Commissioner Morita Hosts ‘Nurtured by Nature’ Event to Promote Mental Health at Skokie Forest Preserve (Skokie, IL) – Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita joined Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, local officials, and community partners Friday at the Skokie Forest Preserve to mark the third annual Nurtured by Nature event, highlighting the connection between mental health and time spent outdoors.
The gathering comes during October’s Depression and Mental Health Screening Month and aimed to showcase the forest preserves as free, accessible resources for residents seeking support for mental well-being.
“Spending time in nature offers so many benefits for our mental health and overall well-being,” Morita said. “Through events like Nurtured by Nature, we’re reminding residents that the forest preserves are not only beautiful spaces to enjoy, but also free, accessible resources that can support people when they need it most.”
The event featured yoga, guided walks, children’s activities, art workshops, holiday photo stations, and wellness demonstrations, designed to highlight the physical, emotional, and social benefits of outdoor spaces.
Preckwinkle praised the effort, calling the preserves “a vital tool for wellness.”
“These natural spaces encourage connection, movement and reflection, all of which are key elements of wellness,” she said. “When we raise awareness with events like these, we give residents practical tools to manage stress and improve their quality of life.”
Other speakers included Forest Preserve Superintendent Arnold Randall, Cook County Health officials, and Dr. Kiran Joshi, chief operating officer of the Cook County Department of Public Health.
The annual event is part of Morita’s broader effort to expand access to public health resources while strengthening the role of nature in promoting community well-being.
Commissioner Morita Hosts ‘Nurtured by Nature’ Event to Promote Mental Health at Skokie Forest Preserve
