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PROPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
Department: Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming
Other Part(ies): University of Illinois Extension, Champaign, Illinois
Request: Authorization to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the University of Illinois Extension
Goods or Services: Environmental education, engagement and outreach services
Agreement Number(s): #74000017360
Agreement Period: 1/1/2026 - 12/31/2030
Fiscal Impact: $1,250,000.00 (FY 2026 $250,000.00, FY 2027 $250,000.00, FY 2028 $250,000.00, FY 2029 $250,000.00, FY 2030 $250,000.00)
Accounts: Professional Services 51001.520840
District(s): Districtwide
Summary: The Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) has had an ongoing and positive partnership with the University of Illinois Extension (the “Extension”) since 2013 via successive intergovernmental agreements. Over the last five (5) years of the previous agreement, this partnership has resulted in the certification of one hundred forty-nine (149) Master Naturalists who have provided over eight thousand five hundred (8,500) volunteer hours to the Forest Preserves; provided an additional twenty-five thousand (25,000) hours of volunteer time leading nature walks, forest bathing activities and other nature-based programs; and the certification of over one hundred fifty (150) Conservation@Home gardens including forty-nine (49) school and community gardens. Under the new proposed intergovernmental agreement, the Extension will continue to provide educational and public outreach programs, thus significantly expanding educational opportunities for youth and adult populations within Cook County, including the Conservation@Home program. The Extension will also provide professional training workshops for Forest Preserves staff in numerous departments and assist in growing the number of Master Naturalists and Master Gardeners that volunteer with the Forest Preserves.
The Forest Preserves Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming staff will oversee the contract and will work with the Extension staff to coordinate and direct these educational services as outlined in a Scope of Work. The Forest Preserves further seeks authorization to have the General Superintendent approve annual updates or amendments to the Scope of Work. The Forest Preserves shall retain the right to reduce or terminate funding obligations due to budget constraints. Final agreement subject to legal review and approval.
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