Horizons quarterly // winter 2017

HORI Z ON S LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES

PRESERVATION, RESTOR ATION , EDUCATION AN D RECRE ATION

QUARTERLY

winter 2017

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 1

We cache your year-end gift to help the Forest Preserves do more.

2

8

15

12

On the cover: Snow falls around an eastern gray squirrel as it braces against the cold. It relies on a cache of nuts and thick fur to survive the winter.

nearly

31,000 acres are

protected

by the lake county forest preserves .

A MESSAGE from ANN B. MAINE PRESIDENT LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES AMAINE@LAKECOUNTYIL.GOV

LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES BOARD of COMMISSIONERS PRESIDENT

Ann B. Maine, Lincolnshire VICE PRESIDENT

Linda Pedersen, Antioch TREASURER

S. Michael Rummel, Lake Forest ASSISTANT TREASURER

As I walked and biked on the many trails in our Lake County Forest Preserves this fall, I admired the red-leaved oaks and yellow sugar maples; the forests were a little quieter as the songbirds were heading south for the winter, but the nuthatches, woodpeckers and a few others stay here.

There were other companions on the trails —families, individuals, groups of friends out for a ride on the Des Plaines River Trail, pushing a stroller around Hastings Lake, or enjoying a boardwalk amble at Cuba Marsh—all beneficiaries of decades of support from Lake County residents.

A visit to any of our sites at any time of the year demonstrates that people are out enjoying their forest preserves.

The past decade has been an especially important one for your Lake County Forest Preserves. In the November 2008 election, Lake County voters approved a $185 million referendum to purchase land, restore habitat, build and extend trails, provide educational opportunities, and improve public access to preserves.

In 2014, even greater focus was brought to bear through the creation of our 100-year Vision for Lake County. Developed with community input and focusing on the three basic tenets of People, Leadership and Conservation, it guides us to use bond funds in strategic ways.

In the same decade, the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves was founded as a vehicle through which the public can directly support our work, with gifts of time, of money and of expertise. Since its founding at the end of 2007, cash and in-kind gifts to the Forest Preserves through the Foundation have totaled more than $12 million — money that significantly extended and accelerated the impact of 2008 referendum dollars.

In this issue of Horizons, you will find a 10-year check in on what has been accomplished in the past decade, and how your gifts through the Preservation Foundation have leveraged referendum dollars to do even more than promised.

It is my honor and pleasure to say Thank You — for your trust, for your confidence, and for your generosity. Building on this strong foundation, I look forward to the next 10 years, and even to the coming 100 years, knowing that what we do today will make Lake County an even better place to live tomorrow.

Jeff Werfel, Grayslake Chuck Bartels, Mundelein Carol Calabresa, Libertyville Steve Carlson, Gurnee Mary Ross Cunningham, Waukegan Michael Danforth, Lake Barrington Bill Durkin, Waukegan Paul Frank, Highland Park Sandy Hart, Lake Bluff Diane Hewitt, Waukegan Aaron Lawlor, Vernon Hills Judy Martini, Fox Lake Sidney Mathias, Buffalo Grove Brent Paxton, Zion Craig Taylor, Lake Zurich Tom Weber, Lake Villa Terry Wilke, Round Lake Beach Vance Wyatt, North Chicago EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ty Kovach

HORIZONS

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 1 Winter 2017 EDITOR

Susan Hawkins, Horizons@LCFPD.org CONTRIBUTORS

Katherine Hamilton-Smith, Rebekah Snyder, Brett Peto PHOTOGRAPHY

Patrick Ricketson (cover), Robert Visconti, Jeff Goldberg, Chip Williams, Janet and Phil Hauck, Carol Freeman, Bob Callebert, Chuck Ebert, Kim Karpeles, and Tim Elliot SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES HOTLINE: 847–968–3335 Horizons is the quarterly publication of the Lake County Forest Preserves. Subscriptions are free. To subscribe, unsubscribe or update your address, call the hotline or email Horizons@LCFPD.org. 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 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.

PRESERVING AND RESTORING LAKE COUNTY’S FUTURE In the general election on November 5, 2008, Lake County voters approved a referendum of $185 million to support the mission and vision of their Lake County Forest Preserves. The referendum provided $148 million to purchase between 2,500 and 3,000 acres of land to expand existing preserves and create new open spaces. The balance of $37 million provided funds to complete trails, open new preserves, restore habitat for endangered wildlife and plants, and improve and renovate existing preserves and facilities.

Now, nearly a decade later, it’s time to check in and report what value those funds have brought to Lake County.

ROLLINS SAVANNA

The Lake County Forest Preserve District

has a clear mission, set forth in the 1913 Illinois Downstate Forest Preserve District Act. This organizing statute states that we “… acquire and hold lands … for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna, and scenic beauties within such district, and to restore, restock, protect and preserve the natural forests and such lands … in their natural state and condition, for the purpose of education, pleasure, and recreation.”

For nearly 60 years, the Lake County Forest Preserves has held true to that mandate, and now protects nearly 31,000 acres for public benefit and enjoyment.

HOW LUCKY! Whenever you walk on a trail through a lovely woodland or across a meadow in a forest preserve, the first thought that might occur is simply, “how lucky!” How lucky to live in a place where open land is so accessible, and where the towns and villages are buffered by the green spaces that give Lake County its rural feel, though over 700,000 people call it home.

It is lucky, but it is also planning, plus the confidence Lake County citizens place in their Forest Preserves. In a 2016 Countywide Attitude and Interest Survey, residents named the Lake County Forest Preserves as the most trusted local government, and gave us a whopping 76 percent positive esteem rating.

SUCCESS BY THE NUMBERS At the time of the 2008 referendum, we managed 26,840 acres of land. Today, we manage 30,856 acres. We promised voters that referendum dollars would enable the purchase of between 2,500 and 3,000 acres of new land. The economic downturn in 2009 caused land prices to decline, enabling us to make referendum dollars go further and add 4,015 acres for the public, well exceeding expectations. In addition, $4.4 million of land acquisition funds remain, which will allow us to continue to add to our holdings.

In the same decade, with referendum dollars, we built over 14 miles of new trails, extended regional trail systems and completed several community trail connections. Today, we manage and maintain 205 miles of trails on forest preserve land across the county. Referendum dollars have also made possible the planning of 6.2 miles of additional trails ready for construction in the near future. The crown jewel of our trail system is the 31.4-mile Des Plaines River Trail (DPRT), completed in 2015 after 54 years in the making. The DPRT provides a protected river corridor and an unbroken greenway along the Des Plaines River that spans the entire length of the county—from Russell Road just south of the Wisconsin border to Lake Cook Road.

Referendum dollars enabled us to open two completely new preserves, Hastings Lake (Lake Villa) and Pine Dunes (Antioch), which together total 1,137 acres. Pine Dunes provides an excellent example of what was made possible by 2008 referendum funds. It is one of five preserves and one state natural area that comprise a 5,300-acre greenway in northern Lake County near the Wisconsin border. Described by natural resource experts as “some of the finest rolling

It’s hard to even think of Lake County without its emerald

topography in the region,” Pine Dunes features a pristine mix

necklace of forest preserves. What you may not think of, as

of prairie, savanna, and oak-hickory woodlands, as well as

you walk that beautiful trail, are the key ecosystem services

streams, marshes, sedge meadows, vernal ponds, and other

that forest preserves contribute to Lake County’s quality of

wetland communities vital for ecosystem health.

life and economy: • FLOOD STORAGE • IMPROVED AIR QUALITY • HABITAT SUPPORT FOR FRAGILE PLANT AND ANIMAL SPECIES • GROUNDWATER REPLENISHMENT • SOIL EROSION MITIGATION • POLLINATION SUPPORT • CARBON SEQUESTRATION (STORING OF GREENHOUSE GASES) • RECREATION • EDUCATION

2 HORI ZONS QUARTERLY WIN T E R 2 01 7

HASTINGS LAKE

ENSURING THE PUBLIC TRUST

PICTURING THE FUTURE In a county as dynamic and populated as ours, there has long been pressure and strong public support to acquire

66% of voters approved a $55 million referendum

land to provide open space for public use. Referendum dollars have enabled us to do just that. But acquisition is just

1993

the first step. Land management has to follow closely behind.

With 2008 referendum dollars, 3,670

2000 1999

acres of invasive plants have been cleared, including European buckthorn that is choking Lake County’s woodlands. Our crews conducted

61% of voters approved a $30 million referendum

controlled burns on 24,760 acres. A further 2,440 acres have been sown with native seed, and 31,200 native

52% of voters approved an Operations and Maintenance referendum

2008

2002 67% of voters approved an $85 million referendum

66% of voters approved a $185 million referendum

trees planted. A cornerstone project is the Woodland Habitat Restoration Project in Wright Woods (Mettawa) and Ryerson Woods (Riverwoods), which

NUMBER OF PRESERVES

2017 2008 1993

seeks to improve the health of our imperiled oak woodlands. The project will restore light transmission by 30–50

1993 41

2008 57

percent, increase oak regeneration, restore the abundance and diversity of native shrubs and plants, and, ultimately, create a mosaic of habitats.

Tree management alone—the effort to

205

MILES OF TRAILS 76

keep woodlands healthy—is a massive, sustained undertaking. For thousands

150

of years, cultures throughout the world

2017 65

have managed forests, for immediate use but with an eye to the future.

The term sustainability in the forestry context was first used in 1713 in Sylvicultura Oeconomica. In 1804,

40

TOTAL ACREAGE

2008 REFERENDUM

forester Georg Ludwig Hartig, writing about managing forests for timber production, stated that this effort had

30

30,856

to bear in mind “future generations so that a fair distribution of interests

26,840

20

In Lake County today, we are indeed

$143,552,793 SPENT

10

x 1000

lucky to have the resource of nearly 31,000 acres of forest preserve land, and yet luck actually had nothing to

MILLION

18,954

between the present and future … will come true.”

$ 185

1993

2008

2017

42 land purchases, adding 4,015 acres. $4,447,207 left for land buys.

$37,000,000 SPENT 12 habitat and 27 trail and preserve projects

do with it. It is thanks to the people of Lake County, who voted to fund the

USING 2008 REFERENDUM FUNDS

Lake County Forest Preserve District by referendum in November 1958— 60 years ago—and who voted in five referendums from 1993 to 2008 to trust

3,670 24,760 2,440 31,200

us with public dollars to responsibly

ACRES OF INVASIVE

ACRES TREATED WITH

ACRES SOWN WITH

NATIVE TREES

grow and expertly manage that land.

PLANTS CLEARED

CONTROLLED BURNS

NATIVE SEED

PLANTED

CUBA MARSH With referendum dollars and thousands of hours from Forest Preserve volunteers, we cleared invasive species from 225 acres of oak woodlands, savanna, prairie, and wetlands.

Citizens for Conservation provided additional volunteer support, native seed, and a grant to reintroduce wildlife.

DES PLAINES RIVER Three low-head dams made recreation hazardous, prevented movement of aquatic life, and degraded water quality. With $130,000 from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers we removed the dams, creating a free-flowing river through Lake County.

ETHEL’S WOODS With $1.9 million in federal grants and $5 million in bond funds, we are restoring 1.5 miles of North Mill Creek.

When the stream channel is regraded and planted with native species, water quality will improve, aquatic life will return, and the naturalized flood plain will improve stormwater management.

FORT SHERIDAN Working with the City of Lake Forest, Lake Forest Open Lands Association, and Openlands, we provided $2.6 million in bond dollars and

LEVERAGE

leveraged $12 million from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to restore 2 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, bluffs, dunes, and ravines.

GRANT WOODS

is not a buzz word for the Forest Preserves—it’s been the name of the game this past decade.

With a $620,000 private donation, we are restoring nearly 200 acres—clearing invasive species and planting native seed, shrubs, and trees across wetlands, oak woodlands, and stream habitats.

GRASSY LAKE With $12.5 million in bond dollars, we added 110 acres overlooking Fox River and 2.3 miles of new trails.

Dozens of donors contributed nearly $400,000 to complete restoration on the new property, while elsewhere in the preserve, Forest Preserve and Citizens for Conservation volunteers work year-round to clear invasive species, and plant native seed, plugs and trees.

GREENBELT Using $126,000 in bond dollars, we leveraged two grants totaling $125,000 to clear dense buckthorn thickets, and plant native seed, shrubs, and trees across 50 acres around the Greenbelt Cultural Center.

LAKEWOOD AND RAY LAKE With $850,000 in bond funds, we matched a $615,000 private donation and $330,000 from Openlands to restore 336 acres. To the north of the preserve, $9.5 million in bond funds leveraged a $1 million Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation grant to acquire 338

4 HORI ZONS QUARTERLY WIN T E R 2 01 7

acres of wetlands, open water, and prairie.

LYONS WOODS Partnering with the City of Waukegan and Waukegan Park District, $350,000 in bond dollars leveraged a $1.4 million federal grant to connect Lyons Woods to Waukegan Savanna via a 2.3-mile trail.

MIDDLEFORK BRIDGE The City of Lake Forest, Lake Forest Academy, Lake Forest Bank & Trust, Lake Forest Open Lands Association, and Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein together donated $325,000 to construct a 221-foot bridge over the Metra tracks. We also dedicated $512,000 in bond funds and a $2 million federal grant to build the bridge, which will ultimately connect Middlefork Savanna to the Des Plaines River Trail.

MIDDLEFORK SAVANNA A pilot project to eradicate buckthorn across 2,900 acres of Forest Preserve and private lands has attracted major support. To date, every bond dollar has been matched by 10 dollars in donations—a total of $1.28 million—to clear buckthorn across property boundaries in the pilot area.

PINE DUNES When the Illinois Tollway was looking for a landscape to restore as mitigation for an expansion project, we were ready. We invested $10 million to purchase 318 acres near the Wisconsin border.

With an additional $9 million from the Tollway, Pine Dunes opened in 201 5, with parking, 2.6 miles of new trails, overlooks, and 315 acres of restored prairie, savanna and wetlands.

ROLLINS SAVANNA With $970,000 in bond dollars, we secured a $1.7 million federal grant for a trail crossing under Rollins Road, a critical connection in the planned 41-mile Millennium Trail. Since 2008, three other trail underpasses have been completed, using $2.24 million in bond funds to leverage $5.6 million in grants.

SINGING HILLS AND KETTLE GROVE We are restoring Monahan Lake and a calcareous fen at Singing Hills, and Sargent Marsh and woodlands at Kettle Grove, with a $500,000 donation from one private donor.

SPRING BLUFF Along the Lake Michigan shore, Spring Bluff is part of a 4,500-acre complex of globally important dune and swale habitat. Ten land management agencies on both sides of the state line work together to manage this landscape. Partners have invested more than $2 million and leveraged $4.5 million in grant funding. The project has received international recognition as a RAMSAR wetland.

VAN PATTEN WOODS Nearly $1 million in bond dollars was matched by a $200,000 state of Illinois grant to connect the start of the Des Plaines River Trail to the Millennium Trail at Pine Dunes.

LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES

5

PRESERVENEWS Science IN THE PRESERVES Finding eight common garter snakes under your first cover board of the day is a good start for John Vanek (right) and wildlife technicians Katherine Waguespack and Elizabeth Mullen (below).

“The technicians write down where we are,” said Vanek, a graduate research assistant completing his Ph.D. in the Department of Biological Sciences at Northern Illinois University. “They record surrounding habitat conditions, such as the height of the vegetation and the amount of shading.

Those variables help us figure out why snakes and other species are in one place and not another.”

For his dissertation, Vanek is working with our wildlife biologists, Gary Glowacki and Andrew Rutter, to study how habitat restoration and other factors affect animals in the preserves.

6 HORI ZONS QUARTERLY WIN T E R 2 01 7

“We are at an exciting point where our data can tell us how wildlife responds to the way we restore and manage our land,” Glowacki said.

“This will allow us to more effectively manage our natural areas and better conserve biodiversity.”

Vanek is also analyzing our wildlife monitoring program, drawing on the accumulated knowledge of our Natural Resources Department.

“One of the most important facets of the wildlife monitoring program is diversifying our sampling methodologies,” said Rutter. “Different species call for different sampling techniques, which we employ in an attempt to confirm the presence, abundance, and diversity of wildlife on our lands.”

By the end of his three-year tenure, Vanek will have sifted through a decade worth of data containing more than 180,000 records, identifying trends and ways to improve our restoration actions. Learn more about our research projects at LCFPD.org/projects.

2018 SUMMER CAMPS Registration for our 2018 camp season opens December 1. Early bird discounts are available through February 15, 2018.

NEW INTERACTIVE TRAIL MAP As principal guardian of Lake County’s open space and natural areas since 1958, we manage nearly 31,000 acres of land for conservation, recreation and education.

Programs fill quickly so enroll early.

Register online at LCFPD.org/camps or call 847-968-3321.

See Summer Camps insert for details.

Use our interactive map to navigate your next forest preserve adventure. Exercise, relax and spend quality time outdoors along 205 miles of trails in peaceful, natural settings.

This easy to use map will help you locate trails, preserves, activities and amenities from your phone, tablet or computer.

Start exploring today at LCFPD.org/maps.

STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE

LCFPD.org/vision

Promoting public access and trail connections is the central focus of one of our strategic directions. In September, a new pedestrian bridge was installed over the Metra Railway in the wee hours of the morning when train traffic was light. The new bridge now connects 4.5 miles of trails at Middlefork Savanna (Lake Forest) to the Lake Forest Academy and Townline Community Park. Crosswalk improvements at Route 60 and Academy Drive provide safe access. This project is part of a larger effort to connect Middlefork Savanna and the Middlefork Trail and Greenway to the Des Plaines River Trail at MacArthur Woods (Mettawa). Several local partners and donors made this trail connection possible.

Learn more at LCFPD.org/vision.

E X C E L L E N C E I S I N O U R N AT U R E LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES

7

TOGETHER, ACHIEVING MORE FOR OUR FOREST PRESERVES.

In this season of giving, you may be considering gifts to the charities closest to your heart.

As you do, take a moment to consider all that you love about your Lake County Forest Preserves.

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.

GIVING SPOTLIGHT We shattered a few giving records during the Preservation Foundation’s most recent fiscal year, which ended June 30, 2017.

1,002

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE PRESERVATION SOCIETY

our highest number of donors

Carol and Ed’s home is surrounded on three sides by a beautiful forest preserve. Appreciation for their Forest Preserve neighbor and a life-long love of nature led Carol and Ed to support the Preservation Foundation in their will. If you are grateful for all the Lake County Forest Preserves provide, consider making a planned gift through your will or estate.

480

our highest number of new donors

There are many ways to leave a legacy, including gifts of cash, land, a vacation home, or life insurance. Whatever you choose, the impact of your gift will live on for years to come.

Carol and Ed are extending the impact of their legacy gift by joining the Preservation Society. Why join them? Because we want

54%

greatest increase in donors

to acknowledge your gift and celebrate your commitment to the Lake County Forest Preserves. Also, allowing us to recognize you in our publications lets others know that the Forest Preserve mission is worth your investment.

For more information or to become an inaugural member of the Preservation Society, contact Ellen at 847-968-3448.

8 HORI ZONS QUARTERLY WIN T E R 2 01 7

$99,272

most raised for the Annual Fund—24% over our $80,000 goal

FORT SHERIDAN PROJECT UPDATE

Construction of public access improvements at Fort Sheridan (Highland Park) is going well thanks to the relatively dry weather we’ve had this year. The project is on schedule for reopening a portion of the preserve in the summer of 2018. Progress is being made on the entry drive, parking lot, pond expansion, turf trail, timber bridges, and overlooks. Boulders selected by our preserve planners are incorporated in the overlooks as gateway and seating elements.

During construction, all portions of the preserve north of Fort Sheridan’s historic district and south of the Vattman Road entrance drive to the cemetery are closed to public access. Respect all safety blockades and closure signage. Do not move blockades or attempt to access closed areas. Respecting the closure will keep work moving apace and allow the site to be reopened sooner. View closure map: LCFPD.org/projects.

GOVERNOR APPROVES LAND EXCHANGE

In September, Governor Bruce Rauner signed HB 534, an act of the state Legislature authorizing a historic land exchange between the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Lake County Forest Preserves. The documents necessary to facilitate the transfer are being prepared and will convey the interests and terms of the exchange.

The terms of the act call for 131-acre Black Crown Forest Preserve (Volo), currently owned and managed by us, to be transferred in full to IDNR and added to the adjacent Moraine Hills State Park.

In exchange, IDNR will fully release its partial ownership interests in our current land holdings at Oriole Grove (Lake Bluff) and Prairie Wolf (Lake Forest). IDNR has a 65 percent interest in 86-acre Oriole Grove and a 65 percent interest in approximately 173 acres of the 435-acre Prairie Wolf; we currently own only 35 percent of those parcels. The exchange will give us 100 percent ownership of the land at both preserves.

The agreement benefits residents because the three parcels, Black Crown, Oriole Grove and Prairie Wolf, will remain as public open space in perpetuity.

BACKGROUND

CONSTRUCTION OF LAKE MICHIGAN OVERLOOK

PARTIAL COMPLETION

In the 1970s, the state and the Lake County Forest Preserves cooperatively purchased land at Oriole Grove and Prairie Wolf on which floodwater retention structures were planned. The reservoirs were never built by the state because they were later deemed economically unfeasible. We have worked with IDNR for many years to find a way to transfer IDNR’s interests at Oriole Grove and Prairie Wolf to our care and management. This land exchange will permanently protect these environmentally sensitive parcels.

LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES

9

10

PROJECT GRANTS, REIMBURSEMENTS

$147,899 reimbursement from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago for preliminary design plans for the reservoir expansion project at Buffalo Creek (Long Grove).

BEFORE

AFTER

WINTER HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECTS

$1 million Clean Water Act grant from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for work underway at Ethel’s Woods (Antioch). The grant funds ecological restoration of the historic North Mill Creek riparian corridor.

This winter, our well-trained crews will remove invasive woody species, primarily buckthorn, autumn olive, sandbar willow, and honeysuckle, from the preserves listed below.

A total of 23 restoration projects are scheduled for this season, including 852 acres of woody clearing, forestry mowing, and small invasive tree and shrub removal. For maps and details, visit LCFPD.org/ conservation-projects.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Captain Daniel Wright Woods (Mettawa) Cuba Marsh (Deer Park) Ethel’s Woods (Antioch) Fourth Lake (Lake Villa) Grainger Conservation Area (Mettawa) Grant Woods (Ingleside) Independence Grove (Libertyville) Kettle Grove (Volo) Lakewood (Wauconda) Lyons Woods (Waukegan) MacArthur Woods (Mettawa) Middlefork Savanna (Lake Forest) Prairie Wolf (Highland Park) Ray Lake (Wauconda) Ryerson Conservation Area (Riverwoods) Van Patten Woods (Wadsworth) Wadsworth Savanna (Wadsworth)

HORI ZONS QUARTERLY WIN T E R 2 01 7

$1 million grant from the Sustain Our Great Lakes Partnership to support the Lake Michigan Lake Plain Project in northeastern Lake County. Administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the grant funds restoration of connected quality habitat key to sustaining biodiversity of the rare Lake Michigan Lake Plain ecosystem, and supporting the Blanding’s turtle and other federal and state-listed species of concern.

Give the Gift of Golf Golf gift cards are the perfect gift for the golfer on your list, good for green fees, carts, and pro shop items at any of our three courses. Buy online at LCFPD.org/ GiveGolf or by phone at 847-968-3102; or at our General Offices (Libertyville) November 27–February 28.

Holiday Bonus: Receive a $10 bonus voucher for every $100 in gift cards purchased November 24–December 31.

WINTER CALENDAR Registration required for all programs unless otherwise indicated.

For detailed program descriptions, specific meeting locations, directions and registration, visit LCFPD.org or call 847–968–3321.

For updates outside of normal business hours, call 847-968-3113.

DECEMBER Snow Day! Receive announcements via email to snow-dependent outdoor recreation and education programs in the forest preserves. Topics may include learning to XC ski or snowshoe, ski with a naturalist, moonlight outings, winter survival and more! Contact jsazama@LCFPD.org to join.

2 Walk with a Naturalist Discover the diversity of plant and animal life on this naturalistguided walk. Join us each month to experience and learn about seasonal changes within the preserves.

Saturday, 9–10:30 am, Half Day — Shelter A. Adults.

FREE. No registration required.

5 Playdate with Nature Move your kids outdoors for unstructured seasonal play activities, proven healthful and beneficial for children of all ages.

Tuesday, 1–2:30 pm, Lakewood— Winter Sports Area.

Children of all ages. Adult supervision required.

FREE. No registration required.

8 Skokie Valley Astronomers Join the Skokie Valley Astronomers at Ryerson Woods on the second Friday of each month. Learn about outer space, the sky and the universe. Stargazing after the meeting, weather permitting.

Friday, 8–10 pm, Ryerson Woods Welcome Center.

Adults, families with children 12 and up.

Adult supervision required.

FREE. No registration required.

9 Bilingual (English/Spanish) Night Hike Enjoy a night out with the family while exploring Ryerson Woods.

Join us for a guided walk, on a candlelit path, followed by roasted marshmallows around a cozy campfire.

Saturday, 5–6:30 pm, Ryerson Woods — Brushwood Center.

All ages. Adult supervision required.

FREE. No registration required.

12 Hikin’ Tykes: Red-headed Woodpecker Learn with your preschooler about the 12 priority specieis of Chicago Wilderness and how you can help them. Hands-on activities, craft and outdoor exploration, weather permitting.

Tuesday, 9:30–10:45 am, Ryerson Woods Welcome Center.

Children ages 2–4, with an adult.

Limit two children per adult. $5 adult/$2 child residents, $7 adult/$3 child nonresidents.

14 Connecting Kids with Nature Connect your kids with nature through outdoor exploration.

Along the way, learn about the benefits of nature play.

Thursday, 10:30–11:45 am, Greenbelt Cultural Center.

Children of all ages, caregivers. Adult supervision required.

FREE. No registration required.

A Lake County Nature Network Event.

17 It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane Celebrate Wright Brothers Day by making paper planes to fly like birds. Drop in to learn the physics of plane and bird flight, and explore raptor wing shapes designed to hunt prey.

Sunday, 12–3 pm, Ryerson Woods Welcome Center.

All ages. Adult supervision required. $2 residents, $3 nonresidents.

22 Winter Woods Night Hike Discover the magic of a winter woods at night while learning the survival strategies of our native wildlife. An indoor presentation will be followed by a walk on a candle-lit path.

Friday, 6:30–8 pm, Ryerson Woods Welcome Center. Adults, families with children 12 and up. $5 residents, $7 nonresidents.

30 Hoot and Howl Hike Winter is a great time to listen for coyotes and owls, which are active year-round. Bundle up and learn about these amazing animals while we listen for them in the preserve.

Perhaps we’ll get lucky enough to hear a hoot and a howl.

Saturday, 4:30–6 pm, Ryerson Woods Welcome Center.

Adults, families with children 8 and up.

Adult supervision required. $6 residents, $8 nonresidents.

LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES

11

12

Registration required for all programs unless otherwise indicated.

For detailed program descriptions, specific meeting locations, directions and registration, visit LCFPD.org or call 847–968–3321.

For updates outside of normal business hours, call 847-968-3113.

JANUARY 6 Scout Saturday: Mammal Study Merit Badge Learn about the mammals that live in Lake County as you earn your merit badge.

Saturday, 9 am–12 pm, Ryerson Woods — Classroom Cabins.

Boy Scouts, ages 10–17. $20 residents, $28 nonresidents.

6 Walk with a Naturalist Discover the diversity of plant and animal life on this naturalist-guided walk. Join us each month to experience and learn about seasonal changes within the preserves.

Saturday, 9–10:30 am, Lakewood— Winter Sports Area.

Adults.

FREE. No registration required.

9 Hikin’ Tykes: Letters in Nature Nature-based story, hands-on activities, craft and outdoor exploration, weather permitting.

Tuesday, 9:30–10:45 am, Independence Grove­— Visitors Center.

Children ages 2–4, with an adult. Limit two children per adult. $5 adult/$2 child residents, $7 adult/$3 child nonresidents.

11 Connecting Kids with Nature Connect your kids with nature through outdoor exploration. Along the way, learn about the benefits of nature play.

Thursday, 10:30–11:45 am, Greenbelt Cultural Center. Children of all ages, caregivers. Adult supervision required. FREE. No registration required. A Lake County Nature Network Event.

12 Skokie Valley Astronomers Join the Skokie Valley Astronomers at Ryerson Woods on the second Friday of each month. Learn about outer space, the sky and the universe. Stargazing after the meeting, weather permitting.

Friday, 8–10 pm, Ryerson Woods Welcome Center.

Adults, families with children ages 12 and up.

Adult supervision required.

FREE. No registration required.

15 Playdate with Nature: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Move your kids outdoors for unstructured seasonal play activities, proven healthful and beneficial for children of all ages.

Monday, 1–2:30 pm, Greenbelt Cultural Center.

Children of all ages, caregivers.

Adult supervision required.

FREE. No registration required.

20 Mysteries in the Snow Discover who’s active in winter by observing clues in the snow and surrounding natural community.

Fine tune your animal observation skills, including how to identify tracks and scat.

Saturday, 1:30–3 pm, Buffalo Creek. Adults, families with children ages 6 and up. $5 residents, $7 nonresidents.

21 Squirrel Appreciation Day How many squirrel species live in Lake County? Drop in for squirrel trivia, touch table, crafts and a hike while using Project Squirrel to become a citizen scientist.

Sunday, 12–3 pm, Ryerson Woods Welcome Center.

All ages. Adult supervision required.

No registration required. $2 residents, $4 nonresidents.

27 Nature Open House and Campfire Winter is a magical time in your forest preserves. Join us for a campfire and nature activities as we discover which animals are out and about in the woods.

Saturday, 5–6:30 pm, Ryerson Woods — Classroom Cabins.

All ages. Adult supervision required.

FREE. No registration required.

28 Symbols of Illinois: White-tailed Deer Celebrate the Illinois Bicentennial (1818–2018). Each program in this 10-part series teaches about the origin and natural history of state symbols, and may also include a brief walk.

Sunday, 1:30–2:30 pm, Ryerson Woods Welcome Center.

All ages. Adult supervision required.

No registration required. $2 residents, $4 nonresidents.

HORI ZONS QUARTERLY WIN T E R 2 01 7

Follow us on Twitter for Forest Preserve news and events @LCFPD. Fun nature photos, too.

Right: black-capped chickadee.

FEBRUARY 3 Walk with a Naturalist Discover the diversity of plant and animal life on this naturalist-guided walk. Join us each month to experience and learn about seasonal changes within the preserves.

Saturday, 9–10:30 am, Van Patten Woods — Shelter A. Adults.

FREE. No registration required.

3 Phenology and Photography Outdoor workshop combines a staff naturalist’s insight with technical tips from a professional photographer.

February is sure to provide interesting photo subjects: ice formations, a wintery stream, and more. Dress in warm layers and be prepared for cold weather in a beautiful setting.

Saturday, 1–4 pm, Grassy Lake. Adults, youth ages 16 and up. $20 residents, $28 nonresidents.

8 Connecting Kids with Nature Connect your kids with nature through outdoor exploration. Along the way, learn about the benefits of nature play.

Thursday, 10:30–11:45 am, Greenbelt Cultural Center.

Children of all ages, caregivers. Adult supervision required.

FREE. No registration required.

A Lake County Nature Network Event.

9 Skokie Valley Astronomers Join the Skokie Valley Astronomers at Ryerson Woods on the second Friday of each month. Learn about outer space, the sky and the universe. Stargazing after the meeting, weather permitting.

Friday, 8–10 pm, Ryerson Woods Welcome Center. Adults, families with children ages 12 and up.

FREE. No registration required.

11 Profiles in Excellence Join us for an inspiring afternoon in honor of black history at the 35th annual Profiles in Excellence.

This year’s theme focuses on the Illinois Bicentennial (1818–2018) and features the important role of African Americans in Lake County’s history. Includes presenters and musical entertainment.

Sunday, 2–4 pm, Greenbelt Cultural Center. All ages. FREE. No registration required.

13 Hikin’ Tykes: Coyotes Nature-based story, hands-on activities, craft and outdoor exploration, weather permitting.

Tuesday, 9:30–10:45 am, Greenbelt Cultural Center.

Children ages 2–4, with an adult. $5 adult/$2 child residents, $7 adult/$3 child nonresidents.

A Lake County Nature Network Event.

18 Backyard Bird Count Drop in to count birds and help monitor bird populations. View a touch table about native birds and visit a live education raptor.

Bring a smartphone or tablet for birding apps.

Sunday, 12–3 pm, Ryerson Woods Welcome Center.

All ages. Adult supervision required.

No registration required. $2 residents, $4 nonresidents.

19 Playdate with Nature: Presidents Day Move your kids outdoors for unstructured seasonal play activities, proven healthful and beneficial for children of all ages.

Monday, 1–2:30 pm, Lyons Woods. Children of all ages, caregivers. Adult supervision required.

FREE. No registration required. A Lake County Nature Network Event.

25 Symbols of Illinois: Fluorite, Drummer, Tully Monster Celebrate the Illinois Bicentennial (1818–2018) by learning about state symbols. Each program in this 10-part series teaches about the origin and natural history of the state symbols, and may also include a brief walk.

Sunday, 1:30–2:30 pm, Independence Grove ­— Visitors Center.

All ages. Adult supervision required.

No registration required. $2 residents, $4 nonresidents.

LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES

13

14

Registration required for all programs unless otherwise indicated.

For detailed program descriptions, specific meeting locations, directions and registration, visit LCFPD.org or call 847–968–3321.

For updates outside of normal business hours, call 847-968-3113.

MARCH 10–11, 17–18, 24–25 Maple Syrup Hikes Learn how trees work and about the sweet sap of sugar maples. Ryerson Woods is one of the few places in Lake County where conditions are right for maple syrup production, and where trees grow to a diameter and height that allows for tapping.

Everyone gets a taste. Program also available as a school or scout field trip, call 847-968-3321 for details.

Hikes run every half-hour from 12–2 pm. Ryerson Woods. All ages. $6. Children 3 and under, FREE. Registration begins in February.

EXPERIENCE WINTER’S BEAUTY IN THE PRESERVES ­ Hiking across the snow. Tracing figure eights on the ice.

Feeling the tug of a fish below the frozen water. Zooming downhill on a snow-packed surface. These experiences and more await winter outdoor enthusiasts at your Lake County Forest Preserves, where breathtaking scenery goes handin-hand with exercise and fun.

Before heading out, check online at LCFPD.org/winter-sports for current trail, snow and ice conditions for sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing.

LAKE COUNTY HISTORY SYMPOSIUM — CALL FOR PAPERS­ ­ On April 29, 2018, the Dunn Museum (Libertyville) will host the 4th Annual Lake County History Symposium. The Symposium is open to the public and aims to bring together those interested in and actively researching the history of Lake County. This year’s theme is History from Objects. Proposals for presentations and posters are requested. Submissions are due on or before February 1, 2018. To submit or learn more, visit LCFPD.org/education-events.

GET SOCIAL WITH US Enjoying your time out in the preserves? Share it with us through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat @LCFPD. We are sharing constant updates and fun photos, and we love to see what you’re up to. Feel free to ask questions, and don’t forget to laugh, squeal, cry, or jump for joy at the hilarious, adorable #wildlifewednesday critters.

HORI ZONS QUARTERLY WIN T E R 2 01 7

Opening early spring 2018

We’re entering the final phase of construction and the installation of exhibitions at the new Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, set to open to the public in early spring 2018.

PROGRESS UPDATE The new Collections Care and Storage Facility in the lower level of the Dunn Museum is complete.

It offers stable environmental conditions suitable for protecting the Museum’s irreplaceable historic collections. To date we have moved the entire Lake County History Archives and a significant portion of the object collections.

Work will continue over the coming months to complete the move. The Lake County History Archives includes a new public research center, which is nearly complete.

Installation of a commissioned life-sized Dryptosaurus dinosaur is also nearly complete. With guidance from Native American tribe members on authenticity, the build-out of the wigwam is moving along. The wigwam will serve as an in-gallery teaching space for programs and an interactive space for visitors.

NEW EDUCATION PROGRAMS Our educators have developed new programs and field trip opportunities for all ages. Field trips provide school and scout groups interactive programs that encourage group work and critical thinking. Programming for adults, children and families includes hands-on workshops, storytelling, guided tours, lectures and seasonal events designed to engage the broader community.

On the first and third Thursdays of every month, visitors can experience the Dunn Museum after hours.

On these evenings, admission, and educational programs for adults and families, will be free after 5pm.

VOLUNTEER WITH US Become a Dunn Museum volunteer and help us tell Lake County’s story. Our docent program provides volunteers an in-depth knowledge of the county’s history.

Volunteers receive the training and tools they need to share that knowledge with visitors. To learn more, visit LCFPD.org/Volunteer.

The in-progress wigwam (above) will house a variety of Native American replicas (right), which will be used in our educational programs.

LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES

15

16

SPECIAL FACILITIES Directory GENERAL OFFICES

OPERATIONS AND PUBLIC SAFETY

1899 West Winchester Road Libertyville, Illinois 60048

19808 West Grand Avenue Lake Villa, Illinois 60046

847-367-6640 tel 847-367-6649 fax 847-968-3155 TDD

847-968-3411 tel (Operations) 847-968-3404 tel (Public Safety) 847-968-3116 fax

8 am –4:30 pm, Monday–Friday

6:30 am –3 pm, Monday–Friday

911 emergency 847–549–5200 nonemergency public safety issues

OUTDOOR RECREATION

EDUCATION

GOLF

LCFPD.org

INDEPENDENCE GROVE

RYERSON CONSERVATION AREA

THUNDERHAWK GOLF CLUB

16400 West Buckley Road Libertyville, Illinois 60048

21950 North Riverwoods Road Riverwoods, Illinois 60015

A Robert Trent Jones Jr. championship golf course

847–968–3499 Main 847–247–1111 Banquets, Meetings

847–968–3320

39700 North Lewis Avenue Beach Park, Illinois 60099

IndependenceGrove.org Visitors Center Hours 9 AM–4:30 PM, unless otherwise posted For beach, marina and café seasonal hours and fees visit our website.

Parking Fee Lake County residents FREE Nonresidents $5 per car Monday–Thursday $10 per car Friday–Sunday and holidays Vehicle window stickers allow entry without stopping to verify residency.

Fee is $5, available at the Visitors Center.

FOX RIVER MARINA 28500 West Roberts Road Port Barrington, Illinois 60010 847–381–0669 FoxRiverMarina.org Boat Launch and Marina Hours For hours and fees visit our website.

LCFPD.org/Ryerson Welcome Center Hours 9 AM–5 PM, Tuesday–Saturday 11 AM–4 PM, Sundays Restroom only, Mondays

Tee Times Golf Gift Cards Golf Outings Banquets

ThunderHawkGolfClub.org

GREENBELT CULTURAL CENTER

BRAE LOCH GOLF CLUB

1215 Green Bay Road North Chicago, Illinois 60064

33600 North US Highway 45 Grayslake, Illinois 60030

847–968–3477

Office Hours

847–968–3100 847–968–3441 847–489–1931 847–247–1119

Open for events or by appointment.

BraeLochGolfClub.org

BESS BOWER DUNN MUSEUM

COUNTRYSIDE GOLF CLUB

OPENING EARLY SPRING 2018 at new Libertyville location. Call or visit our website for opening date and details.

20800 West Hawley Street Mundelein, Illinois 60060

GreenbeltCulturalCenter.org

1899 West Winchester Road Libertyville, Illinois 60048 847–968–3400 Main DunnMuseum.org Gallery, Café and Gift Shop Hours 10 AM–5 PM, Tuesday–Saturday 12–5 PM, Sundays Closed, Mondays Open until 8 PM with free admission after 5PM on the first and third Thursdays of every month. Free admission sponsored by the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves.

HORI ZONS QUARTERLY WIN T E R 2 01 7

847–968–3100 847–968–3441 847–489–1931 847–968–3450

Tee Times Golf Gift Cards Golf Outings Banquets

Prairie and Traditional Courses

847–968–3100 Tee Times 847–968–3441 Golf Gift Cards 847–489–1931 Golf Outings CountrysideGolfClub.org

LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES FOREST PRESERVE Entrance/Parking

Nearly 31,000 acres make up your Lake County Forest Preserves.

Most preserves are open 6:30 a m –sunset, daily. If a preserve gate is open before 6:30 a m , the preserve is considered open for use.

MAP CURRENT AS OF

Friday, November 3, 2017

FOREST PRESERVE EASEMENTS STATE LAND (Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources) DES PLAINES RIVER TRAIL CASEY TRAIL PRAIRIE CROSSING TRAIL (L.C. Division of Transportation)

LCFPD.ORG GENERAL OFFICES AND DUNN MUSEUM (Opens Early Spring 2018)

CANOE LAUNCH

OPERATIONS AND PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY

COMMUNITY GARDEN

MILLENNIUM TRAIL Planned Section

DOG PARK

MIDDLEFORK TRAIL AND GREENWAY Planned Section

FORT HILL TRAIL Planned Section

M CCLORY TRAIL / NORTH SHORE PATH (L.C. Division of Transportation)

CHAIN O’LAKES BIKE PATH Planned Section (L.C. Division of Transportation)

GRAND ILLINOIS TRAIL Planned (Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources)

LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES

17

LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES GENERAL OFFICES 1899 WEST WINCHESTER ROAD LIBERTYVILLE ILLINOIS 60048

PLEASE DELIVER PROMPTLY—

t

TIME- SENSITIVE MATERIAL

HORI Z ON S SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES HOTLINE: 847–968–3335 email : Horizons@LCFPD.org

q

THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED USING 100% RECYCLED PAPER, ALLOWING US TO SAVE 56 MATURE TREES, 18,191 LBS GREENHOUSE GASES, 5,537 LBS SOLID WASTE

Explore Winter’s Wonder in a Natural Setting Take an evening hike along solar-lit trails at Old School (Libertyville) or Lakewood (Wauconda). Trails and adjacent lots are open until 9 pm, daily, through March 11, 2018.

2018 Annual permits Annual permits for dog parks, horse trails and more go on sale at 8 am on Monday, December 4. Find information and purchase permits online at LCFPD. org/permits, or by phone: 847–367–6640.

Your forest preserves are ideal settings for ice skating, ice fishing, sledding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and hiking. A 4.5-inch layer is required for ice skating and ice fishing, and a 4-inch snow base is required for snowmobiling.

For activities and current conditions, check LCFPD.org/winter-sports.

2 HORI ZONS QUARTERLY WIN T E R 2 01 7

HOLIDAY TREE RECYCLING Donate your holiday tree to us and we’ll recycle it into woodchips for trails and landscaping at forest preserves throughout Lake County.

See LCFPD.org for details.

◄ FLICKR PICK Perfect timing! Robert Visconti, a local nature photographer and member of our Flickr pool, captured this showy display of plumage while this Cooper’s hawk preened unaware of the camera. Photo was taken near our Operations and Public Safety Facility in Lake Villa.

Connect with us! For up-to-the-minute Forest Preserve news and events: Find us on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, or YouTube @LCFPD. Download our mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store— search for “Lake County Forest Preserves.”