The Forest Preserve Enabling Act of 1913 charged the District with a mission to preserve and protect our natural forests and lands for the education, pleasure and recreation of the public. Today, millions of people have enjoyed the outdoors in our Forest Preserves.

Meet the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners, and view their committee assignments...

Administration offers information regarding our:

• Departmental Organization
• Directory of Contacts
• Board Meetings
• Job Opportunities
• Bids
• General Information

Return to the late 1800s and early 1900s to discover the origins of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Read about the citizens who bore the vision to preserve valuable aspects of our natural heritage and the steps they took to initiate the creation of our Forest Preserves.

A variety of maps are available to make your use of the Forest Preserves more enjoyable. Maps are available here for downloading as Adobe® Acrobat™ PDFs, or printed copies are available at FPDCC Headquarters in River Forest, at Nature Centers, and other FPDCC offices.

For a hands-on education experience, make sure to visit one of the six Nature Centers.

Each offers an abundance of interpretive classes and interesting outdoor activities.

Click Nature Centers for more details...

The Land Acquisition Plan and Map serves as a guide for the FPDCC as we strive to meet the public’s current and anticipated open space needs.

Click to learn more about the Land Acquisition Plan...

What lakes and ponds allow fishing? How can I get a permit to have a picnic? How do I make a reservation at an FPDCC golf course?

Get answers to these questions and more...

Planning a private event and would like to hold it in the Forest Preserve?

Click Private Event Facilities for more information...

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is proud to offer you the ‘world class’ Brookfield Zoo and Chicago Botanic Garden.

Click for more information...