The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is pleased to announce that it has received a donation of more than $2,500 worth of outdoor gear from L.L.Bean.
The donation includes backpacks, binoculars, two pop-up canopies, two tents, two kayaks and kayaking gear that Forest Preserve District rangers will use during outdoor nature programs.
“The equipment from L.L.Bean will enhance a lot of our existing programs, such as our popular kayaking clinics,” says Jay Johnson, a Forest Preserve District site management supervisor and program coordinator, “but as we plan for spring, when visitors shake off the winter doldrums by trying new activities, we’ll be looking for different ways we can use the items to help people gain a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors.”
Some of the camping and kayaking gear will make its public debut in November during an overnight program providing introductory outdoor experiences. The District also has plans to use the backpacks and binoculars to create “adventure packs” that groups can borrow while they’re staying at the family campground at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville.
“We’re also looking ahead to possible partnerships with the local L.L.Bean retail stores in Skokie and South Barrington,” says Johnson.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County owns and manages 25,000 acres of prairies, woodlands and wetlands. Each year its 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, five education centers and scores of programs welcome over 4 million visitors. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube pages.