Will County Forest Preserve Begins ‘Don’t Be a Jerk' Campaign

WILL COUNTY, IL — The Forest Preserve District of Will County is rolling out a new multimedia campaign designed to get people to behave in the preserves and treat nature and other preserve visitors with respect. The preserve said the effort is in response to complaints by members of the public who don’t want to be walking through a preserve filled with litter and dog poop or traveling on a trail with people hogging the whole path or letting their dogs run amok.

The campaign also is designed to protect wildlife that can be harmed by improperly disposed of cigarette butts, fishing line and other refuse. According to the preserve, the campaign will consist of “Don’t Be A Jerk” videos showing what not to do, signs featuring photos and messages that encourage better behavior, and social media posts that show the latest garbage dumped in a preserve, which is an almost daily occurrence.

“We’re taking a creative approach to an ongoing problem,” said Ralph Schultz, the Forest Preserve’s chief operating officer. “This marketing strategy is designed to be responsive to those concerns expressed by the public.”

Four videos will be produced in an effort to educate and inspire visitors to be respectful of nature and other preserve patrons. The preserve said the videos will show what not to do and feature information on: reining in your dog, how to use a garbage can, how to use a trail, and fishing.

New signs posted in the preserves will feature photos of animals and clear messages, the preserve said.

"For the majority of our preserve users who are doing the right thing, these messages should serve as more of a pat on the back to acknowledge that they are mindful of the rules, and that they care about the health and beauty of the preserves and the creatures who live there," Laura Kiran, the Forest Preserve's director of Marketing and Communications, said in a release. "They can read the signs and social media posts and watch the videos, and know that they are doing their part. For those who aren't behaving as they should, we hope this will serve as a bold reminder. Everyone needs to pitch in to ensure the preserves remain places where wildlife can thrive and where people will want to continue to visit."