The Forest Preserve District of Will County’s 2023 Take It Outside Challenge has received an award from the Forest Preserve and Conservation Section of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. The Outstanding Environmental Education Program Award was announced on Thursday, May 9, during an IPRA awards ceremony at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon.
The Forest Preserve’s Take It Outside Challenge launched in 2023 and was an immediate hit with members of the public. Throughout the year, 1,200 people completed missions to earn points and prizes. Along the way, they discovered new preserves, improved their health, learned about nature, and made new friends. By the time the challenge wrapped up on December 31, there were 117,000 mission submissions received.
“Launching an ambitious campaign like this isn’t about winning awards, but it is always nice when your peers recognize the impact it’s had, especially when we see others following our lead and creating similar programs,” said Chad Merda, head of digital marketing strategy/engagement for the Forest Preserve.
The Take It Outside Challenge was a new and creative way to reach people who were not familiar with the Forest Preserve and needed a nudge to explore the preserves and nature, he added. The challenge was so popular and effective at getting people outdoors, it is continuing this year with four seasonal sessions.
There is still time to join this year’s Take It Outside Challenge. The Winter Workout ended on March 30, but Spring Fling is underway and will continue until June 15. There also will be a Summer Soiree from June 30 to September 21 and a Fall Frolic from October 6, to December 14. Challenge details and rules are posted online at ReconnectWithNature.org. Simply download the free Goosechase app from the App Store or Google Play to your smart phone to get started.
Each seasonal challenge will feature a variety of prizes. Amazon gift cards in the amounts of $500, $250, and $150 will be awarded for first, second, and third places, respectively. Additional prizes also will be awarded.
The Take It Outside Challenge is sponsored by The Nature Foundation of Will County. Take It Outside hats, shirts, and bandanas are available for purchase at OutsiderThreads.com, and all proceeds benefit the Foundation, which supports nature education, conservation, and restoration efforts.