Cook County launches forest preserve campaign

Cook County Forest Preserve District announced Thursday it's kicking off a major public relations campaign designed to get more people to the forest preserves.

The new campaign features newspaper advertising as well as ads on buses and bus stops in both the suburbs and city. Roadside billboards will also be used.

"The district is one of the county's most unique treasures and our goal is to get as many of our residents out to visit and discover the best of what nature has to offer," said forest preserve district President Todd H. Stroger in a prepared statement.

"Many potential visitors … are unaware of how close they are to these wonderful ecological treasures. We believe (if) they … discover more about the district's 10 golf courses, four driving ranges, many trails, dozens of lakes and ponds and myriad other ecological and recreational treasures, they'll become lifelong visitors."

The campaign will cost $460,000.