Latest news with #ForestPreserveDistrict
Chicago Tribune
27-06-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
DuPage officials hoping user will emerge to renovate Oak Cottage in Naperville's Greene Valley Forest Preserve
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is seeking ideas in the next few months to rehabilitate and reuse the 175-year-old Oak Cottage, which is part of the Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville. Located at the southeast corner of Greene and Hobson roads, the house is an example of a Greek Revival-style farmhouse from the mid-19th century built by one of the early settlers of the Naperville area, said Jessica Ortega, manager of strategic plans and initiatives for the forest district. It was listed as one of the most endangered historic places in Illinois by preservationist organization Landmarks Illinois in 2023. That same year, the DuPage forest preserve district approved the Greene Valley Master Plan, which called for a study to document the house's history and condition and create a timeline for partnering with a third party to propose a use and long-term maintenance strategy for the structure. The report was finished in March, and district officials are asking for statements of interest by Oct. 16 from people or organizations that can preserve the home's historic character. The hope is to identify a partner that can determine a way to restore and maintain the home that aligns with the district's mission of conservation, education and preservation. 'We are really open-minded right now,' Ortega said. Jane Burke, secretary of the nonprofit Naperville Preservation, said seeking a user is a step in the right direction. Oak Cottage is an important symbol of the area's early agricultural heritage nestled in a beautiful setting, she said. The organization looks forward to potential preservation proposals that will be respectful of the cottage and its history, Burke said. 'We're delighted to see the forest preserve district take this step,' she said. 'We definitely do not want it demolished.' The district has maintained the home since it acquired the property in 1983. It's painted and repaired the exterior wood siding and windows, replaced the roof and conducted asbestos abatement on the interior. But Oak Cottage has been vacant since 1983 and is in need of substantial rehabilitation, district officials said. Masonry repair work, in particular, is needed, according to the Cultural Resource Evaluation. Cracking was found at mortar joints of the stone foundation, and settlement was observed at the masonry foundation walls of the main house, the report said. Inside, there is cracked, deteriorated and missing plaster on the walls and ceiling throughout the building. There's also peeling and flaking paint, signs of water damage and biological growth in various areas, the report said. It is assumed Oak Cottage would need new plumbing, electrical work, utilities, heating and air conditioning, windows, some structural repairs and improvements that will make the home accessible to the disabled, Ortega said. While repairs are necessary, the home is in 'remarkably good condition for as old as it is,' Burke said. Kendra Parzen, advocacy manager for Landmarks Illinois, said there are users out there who are interested in adaptive reuse of historic buildings and her organization can act as a resource in the process. According to the district, the process for determining a rehabilitation and reuse includes two phases. First, statements of interest will be evaluated based on factors such as proposed reuse, preservation strategy, project funding and mission alignment. The selected applicants will then enter a second phase that requires a business plan, architectural and engineering plans, and evidence of financial and organizational support, officials said. 'If someone was able to come forward with a viable plan, it would really keep the character of the agricultural farmstead area a little more intact,' Ortega said. Landmarks Illinois called attention to Oak Cottage two years ago as one of nine culturally and architecturally significant sites across the state that faces demolition and is worth preserving. Naperville Preservation at the time encouraged the forest preserve district to find a new use for Oak Cottage to keep with their mission. Once demolished, Oak Cottage cannot be replaced, the organization said. Demolition has not been eliminated as an option moving forward but nothing has been decided, Ortega said. 'Right now we are taking it one step at a time and trying to see if someone raises their hand and shows some interest in developing the building,' she said. A site visit will be held for interested applicants July 16. Oak Cottage was built in 1850 by William B. Greene, who first arrived in DuPage County from Vermont in 1841. Greek Revival-style was popular in the U.S. from the 1820s until the Civil War, and additions to the home were built throughout the years. The balloon framing that was used was considered revolutionary in construction at the time, but fell out of favor after the Great Chicago Fire. Greene played a pivotal role in the development of the area, was instrumental in establishing the area's first store and post office, and helped lay the groundwork for the region's economic development, according to the Cultural Resource Evaluation. Greene was also known for his work in organizing the early government and infrastructure of the area that would become DuPage County. Members of the Greene family would continue to live in the home until 1981. The family donated the surrounding land and home to the forest preserve district in 1970 with an agreement that family could live at Oak Cottage until their passing. 'Today, Oak Cottage and the Greene Barn together provide a window into American agricultural settlement and the continuing development patterns of DuPage County,' Landmarks Illinois recently wrote on social media.
Chicago Tribune
21-05-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Around the Southland: Will County Forest Preserve District director retiring, more
Ralph Schultz, of Plainfield, has retired as executive director of the Forest Preserve District of Will County after a 32-year career there. He joined the preserve in 1993 as a landscape architect and has been director of planning and operations and chief operating officer, as well as supervising a major expansion of the district. Deputy Director Tracy Chapman will take on the executive director role. Forest Preserve Board President Destinee Ortiz thanked Schultz for his service. 'You've led with clarity, commitment and care. Your legacy will live on in every trail connection, restored habitat, and public program that brings people closer to nature,' she shared in a news release. During Schultz' tenure, he oversaw the creation and extension of Old Plank Road Trail, Veterans Memorial Trail, Wauponsee Glacial Trail, the regional DuPage River Trail and Joliet Junction Trail, as well as smaller paths. His career was inspired by the joy he had with working in his yard and for his community. 'I wanted to help build greenway systems that would have both ecological and recreational value and truly contribute to the quality of life in our communities,' he noted in the release. Former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn will be the featured speaker at the annual Blue Island Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at 11 a.m. May 26 at Memorial Park, 12800 Highland Ave. Quinn, who served as the state's 41st governor from 2009-15, will join members of American Legion Post 50 in honoring all the Blue Islanders who gave their lives for their country in the many wars and conflicts involving the United States. All veterans may participate, and members of the public are invited to observe. A post-ceremony continental breakfast open to the public will be served inside the Memorial Park field house. Everyone loves a parade, including the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County, which has a starring role in the Beverly Area Planning Association's Beverly/Morgan Park Memorial Day Parade at 10 a.m. May 26 from 110th Street and Longwood Drive in Chicago. Commission Superintendent Elizabeth Soto and Deputy Superintendent Grant Jacobson, both military veterans, will serve as grand marshals of the parade, which heads north on Longwood to Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Drive. The organization, founded 90 years ago, provides mental health, health and financial services, as well as helping veterans connect to agencies such as Hines Hospital and the Veterans Administration. The community's Memorial Day ceremony is at 9 a.m. May 26 on the Ridge Run stage at Ridge Par. The grand marshals will be recognized, a wreath will be laid and taps will be played. The parade, the oldest neighborhood Memorial Day parade in Chicago, will feature the Morgan Park High School JROTC, Patriot Guard, Scout troops, antique vehicles, floats and military vehicles. The Jesse White Tumbling Team will provide the finale. Information is at Five seniors at Bremen High School District 228 have earned an Evans Scholarship, which pays for housing and college tuition for golf caddies, valued at more than $125,000 over four years. Among Illinois' 130 scholars this year are Oak Forest High School students Lillian Everitt, Aiden Kelly and Ethan Nutile, and Bremen High School students Nayeli Lozano and Yoseline De La Rosa. Several recipients, including District 228 students, participated in the Western Golf Association's Caddie Academy, a summer program that provides promising high school students with daily caddying opportunities and personal growth, as well as the chance to apply for an Evans Scholarship after three summers. Frankfort residents who want to have input on the design of a potential recreation facility are invited to an open house at 6:30 p.m. May 28 at Founders Center, Frankfort Park District officials have sought such input for the last decade, given the significant repairs needed for its indoor facilities, including the Puent Building and the Founders Center, which has some areas that are nearly 100 years old. The annual property tax levy does not generate enough income to make the repairs or build a new facility. 'The key question we hope residents can help us answer is whether voters would support a tax rate increase to fund renovations of existing facilities or to construct a new recreation center,' Executive Director Gina Hassett noted in a media release, adding that such funding would require a referendum. Plans developed after feedback in 2024 from surveys and focus groups will be presented at the open house. Suggested amenities include fitness areas, indoor playgrounds, aquatics, multipurpose rooms and a walking/jogging track. Call 815-469-9400. Homer Glen resident Abigail Trainor was one of five senior public relations students at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis., to present research and thesis papers at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research last month in Pittsburgh. Students researched topics, including ethics in AI in public relations, internal communication management, crisis communication, and parasocial relationships and their ties to public relations. Adult Protective Services Director Velencia Myton of Pathlights will present a workshop on elder abuse at 11 a.m. May 28 at the William Leonard Public Library, 13820 Central Park Ave., Robbins. Myton has spent more than 30 years working to improve the lives of older adults, first as a nursing home administrator and then as a Pathlights employee, leading a team of professionals who investigate elder abuse through the Illinois Department on Aging. Attendees will learn about what constitutes neglect, abuse and exploitation of older adults and adults with disabilities, as well as how to report an abusive or neglectful situation. Register by calling 708-597-2760.
Chicago Tribune
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Chicago Tribune
Annual Des Plaines River Canoe & Kayak Marathon attracts hundreds of participants
Hundreds gathered Sunday morning under cloudy late spring skies to take part in the 68-year tradition of paddling the Des Plaines River. The Des Plaines River Canoe & Kayak Marathon is the largest race of its kind in the Midwest, organizers say, and the second oldest, single-day, continual canoe race in the United States. Canoes, kayaks, paddle boards and their paddlers, all gathered at the Des Plaines River launch in Libertyville, just off West Old Spring Road for a first heat 8 a.m. start time, before paddling the 18.5-mile course, (unchanged from its historic beginnings), to the end in Cook County at Dam #2 near Mount Prospect. Race Chair Al Pilgrim says this event is open to everyone — first-time participants, repeat paddlers, and serious competitors. 'With a choice of 22 different class specifications and two course distances, this is a sanctioned race with many classes of racers from Olympic level competitors to beginners, open to all ages, all levels of experience, and to most boat and board types,' Pilgrim said. According to Pilgrim, a Minithon option was added in 2014, which continues to offer a shorter, simpler route to participants, a 5.25-mile route, with the same finish line as the 18.5-mile Marathon, for those looking for a more leisurely entre to river racing. Sunday's Minithon began at Pottawattamie Woods and finished in Cook County, near Mount Prospect. The historic Des Plaines River Canoe & Kayak Marathon is co-sponsored each year by the Des Plaines River Association, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, and the Lake County Forest Preserves, Pilgrim says, along with participation from many other organizations. The Northwest Passage of Wilmette is one of these, a long-time Canoe Marathon sponsor, says Chris Paustian, communications director and guide at The Northwest Passage, who also participated in Sunday's race. 'At Northwest Passage, we encourage the next generation of paddlers and support multigenerational adventure. This event is really in line with our mission to get as many kids out on the water as safely as possible,' Paustian said. Bill McDermott, Marathon board committee member and race day start line manager, says water levels over the weekend reached a 30-year record low, which means the river flows more slowly, which will lengthen race times. Trophies are awarded to winners in various classes, but overall, this year, winning racers were able to complete the course in just under 3 hours. 'The Des Plaines River Marathon Trophy is modeled after Des Plaines River Canoe & Kayak Marathon founder, Ralph Frese, a fifth-generation blacksmith, historic reenactor, and wilderness activist, who made boats for the Scouts when he started the race in 1958,' McDermott said. According to McDermott, Daniel Burnham's original vision for Chicago included not only excellent lakefront access but the preservation of the green space along the river on the west side of the city and along the suburban forest preserves. 'The Des Plaines River course we race today runs through the green belt of local wilderness, providing fish, beaver, otters, raccoons, migratory bird path, and game trail in our area,' McDermott said. Grace Sinopoli and Marie Hoeger of Arlington Heights say this is their first time doing the Des Plaines River Marathon since they did it together as teens in 2011. 'We've been wanting to get out here again to re-experience this feat of endurance together, to spend time out on the river, and to enjoy the journey, that's really what we are here for,' Sinopoli said.
Chicago Tribune
15-05-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Forest Preserve District of Kane County to celebrate centennial on June 8 in Elburn
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County will hold a centennial celebration on June 8, according to a press release Thursday from the district. The event will begin at noon at Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve in Elburn, the first preserve the district established. In addition to speeches from local leaders and Forest Preserve District representatives, the celebration will mark the debut of a new initiative at Johnson's Mound in honor of the centennial, the news release said. The Centennial Grove project will include the planting of 800 native trees, a restored 23-acre prairie, expanded trail connections and a new Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible branch of a trail at Johnson's Mound, according to Thursday's release. The preserve will also have a gathering space and a two-piece sculpture by local artist Mike Baur, which will be the district's first permanent public art installation. A map of the preserve can be found at Residents are invited to help plant 500 oak trees as part of the event, the release said. Following the tree planting, individuals at the celebration can participate in guided hikes. There will also be live music, food trucks, an educational pollinator station and commemorative coins. The district is inviting local community groups to attend, the release said, and those interested in participating can email forestpreserve@ Individuals and businesses can also sponsor the Centennial Grove project with varying levels of donation, the release said. Those interested in sponsoring a tree can do so via the Kane Forest Preserve Foundation's website or by calling 630- 232-5980. There are also corporate sponsorships available, the release said. For more information on the event, go to
