There are more elderly and retired persons. Of approximately 15 million visitors each year, the majority come to picnic but many are merely seeking solitude, quiet and relief from the hurly-burly of city life. They can stroll about, fish, bask in the sunshine, or just rest under a tree. Some pursue hobbies such as nature study and photography. Others engage in more strenuous activities such as hiking or horseback riding on the trails, boating, swimming, golf and winter sports.
Youngsters find fun and adventure all year around.
The preserves have become an intimate part of the lives of people in many communities and innumerable families. In a county with five and one-half million inhabitants, and as residential, commercial and industrial developments move steadily outward and finally surround the forest preserves, the problems of protecting and preserving them become increasingly difficult. The woodlands and meadows, with their wildflowers, must be guarded. They must be protected against fires. The wildlife must be safe from hunting, trapping or any molestation.