Founded: 

1914 

Year Hutchinson Medal awarded:

2013

The Forest Preserves of Cook County was founded in 1914 to acquire and protect natural forests in Cook County, Illinois. Over time, the district expanded its ecological scope to include prairies, savannas, wetlands, and restored ecosystems, moving beyond just forests. The Forest Preserves also has historical connections to the Chicago Horticultural Society, whose members were influential in early forest preservation efforts and promoted horticulture's role in urban and natural landscapes. Today, the horticulture and conservation work within the Forest Preserves of Cook County focus on ecosystem diversity, native plant restoration, prairie management, and public education to foster appreciation and stewardship of natural habitats across 70,000 acres of lands in the region.