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River-Forest
Eden Index
Climate
8.1
•
Recreation
4.2
•
Community
3.7
•
Safeguard
5.6/10
River Forest is a charming village located in Cook County, Illinois, just nine miles west of downtown Chicago. The climate in River Forest is classified as humid continental, characterized by four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures averaging around 80°F (27°C), while winters are cold with temperatures averaging around 30°F (-1°C). Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and are considered the best times to visit.
The village is aptly named, as it is surrounded by the Des Plaines River and has numerous creeks running through its boundaries. These hydrological constituents contribute to the vibrant natural beauty of River Forest. Residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking in the nearby Des Plaines River, which is known for its diverse fish population.
River Forest boasts an extensive park system, with numerous green spaces offering recreational opportunities. Thatcher Woods, located near the Des Plaines River, features walking trails, picnic areas, and bird-watching opportunities. The River Forest Park District maintains several parks, including Keystone Park with its playgrounds and sports fields, and Washington Commons Park with its beautiful gardens and outdoor stage.
In summary, River Forest offers a pleasant climate with distinct seasons, beautiful hydrological constituents, and a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 8.1
River-Forest receives approximately
959mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 80%
and air temperatures averaging around
11°C.
River-Forest has a plant hardyness factor of
6, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most
plants will die off during the colder winter months.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
Upper Illinois
Area Rivers
Upper Illinois
Snowpack Depths
Upper Illinois
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Upper Illinois
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.2
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oblong Park | None | 491 ft | |||
| Red Hills Lake State Park | 130 | 519 ft | |||
| Bumpus Mills - Lake Barkley | None | 520 ft | |||
| Boswell Landing | 34 | 406 ft | |||
| Hilltop Campground - Grayville | None | 391 ft | |||
| Lincoln Trail State Park | 240 | 655 ft | |||
| Gatlin Point - LBL | 19 | 453 ft | |||
| Gatlin Point | 30 | 433 ft | |||
| Robinson City Park | None | 541 ft | |||
| Crawford County Fairgrounds | None | 508 ft |
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI): 3.7
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.