Enjoy free events at Earth, Air, Water and Fire Day in Busse Woods
Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison will host Earth, Air, Water and Fire Day, featuring a fishing derby, casting lessons, kids tree climb, guided hikes and other family fun activities in the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Free and open to the public, the event will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 15, at Grove 25 in Busse Woods.
"Hosting a fishing derby Father's Day weekend is a bit of a tradition in the 15th District; and with summer finally here, I wanted to put on an outdoor event that felt like a celebration of our community and all of the incredible outdoor activities we have to offer," said Commissioner Kevin Morrison. "With the help of our sponsors, community partners and Forest Preserves staff, I really feel like this event has something for everyone whether they are a first-time fisher, avid angler, hiker, or just love the outdoors."
The fishing derby, which will be run by a local fishing group the Arlington Anglers, will start at 9 a.m. and is open to all ages and skill levels. Participants should bring their own rod and reel but bait will be provided by Maywood Park District. Prizes donated by sponsors will be awarded in several categories including biggest fish, smallest fish, largest bass and largest catfish. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will be on hand to officially open the derby and welcome participants.
"I commend Commissioner Kevin Morrison for elevating the abundance of natural resources in his district with this wonderful event," said Preckwinkle. "Events like the Earth, Air, Water and Fire Day are a great opportunity to bring residents together in community and experience all that the Forest Preserves have to offer."
In addition to the fishing derby, institutions that celebrate the outdoors and work toward conserving and protecting the natural resources of Cook County have been invited to provide a variety of family-friendly programming. The Forest Preserves will lead guided hikes in Busse Woods and supervise a kids tree climb and nature play as well as give a demonstration on primitive fire building; Brookfield Zoo and Shedd Aquarium will stop by with animal ambassadors to meet attendees; and Chicago Botanic Garden will provide a demonstration on composting with their kid-friendly worm bin activity. Additionally, sponsor L.L. Bean will provide fly fishing casting lessons and teach attendees how to create survival bracelets out of a parachute cord. Moretti's Ristorante & Pizzeria will provide pizza on a first-come, first-served basis for attendees.
"We're pleased to be a partner of the Earth, Air, Water and Fire Day, and Busse Woods is a perfect location, because there is so much for visitors to enjoy. The preserves here have ancient upland forests, one of the largest fishing and boating waters in Cook County, nearly 13 miles of paved trails and much more. The event is a great way for families to get outside and get a taste of all it has to offer," said Arnold Randall, the general superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
Earth, Air, Water and Fire Day, hosted by Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison, and co-sponsored by Forest Preserves of Cook County, L.L. Bean, Brookfield Zoo, Chicago Botanic Garden, Shedd Aquarium, Moretti's Ristorante & Pizzeria, Arlington Anglers and Maywood Park District, is free and open to the public.
For information and to register for the fishing derby, contact (847) 519-7674 or email District15@CookCountyIL.gov.
Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison represents the 15th District which includes the townships of Barrington, Elk Grove, Hanover and Schaumburg, as well as parts of Palatine and Wheeling townships. For information, contact the commissioner's office by calling (312) 603-6388 or visiting http://commissionerkevinbmorrison.org.