FORESTforward
Share exciting news about the Forest Preserves of Cook County's
Next Century Conservation Plan by . |
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Forest Forward
Engaging youth in conservation, and other news to know & share about the Next Century Conservation Plan
Forest Forward is a monthly newsletter about the progress and programming of the Next Century Conservation Plan (NCCP). It's easy-to-read -- and easy-to-forward -- filled with information that you will want to pass on to your network of co-workers, colleagues and friends.
Forest Forward is being delivered to members of the NCCP implementation team, along with other friends. Please help us grow the distribution list to include people from your network who care about great, open spaces. Together, by spreading the word of our work, we can generate awareness, enthusiasm and excitement for the NCCP.
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Foundation gift empowers youth conservation corps for 2016
The Forest Preserve Foundation recently approved a $41,200 grant to support the Student Conservation Association's Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps program. Run in partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County and the Friends of the Forest Preserves, the Corps is a summer youth program that accomplishes habitat restoration goals while providing teens with employment experience, science education and leadership skills.
The 2016 commitment is an extension of the Foundation's 2015 support: A $70,000 grant funded 61 interns and 12 crew leaders this past summer. Their accomplishments included removing almost five acres of invasive plants, improving five miles of trails and maintaining nature center gardens. The teens tell us deep bonds and even some life decisions grew from this exposure to hard work, along with opportunities to earn jobs and certifications, and to explore conservation careers.
"This experience has changed my life in a way, by helping me figure out what I want to do with my life," said Nathan Taylor, a college student who now plans to double major in Illustration and Wildlife biology.
The Corps is one of many programs funded by the Forest Preserve Foundation, which granted nearly $250,000 toward the Forest Preserves' priority programs in 2015. These program grants are made possible by the generosity of donors. December 1 is Giving Tuesday, a perfect time to support the Foundation's year-end fundraising; consider an online gift to honor someone special this holiday season.
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Max's special "visit" to the Little Red Schoolhouse
You've heard the phrase, "necessity is the mother of invention"? Apparently, so has a teacher from School District 124 (Evergreen Park). When Mrs. Reed's third-grade class took a trip to the Little Red Schoolhouse, one student could have been left behind because of his severe allergies. But Mrs. Reed's desire to introduce eight-year-old Max to ecosystems, predators and prey necessitated a new way to teach. Learn what she did here.
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Chicago Tribune columnist, outdoors advocate bids farewell
It is certainly presumptuous for us to say that Barbara Brotman was a fan of the Forest Preserves, but we don't think she'd mind our gumption. We certainly are a fan of hers: For years, Barbara has written about the trees, paths, trails, bodies of water and programs of the Forest Preserves as a columnist for the Chicago Tribune, even earning the title of the paper's outdoors adviser.
Through her mastery of words and story-telling, she has introduced Tribune readers to the hidden treasures of our county's emerald necklace. This past November, Barbara announced her departure from the Tribune to pursue new adventures.
Please join us in showing appreciation for the recognition and attention her columns have brought to the Forest Preserves, and in wishing her the best in her next adventures. Post your thanks on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, mention us and use the hashtag #ThanksBarbaraBrotman.
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Are you following our news about conservation, people and programs? We invite you to take a moment to tune in to our social media accounts. Once you become a follower, you'll let others know how you're helping to lead conservation efforts in the Forest Preserves.
Also, if you'd like to receive information on how to update your LinkedIn page, email signature or social-media accounts with information about your involvement with conservation planning, contact us for tips.
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When list building is team building
Let's build a list together. Who do you know who ought to know what you know about the NCCP? Plenty of people, we're sure. Introduce them to the Plan and keep them informed of its progress by submitting their names to the Forest Forward distribution list. We're asking that each committee member provide at least a dozen names (with email addresses) to add to our distribution list before year's end. In doing so, you'll help build a team of supporters for our work in 2016, and spread our reach even further. Please email your contact names and email addresses to [email protected].
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