Donate

The Forest Preserve District of Will County relies upon the support of the community to ensure the success of our programs, events, preservation and development efforts. We can't do what we do without you!

Individual donations to our programs and facilities are welcome. All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law. To support the Forest Preserve District by making a donation to the Nature Foundation of Will County.

DONATE

You also can visit our sponsorships page for more information.

We also invite you to participate in our fundraising programs described below. For more information about donating to the District, please call 815-727-8700.

Tree Donation and Dedication Program

Pay special tribute to friends and loved ones in a way that has lasting impact. Our Tree Donation and Dedication Program is an opportunity to honor and offer a living memorial to individuals, or to mark a special occasion in your life.

Consider planting a tree:

• In honor of a family member or your graduating class.
• To celebrate the birth of a new child or an anniversary.
• To acknowledge a service club, business or other group.
• In memory of a family member or friend. 

Participation in the program is $500, and includes:

• The planting of a tree in a Will County forest preserve;
• A commemorative engraved plaque mounted at our Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet; and
• A letter to the honoree or family notifying them of your tribute.

The tree that you donate will demonstrate your commitment to the environment and our community. Trees reduce energy costs, minimize noise pollution and improve air quality. Trees are the only element of community infrastructure that actually appreciate in value. For years to come, your tree will provide food and habitat for wildlife, the comfort of shade and a beautiful vista for preserve visitors. To participate in this program, call 815-722-9383.

Bench Donation and Dedication Program

The Bench Donation and Dedication Program is designed to further enhance our beautification efforts by providing you with a unique opportunity to sponsor an attractive bench for placement along a bicycle trail or in a forest preserve. Individuals, clubs or community groups are invited to sponsor a bench to dedicate to the memory of the deceased or to acknowledge a group or individual. The cost for a new bench, complete with a commemorative engraved plaque, is $2,500. Plaques can also be purchased individually for $1,000 to be placed on existing benches. In keeping with the District's mission of benefiting the environment, all benches are made from recycled plastic.

Bench locations:

• Centennial Trail  
• Forked Creek Preserve
• Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve
• Hadley Valley
• Hammel Woods
• Hickory Creek Preserve
• Isle a la Cache 
• Joliet Iron Works Historic Site
• Joliet Junction Trail
• Kankakee Sands Preserve
• Lake Chaminwood Preserve
• Lake Renwick Preserve
• McKinley Woods                                                               
• Messenger Marsh
• Monee Reservoir
• Old Plank Road Trail
• Plum Valley Preserve
• Prairie Bluff Preserve
• Riverview Farmstead Preserve 
• Rock Run Preserve 
• Rock Run Rookery Preserve 
• Wauponsee Glacial Trail
• Whalon Lake
• Vermont Cemetery Preserve
• Veterans Memorial Trail

DOWNLOAD A BENCH DONATION APPLICATION