Palatine Student's Science Project Recognized by Cook County Forest Preserve

Jordan Gregg, a student at Quest Academy in Palatine, received an award from the Forest Preserve District of Cook County for her Griping about Grapes: Does Veggie Wash Remove Pesticides science fair project as part of the first “Wild About Nature” Science Fair Award.

More than a dozen students from area schools received a certificate, letter of congratulations and recognition at a Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioner’s meeting on May 2.

The awards program honors students in grades six through 12 who completed outstanding projects that used research, monitoring, observation or data recorded on Forest Preserve District property—or were relevant to natural habitats and species found in the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.

Winners were selected from eligible entries at The Brookfield Zoo Science Fair, The Chicago Non-Public Schools Science Exposition, The Illinois Junior Academy of Science North Suburban Region 6 Science and Engineering Fair, The Illinois Junior Academy of Science South Suburban Region 9 Science and Engineering Fair and The Chicago Public Schools Student Science Fair.

“By offering this award, we hope to inspire the next generation of people committed to understanding the intersection of science and nature by connecting students to relevant scientific research and inquiry-based activities that take place in the Preserves every day,” said Forest Preserve District President Toni Preckwinkle in a news release. “We commend this year’s winners and hope even more students are encouraged to take advantage of the incredible outdoor living classrooms available in our community.”

The Forest Preserve District manages lands for the purpose of protecting and preserving natural areas and open space. District field researchers and educators study diverse habitats and wildlife found throughout the Preserves by conducting extensive research.

In addition to conducting its own field work and research, notable work taking place on District lands is conducted by professional researchers and monitors, volunteers and student organizations. All studies aim to advance research, monitoring, and habitat restoration in our region’s natural areas.

-Submitted by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County