A summer of learning, outdoor exploration and service culminated last week in a graduation ceremony for 89 Cook County youth at South Suburban College in South Holland. Now in its 10th year, the Forest Preserve Experience (FPE) is a collaborative program coordinated by Friends of the Forest Preserves and the Forest Preserves of Cook County, with generous support from the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC), the Forest Preserve Foundation, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and others. “This program would not be possible without the hard work and partnership of these organizations, who work tirelessly to provide the youth with incredible opportunities to explore potential careers paths as well as experience Cook County’s natural beauty,” said Cook County Board and Forest Preserves President Toni Preckwinkle. For five weeks this summer, young people ages 14-19 who live in households that receive services from HACC worked in crews at several Forest Preserves sites in the south and southwest suburbs, learning about environmental conservation and contributing to the health and beauty of the preserves.

Photo Credit: Forest Preserves of Cook County