Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners met July 26.

By Lhalie Castillo

Aug 3, 2018

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:

18-0313

Sponsored by: Toni Preckwinkle (President), Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners

Proposed Resolution

Adoption Of The Sustainability & Climate Resiliency Plan

Whereas, over one hundred years ago, visionary leaders had the foresight to create the Forest Preserves of Cook County (hereafter the “Forest Preserves”) with the mission “to acquire, restore and manage lands for the purpose of protecting and preserving public open space”; and

Whereas, Illinois has experienced a one-degree Fahrenheit increase in average annual temperature since the beginning of the 20th Century; and

Whereas, recent climate projections published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other scientific organizations, predict that if global emissions of greenhouse gases continue to rise, historically unprecedented warming is anticipated in the Midwest region in the next few decades; and

Whereas, along with a projected rise in annual temperatures, studies also project that the Midwest region likely will experience increased events of extreme precipitation during winter and spring, and intense summer droughts; and

Whereas, the Forest Preserves is one of the most important assets of Cook County, and ensuring that its lands, along with its associated ecosystems and wildlife, thrive in the coming century is critical to the success of our entire region; and

Whereas, the Forest Preserves’ mission drives it to consider the impacts of a changing climate on its own lands, on the communities of which the Forest Preserves is a part, and the planet; and

Whereas, the Sustainability & Climate Resiliency Plan was developed to harness the various strengths within the Forest Preserves to address the pressing environmental issues of our time, such as climate change, pollution, invasive species, and habitat loss and fragmentation, all of which are threatening the health of our natural spaces; and

Whereas, the Sustainability & Climate Resiliency Plan was created by the University of Illinois Prairie Research Institute at the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, along with the support and collaboration of key stakeholders, content experts, climate experts, and Forest Preserves staff; and

Whereas, the Forest Preserves believes that integrating sustainable practices across all operations, going above and beyond direct environmental stewardship, is fundamental to fulfilling our mission and directly advances the work described in the Forest Preserves’ Next Century Conservation Plan; and

Whereas, the Forest Preserves is dedicated to implementing responsible practices to mitigate environmental stressors; and

Whereas, the Forest Preserves commits to ensuring that our native landscapes, home to a remarkable diversity of plant and animal life, continue to thrive for generations to come; and

Whereas, the Sustainability & Climate Resiliency Plan calls for the Forest Preserves to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by the year 2050; and

Whereas, the Sustainability & Climate Resiliency Plan also calls for the Forest Preserves to implement a roadmap that will allow the Forest Preserves to be resilient in a changing climate; and

Whereas, in 32 years, with the successful implementation of the Sustainability & Climate Resiliency Plan, the Forest Preserves aims to have thousands of acres of healthy savannas, woodlands, wetlands, and prairies filled with thriving native plants and animals; and

Whereas, visionary and innovative leadership will successfully manage one of the world’s largest metropolitan nature preserves in a sustainable and environmentally conscious manner.

Now, Therefore Be It Resolved, that the President and the Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners do hereby adopt the Sustainability & Climate Resiliency Plan.

Be It Further Resolved, that the President and Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners extend their appreciation to the University of Illinois Prairie Research Institute at the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center for their contributions to the plan.

18-0312

Sponsored by: Toni Preckwinkle (President), Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners

Proposed Ordinance Amendment

1-8-2 Contracts And Purchases

Be It Ordained, by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners, that Title I - Administrative, Chapter 8 - District Finances, Section 2 - Contracts and Purchases of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Code is hereby amended as Follows:

Full text of this Ordinance Amendment for 1-8-2: Contracts and Purchases can be found here: . Below is a list of the amended sections.

Table of Contents

A.3 Disqualification of Business Entity

A.4 Exceptions

A.5 Voiding Contacts

A.6 Hearing

B. Signatures Required on Contracts

C. Purchases Requisitions Purchase Orders

D.1 Disqualification for Tax and Fee Delinquency

D.2 Statement Under Oath

D.3 False Statements

D.43 Delinquency During Pendency of Contract

D.54 Applicability

E. Bids by Local Business

F.4 Designated Products and Recycled Designated Products

F.5 Requirements for Purchasing Contracts

F.6 Rules and Regulations for Procurement of Paper and Paper Products

F.7 Annual Report

F.8 Responsibilities

F.97 Responsibilities of the Purchasing Department

F.108 Exemptions

F.119 Effective Date of Subsection

F.1210 Severability

F.1311 Third Party Rights

H. Contracts for Supplies, Material and Work

I. Powers and Duties of Purchasing Agent

K. No Delegation of Power to Act for Expenditure Exceeding $150,000.00

L. Contracts for a Period Exceeding One Year Three Years

M.3 Pre-Bid Conferences

M.5 Communications with Bidders During the Bid Process

M.6 Bids to Conform to Conditions in Advertisements

M.7 Examination and Tallying of Bids

M.8 Evaluation of Bids

M.9 Contract Award and Execution

N. Requests for Proposals or Requests for Qualifications

O.1 Purchases exceeding $25,000.00 Purchases of $1,000.00 or less

O.2 Purchases of $750.00 or less Purchases equal to or less than $25,000.00

O.3 Purchases greater than $750.00 Purchases exceeding $25,000.00

O.4 Authorization for purchases over $150,000.00

O.5 Determination of Award

O.6 Distribution of Assets

P. Sole Source Procurements

R. Preference to Citizens on Public Works Projects [Section Deleted]

S. Responsible bidder for bids for construction, maintenance, and repair of public works

T. Living Wage

U. Disqualification for Noncompliance with Child Support Orders

V. Disqualification Due to Prior Default or Termination

W. False Statements

Z. Joint Procurements

AA. Consortium and Group Procurements

BB. Procurement and Disbursement Reports

CC. Review and Sunset

DD.CC. Selection of Professional Services for Debt Transactions

DD.1CC.1 Selection

DD.2CC.2 Specific Bond Underwriter Requirements

DD.3CC.3 Continued Management of Bond Proceeds

Effective date: This ordinance shall be in effect sixty (60) days after Board approval.

COMMISSIONERS

18-0327

Sponsored by: Timothy O. Schneider, Gregg Goslin, Richard R. Boykin and John A. Fritchey, Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners

Proposed Resolution

Calling A Hearing Of The Cook County Forest Presrerve Board Of Commissioners To Discuss The Cook County Forest Preserve Alcohol And Controlled Substance And Vehicle Policies

Whereas, on Saturday, June 30, 2018 a fatal car accident occurred involving a Forest Preserve seasonal employee and a Forest Preserve vehicle; and

Whereas, the accident occurred in Elk Grove Village on Arlington Heights Road, the employee was twenty years old under the influence driving a Ford F350 Crew dump truck with four individuals in the vehicle; and

Whereas, the employee has been terminated by the Cook County Forest Preserves and charged with reckless homicide and aggravated driving under the influence of drugs involving a death; and

Whereas, Elk Grove Police are leading the investigation, the investigation is ongoing; and

Whereas, driving under the influence is reckless, it needlessly puts the driver and other lives at risk; and

Now, Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Cook County Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners call for a hearing with Superintendent Arnold Randall to discuss the Cook County Forest Preserve’s Alcohol and Controlled Substance and Vehicle Policies.

18-0330

Sponsored by: Luis Arroyo Jr., Toni Preckwinkle (President), Richard R. Boykin, Jerry Butler, John P. Daley, Dennis Deer, John A. Fritchey, Gregg Goslin, Edward M. Moody, Sean M. Morrison, Timothy O. Schneider, Larry Suffredin and Jeffrey R. Tobolski, Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners

Proposed Resolution

Requesting A Summit Between County And Forest Preserves Leaders With Members Of The Puerto Rican Community

Whereas, on June 14, while setting up to celebrate her birthday at the Forest Preserve Caldwell Woods, Ms. Mia Irizarry was harassed for at least 36 minutes by a man who questioned and berated her about her Puerto Rican flag shirt, with all this captured in a video taken by Ms. Irizarry; and

Whereas, recent data from the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino shows that hate crimes in the top 10 U.S. cities increased 12.46 percent in 2017 from the previous year with anti-Latino hate crime bias listed as one of the most common types of hate crimes in 2017; and

Whereas, in said video, a Forest Preserves Police officer is seen standing by without taking appropriate action despite numerous requests for help and intervention from Ms. Irizarry, who repeatedly expressed her fear for her safety; and

Whereas, on July 9, a 5-minute clip of the original video was shared via social media by a national organization and quickly went viral, prompting responses and requests for action from the community and national representatives including the Honorable Ricardo Rosselló, Governor of Puerto Rico; and

Whereas, the officer of the Forest Preserves District of Cook County was placed on desk duty on June 26, and resigned on his own accord on July 11, before his scheduled hearing regarding the incident; and

Whereas, as of this moment the 5-minute clipped video has been viewed more than 42 million times; and

Whereas, the inaction by the officer embarrassed many law enforcement officers and tarnished the whole department with his failure to act in accordance with his oath to serve and protect the community of Cook County; and

Whereas, the unfairness that Ms. Irizarry had to endure, multiplied by the attention given to the incident, thanks to the distribution of the video via social media, has created a perceived and real harm to the relationships between the Puerto Rican community, the Forest Preserves Police and representatives of this government; and

Whereas, this one incident reflects a situation that, while not exclusive to the Forest Preserves or Cook County, requires a clear and substantial intervention by the leaders of these governmental units in conjunction with leaders of the Puerto Rican community and Ms. Irizarry, to fully understand and address the circumstances which contributed to this incident, in an effort to repair the harm that resulted from this injustice; and

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Board of Commissioners of the Forest Preserves of Cook County requests that a meeting, or set of meetings, be held by the President of the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners, the General Superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, the Chief of the Forest Preserves Police, and the Cook County State’s Attorney with members and leaders of the Puerto Rican Community of Cook County and Ms. Mia Irizarry or her representative to fully understand and address the circumstances which contributed to this incident, and find common ground for policy and training reforms to ensure that the harm that this injustice created can be repaired and the relationships restored; and

Be It Further Resolved, that the members of the Board of Commissioners of the Forest Preserves of Cook County hereby express their deepest regret and most heartfelt apology to Ms. Mia Irizarry for the regrettable situation she had to endure, and vows to work on making sure these incidents are never repeated and reassert our commitment to making the Forest Preserves of Cook County a place where everyone is, and feels, welcome and safe for discovery, renewal and fun.

Office Of The General Superintendent

18-0135

Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent

Proposed Intergovernmental Agreement

Department: Planning & Development

Other Part(ies): Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD)

Request: Permission for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the MWRD

Goods or Services: Green Infrastructure grant from MWRD of the lesser of $319,933.00 or 63.8% of the total project cost as a reimbursement to the Forest Preserves for construction, operation, and maintenance of a permeable pavement parking lot and native plantings at the Forest Preserves Dam No. 4 Woods East, located near Devon Avenue and Dee Road, between the Village of Rosemont, the City of

Park Ridge, and the Edison Park Neighborhood of the City of Chicago.

Agreement Number(s): N/A

Agreement Period: Thirty (30) years

Fiscal Impact: Not to exceed $231,676.00 (local match including contingency)

Accounts: Site Improvement Accounts 51009.560060, 51025.560060, 51026.560060, 51054.560060, 51055.560060, 51056.560060, 51057.560060, 51058.560060 and Grant Account 51010.560028

District(s): 9

Summary: As part of its Green Infrastructure Program, the MWRD proposes to contribute the lesser of $319,933 or 63.8% of the estimated total final project cost of $501,463, for the Forest Preserves to retrofit approximately 41,850 square feet of existing asphalt parking lot with porous unit paving, remove the remaining 50,850 square feet of asphalt parking lot and restore the area to natural open space. The green infrastructure components of the project shall be designed by the Forest Preserves to capture up to 94,212 gallons of storm water per rain event. This project is intended to reduce direct discharge of storm water runoff to the Des Plaines River, in order to help reduce downstream flooding and improve in-stream water quality. The Forest Preserves is responsible for maintaining the project, including the permanent posting of required signage. In addition to the costs described above, the proposed agreement includes provisions that could result in additional future costs to the Forest Preserves that are unknown at this time. The MWRD shall have the right (including any necessary right of access) to conduct its own annual inspection of the constructed project.

The Forest Preserves is required to comply with applicable standards or provisions in MWRD’s Purchasing Ordinance and Affirmative Action Ordinance, as well as MWRD’s applicable labor requirements. The final agreement is subject to legal review and approval.

18-0288

Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent

Proposed Intergovernmental Agreement

Department: Facilities and Fleet

Other Part(ies): Forest View Police Department, Forest View, Illinois

Request: The Forest Preserve of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) is requesting permission to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Forest View Police Department.

Goods or Services: The Forest Preserves will donate one (1) K-9 police vehicle to the Forest View Police Department.

Agreement Number(s): N/A

Agreement Period: Agreement will begin when Forest View Police Department takes possession of the vehicle. This is a one-time agreement.

Fiscal Impact: The estimated value of the Ford Escape is $4,500.00

Accounts: N/A

District(s): 3

Summary: The Forest Preserves recently received a grant from the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (“DHSEM”) for the purchase of a new K-9 Police Vehicle. With the acquisition of a new K-9 Police Vehicle, the Forest Preserves will have more K-9 Vehicles then required per the number of K-9 officers within the Forest Preserves. DHSEM, acting as intermediary, has requested assistance from the Forest Preserves in providing the Forest View Police Department with a used K-9 Police Vehicle. In the spirit of intergovernmental cooperation, the Forest Preserves seeks permission to donate its K-9 Police Vehicle to the Forest View Police Department to assist in their K-9 training.

18-0274

Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent

Proposed Authority To Exercise Contract Extension Option

Department(s): Landscape Maintenance

Vendor: Service Sanitation, Gary, Indiana

Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to exercise the first of two (2) one-year contract extension options and to increase the Service Sanitation contract

Good(s) or Service(s): Placement and Servicing of Portable Toilets in Region 1

Original Contract Period: 11/1/2015 - 10/31/2018

Proposed Contract Period Extension: 11/1/2018 - 10/31/2019

Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $241,602.00

Original Approval: 7/21/2015, $241,602.00

Previous Increase(s): N/A

This Increase Requested: $138,000.00

Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2018 $38,000.00 FY 2019 $100,000.00

Accounts: Professional Services 51001.520840 and 51001.520825, Building 51009.560106, 51055.560106, 51056.560106, and 51057.560106, Fisheries Management 51001.521448, Other Materials and Supplies 51001.530267, Conservation Corps 51058.521525

Contract Number(s): 15-52-201 (FPD 74000003102)

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): 1, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17

Summary: Placement and servicing of standard portable toilets as well as ADA portable toilets for groves with accessible pads. Servicing will include two (2) cleanings per week during peak season for Region 1, which consists of North West, Poplar Creek, Des Plaines, and Indian Boundary Divisions.

18-0275

Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent

Proposed Authority To Exercise Contract Extension Option

Department(s): Landscape Maintenance

Vendor: Service Sanitation, Gary, Indiana

Good(s) or Service(s): Placement and Servicing of Portable Toilets in Region 2

Original Contract Period: 11/1/2015 - 10/31/2018

Proposed Contract Period Extension: 11/1/2018 - 10/31/2019

Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $218,376.00

Original Approval: 7/21/2015, $218,376.00

Previous Increase(s): N/A

This Increase Requested: $65,000.00

Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2019 $65,000.00

Contract Number(s): 15-52-202 (74000003103)

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): 1, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17

Summary: Placement and servicing of standard portable toilets as well as ADA portable toilets for groves with accessible pads. Servicing will include two (2) cleanings per week during peak season for Region 2, which consists of North Branch, Skokie and Salt Creek Divisions.

18-0277

Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent

Proposed Authority To Exercise Contract Extension Option

Department(s): Landscape Maintenance

Vendor: Service Sanitation, Gary, Indiana

Good(s) or Service(s): Placement and Servicing of Portable Toilets in Region 3

Original Contract Period: 11/1/2015 - 10/31/2018

Proposed Contract Period Extension: 11/1/2018 - 10/31/2019

Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $282,360.00

Original Approval: 7/21/2015, $282,360.00

Previous Increase(s): N/A

This Increase Requested: $89,000.00

Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2019 $89,000.00

Contract Number(s): 15-52-203 (74000003104)

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): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 16, 17

Summary: Placement and servicing of standard portable toilets as well as ADA portable toilets for groves with accessible pads. Servicing will include two (2) cleanings per week during peak season for Region 3, which consists of Palos, Sag Valley and Tinley Creek Divisions.

18-0278

Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent

Proposed Authority To Exercise Contract Extension Option

Department(s): Landscape Maintenance

Vendor: Service Sanitation, Gary, Indiana

Good(s) or Service(s): Placement and Servicing of Portable Toilets in Region 4

Original Contract Period: 11/1/2015 - 10/31/2018

Proposed Contract Period Extension: 11/1/2018 - 10/31/2019

Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $191,070.00

Original Approval: 7/21/2015, $191,070.00

Previous Increase(s): N/A

This Increase Requested: $60,000.00

Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2019 $60,000.00

Contract Number(s): 15-52-204 (74000003105)

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): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 11

Summary: Placement and servicing of standard portable toilets as well as ADA portable toilets for groves with accessible pads. Servicing will include two (2) cleanings per week during peak season for Region 4, which consists of Calumet and Thorn Creek Divisions.

18-0296

Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent

Proposed License Request

Request: Requesting authorization for the Forest Preserve of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”), as Licensor to grant a License to The City of Calumet City (the “Calumet”), Grantee, to locate, operate and maintain an 8-inch water main across the Forest Preserves property to provide a secondary feed from 159th Street (River Oaks Drive). There is currently a single 12-inch main which provides water to the Forest Preserves’ River Oaks Golf Course and The Parks Condominium residences. Currently a break or repair to the main results in complete disruption of water service to the golf course and the residences. The new main for which this license is proposed will provide a looped water system to maintain a continued water supply in the event of a break or repair to the single main to both the Forest Preserve’s golf course and the neighboring Calumet residents.

Term: Continuous

License Fee: $24,876.03

License Application Fee: $500.00

License Review Fee: $5,000.00

YELAR Fee: $6,300.00

Total one-time upfront fee of $36,676.03 for the term of the License (Sec. 5-2A-4 and 5-2B-4)

Tree Mitigation Fee: None

The area of the License is: 0.296 Acre

Concurrence(s):

The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item.

Grantee has met the insurance requirements under the License Agreement.

The 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 of Cook County Board of Commissioners approve the issuance of this license.

Final agreement subject to Legal review and approval.

District(s): 4

18-0298

Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent

Proposed Contract

Department(s): Resource Management

Vendor: Tallgrass Restoration LLC, Schaumburg, Illinois

Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute

Good(s) or Service(s): Comprehensive habitat enhancement services, North region

Contract Value: Not to exceed a combined total of $5,000,000.00 annually in conjunction with project numbers 18-31-101, 18-31-101C, and 18-31-101S from December 1 to November 30, or $25,000,000.00 over the five (5) year term

Contract period: 12/1/2018 - 11/30/2023

Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2019 $1,575,000.00, FY 2020 $1,575,000.00, FY 2021 $1,575,000.00, FY 2022 $1,575,000.00, FY 2023 $1,575,000.00

Accounts: Habitat Enhancement 51009.521452 and 51058.521452, Habitat Restoration 51009.521444, 51055.521444, 51056.521444, 51057.521444 and 51058.521444, EAB Tree Removal 51009.521456 and 51058.521456, Vegetation Management 51009.521455 and 51058.521455, Intern Programs 51009.521525 and 51058.521525, Grant Match and Work Fund 51009.521440, Mitigation 51010.29982 and 51010.22522, Site Amenities 51009.560060, 51055.560060, 51056.560060 and 51057.560060

Contract Number(s): 74000003823

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: Project #18-31-101N consists of comprehensive habitat enhancement services including, but not limited to invasive species management, prescribed burning, and ecological and hydrological repair throughout the Forest Preserves north region. Work will involve restoration at high quality sites which require a high degree of specialization. The Forest Preserves issued a Request for Proposals, and received a total of eight (8) responses for this project.

The Forest Preserves assembled a review panel which consisted of various Forest Preserves staff and outside experts that considered Tallgrass Restoration’s proposal one of the most responsive, with particular strengths in experience, expertise, and performance capacity as it relates to the work as detailed in the specifications. Proposals were evaluated on their experience and expertise with similar projects, proposed approach, cost proposal, and capacity to perform all aspects of the work. Tallgrass Restoration is 1 of 4 vendors selected to perform services under this contract.

This contract is critical to advancing the goals of the Next Century Conservation Plan to restore 30,000 acres to ecological health.

18-0299

Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent

Proposed Contract

Department(s): Resource Management

Vendor: Stantec Consulting Services, Lombard, Illinois

Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute

Good(s) or Service(s): Comprehensive habitat enhancement services, Central region

Contract Value: Not to exceed a combined total of $5,000,000.00 annually in conjunction with project numbers 18-31-101, 18-31-101N, and 18-31-101S from December 1 to November 30, or $25,000,000.00 over the five (5) year term

Contract period: 12/1/2018 - 11/30/2023

Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2019 $1,575,000.00, FY 2020 $1,575,000.00, FY 2021 $1,575,000.00, FY 2022 $1,575,000.00, FY 2023 $1,575,000.00

Accounts: Habitat Enhancement 51009.521452 and 51058.521452, Habitat Restoration 51009.521444, 51055.521444, 51056.521444, 51057.521444 and 51058.521444, EAB Tree Removal 51009.521456 and 51058.521456, Vegetation Management 51009.521455 and 51058.521455, Intern Programs 51009.521525 and 51058.521525, Grant Match and Work Fund 51009.521440, Mitigation accounts 51010.29982 and 51010.22522, Site Amenities 51009.560060, 51055.560060, 51056.560060 and 51057.560060

Contract Number(s): 74000003824

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: Project #18-31-101C consists of comprehensive habitat enhancement services including, but not limited to invasive species management, prescribed burning, and ecological and hydrological repair throughout the Forest Preserves central region. Work will involve restoration at high quality sites which require a high degree of specialization. The Forest Preserves issued a Request for Proposals, and received a total of eight (8) responses for this project.

The Forest Preserves assembled a review panel which consisted of various Forest Preserve staff and outside experts that considered Stantec’s proposal one of the most responsive, with particular strengths in experience, expertise, and performance capacity as it relates to the work as detailed in the specifications. Proposals were evaluated on their experience and expertise with similar projects, proposed approach, cost proposal, and capacity to perform all aspects of the work. Stantec is 1 of 4 vendors selected to perform services under this contract.

This contract is critical to advancing the goals of the Next Century Conservation Plan to restore 30,000 acres to ecological health.

18-0301

Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent

Proposed Contract

Department(s): Resource Management

Vendor: Pizzo & Associates, Leland, Illinois

Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute

Good(s) or Service(s): Comprehensive habitat enhancement services, South region

Contract Value: Not to exceed a combined total of $5,000,000.00 annually in conjunction with project numbers 18-31-101, 18-31-101N, and 18-31-101C from December 1 to November 30, or $25,000,000.00 over the five (5) year term

Contract period: 12/1/2018 - 11/30/2023

Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2019 $1,575,000.00, FY 2020 $1,575,000.00, FY 2021 $1,575,000.00, FY 2022 $1,575,000.00, FY 2023 $1,575,000.00

Contract Number(s): 74000003825

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: Project #18-31-101S consists of comprehensive habitat enhancement services including, but not limited to invasive species management, prescribed burning, and ecological and hydrological repair throughout the Forest Preserves south region. Work will involve restoration at high quality sites which require a high degree of specialization. The Forest Preserves issued a Request for Proposals, and received a total of eight (8) responses for this project.

The Forest Preserves assembled a review panel which consisted of various Forest Preserve staff and outside experts that considered Pizzo & Associates’ proposal one of the most responsive, with particular strengths in experience, expertise, and performance capacity as it relates to the work as detailed in the specifications. Proposals were evaluated on their experience and expertise with similar projects, proposed approach, cost proposal, and capacity to perform all aspects of the work. Pizzo & Associates is 1 of 4 vendors selected to perform services under this contract.

This contract is critical to advancing the goals of the Next Century Conservation Plan to restore 30,000 acres to ecological health.

18-0302

Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent

Proposed Contract

Department(s): Resource Management

Vendor: Living Habitats, Chicago, Illinois

Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute

Good(s) or Service(s): Habitat enhancement consultation services

Contract Value: Not to exceed a combined total of $5,000,000.00 annually in conjunction with project numbers 18-31-101N, 18-31-101C, and 18-31-101S from December 1 to November 30, or $25,000,000.00 over the five (5) year term

Contract period: 12/1/2018 - 11/30/2023

Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2019 $275,000.00, FY 2020 $275,000.00, FY 2021 $275,000.00, FY 2022 $275,000.00, FY 2023 $275,000.00

Contract Number(s): 74000003826

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: Project #18-31-101 consists of comprehensive habitat enhancement services which encompass a variety of tasks, including the assessment and execution of land management work to restore the Forest Preserves natural habitat. Work will involve restoration at high quality sites which require a greater degree of specialization. Living Habitats submitted a proposal to provide environmental consultation services that will inform work to address issues including, but not limited to, invasive species management, prescribed burning, and ecological and hydrological assessment throughout the Forest Preserves. The Forest Preserves issued a Request for Proposals, and received a total of eight (8) responses for this project.

The Forest Preserves assembled a review panel which consisted of various Forest Preserve staff and outside experts that considered Living Habitats’ proposal one of the most responsive in terms of the consulting aspect, with particular strengths in experience, expertise, and performance capacity as it relates to the work as detailed in the specifications. Proposals were evaluated on their experience and expertise with similar projects, proposed approach, cost proposal, and capacity to perform all aspects of the work. Living Habitats is 1 of 4 vendors selected to perform services under this contract.

This contract will assist in advancing the goals of the Next Century Conservation Plan to restore 30,000 acres to ecological health.

18-0303

Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent

Proposed Contract Amendment

Department(s): Resource Management

Vendor: Cardno Inc., Monee, Illinois

Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to extend contract

Good(s) or Service(s): Portwine North tree and brush removal

Original Contract Period: 8/2/2017 - 8/1/2018

Proposed Contract Period Extension: 8/2/2018 - 8/1/2019

Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $60,605.00

Original Approval: N/A, the initial contract did not require approval by the Board of Commissioners because it did not exceed $150,000.00 or one (1) year in length.

Previous Increase(s): N/A

This Increase Requested: N/A

Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2018 $30,302.50, FY 2019 $30,302.50

Accounts: Habitat Enhancement 51009.521452 and 51058.521452, Habitat Restoration 51009.521444 and 51058.521444, EAB Tree Removal 51009.521456 and 51058.521456, Potential Grant Match and Work Fund 51009.521440, Grant Accounts 51010.520840

Contract Number(s): 17-31-111

Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.

District(s): 14

Summary: This is an amendment for an extension of time only. Said extension causes the overall project timing to exceed the term threshold for the contract, and it is now therefore being brought before the Board of Commissioners. The initial contract did not require approval by the Board of Commissioners because it did not exceed $150,000.00 or one (1) year in length.

Contract #17-31-111 consists of approximately 26.1 acres of tree and brush removal in accordance with the Forest Preserves specifications at a portion of Potawatomi Woods known as Portwine North in Northbrook, Illinois. The project is being funded through a mitigation account from the Illinois Tollway specifically for this project, which was designed in combination with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Due to inadequate conditions, the Forest Preserves is requesting an additional twelve (12) month contract extension to complete the work.

18-0304

Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent

Proposed Contract Amendment

Department(s): Resource Management

Vendor: Semper Fi Land Services, Aurora, Illinois

Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to extend contract

Good(s) or Service(s): Green Lake Savanna tree thinning

Original Contract Period: 12/12/2017 - 4/30/2018, sixty (60) day administrative extension 5/1/2018 - 6/29/2018

Proposed Contract Period Extension: 6/30/2018, retroactive - 6/29/2019

Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $68,720.00

Original Approval: N/A, the initial contract did not require approval by the Board of Commissioners because it did not exceed $150,000.00 or one (1) year in length

Previous Increase(s): N/A

This Increase Requested: N/A

Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2018 $34,360.00, FY 2019 $34,360.00

Contract Number(s): 17-31-120

Concurrences:

The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.

District(s): 4

Contract #17-31-120 consists of approximately 32.2 acres of tree thinning across two work zones in accordance with the Forest Preserves specifications at Green Lake Savanna in Calumet City, Illinois. This work expands the footprint of similar work which was completed to the north of the project area in the winter of 2014-15. The project is being funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Approximately twenty (20) acres remain on the project. The Forest Preserves is requesting an additional twelve (12) month contract extension to complete the work.

18-0306

Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent

Proposed Grant Award

Department: Resource Management

Grantee: Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”)

Grantor: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Great Lakes Coastal Program (“USFWS”)

Request: Authorization to accept grant and provide matching funds

Purpose: The Forest Preserves has received grant funding from the USFWS in support of habitat restoration activities at Somme Nature Preserve in Northbrook. The USFWS grant funds are provided through the Great Lakes Coastal Program.

Grant Amount: $76,166.00

Grant Period: 9/1/2018 - 10/30/2021

Fiscal Impact: $76,166.00 match

Accounts: EAB Tree Removal 51009.521456 and 51058.521456, Vegetation Management 51009.521455 and 51058.521455, Habitat Enhancement 51009.521452 and 51058.521452, Habitat Restoration 51009.521444 and 51058.521444, Grant & Mitigation accounts 51010.540350

Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.

District(s): 14

Summary: The Forest Preserves has been awarded a grant by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via the Great Lakes Coastal Program. These grant funds provide for ecological restoration activities at Somme Nature Preserve which include clearing nineteen (19) acres of trees and brush and planting locally collected seed. This project advances the goals of the Next Century Conservation Plan and the Natural and Cultural Resource Plan which identified the 730-acre Somme Preserve complex as one of the highest priority landscapes for conservation and ecological restoration.

Total project costs are $152,332.00, with a 50/50 match contribution by each partner.

18-0311

Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent

Proposed Contract Amendment

Department(s): Legal Department

Vendor: Frank Pawlak, PC, Romeoville, Illinois

Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to increase contract

Good(s) or Service(s): Workplace Investigation Services

Original Contract Period: 1/10/2018 - 1/9/2019

Proposed Contract Period Extension: N/A

Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $25,000.00

Original Approval: N/A, the initial contract did not require approval by the Board of Commissioners because it did not exceed $150,000.00 or one (1) year in length

Previous Increase(s): N/A

This Increase Requested: $125,000.00

Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2018 $125,000.00

Accounts: Legal Services 51001-521055 and 51011-580011

Contract Number(s): RFP 18-60-100 (FPD 74000002561)

Concurrences:

The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.

District(s): Districtwide

Summary: In an effort to reduce the number of, and exposure from, lawsuits filed against the Forest Preserves by current and former employees; the Forest Preserves utilizes external investigators to explore claims of disparate treatment and/or harassment in the workplace. The vendor was selected via a request for proposal. Other vendors were selected as well. It is anticipated that assignments will be awarded on a rotating basis.

18-0318

Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent

Proposed Contract Amendment

Department(s): Legal Department

Vendor: Michael J. Shim, Chicago, Illinois

Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves) to increase contract

Good(s) or Service(s): Workplace Investigation Services

Original Contract Period: 1/10/2018 - 1/9/2019

Proposed Contract Period Extension: N/A

Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $25,000.00

Original Approval: N/A, the initial contract did not require approval by the Board of Commissioners because it did not exceed $150,000.00 or one (1) year in length.

Previous Increase(s): N/A

This Increase Requested: $125,000.00

Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2018 $125,000.00

Accounts: Legal Services 51001-521055 and 51011-580011

Contract Number(s): RFP 18-60-100 (FPD 74000002562)

Concurrences:

The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.

District(s): Districtwide

18-0293

Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent

Proposed Contract Amendment

Department(s): Finance and Administration

Vendor: Systems Solutions Inc., Northbrook, Illinois

Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to extend and increase a contract

Good(s) or Service(s): Computer hardware, desktop computers, laptops, monitors, printers and other technical necessities

Original Contract Period: 7/11/2012 - 7/10/2015; Administrative extension for sixty (60) days from 7/11/2015 - 9/8/2015; Board approved extension 9/9/2015 - 12/31/2016; Administrative extension for sixty (60) days from 1/1/2017 - 3/1/2017; Board approved contract extension 3/2/2017 - 6/30/2017; Administrative extension for sixty (60) days from 7/1/2017 - 8/29/2017; and Board Approved Contract Extension on 9/12/2017 retroactive from 8/30/2017 - 6/30/2018.

Proposed Contract Period Extension: 7/1/2018 through 6/30/2019, retroactive

Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $1,740,000.00

Original Approval: 7/1/2012, $200,000.00

Previous Increase(s): 5/13/2013, $20,000.00; Board Approved 6/18/2013, $300,000.00; Board Approval 1/20/2015, $300,000.00; Board Approval 9/18/2015, $420,000.00; Board Approval 3/9/2017, $300,000.00; and Board Approval 9/12/2017, $200,000.00.

This Increase Requested: $200,000.00

Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2018 $50,000.00, FY 2019 $150,000.00

Accounts: Materials and Supplies 51001-530635

Contract Number(s): Cook County 11-84-167 Lot A-Hardware (FPD 74000002504)

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: The Forest Preserves seeks to continue to piggyback Cook County’s contract with System Solutions that was recently increased and extended by the Cook County Board on 6/27/2018. This contract extension request is through 6/30/2019. This will allow the Cook County Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, Bureau of Technology and the Forest Preserves to complete a new contract process and efficient transition to a new vendor.

18-0309

Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent

Proposed License Renewal Request

Request: Requesting authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”), as Licensor to renew a License to the Nature Exploration Academy (NEA), Grantee, for use of a large bunkhouse at Camp Sullivan during off-peak times, specifically Monday - Friday, during the months of August through May. The renewal represents an extension of the Right of Entry Agreement at the same location approved by the Board on 9/12/2017. NEA, a non-profit, used the bunkhouse at Camp Sullivan during the 2017-2018 school year for their nine (9) student classroom. Both NEA and the Forest Preserves agreed that the partnership was positive for both parties.

Term: Originally, 9/13/2017 - 5/25/2018. Proposing three (3) year extension, with the option for the General Superintendent to approve two (2), one-year renewals.

License Fee: At least $6,700.00 annually (about 75% discount off of the standard rate for campgrounds); revenues will increase if anticipated fee increase for usage of the campgrounds is approved.

License Application Fee: $0.00

YELAR Fee: N/A

Tree Mitigation Fee: N/A

The area of the License is: Large bunkhouse at Camp Sullivan, 14630 Oak Park Ave., Oak Forest, Illinois 60452.

Concurrence(s): The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.

District(s): 6

18-0295

Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent

Report

Department: Finance and Administration

Request: Receive and File

Report Title: Procurement and Disbursements

Report Period: 5/1/2018 - 5/31/2018

Summary: Submitting the Procurements and Disbursements Report for the period of May 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 Ordinance.

18-0290

Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent

Proposed Calendar Of Events

Department: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar of Events - 7/27/2018 to 9/11/2018

Summary:

Every Day, 5/26 - 9/3 (all day)

Amazing Arachnids, Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield

Join us for an aMAZEing time weaving your way through a new summer exhibit-Amazing Arachnids! The interactive and engaging experience has two components: The Art and Science of Arachnids, which features 100 live arachnids found around the world, and Mission Safari, an immersive experience that introduces different themes of species’ survival and protection through play-and-learn interactives.

Fridays and Saturdays, 7/6 - 8/18; 4pm - 9pm

Summer Nights, Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield

This summertime event is back for a fifth season! Enjoy Brookfield Zoo in a new light with cooler evening weather, enhanced dining and drinks, live music, roaming performers, kid’s entertainment, and a new laser light show, all surrounded by wildlife and nature. Also join us for family-friendly programming on select Sundays throughout the summer.

Thursday, 7/26; 4pm - 7pm

Paddle 101, Beaubien Woods Flatfoot Lake, Chicago

Always wanted to try canoeing? Learn the parts of a canoe, paddling techniques, and safety tips before testing your new found skills on the water. Canoes supplied.

Friday, 7/27; 8pm

Full Moon Night Hike, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland

Learn about the habits of nocturnal animals, then head outside to view them. Registration required.

Saturday, 7/28; 1:30pm

Midsummer Mushrooms, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs

Join us for a 1.75-mile hike as we look to see fungal fruiting bodies. Ages 18 and up. Registration required.

Saturday, 7/28; 10am - 12pm

Powderhorn Hike and Paddle, Powderhorn Lake, Burnham

Explore the unique surroundings of Powderhorn Lake on land and water guided by the Forest Preserve’s ecology team. Ages 16 and up.

Sunday, 7/29; 1pm

Catching Dragons and Damselflies!, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills

They may not breathe fire, but they did live with dinosaurs. Come practice your catch and release skills while learning more.

Tuesday, 7/31; 6:30pm (film starts at dusk)

Movies in the Park: Films from the Forest, Fuller Park, 331 W. 45th St., Chicago

In partnership with the Chicago Park District, the Forest Preserves of Cook County offers family friendly, free and fun, nature based, outdoor adventure activities before the showing of Moana (PG). Test your wayfinding skills without a GPS and create instruments to help Moana help her community.

Thursday, 8/2; 12pm - 4pm

Teen Exploration Day, Powderhorn Lake, Burnham

Join us for environmental education and outdoor activities. Try canoeing, games and archery. Ages 13 and up.

Thursdays, 8/2, 8/9, 8/16; 10am - 11am

Wellness in the Woods: Yoga, Dan Ryan Woods-Central, W. 83rd St, east of Western Ave.

Bring your own mat. Recommended for ages 50 and up. In partnership with Oak Street Health-Ashburn.

Saturday, 8/4; 10am - 11pm

River Paddling

Beaubien Woods Boat Launch, Chicago

Always wanted to try canoeing? Learn the parts of a canoe, paddling techniques, and safety tips before testing your new found skills on the water. Voyager canoes from Wilderness Inquiry supplied. A tour of the river by voyager canoe is available for registered participants from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Funded in part by the Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust.

Sunday, 8/5; 9am - 5pm

CAMBr Meltdown, Pulaski Woods, Willow Springs

The CAMBr Meltdown is Chicagoland’s premiere mountain biking event, with racing for all ages and abilities. Free for spectators.

Sunday, 8/5; 1pm

Bugapalozza! Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills

Explore insects with activities and crafts. What will you catch (and release) on your insect safari?

Wednesday, 8/8; 4pm - 6pm

Archery 101, National Grove-South, Groveland Ave, North Riverside

Learn all things archery: history, bow parts and proper technique. Equipment provided. Ages 10 and up.

Friday, 8/10; 7:30pm - 9pm

Bats-Night Stalkers, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest

Explore the world of bats by seeing and hearing them with special bat-detecting equipment. Adults and children ages 10 and up. Registration required.

Friday through Saturday, 8/10 - 8/11

Family Campout, Camp Bullfrog Lake, Willow Springs

Intro to camping for families. Includes meals, camping gear, and outdoor fun. Registration required. $75. Camperships available.

Saturday, 8/11; 9:30am - 2pm

Upper Des Plaines Paddle & Clean-Up, Dam No. 1 Woods, Wheeling

Join in clean-up efforts as we paddle along the river, learn about aquatic life, and why it is important to keep our rivers clean. Tools provided. All ages. Registration required.

Saturday, 8/11; 10am - 1pm

Hiking 101: Explore the Thorn Creek Trail, Sauk Trail Woods-Central, South Chicago Heights

Enjoy a guided hike observing the preserve’s ecology. Learn tips to become a better hiker. Ages 10 and up.

Saturday and Sunday, 8/11 - 8/12; 10am - 3pm (weather permitting)

Kite Festival, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe

Enjoy soaring stunt-kite performances set to music by members of the Chicago Fire Kite Team and members of the Kite Society of Wisconsin and Illinois. The Festival takes place in the meadow west of Evening Island. Visitors can walk there or take the free tram. Ice cream, beverages, and many lunch options will be available for purchase on-site.

Wednesday, 8/15 and 9/5; 5pm - 8pm

Farm Dinners, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe

This unique farm-to-table dinner celebrates the connection between Midwestern farmland and locally grown food. The dinner table will be set in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden, where the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Windy City Harvest Youth Farm students plant, cultivate, and harvest the sustainable, organic produce for the meal. The Farm Dinner includes cocktails, a garden tour, and talks with the chef and Windy City Harvest participants. Proceeds support the Youth Farm.

Thursday, 8/16; 6pm - 8pm

Kayak the Pond, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest

Try kayaking on Trailside’s pond as the sun sets and a campfire crackles. All materials provided. All ages. Registration required.

Saturday, 8/18; 10am - 2pm

Back-to-School Paddle & Adventure Day, Rolling Knolls, Elgin

As we say goodbye to summer, come out for a day of paddling, archery and more. Instruction and gear provided. Group registration required. All ages.

Saturday, 8/18; 9am-2pm

Hummingbird Fest, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont

Join us for activities, viewing, and demos of how the birds are banded for tracking and research purposes.

Monday, 8/20; 6:30pm (film starts at dusk)

Movies in the Park: Films from the Forest, Rowan Park, 11546 S. Avenue L, Chicago

Wednesday, 8/22; 4:30pm - 6pm

River Kayaking 101, Trailside Museum, River Forest

Instruction provided prior to a short paddle along the Des Plaines River to Maywood Grove. Perfect for new kayakers. Registration required. Call 312-533-5751.

Friday, 8/24; 7pm - 9pm

In the Cabin, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland

Experience what pioneer life might have been like 200 years ago with activities of the time. Registration required.

Saturday, 8/25; 6pm - 11pm

Busse Woods Night Bike Ride and Paddle, Busse Lake Boating Center, Elk Grove Village

Paddle on Busse Lake and bike the loop trail at sunset, twilight, or in the dark. Ticket includes live music, bonfires, snacks, and beer.

Saturday, 8/25; 7pm - 10pm

Date Night Hike, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook

Couples and friends are invited to hike our trails and relax around a campfire with dinner and drinks. Ages 21 and up. Registration required. $15/each person.

Saturday and Sunday, 8/25 - 8/26; 11am - 4pm

Heirloom Fest: Tomatoes and More, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe

Learn from the experts all about heirloom veggies - how to grow them, cook with them, and save their seeds. Hands-on games and activities will be available from families. Purchase fresh produce, take a tour of the Regenstein Fruit and Vegetable Garden, and more.

Sunday, 8/26; 7:30am - 9:30am

Bike the Garden, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe

Bike the Garden is the one day of the year that bicyclists of all ages are allowed to ride the full perimeter of the Garden. After your ride, unwind in the festival area across from the McDonald Woods Pavilion, featuring vendors and information tables.

Sunday, 8/26; 10am - 12pm

Hiking 101: Hike through History, Oak Forest Heritage Preserve, Oak Forest

Discover the uncommon history beneath the surface of this iconic preserve that spans 13,000 years. All ages, recommended for ages 12 and up.

Sunday, 8/26; 1pm

Painting Hummingbirds with Watercolors, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont

Sit in the hummingbird garden and draw these avian marvels. Learn how to paint their iridescent colors. Registration required.

Sunday, 8/26; 11am - 2pm

Family Fish School; River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook

Have fun with your family learning about fish and fishing with the Forest Preserves’ Fish Biologist.

Saturday and Sunday, 8/28 - 8/29; 11am - 4pm

Herb Garden Weekend, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe

Learn how to grow and use a variety of kitchen garden herbs. There will be displays, demonstrations, vendors, and a parsley seedling giveaway, while supplies last.

Friday, 8/31; 7:30pm

Sundown Serenade; Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs

Animal vocalizations can be heard floating through the air on a summer night. Walk with us as we listen to a serenade. All ages. Registration required.

Saturday, 9/1; 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Miniature-Nature Scenes, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs

Express your creativity, stimulate your senses, and improve your coordination by using loose, natural objects to build natural scenes on tree cookie platforms! All ages. Registration required. Limit 25.

Friday, 9/7; 4pm - 7pm

Fair at the Square, Cummings Square, River Forest

Come and enjoy this ‘creative-reuse carnival’ with carnival-themed games made from repurposed materials! Win prizes, learn about local plants and animals, and more. All ages.

Saturday and Sunday, 9/8 - 9/9; 10am - 5pm (Saturday), 10am - 4pm (Sunday)

A River Thru History: Des Plaines Valley Rendezvous, Columbia Woods, Willow Springs

Look back 200 years to frontier life and enjoy food, music, crafts, reenactments, canoe races, games and more. Park free at UPS parking lot at Willow Springs Rd and 75th St and take the shuttle bus to the event site. Adult admission $10; family pass $25; senior (over 62) $5; children (6-17) $5. Free for kids under 6. Cash only. Check out aRiverThruHistory.com.

Saturday, 9/8; 10am - 11:30am

Coffee in the Woods? Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland

Learn all about campfire safety and learn how to build a campfire. After, enjoy making a delicious cup of coffee and checking out Camp Shabbona Woods and Sand Ridge Nature Center trails. Registration required.

Saturday and Sunday, 9/8 - 9/9

CLIC Training (Camping Leadership Immersion Course); Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest

For leaders of organized groups. This overnight course teaches essential camping skills so you can confidently lead a youth group camping trip. Complete the course, then bring groups of up to 30 for overnight stays at Camp Sullivan. Training required to access camping gear. Registration required.

Sunday, 9/9; 12pm - 3pm

Migrating Monarchs Celebration, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest

Learn about this globe-trotting butterfly and trace its migration route through fun activities, crafts and displays. See how monarchs are raised, tagged for tracking and watch butterflies being released.

Sunday, 9/9; 1pm

Bee Sit, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont

Enjoy a leisurely sit among wildflowers as we learn to identify and photograph native pollinating insects for the Native Bee Monitoring Project. Bring your camera and camp chair. Ages 16 and up. Registration required.

Sunday, 9/9; 11am - 3pm

Color the Preserves, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills

Celebrate creativity and color as all ages are invited to try different media and techniques to create art. Sculpt, paint, draw, weave and/or take a mini-class to hone your skills. All ages.

Sunday, 9/9; 1:30pm

Creatures of the Night, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook

Experience some creepy, spooky and nocturnal animals of the Forest Preserves.

Sunday; 9/9

Zoo Run for the Animal Care and Conservation Fund, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield Join us for the return of the Brookfield

Zoo Run, with courses located entirely within the zoo! The Chicago Zoological Society Animal Care and Conservation Fund is dedicated to making a difference for species across the globe and with each race entry. We will raise both awareness and funds for this great cause.

https://fpdcc.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=584780&GUID=4E854A30-BBE7-4C02-BF55-8836B2D158B9&Options=info&Search=

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