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CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF NATURE: JOIN THE FOREST PRESERVE DIST OF KANE COUNTY’S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

General News ArticlePress ReleaseCommunityHuman Interest

GENEVA, IL — Everyone’s invited to a special Centennial Celebration marking 100 years of conservation, recreation, and environmental education with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.                                                                                                                                                                                                                
Join community leaders, staff, volunteers and neighbors on Sunday, June 8, at noon at Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve in Elburn — the first preserve established by the Forest Preserve District.

The celebration will begin with a short program featuring speeches from local leaders and Forest Preserve District representatives, reflecting on a century of progress and future goals for conservation.
 
The event also marks the debut of the Centennial Grove Project — a major initiative that includes the planting of 800 native trees, a restored 23-acre prairie, expanded trail connections, and a new ADA-accessible trail spur. A council ring gathering space offers a peaceful, natural setting for reflection and community use. The celebration will also include the unveiling of Guardians, a two-piece sculpture by renowned local artist Mike Baur, marking the District’s first permanent public art installation.

The public is encouraged to actively participate in the celebration by helping to plant 500 oak trees within the new Centennial Grove. This is a unique opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the landscape and support a greener future for Kane County. Following the tree planting, attendees can join guided hikes through the preserve and new project areas. In addition to planting and hiking, the event features:
 
•            Ribbon-cutting ceremony
•            Live music
•            Educational pollinator station
•            Food trucks with refreshments for purchase
•            Commemorative coins (while supplies last)
 
This is a family-friendly event with something for everyone to enjoy. Please note that picnic tables and seating will be limited. Guests are encouraged to bring camping chairs or blankets for comfortable seating. A map and more details are available at www.kaneforestpreservefoundation.org/centennial.
 
Calling All Community Groups!
We are looking for local community groups, such as Rotary Clubs, Scouts, service clubs, school groups, and other organizations to join us in this celebration and bring your banners, if applicable. If your group is interested in participating, please email forestpreserve@kaneforest.com for more information.
 
Support the Legacy: Centennial Grove Sponsorship Opportunities
In honor of the District’s 100-year milestone, the Kane Forest Preserve Foundation invites individuals, families, and businesses to support the Centennial Grove Project. Sponsors will be recognized on bronze plaques attached to limestone walls. Sponsors who contribute by June 1, 2025, will also be acknowledged on temporary event signage, with a permanent bronze plaque added afterward.
 
Sponsorship levels include:

Centennial Champion – $800
Includes a large 1.5” caliper tree planted in your name (with GPS location), name on a permanent plaque, a one-year replant guarantee, acknowledgment in bronze, on-site, and recognition on the Foundation website for one year.

Heritage Partner – $400
Includes a 3–5 gallon tree planted in the Centennial Grove (choice of planting your own), name on the bronze plaque, and one-year website recognition.

Friend of the Forest – $100
Name listed on the Foundation website for one year.
 
Corporate Sponsorships
Custom sponsorships are available for businesses and organizations looking to support conservation and receive event-day and long-term recognition.

Thank You to Our Current Sponsors
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County and the Kane Forest Preserve Foundation proudly thank the following corporate sponsors for their generous support of the Centennial Celebration:

•            REV Entertainment – Corporate Partner, Silver Level – $10,000
•            Kane County Cougars Foundation – Corporate Partner, Silver Level – $10,000
•            Midwest Groundcovers, LLC – Corporate Partner, Bronze Level – $5,000
•            Christopher B. Burke Engineering, LTD –Corporate partner, Bronze Level –$5,000
 
To sponsor a tree or learn more, visit www.kaneforestpreservefoundation.org/centennial or call 630-232-5980.

CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF NATURE: JOIN THE FOREST PRESERVE DIST OF KANE COUNTY’S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION