Event Overview

Forest Preserve District of Will County

Environmental Learning Center Offers a Unique Mixture
of Educational and Recreational Opportunities

May 16, 2009

Located south of Chicago, the Forest Preserve District Of Will County strives to bring people and nature together. The Forest Preserve's philosophy of selective management of natural areas provides the best conditions possible for the plants and animals of the preserve and for the visitor. While providing protected natural areas, the Forest Preserve offers a place for all to learn and have fun.

The mission of the Forest Preserve District of Will County is to preserve and protect the natural and scenic beauties, and to restore, preserve, and protect the forests and prairies of Will County for the purpose of the education, pleasure, and recreation of its residents.

The District is dedicated to protecting, conserving, enhancing and promoting Will County’s natural heritage for the educational, recreational and environmental benefit of present and future generations. Six distinctive values guide the District in fulfilling its mission:

1. Quality - committing to excellence in every endeavor.
2. Employee Wellness - respecting, valuing and mentoring those who serve the District.
3. Customer Service - being responsive to the needs of a diverse community.
4. Cooperation - working together to achieve the District’s mission.
5. Leadership - leading in the community and the workplace by inspiration and
   example.
6. Environmental Awareness - promoting and practicing environmental
   stewardship.

Since settlers began arriving in Will County in the 19th century, the landscape has been completely transformed by agriculture and development. A key initiative of the Forest Preserve is to restore much of the lands owned to their original form. Prairie, wetland and woodland restoration efforts take years to implement, and regular care thereafter to maintain. From plantings to controlled burns, the Forest Preserve District of Will County is committed to preserving their natural heritage.

Volunteers play a vital role in the work of the Forest Preserve. The District has been fortunate to benefit from the number of volunteers who assist the Forest Preserve annually. These numbers continue to grow, and many corporate and community organizations seeking to make a contribution to the welfare of Will County residents find their efforts well spent.

Facilities

From environmental education to historical and cultural sites to unique nature settings, Forest Preserve visitor facilities offer a full range of experiences and information for young and old alike. Each of these unique facilities offers services designed to meet the needs of their visitors and help in achieving the Forest Preserve's goal of bringing people and nature together.

One of the Forest Preserve District’s facilities, the Environmental Learning Center, in Mokena, offers a unique mixture of educational and recreational opportunities for school and youth groups, teachers, and community organizations. Hiking and cross-country ski trails, canoeing, camping, outdoor and indoor meeting facilities, and a living classroom for environmental studies all are available in the magnificent surroundings of the 1,800-acre Hickory Creek Preserve, replete with forest, prairie, pond, and stream. For school and youth groups, environmental programs are offered at the Environmental Learning Center and among the most popular programs are pond exploration, fire building, map and compass reading, and forest and field exploration hikes. For scout leaders, programs can be designed to help fulfill badge requirements. Camping for the Environment provides youth organizations with camping accommodations, varied and interesting nature studies, and an always-changing natural classroom sure to stimulate student minds.

Another facility, the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center is located in McKinley Woods—Kerry Sheridan Grove, a peninsula surrounded on three sides by water. The Center is situated in a grove of mature oak trees and positioned where the Des Plaines, DuPage and Kankakee Rivers meet to form the Illinois River. This beautiful, peaceful setting is ideal for conferences, banquets and meetings.

Four Rivers Environmental Education Center also has three classrooms—the DuPage, Kankakee and Des Plaines River classrooms—that can be used for small meetings, trainings and workshops. Each classroom offers a view of the Des Plaines River.

Aquafina Community Action is very pleased to support the Forest Preserve District’s numerous special events with bottled water and recycling collection support for participants and volunteers. Just this past May 16th, the District drew over 1,100 bike riders of all ages participate in our third annual family bike tour of 16 ½ miles, an event called ‘Ride the Rock’.

For more information on the Forest Preserve District
and their activities, go to:

http://www.fpdwc.org/