Friends of the Forest Preserves

The Forest Preserve Experience is a five week summer employment and educational opportunity.  The FPE program provides a way to help your community’s environment through invasive plant removal, litter pick-up, and river and lake clean-up activities in your local forest preserves. You will learn about nature in the Chicago region and explore green jobs and career opportunities while having fun and earning money.

This program is provided in partnership with Friends of the Forest Preserves, the Forest Preserves of Cook County, and the Housing Authority of Cook County.

To participate in this program as a Crew Member you must be a Housing Authority of Cook County resident or voucher holder and be between the ages of 14 and 19 before the start of the program. 

2022 Forest Preserve Experience FAQ

2022 Crew Member Job Description

2022 Crew Member Job Application

Over 18? Check out our Job Openings page to learn about leadership opportunities, including Program Assistant, Crew Leader, and Assistant Crew Leader positions. You don’t have to be a Housing Authority of Cook County resident or voucher holder to apply for these leadership positions.