On August 8, 2019, we all really enjoyed the presentation of our lunch speaker Kevin Kuhn of the Forest Preserves Cook County. His engaging style and interesting topic prompted many questions from the attendees. The Forest Preserves is comprised of approximately 72,000 acres of ecologically diverse land in Cook County, and covers approximately 10% of all land in Cook County. The most well-known properties of the Forest Preserves are Brookfield Zoo and the Chicago Botanical Gardens. The Forest Preserves is primarily concerned with a conservation plan for the next century, which will restore the Preserves habitat, especially the restoration of native plants that are under attack from invasive plant species. The first step is to restore 30,000 acres of land in the next 25 years, and if the land is restored, animals will return, including bald eagles, turtles, and birds. The Forest Preserves depends heavily upon donations from partners and help from volunteers, including volunteer trail watchers, whose slogan is “ if you see something, say something“.
In our Foundation minute, Mary Jablonsky told us how the Rotary Foundation can enable small clubs or small projects grow into ones having even larger impact. Our fundraiser “Duffer”/Northwest Special Recreation Association golf outing is shaping up well; contact Brian Meyer to volunteer, sponsor or arrange a foursome. Finally, please do your best the August 20 meeting: a good crowd will add to the impact of the special honors our club is giving to Rotarian and retired AH Police Chief Jerry Mourning and our Village President, Tom Hayes.
