North Cook County SWCD

09/16/2026

🚨 LAND USE DEBATES ARE HEATING UP ACROSS ILLINOIS 🌾⚡🌳

As more large-scale solar projects are proposed throughout Illinois, many residents are asking where renewable energy development should happen—and what types of land should be prioritized for future projects.

For many Illinoisans, farmland, forests, wildlife habitat, and rural communities are more than just open space. They represent local food production, family farms, outdoor recreation, and landscapes that have helped define the Prairie State for generations. 🌽🚜

Some residents argue that already-developed areas—such as large parking lots, shopping centers, warehouses, rooftops, and industrial properties—should be utilized first, allowing renewable energy generation while helping preserve productive Illinois farmland and open countryside. ☀️🚗

Supporters and critics alike recognize that Illinois’ future energy needs are growing. The conversation is increasingly focused on finding a balance between clean energy expansion and protecting the farms, forests, waterways, and small-town character that make Illinois unique. 🌾🌳🇺🇸

Where do you think Illinois solar projects should go? 🤔☀️

09/16/2026

Congratulations to The Morton Arboretum!🌲🌳🪾

09/11/2026

Please stop by our booth and say hi tomorrow at Fall Nature Fest‼️🌻🐝🦋 We will have conservation information to share as well as pollinator seeds, crafts and fun fall tattoos. See you there!😊

09/11/2026

When you think about O'Hare International Airport, you probably picture massive jetliners, bustling terminals, and continuous noise.

But tucked away along the edges of the property, you will find one of the most surprising sights in Chicago aviation: a hard-working herd of goats quietly munching away on thick brush.

Managing vegetation around a giant airport is a huge challenge.

O’Hare covers thousands of acres, and keeping the grass low isn't just about making the airport look neat.

It is a vital safety measure. Overgrown weeds, invasive brush, and tall prairie grasses attract birds and small animals, which can create real hazards for aircraft taking off and landing.

While heavy machinery and traditional lawn mowers handle the flat, open fields, O'Hare has plenty of tricky spots.

Steep embankments, rocky ditches, retention ponds, and densely wooded areas are nearly impossible—and dangerous—for riding mowers or crew members with string trimmers to reach.

That is where this four-legged landscaping team comes in.

Starting back in 2013, the airport brought in a herd of goats to handle these tough-to-mow zones.

Goats are natural climbers and eat almost anything green, including stubborn invasive plants like buckthorn, poison ivy, and thick vines that choke out native plants.

As they graze, they clear away thick vegetation down to the soil without needing gasoline, oil, or heavy equipment.

This eco-friendly approach delivers major wins for the airport.

Replacing gas-powered machinery cuts down on carbon emissions right near the runways.

Human workers avoid operating dangerous equipment on steep, unstable slopes.

The animals naturally manage tough terrain without costly machine maintenance, and they even help stop invasive weeds from spreading by consuming their seed heads and deep roots.

Next time you are taxiing down the runway at O'Hare, look out the window. You might just spot Chicago's hardest-working eco-crew taking care of business, one bite at a time. Have you ever seen these goats in action at O'Hare?

08/26/2026

07/22/2026

07/16/2026

This summer, nature's hitchhikers are raising concerns for outdoor enthusiasts, but here are a few tips to stay safe outdoors.

Ticks are not insects; they are eight-legged external parasites. In Illinois, three potentially harmful species can be found at varying levels, including lone star ticks, black-legged or deer ticks, and dog ticks.

Tips to Avoid Ticks:
- Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes.
- Tuck pants legs into socks.
- Consider using effective tick repellents with ingredients DEET or Picaridin.

Before Returning Indoors:
- Check yourself for ticks
- Check your gear
- Check your pets

If You Find a Tick:
- Remove them promptly with tweezers
- Place the tick in a sealed container labeled with the date and location and store for at least a month to aid diagnosis if symptoms develop.

Learn more about ticks and how to keep you, your pets, and livestock safe at https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/tick-concerns-are-growing-what-illinois-residents-need-know

07/16/2026

The Illinois EPA has issued a Red Air Pollution Action Day for Thursday, July 16th for Rockford and all 6 Chicago area forecast sectors. This is in addition to the ongoing Chicago Area Air Pollution Action Day in effect today.

This Red Forecast Air Pollution Action Day is declared due to a forecast of Unhealthy particulates and/or ozone on Thursday, July 16th.

Northern IL is expected to be on the edge of a thick plume of surface smoke moving in from the north and cleaner air to the south. It is uncertain how far south the smoke may progress and the duration of poor air quality as this dividing line may travel in and out of Northern IL late Wednesday night through Friday.

Those with air quality concerns or outdoor plans are encouraged to check AirNow.gov and sign up for EnviroFlash alerts.

Further south in the rest of Illinois, surface smoke is less likely, but it is possible smoke moves further south than expected for shorter durations of time. Those outside of Red forecast areas are also encouraged to periodically check current https://AirNow.gov that would indicate surface smoke and sign up for EnviroFlash alerts through https://illinois.enviroflash.info/

06/27/2026

International Mud Day with The Forest Preserves of Cook County‼️🦋🐝💦🌎

06/18/2026

Register to join us at next week's Green Teacher Gathering 2026! It's more than a conference. It’s a space to reconnect and get inspired.

This year’s theme, “Guided by Nature: Reconnect, Restore, Revolutionize—advancing nature-centered teaching for a sustainable future,” invites you to reimagine what learning can look like, no matter who your learners are.

With hands-on workshops and community-building sessions, you’ll leave empowered and equipped to bring environmental education to life. Registration is just $35 and includes light breakfast and lunch. Scholarships are available.

📅 Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 8:30am-4pm CST
📍 Academy for Global Citizenship, Chicago
📝 Learn more and register at https://www.chicagowilderness.org/page/GreenTeacherGathering2026