Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners will meet March 13.
Here is the agenda provided by the Board:
Public Testimony
Authorization as a public speaker shall only be granted to those individuals who have submitted in writing, their name, address, subject matter, and organization (if any) to the Secretary 24 hours in advance of the meeting. Duly authorized public speakers shall be called upon to deliver testimony at a time specified in the meeting agenda. Authorized public speakers who are not present during the specified time for public testimony will forfeit their allotted time to speak at the meeting. Public testimony must be germane to a specific item(s) on the meeting agenda, and the testimony must not exceed three minutes; the Secretary will keep track of the time and advise when the time for public testimony has expired. Persons authorized to provide public testimony shall not use vulgar, abusive, or otherwise inappropriate language when addressing the Board; failure to act appropriately; failure to speak to an item that is germane to the meeting, or failure to adhere to the time requirements may result in expulsion from the meeting and/or disqualify the person from providing future testimony.
President
18-0166
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Report
Department: Office of the General Superintendent
Request: Receive and File
Report Title: Walking Green: Developing an Evidence-base for Nature Prescriptions in the Forest Preserve District of Cook County
Report Period: July 2015 - January 2018
Summary: Dr. Teresa Horton, Department of Anthropology at Northwestern University, was the principal investigator for the study “Walking Green: Developing an Evidence-base for Nature Prescriptions.” The study was partially funded by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) and compares the health effects of walking in the Forest Preserves property as compared to walking on a suburban sidewalk.
The purpose of the study was to gather data essential for the development of nature prescriptions, which can be recommended by doctors to patients to encourage them to get outdoors, connect to nature, enjoy, and support the Forest Preserves. The study demonstrates that the benefits of exercising in nature exceed those of an equivalent amount of exercise in other conditions, such as walking on a suburban sidewalk.
The study also shows that there are significant mental health benefits including improved mood, reduced anxiety, and reductions in perceived stress that can be gained from taking a 50-minute walk on a Forest Preserve trail.
This study advances the Forest Preserves’ Next Century Conservation Plan’s priority to provide programs that emphasize health benefits and inspire the people of and visitors to Cook County to seek out the Forest Preserves for discovery, renewal, and fun.
Office Of The General Superintendent
18-0161
Sponsored by: Toni Preckwinkle (President), Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners
Proposed Ordinance Amendment
Forest Preserve Fee Schedule
Be It Ordained, by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners, that Title 7 - Fees, Chapter 1 - Fee Schedule of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Code of Ordinances is hereby amended as Follows:
7-1-1: Fee Schedule
*** Bicycle Rental Fees Adult Bicycle: Hourly Rate - $7.00 - All Day Rate - $28.00 Half-Hour Rate: $2.50 For special events, additional bicycle types or amenities may be offered for cost not to exceed $25 per half-hour, $35 per hour or $40 per day. Tag-a-long Bicycle (attached to adult bicycles): Hourly Rate - $5.00 - All Day Rate - $10.00 Bicycle Wagon (attached to adult bicycle): Hourly Rate - $10.00 - All Day Rate - $20.00 Baby Seats (attached to adult bicycles) Hourly Rate - $5.00 - All Day Rate - $10.00 Tandem Bicycle: Hourly Rate - $15.00 - Four-hour Rate - $30.00 - All Day Rate - $40.00 Cruiser Bicycle: Hourly Rate - $7.00 - All Day Rate - $28.00 Comfort Bicycle: Hourly Rate - $10.00 - All Day Rate - $30.00 Small Quadricycle Bicycle: Half-Hour Rate - $15.00 - Hourly Rate - $25.00 Large Quadricycle Bicycle: Half-Hour Rate - $25.00 - Hourly Rate - $35.00 Annual "Bike The Preserves" Membership: $60/annually (only applies to Adult Bicycle rentals). Veterans, students and seniors with proper documentation qualify for a reduced rate of 10% on annual membership.
Fees listed above represent not to exceed fees that the District’s vendor may charge.
Effective date: This ordinance shall be in effect immediately upon adoption
18-0162
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Request Approval To Amend And Exercise Contract Renewal Option
Department(s): Permits, Rentals and Concessions
Vendor: Bike and Roll Inc., Chicago, Illinois
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to extend and amend contract
Good(s) or Service(s): Bicycle rental
Original Contract Period: 5/19/2015 - 5/18/2018
Proposed Contract Period Extension: 5/19/2018 - 5/18/2019
Total Current Contract Amount Authority: n/a
Original Approval: 5/19/2015
Previous Increase(s): n/a
This Increase Requested: n/a
Estimated Fiscal Impact: $17,000.00 + 10% of gross sales (Revenue Generating)
Accounts: N/a
Contract Number(s): 14-40-409
Concurrences:
The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
District(s): Districtwide
Summary: The Forest Preserves would like to exercise the first of two (2) one-year extension options to allow Bike and Roll Inc. to continue providing bicycle rental services at various Forest Preserves locations on a seasonal basis. For the first three (3) years of the program, rentals were offered through kiosks at five (5) locations on the North Branch Trail, as well as at the Dan Ryan Woods.
During this extension period, Bike and Roll Inc. will expand bicycle rental services to fifty (50) Forest Preserve locations, and the number of bikes available for rental will expand from fifty (50) to five hundred (500). If there is consumer demand, the Forest Preserves and vendor may agree on additional locations and an increased number of bikes available for rental. Additionally, the program will transition from a physical docking station model to a dockless model that allows bicycles to be parked within a defined space in Forest Preserves parking lots. The final amendment is subject to legal review and approval.
17-0351
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Proposed Intergovernmental Agreement Amendment
Department: Planning & Development
Other Part(ies): City of Blue Island, Illinois
Request: Authorization to amend an existing Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) to modify certain provisions relating to ownership of a pedestrian bridge
Goods or Services: Agreement to share costs of construction and engineering for approximately one-mile of the Cal Sag Trail including a pedestrian bridge over the Little Calumet River connecting property owned or leased by Blue Island to Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) property
Agreement Number: n/a
Agreement Period: n/a
Fiscal Impact: None
Accounts: n/a
District(s): 5
Summary: The original IGA executed by the parties in December of 2016 provided for transfer of ownership of a pedestrian bridge over the Little Calumet River to the Forest Preserves after construction. The north and west terminus of the bridge will be constructed on and over property owned by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (“MWRD”) and such property is the subject of an existing lease between MWRD and Blue Island. The Forest Preserves requests the authority to amend the IGA to provide for shared ownership of the bridge by Blue Island and the Forest Preserves in recognition of the existing lease of property by Blue Island. The Forest Preserves would retain responsibility for maintenance of the bridge as provided in the original IGA. The final amendment is subject to legal review and approval.
18-0156
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Proposed Contract Amendment
Department(s): Planning & Development
Vendor: A.L.L. Masonry Construction Co. Inc., Chicago, Illinois
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County to extend a previously executed contract
Good(s) or Service(s): Construction services to remove and replace roofs at Chick Evans Golf Course Concession Building in Morton Grove and at Edgebrook Golf Course Garage in Chicago.
Original Contract Period: One hundred fifty (150) days (9/6/2017 - 2/4/2018); Administrative Extension: Sixty (60) days (2/5/2018 - 4/5/2018)
Proposed Contract Period Extension: Ninety (90) days (4/6/2018 - 7/4/2018)
Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $292,316.65
Original Approval: 7/20/2017, $281,839.00
Previous Increase(s): Administrative Increase: 1/30/2018, $10,477.65
This Increase Requested: n/a
Estimated Fiscal Impact: n/a
Accounts: n/a
Contract Number(s): 17-80-13R
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
The Vendor has met the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Ordinance Provisions.
District(s): 9, 13
Summary: Additional time is required to repair bug damage to the existing wood beams at Chick Evans Concession Building. The extent of the damage was not previously known and was identified once the work was started.
18-0158
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Proposed Agreement
Vendor: Tropical Sno, Elmhurst, Illinois
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into an agreement and exercise option
Reason: The Forest Preserves issued a Request for Proposals to provide food, beverage and retail sales at Cummings Square in River Forest. Tropical Sno was the sole bidder. This three (3) year agreement with one (1) optional two-year extension will provide Tropical Sno with the ability to sell shaved ice and other minor retail concessions at the Forest Preserves’ Cummings Square concession facility on a seasonal basis (May through October). Tropical Sno has agreed to pay the Forest Preserves $2,350.00 in year one. This fee increases by $50.00 per year thereafter. Tropical Sno will additionally provide a percentage of sales indicated below. The Forest Preserves expects to receive $8,000.00 during the initial term of this agreement. The two-year extension option may be exercised at the discretion of the General Superintendent or a designee. Tropical Sno was the vendor at this location during a successful pilot program during the summer of 2017. Percentage of sales: Year 1: 0% Year 2: 1% Year 3: 2%
Contract period: Thirty-six (36) months from the issuance of the Purchase Order, with one (1) optional two-year extension.
Estimated Fiscal Impact: $8,000.00 (Revenue Generating during initial three (3) years agreement)
Account(s): N/A (Revenue Generating)
Concurrence(s): The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
District(s): 9
18-0159
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Proposed Intergovernmental Agreement
Department: Resource Management
Other Part(ies): Village of La Grange Park, La Grange Park, Illinois
Request: Authorization to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement
Goods or Services: Maintenance of a buffer zone between Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) property and residential homes at the southern edge of La Grange Park Woods in the Village of La Grange Park, Illinois.
Agreement Number(s): n/a
Agreement Period: Date of execution - 1/23/2023, with additional automatic one (1) year renewal terms unless otherwise terminated
Fiscal Impact: None
Accounts: N/a
District(s): 17
Summary: The proposed Intergovernmental Agreement would grant the Village of La Grange Park (“La Grange”) limited access to the Forest Preserves’ property for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a vegetative buffer between the Forest Preserves and residential homes at the southern edge of La Grange Park Woods between Brainard Avenue and Spring Avenue. The proposed buffer would be a maximum of five (5) feet in width, and will be maintained at no cost to the Forest Preserves. La Grange will be responsible for mowing the area adjacent to homeowner property annually, following the Forest Preserves’ approval of an annual vegetation maintenance plan.
This maintenance will mitigate growth of invasive species and new trees close to homes, where in some instances there is less than a five (5) foot side yard setback.
18-0163
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Proposed Contract Amendment
Department(s): Resource Management
Vendor: Hey & Associates, Volo, Illinois
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to extend contract
Good(s) or Service(s): Hydrologic restoration planning at Powderhorn Lake
Original Contract Period: 4/11/2017 - 5/31/2018
Proposed Contract Period Extension: 6/1/2018 - 9/30/2018
Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $84,907.00
Original Approval: 4/11/2017, $84,907.00
Previous Increase(s): n/a
This Increase Requested: n/a
Estimated Fiscal Impact: n/a
Accounts: Habitat Enhancement 51009.521452, Potential Grant Match and Work Fund 51009.521440, Grant Accounts: 51010.29982, 51010.22522
Contract Number(s): 17-31-105
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
District(s): 4
Summary: Contract #17-31-105 is a Request for Proposals for professional engineering services to study, define, and propose practices to mitigate non-point source pollution (i.e., storm water runoff) at the Powderhorn Lake site in Burnham. The project is being funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Coastal Management Program. The Forest Preserves is requesting a four (4) month contract extension to bring the contract in line with the expiration of the grant, and to account for inadequate weather and ground conditions.
18-0164
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Proposed License Amendment Request
Request: Requesting authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”), as Licensor to renew a License to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (“MWRD”), Grantee, to locate, operate and maintain a temporary pump station and above grade pipes on Forest Preserves land in Miller Meadow along First Avenue to bypass the existing Salt Creek intercepting sewer (the “Facilities”). The Forest Preserves granted License 1722-2 to MWRD for the Facilities for a two (2) year term which expired on 3/1/2018. Due to weather conditions MWRD requests a one-year extension to complete the work and restoration of the impacted areas. The total one-time upfront License Fee of $6,829.97 for a one-year term is waived according to the Memorandum of Understanding approved on 5/11/2017 between the Forest Preserves and MWRD to cooperate in the mutual waiver of permit, license, and other fees for beneficial public works projects.
Term: One (1) year, retroactive to 3/2/2018
License Fee: $6,149.97 - waived per MOU
License Application Fee: $50.00 - waived per MOU
YELAR Fee: $630.00 - waived per MOU
Total one-time upfront fee $6,829.97 - waived per MOU for the term of the License (Sec. 5-2A-4 and 5-2B-4)
Tree Mitigation Fee: n/a
The area of the License is: 0.73 Acres
Concurrence(s): The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
Grantee has met the insurance requirements under the License Agreement.
Forest Preserves staff have reviewed this license application and plans and have found them to be acceptable; therefore, it is recommended that the Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approve the issuance of this license.
District(s): 1
18-0167
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Proposed Intergovernmental Agreement
Department: Planning and Development
Other Part(ies): Village of Schaumburg, Illinois
Request: Authority to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Village of Schaumburg (“Schaumburg”) for construction and maintenance of approximately 800 linear feet of paved trail in the Paul Douglas Forest Preserve from Central Road to the existing Paul Douglas Bicycle Trail.
Goods or Services: The Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) operates and maintains the Paul Douglas Bicycle Trail in Northwestern Cook County. The project will connect residents and businesses south of Central Road and the I-90 Tollway with the Paul Douglas Trail with a new trail connection and bridge over Central Road adjacent to Roselle Road. A trail spur will extend from the north side of Central Road onto Forest Preserve land to connect to the Paul Douglas bicycle trail.
Schaumburg will be responsible for design and construction and future maintenance costs associated with the project. There is no cost to the Forest Preserves.
Agreement Number(s): n/a
Agreement Period: Perpetual, subject to termination after 10 years.
Fiscal Impact: None
Accounts: n/a
District(s): 14
Summary: Schaumburg is requesting an Intergovernmental Agreement to construct a portion of a trail connection along the north side of Central Road on Forest Preserves property. Schaumburg has obtained funding for the design and construction of the trail segment. The IGA constitutes a license for Schaumburg to construct and
maintain the trail in perpetuity, subject to termination by the Forest Preserves after 10 years.
18-0170
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Proposed Contract
Department(s): Planning and Development
Vendor: TERRA Engineering, Ltd., Chicago, Illinois
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute
Good(s) or Service(s): Phase 1 Engineering Services to complete preliminary design for the Des Plaines River trail to cross the Union Pacific Railroad north of Golf Road.
Contract Value: $149,724.88
Contract period: 3/13/2018 - 9 /13/2019
Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2018 $100,000.00, FY 2019 $49,724.88
Accounts: General Consulting Services Account: 51025.520860, 51026.520860, 51054.520860, 51055.520860, 51056.520860, 51057.520860, 51058.520860 and 51009.520860, and Grant Account: 51010.520860.
Contract Number(s): 74000002862
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
The Vendor has met the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Ordinance Provisions.
District(s): 9
Summary: The contract #74000002862 issued under specification #17-80-31 includes professional services for Phase 1 Engineering Services to identify and complete preliminary design of an acceptable solution over, under or across the Union Pacific Railroad for Forest Preserves’ Des Plaines River Trail north of Golf Road. The railroad tracks create a significant interruption for trail users preventing continuous use of the trail system and access to Forest Preserve holdings. The scope will include a crossing at the existing location, as well as identifying alternative locations for the crossing.
The Forest Preserves received thirteen (13) proposals for the project. TERRA Engineering, Ltd. was determined to have submitted the most responsive and responsible proposal, particularly related to their relevant experience, project understanding, technical approach, innovative concepts, effective utilization of subcontractors and capacity to do the work.
The Forest Preserves has been awarded a grant from the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways through the Invest in Cook program in the amount of $100,000.00 for engineering services. The Invest in Cook program helps cover the cost of planning and feasibility studies, engineering right-of-way acquisition, and construction associated with transportation improvements sponsored by local and regional governments and private partners. To leverage $100,000.00 of Invest in Cook grant funds the Forest Preserves has proposed to commit $50,000.00 in matching funds for engineering services for the project.
18-0172
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Proposed Contract
Department(s): Facilities and Fleet Maintenance
Vendor: Black Dog Corporation, Westchester, Illinois
Request: On 4/12/2017, the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved contract #1684-15558 with
Black Dog Corporation, for the supply of unleaded and diesel fuel. The contract was approved for 5/1/2017 to 4/30/2019, with two (2) one-year optional renewals. The Forest Preserve District of Cook County requests authorization to utilize and piggyback off the Cook County contract with Black Dog Corporation.
Good(s) or Service(s): Supply and delivery of unleaded and diesel fuel for the Forest Preserves
Contract Value: $1,200,000.00
Contract period: 4/1/2018 - 4/30/2019 with two (2) one-year optional renewals
Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2018 $800,000.00, FY 2019 $400,000.00
Accounts: Automotive, Operation, and Maintenance 51001.540250
Contract Number(s): 1684-15558
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item
The Vendor has met the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Ordinance Provisions.
District(s): Districtwide
Summary: To realized cost efficiency, the Forest Preserves would like to utilize for its operations the unleaded and diesel fuel contract #1684-15558 of Cook County.
18-0174
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Report
Department: Finance and Administration
Request: Receive and File
Report Title: Procurements and Disbursements
Report Period: 1/1/2018 - 1/31/2018
Summary: Submitting the Procurements and Disbursements Report for the period of January 2018. The
Report is to be received and filed in compliance with Section 1-8-2 (BB) of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County’s Code of Ordinances
18-0179
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Report
Department: Office of the General Superintendent
Report Title: Resident Watchman Annual Report
Report Period: 1/1/2017 - 12/31/2017
Summary: The Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) shall place on the agenda of the March meeting of the Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners an Annual Report listing the names of employees occupying Forest Preserves’ homes for part or all of the fiscal year, as well as their job titles and salaries.
18-0175
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Proposed Calendar Of Events
Department: Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) Calendar - 3/14/2018 - 4/24/2018 Below are some highlighted events occurring throughout the Forest Preserves this Spring. A full list of events is featured in a re-designed seasonal brochure. The spring 2018 edition is a more comprehensive guide to the Forest Preserves compared to the previous brochures which primarily featured activities and events. The updated guide now offers nature interpretation, season features and other educational information about conservation and more.
For the first time, the seasonal guide offers advertising opportunities as a way to expand audiences and generate revenues to offset printing and production costs. In addition to ad revenues generated in the guide, the partnership with Performance Media, the vendor and a woman-owned business, also provides complimentary advertising benefits to the Forest Preserves in various other publications. This season, the Forest Preserves was featured in two Lyric Opera Guides, the Harris Theater Guide and the Chicago Wedding & Party Resource Guide; exceeding $12,000 worth of complimentary advertising.
Saturday, 2/10 - Sunday, 3/25; 10 am - 4 pm
Asia in Bloom: The Orchid Show; Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
With more than 10,000 vibrant orchids, all blooming at once, this year’s Orchid Show will evoke the beauty and serenity of Asia. Fee applies. New: Open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays (a cash bar will be available).
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2/13 - 3/22; 10 am
Morning Music with Orchids; Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Thursday, 3/29; 12 pm - 4 pm
Post-Orchid Show Plant Sale, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Noon to 2 p.m.: All Garden members; 2 to 4 p.m.: Public welcome. While supplies last
Saturday, 4/21 - Sunday, 4/22; 10 am - 4 pm
Unearth Science Festival: Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Celebrate all things science on Earth Day week at our new family-friendly festival. Garden researchers are coming out of the lab and into the Garden. Bring your curiosity and your creativity and get ready for experiments, activities, a floral flash mob, plant poetry slam, and more at the two-day festival.
Sunday, 4/22; 10 am - 4 pm
Party for the Planet, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Celebrate Earth Day at Brookfield Zoo! With special Zoo Chats and green activities and crafts, Party for the Planet is filled with educational, engaging, and fun activities for the entire family that showcase some of the steps you can take to make a difference for animals across the globe.
Saturday, 3/17; 1:30 pm
I’m “Lichen” It; Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Found almost everywhere in nature, lichens are often overlooked. However, further investigation uncovers the fascinating world of this “dual organism.” Program includes a short discussion and a hike. Ages 15 & up.
Sunday, 3/18; 1 pm
Helpful Home Invaders; Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
The next time you see a spider at home, think twice before squishing it! Learn about the bugs that are often feared, but help in our homes.
Sunday, 3/18; 11 am - 3 pm 46th
Annual Maple Syrup Festival; River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Celebrate the arrival of spring with a special day of activities including crafts, games, tree tapping, and maple syrup history with syrup samples to taste.
Sunday, 3/18; 1 pm
Conservation@Home: Growing Milkweeds; Sagawau Environmental Learning, Lemont
Milkweeds have specific requirements for germination and growth. Learn how to propagate and grow milkweeds indoors and out. Registration required.
Wednesday, 3/21; 11 am - 2 pm
Celebrate Spring! Fest; Cummings Square, River Forest
Build and play with natural materials: make a decorative terrarium, create a bird house and participate in other activities. All ages.
Thursday, 3/22; 5:30 pm - 7 pm
Camping 101: For Outdoor Youth Organizations; Camp Dan Beard, Northbrook
Help members of your youth organization master the basics of camping during these free, hands-on workshops for camping skills and teamwork. Learn the basics: tent set-up, campfire building, proper dress, camping etiquette, and more. Registration and adult supervision required; space is limited. Register: experience.camping@cookcountyil.gov
Thursday, 3/22; 9 am - 12 pm
Spring Welcome Event; Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland Discover your wild and wonderful local Forest
Preserves! Join us for an introduction to SRNC and Camp Shabbona Woods. We have ongoing exhibits, hiking trails, pioneer cabins, and live animals.
Saturday, 3/24; 6:30 pm
Woodcock Sky Dance at Wolf Road Prairie; Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Watch the amazing aerial display of the male woodcock as he calls, swirls and tumbles in the sky at dusk. Registration required.
Tuesday, 3/27; 11 am - 2 pm
Spring Breakout Adventure; Rolling Knolls, Elgin
Calling all families, friends and youth organizations. Explore all this unique 56-acre preserve has to offer. Archery, exploring biodiversity, guided hikes, pond fishing, orienteering course or practice your frisbee technique with our 18-hole disc golf course. All equipment provided. Registration required for groups of 20 or more. All ages.
Tuesday, 3/27; 5:30 pm - 7 pm
Camping 101; Camp Bullfrog Lake, Willow Springs
Perfect for families and novice campers, this free, hands-on workshop series teaches basic camping skills to first-time campers who aren’t part of adventure groups. Learn tent set-up, campfire building, proper dress, camping etiquette, and more. Parents required to be present with children 16 and younger. No registration required.
Wednesday, 3/28 & Thursday 3/29; 9:30 am - 12 pm
Spring Break Camp: Mad Scientists!; Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Explore nature through hands-on experiments that promote science discovery through investigation and inquiry. Registration required. Ages 7-10; $20/child.
Thursday, 3/29; 11 am - 2 pm
Spring Breakout Adventure; Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion
Come out for a full day of activities including archery, navigation and orienteering courses, hikes to the tallest point in Chicago, and more. All equipment provided. Registration required for groups of 20 or more. All ages.
Saturday, 3/31; 1 pm
Ornithology 101: Beginning Bird ID; Sagawau Environmental Learning, Lemont
Learn how to use field marks such as eye rings, wing bars, and size to aid in bird identification. Registration required.
Saturday, 3/31; 7:15 pm - 9:15 pm
Full Moon Frogs; Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Use your sense of hearing to identify which frogs are calling tonight. The data will be used as part of the calling frog survey for the Chicago Wilderness Region. Ages 10 & up.
Saturday, 3/31; 10 am - 1 pm
Explore the Thorn Creek Trail System; Sauk Trail Woods Central, Forest Preserve Dr, south of W 26th St, South Chicago Heights
Explore the southern section of the Thorn Creek Trail with a 5K hike around Sauk Lake. Prior to the hike, learn about proper hiking footwear, planning techniques and etiquette. Learn about the cultural and natural history of Sauk Trail Woods. Recommended for ages 10 & up.
Sunday, 4/1; All day event
Searching for Sasquatch; River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
A fun scavenger hunt throughout the day.
Thursday, 4/5; 5:30 pm - 7 pm
Camping 101: For Outdoor Youth Organizations; Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest & Camp Dan Beard, Northbrook (2 locations, same date/time)
Help members of your youth organization master the basics of camping during these free, hands-on workshops for camping skills and teamwork. Learn the basics: tent set-up, campfire building, proper dress, camping etiquette, and more. Registration and adult supervision required; space is limited. Register: experience.camping@cookcountyil.gov
Saturday, 4/7; 11 am - 2 pm
Wilderness Survival; Caldwell Woods, Chicago
This hands-on program teaches the basics of wilderness survival. Learn primitive and natural fire building methods, knot tying techniques and orienteering skills. In addition, you can try your hand at shelter building, edible plant identification and making water potable. Ages 10 and up. Event will take place at the Caldwell Woods Warming Shelter (6350 W. Devon).
Tuesday, 4/10; 5:30 pm - 7 pm
Camping 101; Camp Reinberg, Palatine
Perfect for families and novice campers, this free, hands-on workshop series teaches basic camping skills to first-time campers who aren’t part of adventure groups. Learn tent set-up, campfire building, proper dress, camping etiquette, and more. Parents required to be present with children 16 and younger. No registration required.
Saturday, 4/14; 8 am - 11:30 am
Spring Fishing Derby; Papoose Lake, Palos Park
Join us for spring fishing and fun. Prizes awarded for largest fish caught in different age groups. Registration begins at 8am. Fishing is from 8:30 - 11am. Catch and release event; fishing license not needed.
Saturday, 4/14; 11 am - 2 pm
Maywood Boat Launch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Paddle; Maywood
Grove, Maywood Celebrate the grand opening of our newest canoe and kayak launch along the Des Plaines River at Maywood Grove, with a ribbon cutting cceremony, refreshments, and short canoe and kayak trips from Trailside Museum to Maywood Grove. Get involved in the Forest Preserves’ Greater Maywood Paddling Program, a new FPCC initiative.
Saturday, 4/14; 1:30 pm
Bald Eagle Bash; Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us as we learn about what makes these bald and beautiful lords tick, the significance of their return to Cook County, and where to spot them.
Sunday, 4/15; 1:30pm
Lions, Wolves & Bears-Oh my!; River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Learn about the mega predators that once lived in Illinois.
Sunday, 4/15; 1 pm - 3 pm
Conservation@Home: Gardening for Pollinators; Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Master Gardeners will share tips and recommendations on plants to feed native pollinators from spring to fall. Learn about early spring to late fall blooms and how to incorporate them in your home garden. Registration required.
Saturday, 4/21; 10 am - 3 pm
Earth Day; Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us for a day set aside as a reminder to be good stewards of our planet every day. Activities include art-making, puppet shows, hikes, a tour of Camp Shabbona Woods and Earth Day Jeopardy.
Sunday, 4/22; 1:30 pm
Earth Day Wildflower Hike; Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Check out the array of wildflowers as we walk the White Oak Trail. Hike will just exceed one mile. All ages.
Saturday, 4/21; 9 am - 1 pm
Earth Day Celebration & Preserves Clean Up; Beaubien Woods, I-94 & Doty
Clean up the preserves in partnership with Friends of the Forest Parks and enjoy fun nature activities and snacks during your break. Groups of 10 or more register in advance at Credell.walls@cookcountyil.gov
Committee Items Requiring Board Action
Rules Committee Meeting Of 3/13/2018
18-0185 Journal Of Proceedings meeting held on 2/8/2018
Finance Committee Meeting Of 3/13/2018
18-0180 Recommendation Of The Finance Subcommittee (Litigation) Finance Subcommittee Meeting on Litigation -2/6/2018
18-0186 Recommendation Of The Finance Subcommittee (Workers’ Compensation) Finance Subcommittee Meeting on Litigation – 3/13/2018
18-0169 Bid Recommendation Matthew Paving Inc., Oak Lawn, Illinois
18-0178 Report Corporate Fund Analysis of Revenue and Expense 1/1/2018 - 1/31/2018
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