Cook County forest district reaches 70,000-acre milestone

The Forest Preserves of Cook County acquired a 68-acre parcel in the southeastern suburbs on Tuesday, marking the first time the district has held more than 70,000 acres of land in its 110-year history.

Purchased from the nonprofit Conservation Fund, the 68 acres is former farmland at Glenwood Dyer Road and Ridge Road.

The forest preserves has acquired 249 acres so far this year — the second most in any year since 1984 — and 610 acres over the last three years. Officials credit the additions to funds available from a successful tax levy referendum in 2022, as well as state grants and money from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

“Holding more than 70,000 acres is an exciting accomplishment,” Eileen Figel, interim general superintendent of the district, said in an announcement of Tuesday’s acquisition. “These preserves help mitigate the impacts of climate change, provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, are a living classroom for kids and adults, and serve as home to beautiful — and in some cases, threatened or endangered — native species.”

The Forest Preserves of Cook County is the oldest and largest preserve system of its kind in the country, officials said. It made its first purchase in 1916, acquiring 272 acres at what is now Deer Grove-East in Palatine.

“It is unique for a metropolitan area like ours to have such a diversity of important habitats for native plants and wildlife at this scale and readily available to millions of local residents. It’s such an important legacy,” said county board President Toni Preckwinkle, who also serves as president of the forest district. “I am honored to preside over the moment when we cross over to more than 70,000 acres.”