Horizons quarterly // spring 2023

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

This spring marks an important anniversary in natural resource conservation. Ninety years ago, on April 5, 1933, the federal government established the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). A major component of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, the CCC provided work relief and major investments in parks and natural lands in every state. At one point, 300,000 people or workers were housed, fed and employed through the CCC.

In Illinois alone, CCC workers planted 60 million trees, constructed 1,192 miles of trail and installed nearly 400 bridges. The program also led to a greater public awareness and appreciation of our nation’s vast natural resources.

Today we enjoy healthier, more accessible parks and preserves thanks to the CCC program. And the model lives on. Lake County has its own Youth Conservation Corps, which began as a Forest Preserves program in 1974 and evolved into our current partnership with Waukegan-based YCC, Inc.

Later this spring, dozens of high school students from across Lake County will apply to spend their summer working on important Forest Preserves projects. As they build fences, install boardwalks, or sow native plants as part of a landscape-scale restoration project, they will gain valuable job skills and experience in conservation.

Our Youth Conservation Corps is critical to the Forest Preserves today and to cultivating the next generation of conservation leaders. I am particularly pleased that grants from donors and the Preservation Foundation will fund an additional crew of students this summer from the communities of North Chicago, Waukegan and Zion. If you have a young person in your life, please encourage them to apply before Friday, April 28 at LCFPD.org/jobs They will certainly change Lake County for the better, and it just may change their life!

Thank you for your continued support.

B OARD of COMMISSIONERS

PRESIDENT Angelo D. Kyle, Waukegan

VICE PRESIDENT

John Wasik, Grayslake

TREASURER

Gina Roberts, Beach Park

ASSISTANT TREASURER

Paul Frank, Highland Park

Marah Altenberg, Buffalo Grove

Esiah Campos, Round Lake Beach

Carissa Casbon, Lake Villa

Jennifer Clark, Libertyville

Mary Ross Cunningham, Waukegan

Michael Danforth, Fox River Grove

Sandy Hart, Lake Bluff

Diane Hewitt, Zion

J. Kevin Hunter, Ingleside

Sara Frederick Knizhnik, Vernon Hills

Ann B. Maine, Lincolnshire

Paras Parekh, Highland Park

Linda Pedersen, Antioch

Adam Schlick, Wauconda

Jessica Vealitzek, Hawthorn Woods

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ty Kovach

HORIZONS

VOLUME 32, ISSUE 1 Spring 2023

EDITOR AND DESIGNER

Jeanna Martinucci Cristino Horizons@LCFPD.org

CONTRIBUTORS

Kim Mikus, Brett Peto, Rebekah Snyder, Erika Stergos, Costello Communications

PHOTOGRAPHY

Bob Callebert (cover), Jenny Sazama, Jason Cristino, Michelle Wendling, Jeff Goldberg, John D. Kavc, Tim Elliott, Paul Klonowski, WhereRu via Flickr, Briana Suriano, Liz Rose Fisher, Isavel Gonzalez, Peter Schulz

SUBSCRIBE, UNSUBSCRIBE, UPDATE ADDRESS: 847–968–3335 | H orizons@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. 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 the participant.

On the cover: The native white trout lily (Erythronium albidum) is a common spring ephemeral wildflower found in sizable colonies. The blooming period starts earlier than many other flowers and lasts only for two weeks.

PADDLE in the PRESERVES

We live most of our lives on dry land. But there are benefits to leaving solid earth behind and paddling some of the lakes and rivers flowing through Lake County.

SOME PERKS OF PADDLE SPORTS ARE EXERCISING, CONNECTING WITH NATURE AND MANAGING STRESS.

Luckily, 11 paddling locations are available in your Lake County Forest Preserves, from inland lakes to launches on the Des Plaines River (DPR) and Fox River.

Common types of paddlecraft include canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). Canoes sit higher in the water and offer more room for supplies. Kayaks offer less room but sit lower in the water,

which can feel more stable. SUPs combine aspects of kayaking and surfing, and allow flexibility to sit, kneel or stand while paddling.

Not sure which you prefer?

The marina at Independence Grove Forest Preserve (Libertyville) rents canoes, kayaks, SUPs and other watercraft seasonally for use on the preserve’s 129-acre lake. Learn more at LCFPD.org/IG

Try our four FAVORITE FLOATS

Our environmental educators and volunteers have been paddling Lake County for decades. Their top destinations for paddling in the preserves are as clear as a spring stream.

FISHING PIER

PRESERVE ENTRANCE

PARKING LOT

TOILET

DES PLAINES RIVER TRAIL

MILLENNIUM TRAIL

TRAIL

PRESERVE AREA

DES PLAINES RIVER, LAKE CARINA, HASTINGS LAKE, STERLING LAKE

OTHER RIVER/LAKE

Whichever craft you choose, try paddling in your preserves this year. Set off from shore into stunning views of local landscapes. Enjoy the sight of lush plant life and the sweet sounds of birdsong. Leave your worries behind on the bank.

BYOB ( Bring Your Own Boat )

Canoes sit higher in the water and offer more room for supplies.

Kayaks sit lower in the water than canoes and can feel more stable.

Stand-up paddleboards allow you to sit, kneel or stand while paddling.

CAR-TOP BOAT LAUNCH

MAPS LEGEND

DES PLAINES RIVER 34 miles

Take advantage of six canoe launches and paddle through 12 preserves on the DPR. Enjoy viewing maples, willows and plentiful prairie grasses in northern Lake County, where the river valley is wide and the water meanders. In central and southern Lake County, the valley narrows, and the river charts a straighter course through oak woodlands. Try to spot a mink (Neovison vison) den along the banks.

HELPFUL TIP S :

» Use of canoe launches is free and at your own risk.

» Set off from the launch in Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve (Wadsworth) at Russell Road to experience the northern stretch of the DPR. Check the river gauge there to ensure the flow is 40 cubic feet per second or higher. If lower, frequent portaging may be required.

» For the southern stretch, launch from Independence Grove.

Watch our Places to Paddle video series to learn more about paddling the DPR. Visit youtube.com/LCFPD and search “Places to Paddle,” or scan the QR code on the right.

HASTINGS LAKE 74 acres

A paddle on Hastings Lake (Lake Villa) offers lovely vistas of surrounding uplands and wetlands. Keep watch for American white pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) and other migrating birds. See fish and muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) bustling in the crystal-clear water. Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and other species live here. State fishing regulations apply.

HELPFUL TIPS:

» Restrooms are a distance from the boat launch.

» A wheelchair-accessible fishing pier is on-site.

» Parking and lake access for cartop boats and other small, non-motorized watercraft are available.

» Electric trolling motors are allowed.

» Trailers are not permitted.

LAKE CARINA 23 acres

A former gravel pit, Lake Carina is now a popular fishing hole, but some may not know about the paddling opportunities here. We recommend floating with the clouds on this wonderfully clear lake. Lie down on a paddleboard and enjoy looking at the sky. Reflected on the clear water, an inverted mirror of clouds surrounds you as you gaze upon a dreamy dome of fluffiness above.

LAKE CARINA OFFERS:

» Calm water, excellent for paddling practice.

» A wheelchair-accessible fishing pier.

» Shoreline fishing.

» Access for cartop boats, canoes, kayaks, SUPs and other small, nonmotorized watercraft.

» Electric trolling motors are allowed.

» Trailers are not permitted.

STERLING LAKE at VAN PATTEN WOODS

87 acres

Float into serenity on Sterling Lake. Our educators use this location for sunset and full moon paddling programs because of its accessibility and abundant wildlife.

Quietly paddling into coves on this lake often rewards visitors with a glimpse of beaver (Castor canadensis) lodges and softshell turtles ( Apalone spinifera) basking in the sun. In spring and fall, this is a fun place to watch migrating waterfowl with a picturesque forest backdrop.

VAN PATTEN WOODS OFFERS:

» A gorgeous, old-growth oak tree— one of the oldest known in the preserves—standing near the lake.

» A wheelchair-accessible floating dock.

» Two fishing piers.

» A boat ramp and sand launch area.

» Access for cartop boats, canoes, kayaks, SUPs and other small, non-motorized watercraft.

» Electric trolling motors are allowed.

» Trailers are permitted but parking is limited to the grass overflow parking lot.

Paddling Pointers

Beginners should take an on-water instruction course to learn about safety, technique and equipment. Take a river course before trying the DPR or Fox River.

Wear a personal flotation device approved by the U.S. Coast Guard at all times.

BEFORE YOU LAUNCH, CONSIDER THIS ADVICE FOR SAFE PADDLING:

Avoid clothes that hold water, such as cotton, in favor of moisture-wicking materials. Incorporate layers that can be added or removed.

• BASE LAYER: moisture-wicking synthetic fabric.

• SECOND LAYER: insulating material, such as fleece or wool.

• OUTER LAYER: waterproof protection from the elements.

Check water levels at waterdata.usgs.gov and multiple weather forecasts in advance.

Low water levels may mean portaging—carrying your paddlecraft over shallow sections of a river or stream. Use appropriate footwear.

Along with paddling the Des Plaines River, Klonowski is deeply committed to keeping it clean. Since 2008, the Waukegan resident has led the River Stewards to do just that.

The group removes trash to create safer passage for paddlers. Besides everyday items, volunteers have pulled the remains of a 1948 Chevy pickup truck, bicycles, picnic tables, safes and many tires from the river.

The crew has made significant headway. While there have been years when they removed 6,000 pounds of refuse, “I don’t think we will pull out more than 500 pounds this year,” Klonowski said.

About 15 regular volunteers comprise the group, which holds two workdays a month from February through November.

In December and January, they clean up the riverbanks on foot.

A retired engineer, Klonowski’s passion for paddling flows from memories of canoeing with his

The public and our staff appreciate the River Stewards’ work. “This group has been essential in keeping the Des Plaines River open for paddle sports,” said Dave Cassin, manager of landscape ecology. “Paul and his team have put in countless hours to restore the beauty of the treasured river.”

Volunteering with the group requires completing in-house training, plus demonstrating knowledge of canoeing or kayaking and related safety equipment and procedures.

Visit LCFPD.org/volunteer

Looking for more places to paddle in the preserves? Other options include Long Lake at Grant Woods Forest Preserve (Ingleside) and Fox River Forest Preserve (Port Barrington). At Fox River, a daily launch fee of $5 applies. Season launch passes are available for $40. Discover more at LCFPD.org/paddling.

father on various Midwestern rivers from the age of 10.

Paul Klonowski (pictured above, far-right) leads the River Stewards, a volunteer group that formed in 2008 to help keep the river clean and safe for paddlers. The River Stewards have removed tons of trash—literally—from the DPR.

SUMMER ADVENTURES Welcome to

Prices are listed as resident (R) and non-resident (NR) rates. Contact AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org with questions or to be added to a waitlist for any programs that are full.

Nature

BOOTS OF A BIOLOGIST

Ages 10–12. Hike in the boots of a biologist to learn about Lake County plants and animals through hands-on investigations and community science activities. Test equipment and techniques our staff use to evaluate plants and animals. $95 R/$133 NR

July 18–20

Grant Woods

EXPLORING NATURE

History

FROM FOSSILS TO FERNS: LAKE COUNTY’S HISTORY AND NATURE

Ages 9–11. Foster your child’s enthusiasm for natural and human history. From dinos to the modern day, we’ll explore how the habitats and people of Lake County have changed over time. $159 R/$223 NR

9 am–12 pm

Ages 6–8. Head into nature to explore and observe. Activities, creativity and free play will be available in multiple habitats. Children will have the freedom to choose and develop their interests. $159 R/$223 NR

July 24–28

Ryerson Woods

NATURE CURIOSITY

9 am–12 pm

Ages 4–5 with an adult. Allow your little one time to explore the wonders of nature. Use imagination and creativity to learn, create and play. Natural and found objects will be used. $64 R/$89 NR. Adults free.

July 18–20

August 1–3

Grant Woods

Independence Grove

EXPLORERS

July 24–28

Ryerson Woods

FROM SEED TO SPROUT

9 am–12 pm

Ages 6–8. Join us at Bonner Heritage Farm and take on the role of a historian. Learn about the history of the site through hands-on activities. We’ll examine historical documents and photos, work in a garden and more. $95 R/$133 NR

July 18–20

Bonner Farm

TIME TRAVELERS

9:30–11:30 am

9:30–11:30 am

9:30 am–12:30 pm

Ages 9–11. Travel back in time and journey through Lake County’s unique history. Using the Dunn Museum’s galleries, discover how our area has changed over time. $159 R/$223 NR

Dunn Museum

July 10–14 9:30 am–12:30 pm

Conservation explorers

Ages 14–16. This dynamic, two-week outdoor program culminates with an overnight camp-out. High schoolers explore and study the local ecosystems of Lake County. They will gain real-world experience through data collection and learn about career options in science. $400 R/$560 NR

July 10–14, 17–20

+July 21–22

Independence Grove

Van Patten Woods

9 am–3 pm 3 pm–10 am

Preservation Foundation: Continuing to Grow

In 2022, the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves saw significant growth, including bringing on a new executive director, Erika Stergos, and three new members to our Board of Directors.

The Preservation Foundation Board and Committee members are dedicated volunteers who work closely with Forest Preserves leadership to provide critical support for the agency's work and serve as ambassadors in the community. Joining the Foundation Board in 2023 are the Honorable Billy McKinney— mayor of Zion, James Kirby, general manager of Golden Oaks Farm, and Pradip Sahu, senior intellectual property counsel for USG. Each new member brings a wealth of experience in business, governance and community service.

Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves 2023 Board and Committee Members

Nels Leutwiler, President

Elizabeth Hough, Vice President

Charles R. Bartels

Walter W. Dalitsch, DVM

Andrea Danks

Marshall Field V

Max Gilman

Chris Heier

Karen Hunter

S. Michael Rummel, Treasurer

Andrea Moore, Secretary

TOGETHER, ACHIEVING MORE FOR THE FOREST PRESERVES.

GRANT RECEIVED TO CONSERVE HISTORIC LAKE COUNTY MAP

A $1,000 grant from the Signal Hill Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will help conserve an 1894 hanging plat map, filling a gap in the historical record between the Dunn Museum’s (Libertyville) plat map books of 1885 and 1907. Due to its deteriorated condition, the map is not easily accessible for research. Conservation will stabilize the map and enable staff to digitize it for reprinting and sharing online. Copies will also be available to researchers in the Museum’s Teich Family Reading Room. This is the sixth consecutive grant from Signal Hill DAR to help conserve important objects in the Dunn Museum’s collection. Learn more: LCFPD.org/collections

James Kirby

Alex Ty Kovach

Angelo D. Kyle

Steve Madden

Billy McKinney

Jefferson McMillan-Wilhoit

Pradip Sahu

Yuh Schabacker-Koppel

Robert Shears

Michael Tutty

Mary M. Vincent

John Wasik

Chad Waynee

Renee Young

If you are interested in learning more about how you can get involved with the Preservation Foundation, please reach out to Erika Stergos, Executive Director at 847-968-3129 or estergos@LCFPD.org.

The Preservation Foundation is the charitable partner of the Lake County Forest Preserves. Gifts of all sizes are meaningful and help support projects and initiate programs that may otherwise go unfunded or take many years to complete. Learn more at LCFPD.org/donate or call 847-968-3110.

GIFT OF REAL ESTATE MAKES A LASTING IMPACT

Nadia from Grayslake loved living near Kettle Grove Forest Preserve (Grayslake). Toward the end of her life, she made several significant donations to the Forest Preserves, including a gift of 15 acres of farmland. The property was not appropriate for preservation, but she knew that it had considerable market value. Like any charity, the Preservation Foundation can accept gifts of real estate, which will then be sold and the proceeds used to support projects and programs. Nadia gifted her property to the Foundation and instructed us to use the proceeds “to care for the plants and animals” of Lake County. The sale was completed late last year and resulted in over $420,000 for the Forest Preserves.

Per Nadia’s instructions, her gift will fund critical management activities at our highest-quality habitats and preserves to ensure they remain resilient and healthy for Lake County’s plants, animals, and future generations. If you would like to discuss a gift of real estate, please call 847-968-3110 or email donate@LCFPD.org

Funder’s First Grant Helps Protect Endangered Turtles

The Forest Preserves received a $5,000 grant from the Lake County Community Foundation—the first from this important Lake County institution. The donation will help protect Blanding’s turtles (Emydoidea blandingii), which are threatened throughout their Midwest range. Lake County has the largest known population of Blanding’s turtles, but a fungal pathogen, Emydomyces testavorans, was detected in the county in early 2022. The pathogen is universally fatal in other turtle species, but the impact on Blanding’s turtles is unknown. Donor support, including this recent grant, is enabling District staff and wildlife epidemiologists to react quickly, testing turtles and water samples in the field and in our wildlife facility, to determine immediate and ongoing management actions. This work will not only improve protection of our own population of Blanding’s turtles—it will be shared with other agencies working to protect the species throughout its range. Learn more: LCFPD.org/blandings

NORTH SHORE GAS UNDERWRITES NEW OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

Long-time partner and friend of the Forest Preserves, North Shore Gas, recently made a $150,000 commitment to help fund the new net-zero energy environmental education facility at Ryerson Conservation Area (Riverwoods). In recognition of this generous gift, we are pleased that a new outdoor classroom will bear the company’s name. The North Shore Gas Outdoor Classroom will be home base for school field trips, special events and public programming. More than 25,000 learners of all ages will be served each year at the facility.

In addition to this capital gift, North Shore Gas renewed its sponsorship of Concerts in the Plaza in 2023. This summer is the 20th anniversary of the popular outdoor summer concert series at Independence Grove (Libertyville) and the 15th consecutive year with North Shore Gas as Platinum Sponsor.

BLUE STAR MUSEUMS

Active-duty military personnel (with ID) and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, enjoy FREE admission at the Dunn Museum (Libertyville), May 20 through September 4. Plan your visit: LCFPD.org/planyourvisit

What the Forest Preserves Do for You: Flood Mitigation

Spring brings wildflowers, warmer temperatures—and sometimes, drenching rains that lead to flooding. Your forest preserves help mitigate the depth and breadth of floods. Woodlands, wetlands and prairies absorb much higher amounts of stormwater than developed areas, where rainfall often runs into storm sewers.

Natural areas reduce the costs of flood damage to homes, businesses, roads and other built environments, as well as the costs of building and operating stormwater management infrastructure. They also efficiently purify stormwater and recharge groundwater at higher rates. These effects make up an ecosystem service—a free benefit to humans provided by natural processes—called water regulation and flood control.

An acre of wetland provides about $22,000 worth of this service per year, while an acre of prairie provides $16,000 and an acre of woodland offers $1,603. Learn more about what the preserves do for you at LCFPD.org/greenstrategy

STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE: Strengthen Connections

The Forest Preserves recently hired a bilingual environmental educator, who will help us move toward our objective to reach a broader audience. Requests from local schools and community members for programs delivered in Spanish emphasized the need for multilingual programming.

“We are proud to offer all of our environmental education programs in Spanish,” said Education Manager Alyssa Firkus. “Our goal is to reach out to the Spanish-speaking community and encourage them to visit and enjoy the forest preserves.”

Beginning this spring, the educator will offer a series of guided forest preserve walks in Spanish. “They will educate participants about plants, animals, nature and history of the preserves,” Firkus said. The walks are meant to expand our reach into communities and make our programming more welcoming to all residents.

Get a ticket for upcoming walks at LCFPD.org/calendar :

• Thursday, April 27 at Nippersink (Round Lake)

• Saturday, May 13 at Buffalo Creek (Long Grove)

View our complete 100-Year Vision and Strategic Plan, and Road Map to 2025 objectives and tactics at LCFPD.org/vision

WILDLIFE TRACKING SYSTEM INSTALLED

A new, groundbreaking effort to study animal migrations and connect researchers, scientists and students to real-time migratory data across the globe is underway. Lake County is one of the newest links in the chain.

The Motus Wildlife Tracking System (Motus) uses automated radio telemetry to study the movements of birds, bats and large insects. Tiny, digitally encoded tags are safely attached to an animal and detected by receiving stations on the landscape. Stations come in many configurations, but at their basic level consist of a radio receiver, one or more antennas and a power supply.

The newest local site now operational is at Ryerson Conservation Area (Riverwoods). Grants from the Margot Merrick Fund and the Annual Fund of the Preservation Foundation, the charitable partner of the Lake County Forest Preserves, funded the station. Chain O’ Lakes State Park and Illinois Beach State Park also host stations in Lake County. Learn more at LCFPD.org/motus or scan the QR code on the top of this page.

Public Safety Director Hired

The Forest Preserves hired Ron Davis, a 34-year law enforcement veteran, as director of public safety to replace the retiring director, John Tannahill.

Davis most recently served as commander with the Metra Police Department in Chicago, the third-largest transit policing organization in the U.S. He enjoys mountain biking and hiking. He plans to bike all rideable Forest Preserves trails—which add up to more than 200 miles—during his first year on the job. Read more at LCFPD.org/safetydirector

To learn more visit

FEATURED EVENTS

For a full list of 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.

We're offering FREE programs in honor of Earth Week. View all Earth Week programs and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar

April 17 Wildlife Warnings

April 19 Planting for Pollinators

April 20 Playdate with Nature

April 22 Walk with a Naturalist

GUIDED WALKS

Get outside and join a walk with our educators this spring. View all guided walks and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar

April 27, May 13 Caminata en Español

April 28 Senior Series: Middlefork Savanna Walk

April 30 & May 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 Spring Bird Walk

May 7 Sunday Stroll: Old School

May 9 Guided Historic Walk: Ryerson Woods

May 18 Senior Series: Spring Wildflower Walk

Learn about Adlai E. Stevenson II (1900–1965), former Illinois governor and ambassador to the United Nations, as you tour his home. Take in the setting where he wrote speeches, reflected on world events and found solace in the landscape. The estate is a National Historic Landmark.

Ages 8 and up with adult supervision. Get a ticket: LCFPD.org/home-tour

ADLAI E. STEVENSON II HISTORIC HOME TOURS •

Have a question about Lake County history or nature? Our educators have the answer.

Email: AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org

FAMILY PROGRAMS

We offer fun, engaging and educational programs designed for the whole family. View all family programs and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar

May 4 Family Trivia Night: Dunn Museum

May 7 Motus & Migration

May 7 Dunn Museum Sensory-Friendly Hour

May 11 Adventures in Nature

May 24 Hikin’ Tykes: Bluebirds

May 25 Storytime at the Museum: Things that Go

Golf Courses Opening for the Season!

Find opening dates on each course's website for Brae Loch Golf Club (Grayslake), Countryside Golf Club (Mundelein) and ThunderHawk Golf Club (Beach Park): LCFPD.org/golf

TEACHER WORKSHOP: WATER ECOLOGY • MAY 6

This teacher workshop will demonstrate how to use the local fish of Lake County to help students learn larger concepts of water chemistry, population studies and ecosystem dynamics. Teachers will have an opportunity to measure and weigh fish, test water quality, pond for native invertebrates and talk about local indicator species. We will highlight our resources and how to incorporate the content into classrooms.

This workshop is geared to middle and high school teachers; however, all educators are welcome. Professional development hours are available.

For Lake County educators: LCFPD.org/teacher

VIRTUAL PROGRAMS

Experience Lake County history and nature from the comfort of your home. View all online programs and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar

April 19 Healthy Habitats for Luna Moths

April 20 Libertyville’s Race Tracks

April 26 Landscaping for a Changing Climate

April 27 Native Gardeners Club: Ready, Set, Grow

May 3 Senior Series: Tour of the Dunn Museum

May 18 Trivia Night: Illinois Wildflowers

Saturday, May 20 9 am–3 pm

Sunday, May 21 10 am–12 pm

Independence Grove Forest Preserve

16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville Online

Purchase native flowers, ferns, forbs, grasses, shrubs and trees. As you shop, learn about eco-friendly practices to benefit your home, wallet and community. Experts will be available to answer questions. Choose from 100-plus plant species, prices vary. Limited inventory. We encourage shoppers to bring boxes to transport plants home.

Prairie smoke (Geum triflorum)

Large-flowered trillium* (Trillium grandiflorum)

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Blue flag iris (Iris virginica shrevei )

Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

Regal fern (Osmunda regalis)

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Bur oak * (Quercus macrocarpa)

American hazelnut (Corylus americana)

Wild plum* (Prunus americana)

Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

APRIL 15–SEPTEMBER 10

Whether behind the handle bars of a bicycle, the wheel of a souped-up car or the flying hooves of a horse, nothing compares to the thrill of the race!

Attracting spectators and participants alike, these tests of speed, endurance and skill played an important role in Lake County’s history. In the Dunn Museum’s Ready, Set, GO! Lake County’s Racing History special exhibition, explore photographs and artifacts of boat races on the Chain O’ Lakes, harness racing at the Lake County Fair, motor racing at Half Day and Waukegan Speedways, runners at 5Ks and the Lake County Races, and more. 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville /

Open in-person and virtually:

GENERAL OFFICES

1899 West Winchester Road Libertyville, Illinois 60048

847-367-6640 tel

847-367-6649 fax

847-968-3155 TDD

For hours, visit our website.

OPERATIONS AND PUBLIC SAFETY

19808 West Grand Avenue

Lake Villa, Illinois 60046

847-367-6640 tel (Operations)

847-968-3404 tel (Public Safety)

847-245-3735 fax

For hours, visit our website.

LCFPD.org

911 emergency

847-549-5200 nonemergency public safety issues

GREENBELT CULTURAL CENTER

1215 Green Bay Road North Chicago, Illinois 60064

847-968-3477 Banquets, Meetings

Greenbelt@LCFPD.org

GreenbeltCulturalCenter.org

Office Hours

By appointment only.

INDEPENDENCE GROVE

16400 West Buckley Road Libertyville, Illinois 60048

847-968-3499 Main

IndependenceGrove@LCFPD.org

IndependenceGrove.org

847-247-1111 Banquets, Meetings

Info@eventsig.com

EventsAtIndependenceGrove.com

Visitors Center

For hours, visit our website.

Beer Garden, Marina and Café

For seasonal hours and fees, visit our website.

Parking Fee

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

FOX RIVER MARINA

28500 West Roberts Road

Port Barrington, Illinois 60010

847-381-0669

FoxRiverMarina.org

Boat Launch and Marina

For hours and fees, visit our website.

1899 West Winchester Road

Libertyville, Illinois 60048

847-968-3400

Dunn@LCFPD.org

DunnMuseum.org

Gallery and Gift Shop

For hours, visit our website.

General Admission

$6 adults/$10 nonresidents

$3 seniors, youth/$6 nonresidents Free, children ages 3 and under

Discount Tuesdays

Half off admission on Tuesdays and up to four free youth per adult.

First and Third Thursdays

On the first and third Thursdays of every month, enjoy free programs and admission from 5–8 pm.

Sponsored by:

RYERSON CONSERVATION AREA

21950 North Riverwoods Road Riverwoods, Illinois 60015

847-968-3320

LCFPD.org/ryerson

Welcome Center

For hours, visit our website.

COUNTRYSIDE GOLF CLUB

Prairie and Traditional Courses

20800 West Hawley Street

Mundelein, Illinois 60060

847-968-3466 Tee Times

847-489-1931 Golf Outings CountrysideGolfClub.org

BRAE LOCH GOLF CLUB

33600 North U.S. Highway 45

Grayslake, Illinois 60030

847-968-3444 Tee Times

847-489-1931 Golf Outings

BraeLochGolfClub.org

THUNDERHAWK GOLF CLUB

A Robert Trent Jones Jr. championship golf course.

39700 North Lewis Avenue Beach Park, Illinois 60099

847-968-3450 Banquets, Meetings

ThunderHawkEvents@LCFPD.org

847-968-4295 Tee Times

847-489-1931 Golf Outings

ThunderHawkGolfClub.org

Golf Gift Cards

To purchase golf gift cards, visit LCFPD.org/give-golf

BESS BOWER DUNN MUSEUM

More than 31,000 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

AS OF Monday, April 3

Buckthorn–Free Garden Flags

Is your property free of European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)?

Lake County residents can apply to receive a complimentary garden flag and learn about buckthorn removal at LCFPD.org/buckthorn

tRECEIVE OUR E-NEWSLETTER

Stay up to date on what’s happening in your forest preserves. Our monthly e-newsletter contains a timely blend of featured events and news to know. Sign up to receive it on the first of the month at LCFPD.org/enews-signup

FLICKR PICK

The sun casts a golden glow on a misty spring morning at Fox River Forest Preserve (Port Barrington). Posted on Flickr by photographer John D. Kavc.

Connect with us @LCFPD on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Flickr, LinkedIn and YouTube. Listen to our award-winning Words of the Woods podcast on your favorite podcast app.