Will County Forest Preserve Executive Director Retires

PLAINFIELD, IL — After 32 years at the helm of the Forest Preserve District of Will County, its executive director is retiring.

Ralph Schultz, who has worked at the Forest Preserve District since 1993, will work his final day on Friday. Deputy Director Tracy Chapman will succeed him.

Schultz, a resident of Plainfield, first served as a landscape architect and later as director of planning and operations as well as chief operating officer.

During his more than three decades with the district, Schultz expanded its land holdings by more than 50 percent, helped restore thousands of acres of habitat, and opened or improved almost 50 access areas and trails, according to a news release. He oversaw the creation and extensions of the regional DuPage River Trail, Joliet Junction Trail, Old Plank Road Trail, Veterans Memorial Trail and Wauponsee Glacial Trail in addition to other smaller interconnected paths.

"Through years of visionary growth, community connection, and conservation leadership, Ralph has ensured that the Forest Preserve District of Will County remains a vital resource for current and future generations," Chapman said at the May 8 Board of Commissioners meeting. "Ralph, thank you for your vision, your commitment, and your 11,624 days of dedication to the Forest Preserve District. You've made this community stronger, greener, and more connected — and we are better for it."

Schultz said growing up near the Illinois Prairie Path in southern DuPage County influenced his love of nature and trails.

"I knew before entering college that I wanted to be a landscape architect based on the joy I found working in the yard and my fascination with public open spaces and working for the whole community," he said in a statement.

According to the release, Schultz said he "accomplished very little on his own" and attributed much of his success to his colleagues and partnerships with local, state and federal officials.

"I've witnessed a lot of changes in our organization and in our local environment over the years," he said. "I'm proud to have been part of an organization that stays true to its purpose and can make a difference in people's lives and surroundings. And I look forward to watching the Forest Preserve continue to thrive and find new ways to make our county more livable for all the creatures that call it home."