On the cover: Photographer Dahai Zang snapped a fairytale scene at Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve (Long Grove). These two white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns sport hundreds of white spots on their rusty-brown coats. The markings help them blend into sun-dappled forests and meadows.
A MESSAGE from
JESSICA VEALITZEK
PRESIDENT
LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES
JVEALITZEK@LAKECOUNTYIL.GOV
B OARD of COMMISSIONERS
PRESIDENT
MORE THAN 31,300 ACRES ARE PROTECTED BY THE
LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES.
The signs of summer in the forest preserves always lift my spirits. The buzz of cicadas, the smell of earth after a warm rain and glittering fireflies at dusk are a gift.
Like many of you, I’m concerned about potential policy changes and a loss of funding for conservation across the country and here in Lake County. Many of the federal grants that the Forest Preserves relies on to complete regional trail connections, construct underpasses and bridges and implement habitat restoration projects are suspended or at risk.
I take comfort in the bipartisan show of support last November, when 67% of voters said “yes” to our proposition for capital funding. This historic investment will help us weather losses in federal funding and continue the critical task of restoring your forest preserves to ecological health for the benefit of plants, animals and people.
I take comfort in our state government, which continues to support all aspects of our mission: open space, landscape-scale restoration, and history and environmental education. And as always, I take comfort in nature.
Find your comfort in nature. Learn about the physical and mental benefits of forest bathing in the feature article. Find peace by exploring a new trail or preserve or by immersing yourself in a year in the life of a bumble bee.
Jessica Vealitzek, Hawthorn Woods
VICE PRESIDENT
Gina Roberts, Beach Park
TREASURER
Jennifer Clark, Libertyville
ASSISTANT TREASURER
Michael Danforth, Fox River Grove
Marah Altenberg, Buffalo Grove
Esiah Campos, Round Lake Beach
Carissa Casbon, Lake Villa
Mary Ross Cunningham, Waukegan
Paul Frank, Highland Park
Sandy Hart, Lake Bluff
Diane Hewitt, Zion
J. Kevin Hunter, Ingleside
Sara Knizhnik, Vernon Hills
Angelo D. Kyle, Waukegan
Ann B. Maine, Lincolnshire
Paras Parekh, Highland Park
Linda Pedersen, Antioch
Adam Schlick, Wauconda
John Wasik, Grayslake
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ty Kovach
HORIZONS
VOLUME 34, ISSUE 2 Summer 2025
EDITOR AND DESIGNER
Jeanna Martinucci Cristino Horizons@LCFPD.org
CONTENT AND DESIGN CONTRIBUTORS
Kim Mikus, Brett Peto, Eddie Fieg, Rebekah Snyder, Erika Stergos, Robin Hill
PHOTOGRAPHY AND ILLUSTRATION
Dahai Zang (cover), R. Scott McNeill, Judith Salstone, Kimberly Landmann, Samantha Gallagher, Thomas G. Wilson, Justine Neslund, Larry Reis, Phil Hauck, Bob Callebert, John D. Kavc, Tim Elliott, Liz Rose Fisher, Jeff Goldberg, Kyle Hauder, Alex Ross, John Weinstein, Angela Ramirez, Scott Camazine / Science Photo Library, Kathryn McCabe, Jeanna Martinucci
SUBSCRIBE, UNSUBSCRIBE, UPDATE ADDRESS: 847–968–3335 | H orizons@LCFPD.org
Remember that, even if you never step foot in them, your forest preserves are always working for you. Every acre of healthy habitat cleans the air and water, reduces flooding, cools summer temperatures and creates scenic views to restore the mind, body and spirit. Take comfort in the fact that, together, we can make every acre of our part of the world stronger and more resilient. 8 7 5 12
Horizons is the quarterly publication of the Lake County Forest Preserve District. Subscriptions are free. Subscribers may also receive mailings from the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves. Photos and videos are periodically taken of people participating in Forest Preserve District programs and activities. All persons registering for Forest Preserve District programs/activities or using Forest Preserve District property thereby agree that any photo or video taken by the Forest Preserve District may be used by the District for promotional purposes including its website or agency social media, promotional videos, brochures, fliers and other publications without additional, prior notice or permission and without compensation to
Imagine stepping into the woods, leaving behind the noise and stress of daily life. As you pause and breathe, a sense of calm takes over. There’s no rush or destination, only the soothing quiet of the woodland. Welcome to forest bathing, a practice that invites you to reconnect with yourself and nature.
shinrin-yoku or forest therapy, involves immersing yourself in the outdoors—not through exercise or hiking, but by simply being present in the natural world.
Its roots stretch back to a 1980s-era effort launched by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture to help the country’s population reduce stress and improve health. Despite the name, there’s no water or towels involved. The practice centers on mindfulness, breathing deeply and allowing the landscape to work its magic.
“Forest bathing is a gentle walk in nature, where you bathe your senses in the ambiance of the environment,” said Retta Hennessy, a certified forest therapy guide at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle. She received training through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs, an organization that blends mindfulness, nature connection and wellness practices.
Researchers have found that time spent outside lowers blood pressure and heart rate, reduces stress hormones and even boosts the immune system. “Forest bathing supports both physical and mental health,” according to a 2019 study in Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine. Being outdoors without distractions helps people feel calmer and more balanced. “It’s about giving yourself permission to slow down and be present,” Hennessy said.
and textures of trees, plants, clouds and wildlife.
Is there a color or texture that draws your eye?
What sounds do you hear— nearby or far off?
Can you pick out the faintest sound around you?
Maybe you spot a flower just starting to bloom.
What scents are in the air— damp earth, blooming flowers, fresh pine?
enjoy. Look for a quiet spot with little foot traffic, a mix of trees and plants and maybe a stream or birds nearby. A bench, soft path or scenic view is a nice bonus.
Hennessy notes that even when time or weather keep you indoors, there are simple ways to stay connected to nature. “Pause, look out the window and notice the texture of clouds, the brightness of flowers or the ripples of water. Even adding a plant to your workspace can help.”
Looking to ease into forest bathing? Try one of our calming programs such as Birdwatching Hot Spots, Mindful Moments, or Sunday Strolls. See what’s coming up at LCFPD.org/calendar
A donor to the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves, Kilaru now gives in a new way: by offering forest bathing sessions to our volunteers. In today’s fast-paced world, the need for this kind of pause is stronger than ever. Constant notifications, packed schedules and digital overload take a toll, Kilaru said. “Stepping into nature helps quiet the mind. It eases stress and anxiety, boosts your mood and immune system and deepens your connection to the natural world.”
These six forest preserves offer a chance to slow down, breathe deeply and immerse yourself in the landscape’s gentle embrace. Find the perfect escape near you: LCFPD.org/preserves
Grant Woods in Ingleside Fort Sheridan in Lake Forest
Wander scenic trails through woodlands, prairies and marshes. One area, designated as a protected Illinois Nature Preserve, was never farmed and thus is rich in rare native plants. Experience the beauty of a tamarack bog, a wetland dominated by tamarack trees. Year-round glimpses of deer, hawks and other wildlife abound.
Situated along a peaceful stretch of the Fox River, the site features rolling landscapes, oak savannas and pristine wetlands making it ideal to observe a diverse range of birds, from majestic eagles to graceful herons and egrets.
This preserve boasts sweeping views of Lake Michigan and a blend of wooded areas, bluffs and lakefront. Six ravines and 2.9 miles of shoreline provide a protected home for several endangered and threatened species. Parts of the historic fort, established in 1887, still stand.
A perfect spot to pause, relax and take in the sights and sounds of tranquility. Much of this preserve is carefully managed for flood control, evident in the dam on Buffalo Creek and the calm reservoir it creates.
Can’t get outside?
Winding trails and scenic overlooks reveal panoramic sights of a meandering stream and vast woodlands, inviting you to walk at a relaxed pace. Along the eastern edge of this preserve are 170 acres of centuries-old bur oak, white oak, shagbark hickory and black walnut trees.
Ethel's Woods in Antioch Spring Bluff in Winthrop Harbor
Forest Bathing 101
Curious about forest bathing? The best part is how easy it is to begin. Wherever there are trees, there’s an opportunity to practice.
Check out our Meditative Minute series on YouTube by scanning the QR code. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Look for a forest preserve where you can walk leisurely without interruptions. It doesn’t need to be remote, just peaceful.
Silence your phone and avoid bringing items that might pull your attention away, such as headphones or reading material.
This isn’t a hike or workout. Walk freely or find a comfortable spot to sit. Let your body move at a relaxed pace.
Take slow, deep breaths. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Let your breath help you settle into the moment.
Tall grasses sway in the breeze as sweet Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum) brightens the view. An observation deck offers a 360-degree perspective of the preserve's dramatic landscape, as well as Lake Michigan and adjoining natural areas. Spring Bluff is primarily wetlands with oak savanna and prairie.
Notice the color of the leaves, the sound of birds, the texture of tree bark, the scent of the air. Try feeling the breeze on your cheek or seeing how the light filters through the trees.
If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to what’s around you. There’s no right or wrong way to do this. Just focus on being in the moment.
Aim for 30 to 60 minutes, but even a shorter session can help. The goal is to feel refreshed, not rushed.
PRESERVE NEWS
MANAGER OF RESTORATION ECOLOGY APPOINTED TO STATE TASK FORCE
This spring, Matt Ueltzen, manager of restoration ecology, was appointed to the new Illinois Legacy Tree Program Task Force by Governor JB Pritzker. Other members include representatives of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, The Morton Arboretum and state legislators.
Legacy trees are those almost at the maximum size and age for their species. They support many wildlife species and can also hold cultural or historical value.
The task force will produce a report by 2028 presenting recommendations for a statewide legacy tree recognition program. “I look forward to working with the other members,” Ueltzen said.
Learn more: govappointments.illinois.gov
Officers Honored for Heroic, Lifesaving Actions
The Forest Preserves Ranger Police recently honored three officers for lifesaving actions.
Sgt. Bradley Ehrhardt earned a Meritorious Service Award and Officer Michael Viramontes received a Lifesaving Award for rescuing a man lost for 13 hours in freezing conditions in Wadsworth Savanna Forest Preserve (Wadsworth). The individual was found after Ehrhardt reactivated the search upon learning the man had not returned home the night before. “Thanks to their persistence, he survived,” said Cmdr. Scott Banaszynski. Full story: LCFPD.org/saved
Sgt. James Harrison received an honorable mention for his quick response to a serious accident. Harrison, along with an officer from Round Lake Park, extinguished a car fire and cared for the injured driver until paramedics arrived. “Their actions saved a life,” said Chief Ron Davis. Read more: LCFPD.org/bravery
Lend a Hand for Nature
Make local habitats healthier by volunteering at restoration workdays. Spend 2–3 hours removing invasive species, collecting seeds and planting native trees and shrubs. Volunteers are needed most at Nippersink Forest Preserve (Round Lake), Oriole Grove Forest Preserve (Lake Bluff) and Duck Farm Forest Preserve (Lake Villa). Flexible schedules. No experience necessary. Info: LCFPD.org/volunteer
Pictured below, left to right: Officer Michael Viramontes, Chief Ron Davis, Sgt. Bradley Ehrhardt, Sgt. James Harrison
Board Approves 89 Acres of New Land
Our board of commissioners recently approved two land purchases: 55 acres in Fremont Township and 34 acres in Antioch Township.
The 55-acre Steffenhagen property near Gilmer Road and Route 176 will expand Lakewood Forest Preserve (Wauconda). It supports ongoing restoration at the county’s most expansive preserve.
The 34-acre Elliott W. Frank LLC property near Grass Lake Road will expand Lotus Country Conservation Preserve (Antioch). The site protects vital wetlands and the county’s largest heron and egret rookery. To preserve its natural beauty and significant ecological features, the area will remain protected without developed public access. Learn more: LCFPD.org/purchases
NEW MUSEUM HOURS
The Dunn Museum (Libertyville) has expanded its hours. Admission sales end 30 minutes before closing.
Monday and Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10 am–4:30 pm
Thursday: 2–8 pm (FREE general admission 5–8 pm, sponsored by USG)
Friday–Sunday: 10 am–4:30 pm
Details: LCFPD.org/planyourvisit
Gary Glowacki loves turtles. As manager of conservation ecology, he leads our Blanding’s Turtle Recovery Program, conducts research and even sports a turtle tattoo on his arm.
Two new scientific papers published in the Journal of Wildlife Diseases bear Glowacki’s name as a co-author. One study assessed the health of head-started Blanding’s turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) pre-release and post-release. Headstarting involves collecting eggs from wild female turtles and raising hatchlings in captivity to a size where they’re more likely to survive.
Since 2010, Glowacki and his team have released thousands of head-starts into Lake County wetlands. “The population stabilized and started growing rapidly,” he said. “This allowed us to shift our focus from raising head-starts to ensuring the population is healthy.”
Results indicated that head-starts’ health tends to dip for 1–2 years after release before rebounding. Glowacki wasn’t surprised. “We expect them to have an adjustment period as they learn to navigate a new environment, forage for food and get exposed to new hazards.”
The other study sampled 835 free-ranging turtles in Lake, Cook and Kane counties to survey for Emydomyces testavorans, a fungal infection associated with skin and shell disease in turtles. Just four animals tested positive—news that Glowacki welcomed. Sponsor our turtles: LCFPD.org/turtles
Widow skimmer (Libellula luctuosa)
Summer Sounds: Concerts Support Every Acre Strong
Get ready for a summer filled with music, nature and good vibes. The Forest Preserves’ annual Concerts in the Plaza series returns to Independence Grove Forest Preserve (Libertyville) on June 10, with concerts every Tuesday evening from 7–8:30 pm through August 5. Find full details and band descriptions: LCFPD.org/concerts
JUNE 10 | The Wayouts | 1960s Rock’n’Roll
JUNE 17 | Brooklyn Charmers | Steely Dan Tribute / Jazz Rock
JUNE 24 | How Rude! | ‘90s Tribute
JULY 1 | The Mackenzie O’Brien Band | Country
JULY 8 | Gizzae | Reggae
JULY 15 | American English | Beatles Tribute
JULY 22 | Peach Jam | Allman Brothers Band Tribute / Blues Rock
JULY 29 | Soul Sacrifice | Santana Tribute / Latin Rock
AUGUST 5 | Mississippi Heat | Blues
The $10 vehicle entrance fee—starting at 4:30 pm each concert night— supports Every Acre Strong: The Community Campaign for Lake County Forest Preserves. Donations to the campaign are creating a dependable funding source to care for your forest preserves.
Make sure you stop by the Foundation’s table to say hello, learn more about the Every Acre Strong campaign and pick up goodies that help you show your love of the Forest Preserves.
We are grateful for the continued support of our sponsors:
Libertyville Bank & Trust Co. N.A.
Lake County Journal
$1.02 Million Heartfelt Donation Protects Nature
Lake County resident Paula Lillard is honoring her late husband, John, with a $1.02 million gift to the Every Acre Strong campaign—supporting the prairies, woodlands and open space they both loved.
That deep connection to nature is becoming a gift to us all by supporting the long-term care of 1,086 acres across Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve (Lake Forest), Oriole Grove Forest Preserve (Lake Bluff) and neighboring land managed by Lake Forest Open Lands Association.
The donation will help restore native plants, remove invasives and protect these natural areas for generations.
It’s a powerful way to give back to the land John cherished. Read their story: LCFPD.org/Lillard-gift
Since 2007, the Preservation Foundation has inspired individuals, corporations and foundations to support Forest Preserves projects, programs and places they are passionate about. Gifts of all sizes make a meaningful impact and help ensure Lake County is filled with beautiful, natural spaces everyone can enjoy.
Create A Natural Legacy
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are a smart, tax-efficient way to support the efforts of the Forest Preserves! If you’re age 70½ or older, you can make a QCD from your IRA directly to the Preservation Foundation. It counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) but doesn’t increase your taxable income. It’s a win-win! Here’s how you benefit:
✅ Fulfill your RMD.
✅ Avoid adding the donation to your taxable income.
✅ Directly contribute to preserving the native habitats and wildlife you adore.
✅ Save your post-tax money for essential needs.
Explore your giving opportunities at LCFPD.org/gift-planning. Or, if you would like to start a conversation about creating a natural legacy, contact Meg Bonham, major gifts manager, at 847-968-3447 or email donate@LCFPD.org.
Your donations help extend and accelerate the work of the Forest Preserves!
Restoration Continues and Benefits Grow At Greenbelt
Grants are helping us restore 607 acres at Greenbelt Forest Preserve (North Chicago) by removing invasive species and replacing them with native seeds, shrubs and trees.
A $23,100 grant from the USDA Forest Service Eastern Region State and Private Forestry program, awarded by The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative, is funding the removal of woody invasive species, mainly common buckthorn, on 31 acres.
A $100,000 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Sustain Our Great Lakes grant supports habitat restoration, including clearing 215 acres of invasives, re-treating 180 acres, spot-treating 70 acres of wetlands and planting 3,000 native plugs on 10 acres.
Restoring native plants supports wildlife and improves human health by reducing flooding, enhancing air and water quality and capturing carbon—these measurable benefits are called ecosystem services.
According to data from City Forest Credits, each restored acre at Greenbelt provides an estimated $5,471 in ecosystem services, totaling $3.3 million in annual benefits once all 607 acres are restored.
CAMPAIGN GIFTS HELP DONORS LEAVE THEIR MARK
Gifts to the Every Acre Strong campaign protect decades of investment in restoring Lake County’s beloved forest preserves.
As a thank-you to donors who contribute $3,500 or more, we offer permanent recognition on a trailside bench or commemorative plaque in a beautiful natural setting. Gifts of $250 or more can receive virtual recognition through three key programs: Adopt-An-Acre, Adopt-A-Trail and Adopt-An-Oak.
Learn more: LCFPD.org/gifts
Leave a legacy of generosity with an estate gift that helps meet your financial and philanthropic goals.
the Queen Long Live
Four Seasons in a Bumble Bee Colony
A bumble bee queen has a lot resting on her wings.
She lives for four seasons. During that time, she will survive winter, create a colony in spring and lay hundreds of eggs in summer. In autumn, the queen will die—but not before producing new female bees to take up her mantle.
The common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) and nine other species live in Lake County. Their features differ. But the annual life cycles of their colonies and queens rhyme.
Spring Awakening
In spring, a foundress queen—a bee that will start a brand-new colony—wakes up hungry.
She’s lived off fat reserves for months, hibernating under leaf litter, logs or loose soil.
If she chose a well-suited site to overwinter, pollen and nectar should be available from spring ephemeral wildflowers. These plants bloom in early spring before trees sprout leaves in full.
Shaking off drowsiness, the queen visits flowers to eat and replenish her energy. She also finds a safe spot to nest.
“Queens look for protection from the elements,” said Wildlife Ecologist Kathryn McCabe.
“Nests have been found below ground in old rodent burrows, at surface level in tufts of grass or under logs, and even in the nooks and crannies of houses.”
Social Summer
Once settled in, the queen builds wax cups and loads them with nectar, pollen and eggs. Vibrations from her flight muscles keep the eggs between 77–90° Fahrenheit.
Larvae—which resemble small, white worms—hatch after 4–6 days. Like caterpillars transforming into butterflies, they develop into fuzzy adults over 4–5 weeks.
Female worker bees make up the first several waves of offspring. Gradually, they assume the duties of foraging and upkeep, while the queen prioritizes laying eggs.
Summer is the buzziest time. The queen crafts more wax pots and eggs; the workforce swells. Each new group of larvae has more food to eat and grows stronger. Most workers spend their 4–6 weeks of life collecting pollen to feed the humming colony.
Some workers stay home to guard against predators, remove dead larvae and calibrate the nest’s temperature by fanning their wings.
Depending on species and habitat, the colony’s population climbs to 50–500 bees. Even at peak activity, bumble bees “only sting as a last resort if threatened,” McCabe said.
Autumn Departures
If the colony is prosperous by late summer, the foundress queen produces eggs that become new queens and male bees.
Called gynes, the new queens gobble up three times the pollen as other larvae and dwarf their fellow colony members.
Multiple gynes offer more chances for successful nests next year. Their priorities—boost body fat for winter and mate with males from other colonies.
Males, or drones, leave the nest when they reach adulthood. Their priorities? Mating with gynes and drinking nectar. Drones sometimes sleep on flowers, their pollen-dusted rear ends poking out.
As the season swivels through autumn, the foundress queen, female workers and wandering drones slowly die off. Now solo, the young gynes select suitable winter hideaways.
“Fertilized females burrow down in loose soil, logs and under leaves,” said McCabe.
Winter Rest
Now comes sleep. The gynes slow their metabolism to save energy. Their bodies form glycerol, a natural antifreeze, to prevent damage from the cold.
Soon enough, springtime temperatures and sunshine will wake the foundress-queens-to-be from hibernation.
They’ll face the same tasks that have awaited countless generations. Find flowers to feed on. Search for a place to nest. And create a colony that produces more queens.
Bumble bees are fuzzy and cute, for sure. But pollination provided by insects and other animals makes possible one out of every three bites of food we eat. These ecosystem services are worth tens of billions of dollars per year to U.S. agriculture.
“Bumble bees are particularly effective pollinators for tomatoes, blueberries and peppers,” said McCabe. They also pollinate many native plants.
Each summer, McCabe monitors for bumble bee nests and records data on them in your preserves. “Any nest we find offers good data so we can try to provide suitable nesting habitat.”
Be friendly to bees by planting native wildflowers that bloom throughout the growing season and limiting insecticide use.
Submit your bee observations and photos at inaturalist.org.
Bumble Bee
Life Cycle
Non-reproductive
5.
Reproductive
Photos : (top to bottom) Female worker bees forage for nectar and pollen to feed the growing nest. • A golden northern bumble bee (Bombus fervidus) queen examines the ground for a place to nest. • Bumble bee nests feature wax pots, not honeycombs. • Ohio horsemint (Blephilia ciliata) is an attractive food source for bees.
1. Bumble bee queen feeding on flowers in spring 2. Queen building a nest using wax pots
3.
female worker bees maintaining nest and foraging for food
4.
female bee (soon-to-be queen) mating with male bee
New queen hibernating underground during winter
FEATURED EVENTS
For a complete list of all events, descriptions, pricing and tickets: Visit LCFPD.org/calendar, call 847-968-3321 or scan the QR code shown on the left. In-person and virtual nature and history programs, school field trips and digital resources are available.
DUNN MUSEUM PROGRAMS
EDUCATOR PICKS
We asked our expert educators to share the programs they're most excited about this season. See their picks, browse the full lineup and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar
June 12 Planting for Pollinators
June 24 From Tadpole to Frog
June 26 Civic Season: The Power of You
July 30 Teacher Workshop: Supporting your Illinois State Unit
August 2 Caminata en Español
Step into Lake County’s past at the Dunn Museum (Libertyville), where history connects to places you can explore today. View all Museum programs and register at LCFPD.org/dunn
June 11
Storytelling Through Photographs
July 2 Civic Season: Water Wonders
July 17 Storytelling for Civic Pride (available in-person and virtually)
August 14 Guided Tour of National Geographic: The Greatest Wildlife Photographs
August 28 Native Harvest
DROP-IN PROGRAMS
Nature offers something for everyone. Join these programs and discover a new way to enjoy the outdoors. View all options and register at LCFPD.org/calendar
June 14 Photography in the Forest Preserves: Close Up & Macro
July 8 Herons, Cranes and Egrets
July 15, August 20 Playdate with Nature
July 17 Wildflower Walk: Pine Dunes
August 9 Walk with a Naturalist: Hastings Lake
No reservation? No problem! Embrace your spontaneous side while discovering the beauty of nature and the richness of local history. Find all programs and details at LCFPD.org/showup
June 20 Family Drop-In: Budburst
June 28 Firefly Viewing (available in English and Spanish)
July 5 Family Drop-In: Animal Ambassadors
July 12 Ryerson Net-Zero Energy Education Center Open House
July 20, 26 Family Drop-In: BeeSpotter
STEP INTO NATURE
Photograph by Ami Vitale
Hike Lake County • August 15–November 30
Celebrate the beauty of nature and explore trails in preserves across the county. Check our website in early August to find details and this year's routes: LCFPD.org/HLC
Have a question about Lake County history or nature? Our educators have the answer. Email: AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org
BEER GARDEN TRIVIA NIGHTS • Wednesdays: July 30, August 27, September 24 • 5:30–7 pm
Grab a tasty brew with friends at the Beer Garden at Independence Grove (Libertyville) and put your Lake County knowledge to the test in a fun, educational trivia game. From nature to history to the forest preserves, your team will tackle it all. No registration required.
Details: LCFPD.org/trivia Plan your visit: LCFPD.org/beer
TWO MUSIC & CULTURE FESTS • G reenbelt Cultural Center
Sunday, July 27 • 3–7 pm • All ages, FREE
Experience the power of gospel music at this inspiring annual event, featuring the dynamic Dr. Frozene Lott Hayes as our headliner. Hear local choirs and soulful solo performances. Details: LCFPD.org/gospelfest
Saturday, August 16 • 12–8 pm • All ages, FREE
Don’t miss a high-energy festival packed with all-day live music and performances, leading up to a headliner at 6 pm. Savor delicious food from local vendors throughout the event. Learn more: LCFPD.org/afrofest
BESS BOWER DUNN DAY • Saturday, August 23 • 10 am–4:30 pm
Celebrate Bess Bower Dunn’s birthday with FREE general admission at the Dunn Museum (ticketed special exhibition fees still apply).
Bess (1877–1959) was Lake County’s first official historian. Visit: LCFPD.org/planyourvisit
(North Chicago)
OPEN MAY 24–SEPTEMBER 21
For 115 years, National Geographic has pioneered and championed the art of wildlife photography, and captivated generations of engaged audiences with a steady stream of extraordinary images of animals in nature. From the very first image to appear—a reindeer in 1903—National Geographic Society’s publications have broken new ground, establishing an unmatched legacy of artistic, scientific and technical achievement.
Visitors will witness the best wildlife pictures from the pages of National Geographic magazine. Showcasing the evolution of photography, the images convey how camera traps, remote imaging and underwater technology have granted photographers access to wildlife in their natural habitat. These are the Greatest Wildlife Photographs.
Organized and traveled by the National Geographic Society. Imagestoptobottom: Sea Lions by David
Hopkins Island, Australia, 1984 • VumbiPridebyMichaelNichols,SerengetiNationalPark,Tanzania, 2011 •
1899 W. WINCHESTER ROAD
Doubilet,
Sandhill Cranes by Randy Olson, Platte River, Nebraska, 2016 • Geladas by Trevor Frost, Menz-Guassa Community Conservation Area, Ethiopia, 2015
Known for his realistic painting style of classic comic book characters, Alex Ross has transformed the comic world into fine art. Using gouache paints, Ross brings heroes and villains from the Marvel and DC universes to life with striking realism. The 100 portraits featured in the exhibition Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains capture each character’s individual attitude, naturally influencing their poses. Combining the portraits creates a larger-than-life mural, transporting visitors into the perfect environment to strike a pose with their favorite superhero or villain.
For seasonal hours, menus and fees, visit our website.
North Bay Pavilion
For rental information, visit LCFPD.org/NorthBay
Parking Fee (spring–fall)
Lake County residents FREE.
Vehicle window stickers allow entry without having to verify Lake County residency. Fee is $5, available at the Visitors Center.
Nonresidents
$6 per car Monday–Thursday $12 per car Friday–Sunday and holidays
RYERSON CONSERVATION AREA
21950 N. Riverwoods Road Riverwoods, IL 60015
847-968-3320
LCFPD.org/ryerson
Welcome Center
9 am–5 pm, Friday–Sunday
Restrooms open daily from 9 am–5 pm.
LCFPD.org 911 emergency 847-549-5200 nonemergency public safety issues
BRAE LOCH GOLF CLUB
33600 N. U.S. Hwy. 45 Grayslake, IL 60030
847-968-3444 Tee Times
847-489-1931 Golf Outings
BraeLochGolfClub.org
COUNTRYSIDE GOLF CLUB
Prairie and Traditional Courses
20800 W. Hawley St. Mundelein, IL 60060
847-968-3466 Tee Times, Golf Outings CountrysideGolfClub.org
THUNDERHAWK GOLF CLUB
A Robert Trent Jones Jr. championship golf course.
39700 N. Lewis Ave. Beach Park, IL 60099
847-968-4295 Tee Times
847-489-1931 Golf Outings
ThunderHawkGolfClub.org
847-968-3450 Weddings, Events ThunderHawkEvents@LCFPD.org Office hours by appointment only.
More than 31,300 acres make up your Lake County Forest Preserves.
Most preserves are open 6:30 am–sunset, daily. If a preserve gate is open before 6:30 am, the preserve is considered open for use.
MAP CURRENT AS OF May 9, 2025
FOREST PRESERVE
STATE LAND
ENTRANCE/ PARKING
METRA STATION
CASEY TRAIL
CHAIN O’LAKES BIKE PATH
Planned Section
DES PLAINES RIVER TRAIL (DPRT)
DPRT TO LYONS WOODS
Planned Section
FORT HILL TRAIL
Planned Section
MIDDLEFORK GREENWAY
Planned Section
MILLENNIUM TRAIL
Planned Section
OTHER REGIONAL TRAILS
Planned Section
GENERAL OFFICES & DUNN MUSEUM
OPERATIONS & PUBLIC SAFETY
BEER
GARDEN
CANOE LAUNCH
COMMUNITY GARDEN
EDUCATION CENTER
OFF-LEASH DOG AREA
TRAIL MAP
Use our interactive trail map to navigate your next adventure. To view the map, open the camera app on your phone and scan the QR code below.
SPECIAL EDITION: TICK TALK
Two tick species are commonly found in Lake County: the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) and the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis). Stay on trails, tuck your pants into your socks and apply DEET insect repellent to help prevent tick bites. Hear more tips on our Words of the Woods podcast at LCFPD.org/podcast or watch our YouTube series at LCFPD.org/tick.
INSTAGRAM PICK
Subscribe to Prescribed Burn Notifications
We conduct prescribed burns in your preserves during fall, winter and spring. Learn more at LCFPD.org/burninfo
Complete a contact form at LCFPD.org/burn-notice—or scan the QR code—to be notified when a burn happens near you. Notifications about the predicted path of smoke are available.
This bench overlooking a wetland at Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve (Grayslake) offers a peaceful spot to reconnect with nature. Posted by local photographer Punnya Naveen. Learn about the practice of forest bathing on pages 1–5. Connect with us @LCFPD on Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and X. Listen to our awardwinning Words of the Woods podcast on Spotify. Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter: LCFPD.org/connect
