Cook County to have more summer jobs in forest preserves

Cook County and Forest Preserves Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Commissioner Bridget Gainer have pledged another $100,000 in the 2014 budget to provide summer jobs in the forest preserves. “Providing teenagers with summer jobs will enhance their development and give them productive ways to spend their time,” Preckwinkle said. The program provides training in fields ranging from recreation to habitat restoration. Interns will host a summit for teens who participate in environmental education or internship programs in forest preserves throughout the region and the money will allow for more positions in existing internship programs, including habitat restoration and Greencorps Chicago training. Nearly 200 people participated in FPDCC programs last summer.