Cook County Forest Preserve celebrates 100th anniversary with a week of events

A weeklong celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Forest Preserves of Cook County starts Sunday and goes through Sept. 27, as forest preserves all over Cook County will host more than 100 events and activities. "This is an extraordinary moment in the history of the preserves," said Toni Preckwinkle, president of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Preckwinkle will kick off the festivities at the "Art In Nature" event Sunday at the Crabtree Nature Center in Barrington Hills. "The preserves are an extraordinary asset - from forest woodlands to wetlands and prairies, our 69,000 acres are a natural treasure to be protected and enjoyed," she added. Activities during the week include archery, nature hikes, birding, fishing derby, guided equestrian rides, group night bike rides, treasure hunts, an REI Run series, fossil hunts, camping and other offerings. A complete list of events as well as descriptions and exact locations can be viewed and downloaded at www.fpdcc.com/100events.