All Week Long
Originally published on dailyherald.com | Image: Joe Koenig
The Forest Preserves of Cook County, one of the largest forest preserve systems in the nation, has been named the Chicago Area Clean Cities Coalition's 2019 Clean Fuels Champion for its efforts to improve the environment and air quality.
In the Forest Preserves' fleet, 20 vehicles and 40 large riding rotary mowers operate on propane, a fuel that has lower emissions than gasoline and diesel. As a nonprofit coalition dedicated to promoting clean-vehicles and clean-air solutions for transportation, Chicago Area Clean Cities (CACC) is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The coalition gives the award annually to the organization or individual that it believes has had the most impact on reducing emissions from transportation throughout the year.
Originally published on chi.streetsblog.org | Image: Active Trans
Last Wednesday the Active Transportation Alliance held its annual member meeting, handing out volunteer awards and electing a couple of new board members: recently retired Chicago Department or Transportation deputy commissioner Luann Hamilton and former Active Trans staffer Adolfo Hernandez. A major theme of the meeting was the proposal to increase service and lower fares on two South Side Metra routes, promoted by the commuter railroad, Cook County, and other local agencies and organizations.
While Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot has generally been on the right page when it comes to sustainable transportation matters, this issue is the glaring exception. Lightfoot has stubbornly resisted the plan, arguing that more frequent and affordable Metra Electric and Rock Island District service would cannibalize CTA ridership.
“Your zip code should not determine your life expectancy, and your race should not determine your access to opportunity,” Preckwinkle said. “But far too often it does. Why?”
If the thought of a long, cold winter cooped up indoors sends chills down your spine, consider planning an outing into the Forest Preserves of Cook County! From family-friendly activities to peaceful walks in the woods, there are plenty of ways to overcome cabin fever this season.
For families with children on winter break from school, plan a visit to one of the Forest Preserves’ six nature education centers. From December 21 through January 5, each nature center is hosting winter break nature fun, with activities ranging from seeing live animals on display to snowshoeing along snow-covered trails. Families can drop in anytime during business hours for free indoor and outdoor nature activities.
There are also dozens of events and programs in Forest Preserves all throughout Cook County. Visitors can choose to stay warm inside for programs like artmaking or learning about native wildlife, or head outdoors for guided nature hikes, photography excursions and bird walks, too.
Paid for by Preckwinkle for President. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available on the Board's official website, http://elections.il.gov/, or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois. All contributions are reported to the State Board of Elections. Contributions are not accepted from employees of Cook County. Companies holding contracts with the Cook County are limited to $750.
Political contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes.