At its Nov. 8 meeting, the Forest Preserve Board of directors approved six grants totaling $132,110. With this latest round, the Foundation’s total awards for 2019 comes to nearly half a million dollars. The grants will continue Foundation support for the Conservation Corps/Forest Preserve Experience program and ecological restoration in Cranberry Slough and Cap Sauers Holding Preserve and the volunteer recognition program. Two are first-time grants. They will support restoration work in Schubert’s Woods in southern Cook County and Perkins Woods in Evanston.

 

“These grants round out our 2019 cycle with funding for our key investment areas: next-generation environmental advocates, climate change mitigation and family recreation in the Forest Preserves of Cook County,” Foundation President and Executive Director Shelley Davis said. “Our grantmaking increased significantly this year, allowing us to extend our impact in ways that make the Forest Preserves more accessible and enjoyable for all.”

 

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“We all share a vision to establish the south suburbs as an economic powerhouse,” Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle told the audience.

 

The Southland Development Authority hopes to reclaim the region’s historic prominence as a hub for manufacturing and industry, organizers said.

 

“Decades ago, the south suburbs were the heart of the Chicagoland economy, a bustling hub for manufacturing with affordable, quality communities for families,” officials said in an announcement about the launch.

 

The decline of commerce throughout the south suburbs has impacted schools, housing, jobs and other aspects of daily life.

 

“From my experience as alderman in the 4th Ward in the city of Chicago, I know that it takes years to transform communities, but it can be done,” Preckwinkle said.