The loud crack of a golf ball hit by Long Drive Champion Maurice Allen will resound through the George W. Dunne National Golf Course in Oak Forest, IL at the Forest Preserve Foundation’s 14th annual Conservation Cup fundraiser on Sept. 4, 2025. Maurice Allen, who has earned a Guinness World Record for Golf Ball Speed (211 MPH) and was the first person to hit a golf ball across Niagra Falls, is also committed to giving back and supporting young people. Proceeds from the Conservation Cup help fund projects at the Forest Preserves of Cook County that restore vital public lands and nurture the next generation of conservation leaders.   Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, an advocate of the Foundation and the Conservation Corps, will make her traditional welcome and visit golfers on the course. She will be joined this year by new Forest Preserves of Cook County General Superintendent, Adam Bianchi, who will make his first appearance at the Cup. Since 2012, the Foundation has granted more than $3.5 million, supported the ecological restoration of 1,179 acres, and supported over 900 next generation environmental leaders. The day begins with registration at 9 a.m. and wraps up with the Party under the Pavilion starting at 4 p.m. Tickets for the party are still available. To learn more about the event visit https://forestpreservefoundation.org/events/conservation-cup-2025/

Photo Credit: Cook County Forest Preserve