A Message from the Forest Preserves of Cook County: 

"The Forest Preserves of Cook County is open, but we have instituted many changes due to concerns associated with the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). We have cancelled all public events and volunteer activities through May 31, and permitted events through June 25. We have closed some locations (including all public restrooms, nature centers, campgrounds, nature play areas, permit offices and the Swallow Cliff Stairs) through May 31, as well."

Seeds n' Sunsets

Weekly Evening Volunteer Seed Collection 

Audubon Great Lakes, Forest Preserves of Cook County and Friends of Bartel Grassland host weekly volunteer stewardship days to help restore the grassland and improve the habitat for important migratory, breeding and over-wintering birds through habitat restoration. Audubon Great Lakes leads Seeds n’ Sunsets, a weekly evening seed collection from July through November, as well as an annual seed processing and seed dispersal. Collecting native seeds helps enhance the floristic diversity of focal grassland sites and is a great entry point into restoration. 

For more information or to join Bartel Grassland Seeds n' Sunsets, contact Teri Valenzuela, Stewardship Program Associate at teri.valenzuela@audubon.org.