TFCA Nature Education Center : simplebooklet.com

PROJECT OVERVIEWSUSTAINABLE RECREATION & EDUCATIONThe Forge Charitable Adventures (TFCA) manages several hundred acres of land comprising several distinct ecosystems in the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area. We are currently seeking partners to help us restore approximately 15 acres of land to be the home for the TFCA Nature Education Center.Given its long history as an industrial site, the native biome in in disrepair. TFCA is dedicated to reverting the land to a native state and maintain it as a green space for both human and wildlife use. Ecologically-minded land development is a critical step towards a greener future. Wildlife and humans can coexist, but it requires close management of affected ecosystems, and the inclusion and upkeep of natural, ecologically beneficial green spaces within developed areas.v Decreased pressure on neighboring ecosystems due to invasive species control and removalv Improved access to food and shelter for wildlifev Improved erosion resistance and stormwater capacityv Increase in natural beauty of area; aestheticsv Increased connection to local environment v Demonstrates active example of recreational land use coexisting with naturev Inspires stewardship in community and visitorsWHAT DOES RESTORED LAND GET US?2© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPPROJECT OVERVIEW

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WHY DOES THE HQRA NEED RESTORATION?Because they have grown largely unchecked for nearly 100 years, invasive species such as buckthorn, tree of heaven, honeysuckle, multiflora rose, burdock, and garlic mustard now represent an overwhelmingly large percentage of the biomass. Not removing them facilitates their spread to other conservation areas, thus extending the restoration timeline. Establishing basic native vegetation benefits wildlife and maintains green space in a sustainable manner that can provide valuable food and habitat without adversely affecting human use. Additionally, it benefits visitor experiences in an aesthetic sense. The overgrown invasive brush is not appealing; open, clear lands with native varieties of wildflowers and grasses are ‘beautiful.’ Experiencing this inspires stewardship, and provides a direct, relatable example of the benefits of conservation.An estimated 150,000 people visit the HQRA annually to enjoy the wide variety of available attractions. TFCA manages multiple boat launches that support kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, more than ten miles of mixed-use trails, as well as picnic areas, and pavilions that are free to the general public. Outside organizations such as the Lemont Area Historical Society, Lemont Park District, and Lemont High School also conduct various activities and classes at the HQRA. All these organizations are dependent on the infrastructure TFCA manages to support their programming. Our goal with this project is to clear and restore another fifteen-acres of land near the aerial challenge course at The Forge Adventure Park to create more easily accessible places where the public can witness restoration and learn about nature.NATURE EDUCATION CENTER IMPACT AREASPROJECT OVERVIEW3© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFP

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TFCA NATURE EDUCATION CENTERThe nature center will address a fundamental need for a multi use “flex” space at the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area (HQRA). Installing the Nature Education Center will open the door for increased public and private programming, enriching the community experience and drawing in increased visitation from neighboring areas. PROJECT OVERVIEW4© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPThe TFCA Nature Education Center will serve as a hub for outdoor education and interactive learning. Strong support for youth programming is essential for a bright tomorrow. Impactful experiences and knowledge acquired through action inspires people, encourages action, mindfulness and connection, and plants the seeds for the next generation of leaders. Outside of its direct use as a classroom or meeting space, the “museum” aspect of the TFCA Nature Education Center will provide a deeper insight into the history and significance of the region. Aside from limited TFCA-sponsored educational signage, there is a lack of educational materials at the Heritage Quarries. As such, visitors are largely unaware of the history and ecology of the HQRA and perpetuates a disconnect between the community and landscape.

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TFCA EDUCATION CENTERThe TFCA Nature Education Center will be used by The Forge Charitable Adventures, community organizations, companies, and other nonprofit organizations to facilitate outdoor education programs. The primary audiences are school-aged children and young adults, park district program participants, boy and girl scouts, youth programs, and other community-oriented groups.Six interactive digital displays showcasing local native and invasive plants and animals, quarry mining and canal building history, and Native American history will be the primary forms of on-site educational content. In-center education will be reinforced by tactile outdoor education on the 10+ acre site surrounding the center.The education center is intended as a classroom first and museum second, so all displays can also be used for one-off programs and presentations. Chairs and desks for students will take precedence for floor space but will be moveable to facilitate activities.In keeping with the rest of the facilities at The Forge: Lemont Quarries Adventure Park, the Nature Education Center will be built with renovated, repurposed shipping containers. The center will include lighting and air conditioning. Windows will be installed throughout the structure to ensure ample lighting and serve as a constant connection to the outdoors. The rooftop deck and small courtyard between the container structures will serve as additional outdoor learning and observation space. Both areas will include shade-sail coverings and utilize remote-controlled solar-powered lighting to enable evening experiences outside of the center. 5© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPSTRUCTURAL OVERVIEWPROJECT OVERVIEW

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BENEFITS OF NATURE & OUTDOOR EDUCATIONOutdoor nature education offers a range of benefits frequently cited by educators, researchers, and environmentalists. Some of the most common social, physical, and emotional development benefits include:PROJECT OVERVIEW6© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPImproved Academic Performance: Students engaged in outdoor education often show increased motivation, enthusiasm, and better performance in subjects such as science, math, and language arts.Enhanced Social Skills: Outdoor education promotes teamwork, communication, and leadership skills as students often work in groups to solve problems and complete tasks.Physical Health Benefits: Being outdoors encourages physical activity, which can improve physical fitness, reduce stress, and combat childhood obesity.Mental Health Benefits: Exposure to nature is associated with reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also improve mood and enhance overall well-being.Environmental Stewardship: Students who participate in outdoor education programs develop a greater appreciation for the environment and are more likely to engage in conservation efforts and sustainable practices.Hands-on Learning: Outdoor settings provide practical, real-world learning opportunities that can make abstract concepts more concrete and understandable.Creativity and Imagination: Nature provides a stimulating environment that can inspire creativity and imaginative play, which are crucial for cognitive development.Connection to Nature: Regular exposure to natural settings helps foster a connection to nature, which can lead to a lifelong appreciation and respect for the natural world.Development of Independence and Confidence: Outdoor education often involves activities that challenge students to step out of their comfort zones, promoting self-reliance and confidence.Enhanced Sensory Development: Being in nature engages all the senses, which can enhance sensory development and awareness.

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11© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPPROJECT OVERVIEWTFCA NATURE EDUCATION CENTER BUDGETThese costs are to build and install the TFCA Nature Education Center. Additional funding is needed to perform ecological restoration on the ten-acre site encompassing the education center. See the following slides for more information on that project. Cost estimates are subject to change.Item Estimated Cost Description40FT High Cube Container Flex Space$125,000Containers for Nature Education Center structure. Includes electrical, HVAC, doors, windows, framing, and all other direct structure-related costs.Rooftop Deck$30,000Includes railing and framing for rooftop balcony area and “married” connection between containers. Stairs were not included in the quote.Deck Access Stairs$12,000 Railing and framing for staircase to access the upper roof deck.Shipping: (2) 40FT High Cube Container$3,000 Shipping to site.On-site labor for Delivery & Adjoining Containers$3,000 Construction and installation of Nature Education Center structure. Concrete Footings$20,000 Concrete footings are required to anchor and support the education center.Electrical Contractor$25,000 Run and connect power to the facility from site-adjacent junction.Education Tents (3)$25,000 Estimate includes materials and shipping costs.Crane rental$5,000 Cost for crane rental and operator to position the TOTAL:$245,000

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12© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPPROJECT OVERVIEWESTIMATED RESTORATION BUDGETTask Task Frequency Estimated Cost DescriptionInvasive Woody Removal1 / year * 2(Winter years 1, 2)$100,000Removal of invasive woody species (buckthorn, honeysuckle, tree-of-heaven, and multiflora rose are prime candidates). Requires cutting and herbicide treatment.Woody Re-sprout Control1 / year * 5(Spring / Summer)$50,000Follow up treatment of removed woody plants. Required to manage invasive resprouts and root suckers.Herbaceous Invasive Control1 / year * 5(Spring)$40,000Removal of herbaceous invasive species (garlic mustard, burdock, other plants as identified).Native Seeding1 / year * 1(Winter year 3)$15,000Seeding of native plants to establish restored native ecosystem. Requires ample removal of invasive species prior to seeding.Prescribed Fire1 / year * 2(Spring year 4, Fall year 5)$25,000Controlled burning of area to remove dead grasses, brush, and other detritus and open the landscape. Added benefit of returning nutrients to soil.Stewardship (Yrs 5-10)1 / year * 5(Varies, year 5+)$50,000Long term stewardship to maintain and support restored ecosystem via weeding, further invasive plant control, pruning, and other upkeep.TOTAL: 10 years$280,000TFCA will hire and oversee all recreation area restoration. Work will consist of invasive woody removal, woody re-sprout control, herbaceous invasive control, native seeding, prescribed fire, and stewardship. Cost estimates do not include administration or operating expenses.

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The Forge Charitable Adventures exists to help IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF COMMUNITIES by RESTORING and PRESERVING NATURE, PROMOTING ACTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP, and PROVIDING ACCESS TO OUTDOOR EDUCATION AND RECREATION to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.14© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPEstablished in 2019 by Jeremie Bacon, Chris Gladwin, Bart Loethen, and Jeanette Virgilio, The Forge Charitable Adventures (TFCA) is a unique environment-focused non-profit serving a dual mission to: 1) protect, restore, and re-invigorate natural ecosystems that have been degraded by overuse and under investment, while 2) partnering with local governments, stakeholders, and companies to develop outdoor education and recreation resources that can be enjoyed and maintained in cooperation with their residents.As a long-term focused, conservation-minded organization, we seek to produce and promote impactful programs that help TFCA achieve:v Significant impact by engaging our local communities in conservation and personal health & wellness effortsv A respected presence as a devoted caretaker in the places we servev Long-lasting partnerships with communities, companies, and individualsv Enlightened communities where conservation, restoration, and wellness are cherished as core valuesOur vision is a future where people of all ages, abilities, and economic circumstances can freely enjoy authentic outdoor experiences while learning to respect the diversity of life and developing an appreciation for conserving the scarce resources and fragile ecosystems required to support it.We accomplish our mission by identifying projects and raising funds from private and public sources to execute them. We consider ourselves successful when we are able to:v Restore and protect natural areas that jointly serve as wildlife habitats and places where people can enjoy nature foreverv Establish and nurture public and private partnerships that accelerate the pace of land preservation for the enrichment of allv Deliver social benefits in the form of clean and healthy forests, streams, wetlands and lakesv Provide people with opportunities to understand and embrace conservation, and act to preserve the environmentOUR VALUESThe Outdoors MatterWe believe the outdoors is an integral part of the human experience that enriches and enlivens us. Our commitment to protecting the natural landscape is uncompromising, and we are committed to enhancing, preserving, and sharing naturally beautiful outdoor experiences with our neighbors for generations to come.Well-being is a Lifestyle to be Enjoyed by EveryoneWell-being is not just a jog around the block. Well-being is a mental and physical journey that fluctuates and changes daily. We are dedicated to crafting spaces that enable this life-long mental and physical journey. Moreover, we are committed to providing access and opportunity to enjoy nature to people of all ages and abilities.Conservation Goes Beyond the LandWe are committed to preserving history and restoring the natural landscape of the locations we choose to support for generations to come. This promise fuels our operating strategy and is fundamental to our mission.

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OUR VISION FOR THE HQRAWorking together, local stakeholders, other nonprofit organizations, and passionate volunteers will transform the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area into a thriving ecosystem with healthy prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and waterways capable of supporting rich and abundant native animal and plant species where people can enjoy outdoor recreation and educational experiencesOUR PRIORITIES & GOALSNATUREOnce restored, a native landscape will thrive for many generationsv Invest in restoration and land stewardshipv Mobilize people to nurture the landv Connect the HQRA to other forest preservesv Learn and adapt to our changing climatePEOPLEEveryone should feel welcome to participate in restoration & recreation at the HQRAv Create an inclusive community for visitors from all walks of lifev Provide opportunities for service and engagement to all peoplev Educate visitors about the history of the HQRA and its native stateVALUEOur community will realize economic value by restoring and protecting landv Effectively market the HQRA as a key element in pushing Lemont as a recreation destination for Chicagolandv Build and communicate the economic case for public-private investment in natureSTEWARDSHIPCivic and nonprofit leaders will safeguard and bring additional resources to the HQRAv Maximize public and private resources to achieve our shared visionv Provide enduring, focused conservation leadership and accountabilityv Manage with transparency and sound financial practice15© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPOUR VISION

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WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO REALIZE OUR VISION?Our vision calls for transforming the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area into a place that supports the diversity of native plants, animals, and fragile ecosystems while remaining a welcome place for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors. It will require expert conservation leadership and considerable resources to: v Restore ~270-acres of plant and animal life to native ecological health over the next 20 yearsv Assess, improve, and maintain the water quality and living systems in the quarry lakesv Create a permanent crew to train, lead, and support a volunteer workforce of 100+ stewardsv Improve existing public infrastructure and add new facilities to support our goalsv Twenty years from now, all plan participants will feel a sense of pride for successfully restoring hundreds of acres of healthy woodlands, wetlands, lakes, and dolomite prairies filled with thriving native trees, grasses, flowers, birds, and other animalsv Everyone who visits the HQRA to enjoy hiking, biking, bird watching, fishing, picnicking, and otherwise discovering nature will appreciate the monumental effort and investment that went into accomplishing the featv Village leadership, volunteers, and The Forge Charitable Adventures will continue to engage with environmental experts to maintain the thriving preservev Lastly, communities and volunteers from all over Chicagoland will choose to follow our lead and champion restoration activities in their communities to preserve nature as a source of beauty, inspiration, economic vitality, and healthWHAT WILL SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?16© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPOUR VISION

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Despite this, many of these residents still have no idea that a treasure is waiting for them in their backyard. The HQRA offers a great deal to residents and non-residents alike. Nature trails are ideal places for exercise, and TFCA has already built and maintains more than ten miles of them. Free educational opportunities, from sites where immigrant laborers once toiled, to wildlife encounters, to harvesting prairie seeds, are available at the HQRA year-round. Furthermore, the picnic groves, quarry lakes, and open spaces are places where we can build social bonds that strengthen our families and community. Everyone who visits the HQRA can appreciate the respite it provides from crowds and concrete, along with plants that clean our air, absorb rainwater and give beauty to our region.17JUST ABOUT EVERYONE IN LEMONT LIVES NEAR THE HQRA; MORE THAN 90 PERCENT OF THE POPULATION IS WITHIN FOUR MILES. The HQRA is one of Lemont's best-kept secrets because easily accessible entry points are hard to find, and it is sometimes difficult to know what you can do once you get there. While the quarries are filled with picnickers and people who enjoy fishing on sunny summer weekends, many visitors never venture beyond the picnic table.To better connect people to the HQRA, we need to find ways to encourage more people to go there. We also need to welcome visitors with better information by improving signage and facilities and by offering programs specifically designed to appeal to their interests - regardless of their age, abilities, or economic and cultural background. TFCA staff and volunteers should reach out to the community, helping people to make a connection with nature. As we restore and improve the HQRA, we must ensure that every resident of the region can enjoy and benefit from this great reclaimed resource.OUR VISION

TFCA Nature Education Center

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