Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison invites public to Earth, Air, Water, and Fire Day in Busse Woods next Saturday

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 held Saturday, June 15th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Grove 25 in Busse Woods. For more information and to register for the fishing derby, contact (847) 519-7674 or email District15@CookCountyIL.gov.

“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 Cook County Board President Toni 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 towards 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 Botanical 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 serve basis for attendees.

“We’re pleased to be a partner of the Earth, Air, Water & 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 trail, 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 is free and open to the public. For more information and to register for the fishing derby, contact (847) 519-7674 or email District15@CookCountyIL.gov. Details about the event are below:

Earth, Air, Water, and Fire Day
Saturday, June 15, 2019 @ 9:00 AM – 12:00PM
Forest Preserves of Cook County
Busse Woods, Grove 25
Hosted by Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison, 15th District
Co-sponsored by Forest Preserves of Cook County, L.L. Bean, Brookfield Zoo, Chicago Botanical Garden,
Shedd Aquarium, Moretti’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, Arlington Anglers and Maywood Park District.

About Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison: 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. A native of Elk Grove Village with a background in public service, Commissioner Morrison serves as Vice Chair of the Human Relations and Tax Delinquency committees and his core issues include improving access to mental health services and providing development opportunities and support for small businesses. For information, please contact the Commissioner’s office by calling (312) 603-6388 or visiting http://commissionerkevinbmorrison.org/