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On the cover: A red maple leaf is surrounded by colorful shades of blue and orange reflected on the water at Heron Creek (Lake Zurich).
more than
31,000 acres are protected by the
lake county forest preserves .
A MESSAGE from ANGELO D. KYLE PRESIDENT LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES AKYLE@LAKECOUNTYIL.GOV
BOARD of COMMISSIONERS PRESIDENT
Angelo D. Kyle, Waukegan VICE PRESIDENT
John Wasik, Grayslake TREASURER
Paul Frank, Highland Park ASSISTANT TREASURER
Gina Roberts, Beach Park
As we get into fall and the holiday season is soon upon us, this is traditionally a time to give thanks. While there is much to be thankful for, this year it may be more difficult for some to experience the fullness of joy that often accompanies this season. If you find yourself in that situation, I encourage you to read on. This magazine contains updates and inspirational stories about the forest preserves intended to renew a spirit of gratitude in all of us, especially during this holiday time. No one has been immune to events of the past 18 months. Some members of our community have been particularly at risk and may be feeling isolated from the world around them. During this time, the mission of the Forest Preserves has become more important than ever. Visiting local parks, trails and open spaces is essential for our mental and physical well-being. The preserves and trails are experiencing record-high usage levels as visitors turn to nature as an escape. Staff regularly receive positive testimonials from preserve patrons, praising the peace found during time spent outdoors and thanking us for keeping these spaces open and well maintained. Lake County residents work alongside us to help protect and restore ecological habitats and the free benefits they provide to human health and economies. Ongoing support from donors, volunteers and other partners makes it possible for the Forest Preserves to continue its mission, focusing on preservation, restoration, education and recreation initiatives for the residents of Lake County, without interruption. When we look beyond today’s headlines, there are many reasons to be grateful. Residents can take great pride in how their forest preserves make their communities more livable and the local economy more dynamic. Our vibrant communities will thrive, and future generations will protect and cherish these remarkable resources and the highly desirable quality of life that they provide. THANK YOU for your continued support! May the stories in the following pages enhance your spirit of gratitude and joy this holiday season.
Marah Altenberg, Buffalo Grove Dick Barr, Round Lake Beach Carissa Casbon, Lake Villa Jennifer Clark, Libertyville Mary Ross Cunningham, Waukegan Michael Danforth, Fox River Grove Bill Durkin, Waukegan Sandy Hart, Lake Bluff Diane Hewitt, Waukegan J. Kevin Hunter, Ingleside Ann B. Maine, Lincolnshire Paras Parekh, Highland Park Linda Pedersen, Antioch Catherine Sbarra, Lake Zurich Julie Simpson, Vernon Hills Jessica Vealitzek, Hawthorn Woods Terry Wilke, Round Lake Beach EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ty Kovach
HORIZONS
VOLUME 30, ISSUE 4 Fall 2021 EDITOR AND DESIGNER
Jeanna Martinucci Cristino Horizons@LCFPD.org CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS
Kim Mikus Croke, Allison Frederick, Brett Peto, Rebekah Snyder PHOTOGRAPHY
Garen Johnson (cover), Jeff Goldberg, Joel Gettleman, Phil Hauck, John D. Kavc, John Weinstein, Adam S. Johnson, Chip Williams, Tim Elliott, Dan Maculay, Ronnie d'Entremont, Matt Misewicz SUBSCRIBE, UNSUBSCRIBE, UPDATE ADDRESS: 847–968–3335 | Horizons@LCFPD.org
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. Photo 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, promotional videos, brochures, fliers and other publications without additional, prior notice or permission and without compensation to the participant.