. The Forest Preserve District of Cook County hosts hundreds of events and programs annually throughout the county and at its six nature centers.

Read more here.

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Forest Preserves of Cook County February 2024 Newsletter

Posted in Crabtree Nature Center, FPDCC, Friends of Forest Preserves, Horizon Farm, Preckwinkle's Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Spring Creek Stewards on February 29, 2024| Leave a Comment »

The Illinois bundleflower—often found in prairies, savannas and open woodlands—produces distinctive, attractive white flowers with a prominent central pink cluster of stamens. | Illinois Bundleflower (Desmanthus illinoensis), Photo by: Becca Hallstedt

In this issue:

  • Join Our Team!
  • Large Machines Can Make Major Restoration Progress During Winter
  • Explore the Salt Creek Trail System
  • Latest News: Oak Forest Heritage Preserve-West Entrance Closure, Lead Researcher with the Urban Coyote Project Releases New Book, Happy Spring from the Forest Preserve Foundation, Chicago Botanic Garden’s Annual Orchid Show Now Open
  • Upcoming Events
  • Give Back Pack: A Day of Service for School and Community Groups

View the February newsletter here.

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“Forest Preserve Master Plan Presentation for Horizon Farm & Spring Creek” meeting cancelled

Posted in BACT, Barrington Hills Park District, Barrington Hills Polo Club, Citizens for Conservation, Cook, County, Ethics, Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation, Flint Creek/Spring Creek Watersheds Partnership, Fox River Valley Hunt, FPDCC, Friends of Forest Preserves, FRVPC, Horizon Farm, Land Use, Massbach Hounds, Organizations, Politics, Preckwinkle's Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Riding Center Advisory Committee, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, Topics Of Interest, Traffic, Transparency, Unions on December 12, 2023| Leave a Comment »

FPDCC Horizon

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC) presentation of long-term plans for Horizon Farm & Spring Creek scheduled for tomorrow evening has been cancelled.  Before posting news of the cancellation, we’d hoped to announce a new date, however recent news of the Forest Preserves of Cook County General Superintendent stepping down squashed that plan.

Once a new date, time and location is announced, we’ll be sure to post it.

Related: “Barrington Hills Park District soliciting recommendations regarding, ‘Future development of Horizon Farm and Spring Creek’”

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Horse lovers trying to save racetrack at Horizon Farm Forest Preserve, while bird and nature lovers question the impact

Posted in Algonquin Rd, Animal Welfare, Audubon Society, BACT, Barrington Hills Polo Club, BH Polo Club, Citizens for Conservation, Commercial Horse Boarding, Cook, County, Crabtree Nature Center, Deception, Equestrian Commission, Ethics, FPDCC, Friends of Forest Preserves, FRVPC, Goat Rodeo, Going green, HARPS, Horizon Farm, Horse Boarding, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Mad Cows, Massbach Hounds, Organizations, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, Riding Club Commission, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, Taxes, The Other Half, Traffic, Unions on August 19, 2023| Leave a Comment »

HF

Front to back: Robert McGinley, Dan Lobbes, Renae Frigo and David Holman head back after checking the status of a former dam on Goose Lake in Horizon Farm preserve on Aug. 18, 2023, in Barrington Hills. Members of the Barrington Area Conservation Trust and The Conservation Foundation were out surveying Horizon Farm as part of an annual effort to track changes on the property. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

On a group tour of Horizon Farm Forest Preserve and its rolling pastures, a visitor joked that it would make a great par 3 golf course. Nature lovers shuddered at the thought, though such a use is prohibited on the site.

But the comment illustrates the tension the Forest Preserve District of Cook County faces balancing preservation and recreation. The district’s main mission is to preserve open space, and provide “nature-compatible” recreation.

In the case of Horizon Farm in northwest suburban Barrington Hills, the issue boils down to whether to save a half-mile horse racing track. The nearly 400-acre preserve used to be a horse breeding and training ground. The track was used to train thoroughbreds for racing at the now-closed Arlington International Racecourse.

When the forest preserve district bought Horizon Farm out of foreclosure for $14.5 million in 2013, officials expressed openness to keeping equestrian uses of the site. But 10 years later, the racetrack sits filled with wild plants, unused, its railing falling apart. A big chunk of the preserve remains closed, and some trails are overgrown. Horse lovers and other preserve users are wondering whether the district will save the track.

“It’s really a prize,” Barrington Hills Park District President Dennis Kelly said. “There’s been a lot of interest in the equestrian community, but we have not gotten a response.”

Not everyone is married to the idea of a horse track. Friends of the Forest Preserves, an independent nonprofit, takes the general position that recreation in the forest preserves — from boating to fishing to camping — should facilitate enjoyment of nature.

“As soon as recreation becomes about the activity, that is not in line with what should be done with the forest preserves,” Friends President Benjamin Cox said.

The group supports horse trails since anyone can use them, but has not taken a position specifically on the horse track. Exclusive sites such as a golf course or baseball diamond are only for those uses, so Friends would prefer not to build those in the preserves.

Read more here.

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Reminder: Park District hosting Cook County Forest Preserve District Horizon Farm discussion tonight

Posted in Agendas, Algonquin Rd, Animal Welfare, Barrington Hills Park District, Barrington Hills Polo Club, Bicyclists, Big Brother, Cellular Service, Commercial Horse Boarding, Countryside Elementary School, Elections, Ethics, Fox River Valley Hunt, FPDCC, Friends of Forest Preserves, FRVPC, Horizon Farm, Horse Boarding, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Lighting Ordinance, Massbach Hounds, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, Riding Center Advisory Committee, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, Traffic, Transparency, Unions, Well Water Quality on February 8, 2023| Leave a Comment »

FPDCC

The Barrington Hills Park District will be hosting a special meeting tonight with the Cook County Forest Preserve District to discuss the Master Plan for the Horizon Farm property. The meeting begins at 7:00 PM at the Riding Center located at 361 Bateman Rd, and will also be available for participation via Webex remotely.

The meeting agenda for the Forest Preserve District portion of the discussion includes:

  • Open trails
  • Ongoing improvements

Then, the 2023 Horizon Farm master planning priorities follows including:

  • Track
  • Barn 11
  • Other amenities (parking lots, comfort stations, signage, etc.)
  • Maintenance of future Horizon trail system
  • Spring Creek trail system

Conspicuously absent from the agenda are topics such as hiking and walking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and birding.

After this portion of the meeting, Park District Commissioners will vote on the proposed (and clearly confidential), “Combined Budget & Appropriations Ordinance 2-08-2023-01.”

A copy of the agenda can be viewed here, and instructions for accessing the meeting remotely can be found here.

Related: “Park District hosting February 8th Cook County Forest Preserve District discussion,” “Grazing livestock can provide habitats for disappearing grassland birds”

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Will Cook County voters back higher taxes for forest preserves?

Posted in Barrington Hills Park District, Citizens for Conservation, Elections, FPDCC, Friends of Forest Preserves, FRVPC, Horizon Farm, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Massbach Hounds, Pension Funding, Politics, Property Taxes, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, Spring Creek Stewards on October 29, 2022| Leave a Comment »

Horizons-Farm-blog

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County, long-maligned by a reputation for mismanagement and politically motivated hiring, is taking a gamble on the November ballot: It’s asking voters to hike their own property taxes to give the district an annual budget boost of $40 million.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and her hand-picked Superintendent Arnold Randall unveiled a revamp of the district in 2014, but a tax hike was deemed a political non-starter after decades of damaging headlines. Most focused on sweeping patronage accusations (later curbed by court monitoring), but also neglect and financial mismanagement as well as smaller-scale scandals, such as an aquatic center where workers pocketed payments and gave minors alcohol.

A referendum question for voters across the county will ask their permission for a 0.025% increase above the current state-mandated Property Tax Extension Limitation Law cap for the district, bringing the limit to 0.076%.

What does it mean for your bill? Right now, the owner of a median-priced home pays $36 to $47 in property taxes per year to the district. If the referendum passes, the increase for an average homeowner would be less than $20 a year, or about $1.50 per month, according to the district.

The revenues are not yet earmarked, but FPDCC Chief Financial Officer Stephen Hughes told the Tribune its current plans are to spend roughly $7.3 million to buy more property, $6 million for facility maintenance, $6.3 million for land restoration and $9.7 million for pension payments. The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe and Brookfield Zoo, which both stand on FPDCC land, would get $2.4 million and $4 million, respectively, for capital maintenance.

Even the often tax-averse Civic Federation is in support of a “yes” vote on the referendum. President Laurence Msall is among advocates who argue the district has earned the right to ask for the extra cash after cleaning up its act. A right-sized workforce, cuts in expenditures and improvements in planning are all signs of improved management and oversight.

“But important to this referendum is that the Forest Preserves has a reasonable plan that has been vetted” by outside groups, Msall said.

More here.

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Citizens for Conservation announces Fall Bird Walks & Hikes

Posted in Citizens for Conservation, Crabtree Nature Center, FPDCC, Friends of Forest Preserves, Going green, Horizon Farm, Resident Spotlights, Spring Creek Stewards on August 26, 2022| Leave a Comment »

Birdwalk2

Track spring migration with Barrington naturalists Wendy Paulson, Barb Karon and Laura Simpson
Walks are free and open to the public. But spaces are limited and REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
Bring binoculars (and insect repellent if desired) and dress for the weather.

  • Aug 26, 7:30 a.m. — Horizon Farm (Old Sutton Road, north of HWY 62 /Algonquin Road)
  • Sept 9, 7:30 a.m. — Crabtree Nature Center (3 Stover Road off of Palatine Road)
  • Sept 16, 8:00 a.m. — Beverly Lake* (North side of Higgins Rd/Rt. 72, East of Healy Rd)3 Stover Road off of Palatine Road)
  • Sept 23, 8:00 a.m. – Crabtree Nature Center (3 Stover Road off of Palatine Road)
  • Sept 30, 8:00 a.m. –Deer Grove East* (entrance on north side of Dundee Road, west of Hicks Road, east of Smith Street. Go to farthest and last parking area to the west of Picnic Grove #1) with optional extension to Camp Alphonse (off Dundee Road)
  • Oct 7, 8:00 a.m.— McHenry Dam (From S. River Road turn left onto McHenry Dam Road. Follow the road to parking lot-turn left and park at the far end of the parking lot.)
  • Oct 14, 8:00 a.m. – Beese Park/Younghusband* (Parking lot at corner of Cornell Ave. & George St.)
  • Oct 21, 8:30 a.m. – Galloping Hill * (Park at Penny Road Pond parking lot in Barrington Hills)
  • Oct 28, 9:00 a.m. – Crabtree Nature Center (3 Stover Road off of Palatine Road)

* Indicates a more strenuous hike.

Before you head out, please be sure to check the Citizens for Conservation website for any last minute changes or cancellations.

Click HERE for more information.

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June Riding Club newsletter released

Posted in Barrington Hills Farm, Barrington Hills Polo Club, Big Red, BraveHearts, Conflict of interest, Cook, County, Crime, Deception, Equestrian Commission, Ethics, Fox River Valley Hunt, FPDCC, Friends of Forest Preserves, FRVPC, Fundraisers, Horizon Farm, Land Use, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Riding Club Commission, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, Transparency, Unions on June 12, 2022| Leave a Comment »

RCBH

The Riding Club of Barrington Hills (RCBH) recently released their April newsletter.  Topics covered this month include:

  • State of the trails
  • Saturday morning trail rides
  • 4th of July parade
  • What’s happening at the Park District, and
  • Forest Preserve

A copy of the RCBH newsletter can be viewed and downloaded here.

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