Horizons quarterly // fall 2022

On

ANGELO D. KYLE

PRESERVES

In December 1990 when I was elected commissioner for District 14, the Lake County Forest Preserves owned and managed 16,611 acres across 35 sites. As the population has grown over the past 32 years, the Forest Preserves has kept pace to protect the quality of life we all enjoy. Today, we care for more than 31,000 acres across 64 sites, and residents are no more than a 10-minute drive from a forest preserve.

This summer, we checked in with the public we serve to make sure we are on the right track. In a countywide survey, 77% of residents rated the Forest Preserves positively, with 40% holding us in the highest regard. There is no more important measure of our success.

We last surveyed the public in fall 2019, just before COVID-19 changed so much in our daily lives. Throughout the pandemic, Lake County residents turned to the Forest Preserves more than ever to cope with physical, mental and emotional challenges, and for a safe place to gather. It’s gratifying to learn that, despite the significant increase in visitation, 89% of users report being somewhat or completely satisfied with their experience.

We heard clearly from residents that our top priorities should be to care for the trails and preserves we have, and to restore and manage our natural lands for native plants and wildlife and for the services nature provides, such as flood mitigation, cleaner air and water, and carbon storage. Residents trust our fiscal management and want us to continue to ensure the Forest Preserves’ long-term financial stability.

My fellow commissioners and I take these strong survey results to heart but we do not take them for granted. We are committed to building on these successes, and I invite you to join us in actively supporting your forest preserves. You can volunteer your time, give a gift through our Preservation Foundation or simply take a walk to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us in every season.

B OARD of COMMISSIONERS

PRESIDENT Angelo D. Kyle, Waukegan

VICE PRESIDENT

John Wasik, Grayslake

TREASURER

Paul Frank, Highland Park

ASSISTANT TREASURER

Gina Roberts, Beach Park

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

Sandy Hart, Lake Bluff

Diane Hewitt, Zion

J. Kevin Hunter, Ingleside

Ann B. Maine, Lincolnshire

Paras Parekh, Highland Park

Linda Pedersen, Antioch

Catherine Sbarra, Lake Zurich

Julie Simpson, Vernon Hills

Steve Snarski, Waukegan

Jessica Vealitzek, Hawthorn Woods

Terry Wilke, Round Lake Beach

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ty Kovach

HORIZONS

VOLUME 31,

EDITOR AND

Jeanna Martinucci Cristino Horizons@LCFPD.org

CONTRIBUTORS

Allison Frederick, Kim Mikus, Brett Peto, Kristen Seefurth, Rebekah Snyder

PHOTOGRAPHY

Pete Capp (cover), Jeff Goldberg, Allison Frederick, Tracy Hultgren—Trail Tracing, Ken Klick, Helena Keller, Kathryn McCabe, Larry Reis, Dahai Zang, Liz Rose Fisher, John D. Kavc, Phil Hauck, Lake|Flato, Michelle Wendling, John Weinstein, Peter Schulz, Kimberly Kingen, Vivienne Chen

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. Sub scribers 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.

Forest Preserve

Plants and animals . Flora and fauna. While these phrases are familiar, they don’t contain another kingdom of organisms crucial to local habitats. These lifeforms are neither plants nor animals. Nearly all their biomass is hidden from human eyes. Fall is one of the best times to see them in your forest preserves. They are fungi.

Examples include mushrooms, molds and yeasts. Flip through any mushroom field guide and you’ll see astonishing varieties of shapes, sizes, colors and textures. Estimates of the number of species in the fungus kingdom vary. A 2017 study published in the scientific journal Microbiology Spectrum pegged the number between 2.2–3.8 million.

Scientists have identified 4–7% of the total.

More than 2,000 fungi species are found in Illinois. They make a walk through the woods this time of year even more of an adventure. “Mushrooms force you to look at the woods differently,” said Restoration Ecologist Ken Klick. “Search for them under decaying logs and plants. They’re magical, the way they pop up, then disappear.”

Though scientists classified them in the plant kingdom as recently as the 1960s, fungi are more closely related to animals than plants. They don’t make their own food with chlorophyll. Instead of the cellulose found in plant cell walls, fungal cell walls contain a substance called chitin, also found in the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans.

The building block of a fungus is the hypha (plural hyphae), a small tube that contains cells. Hyphae connect in large numbers to form a network called a mycelium (plural mycelia), the non-reproductive portion of a fungus. It threads through soil, wood or another nutrient source.

Like animals, fungi consume other life to obtain energy. Unlike animals, they don’t track down prey and digest it internally. Rather, hyphae extend to a food source and secrete exoenzymes that break down organic matter. The fungus absorbs nutrients that are released.

Fungi are remarkably effective at processing cellulose and lignin, another tough component of plant cell walls. This helps make them “the ultimate recyclers in the world,” Klick said.

However, fungi don’t only decompose dead plants. Mycorrhizal fungi have mutualistic, symbiotic relationships with the roots of living plants. The plant contributes sugars and carbon to the fungus, which supplies the plant with water and nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Research is still underway, but evidence indicates fungal networks can distribute resources between plants in a habitat—almost like an underground shipping system.

BEAR'S HEAD TOOTH

COMMON PUFFBALL CHICKEN OF THE WOODS

HEN OF THE WOODS

GIANT PUFFBALL

BEAR’S HEAD TOOTH

( Hericium americanum)

AUGUST--NOVEMBER

Look for the bear’s head tooth with its numerous white spines on old logs and stumps. You may also find it in wounds on living trees, particularly oaks, maples,

COMMON PUFFBALL

( Lycoperdon perlatum)

JULY--OCTOBER

The common puffball possesses detachable, conical spines and

HEN OF THE WOODS

(Grifola frondosa)

SEPTEMBER--NOVEMBER

Hen of the woods is a polypore sometimes mistaken for fallen leaves due to its earthy tones. It can frequently be found in the same

THE WOODS

( Laetiporus sulphureus)

MAY--NOVEMBER

Chicken of the woods is a shelf, or bracket, fungus that grows on many trees, including oaks, beeches, plums and willows. By the time its orange-and-yellow mushrooms appear, it’s likely thousands of mycelia have invaded the host tree.

G1ANT PUFFBALL

(Calvatia gigantea)

LATE MAY--JULY AND AUGUST--OCTOBER

The giant puffball is a fall favorite for many. It’s smooth, white and sometimes as big as a basketball. It appears singly or in “fairy rings” in open woods and pastures. A single puffball can contain trillions of spores.

JACK-O’-LANTERN

(

JULY--NOVEMBER

The jack-o’-lantern is orange in daylight but glows green at night using bioluminescence. It is toxic to humans when eaten. This gilled mushroom is found at the bases of tree trunks and stumps, or on the buried roots of deciduous trees.

OYSTER MUSHROOM

( Pleurotus ostreatus)

YEAR-ROUND

The oyster mushroom emits a pleasant odor. It grows in shelf-like clusters on many types of deciduous trees. The color of the cap varies seasonally from white to gray to brown.

SHAGGY MANE

(Coprinus comatus

MAY--JUNE AND SEPTEMBER--OCTOBER

The shaggy mane is common in suburban areas. Upon emerging from the ground, its cylindrical cap is white with reddish-brown scales, but soon morphs into a bell shape. As it matures, its gills liquefy and produce a black “ink” containing spores, typically within

POLYPORE

(

JUNE--NOVEMBER

Early in its life cycle, the little nest polypore can be mistaken for a cup fungus or a bird’s nest fungus. The mushroom develops a cap as an extension of its cup. It grows on dead deciduous wood.

TURKEY TA1L

(Trametes versicolor )

MAY--DECEMBER

This is one of North America’s most common mushrooms. A small polypore, it’s usually found on dead deciduous wood or on conifers. Its bands of alternating colors are said to resemble the pattern of a turkey’s tail feathers.

The fungal structures most often visible above-ground are mush rooms, also called fruiting bodies. Mushrooms release billions or even trillions of spores, which can each germinate into a new fungus. Identifying mushrooms takes effort, but the experience can inspire further appreciation and curiosity. “Once you start naming mushrooms, you begin to notice more of them,” said Klick.

Executive Assistant Helena Keller, who’s encountered hundreds of species over the past 20 years, documents her discoveries via photography. “I became interest ed in photographing them when I discovered the abundance of fungi within the preserves,” she said. “I wanted to have images of all the neat ones I have seen, even if I couldn’t name them all. They are so different and the colors are mesmerizing.”

We can all do our part to keep fungi in the preserves where they belong. While fall is a wonderful time to see mush rooms, it’s never a good time to take them home. Poaching, foraging and collection of any natural material in the preserves are illegal. Those discovered doing so may be subject to fines.

To report a concern, call our Ranger Police Department at 847-968-3404 from 6:30 am–3 pm weekdays, email FP_police@LCFPD.org or visit LCFPD.org/safety After hours, call the Lake County Sheriff’s Department dispatch at 847-549-5200 and ask to speak to a Ranger.

JACK-O'-LANTERN

SHAGGY MANE

OYSTER MUSHROOM

Like to Hike?

Experience Hike Lake County

Our annual fall walking program is a great way to enjoy time outdoors and reconnect with nature while exploring trails in preserves across the county.

How It Works

1 Visit LCFPD.org/HLC to download our Travel Log to record each hike (every hiker needs their own). You'll also find options for upcoming guided hikes with our educators, trail maps and directions. Your canine companion can join the fun. Look for the icon to determine which trails are dog-friendly. Record the dog's name in your Travel Log when they complete a hike with you and receive a commemorative dog tag for their collar. Up to three dogs per human hiker

2 Walk seven of the designated "Hike Lake County" trails (or complete all 12 ) by November 30. Look for the Hike Lake County logo at the trailhead of each participating preserve to get started on the right route. Please note that bicycling and horseback riding do not count toward this program.

3 Submit your Travel Log by January 31, 2023 to earn a free commemorative medallion. You can submit online at LCFPD.org/HLC , in person at our General Offices (Libertyville) or the Ryerson Welcome Center (Riverwoods), or mail to Lake County Forest Preserves, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville, IL 60048.

2022 Hike Lake County Trail Locations Mileage *counts as two trails

Buffalo Creek

2722 Old Hicks Road, Long Grove, IL 60047 2.75*

Ethel's Woods/Raven Glen 19330 W. Miller Road, Antioch, IL 60002 1.5

Grant Woods

37600 N. Cedar Lake Road, Lake Villa, IL 60046 1.6

Greenbelt 2250 W. Dugdale Road, Waukegan, IL 60085 1.8

Hastings Lake

21155 W. Gelden Road, Lake Villa, IL 60046 2.3*

Independence Grove 16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville, IL 60048 1.4

Lakewood 24145 W. Ivanhoe Road, Wauconda, IL 60084 1.3

Marl Flat

32609 N. Fish Lake Road, Round Lake, IL 60073 1.8

Old School 28285 N. St Mary's Road, Libertyville, IL 60048 1.1

Ryerson Conversation Area

21950 N. Riverwoods Road, Deerfield, IL 60015 2 *

Spring Bluff

1200 7th Street, Winthrop Harbor, IL 60096 1.8

Van Patten Woods

15838 W. Route 173, Wadsworth, IL 60083 2.3*

Wild Card–You Pick!

Choose a 2-mile walk on any Lake County Forest Preserve trail.* 2 *

Dog-friendly trails Natural surface trails, not ADA accessible

COMMEMORATIVE MEDALLIONS: Featuring a rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis)

Once you complete seven of this year's Hike Lake County trails, choose from one of the following commemorative medallions (while supplies last): hiking shield or zipper pull/dog tag . Hiking sticks and Golden Guide Books are available for purchase at the Dunn Museum (Libertyville) gift shop or Ryerson Welcome Center.

LOOKING TO 2025 AND BEYOND

Dear Friends, August marked the 15th anniversary of the Preservation Foundation. It’s inspiring to look back on all that donors have given to help ensure the forest preserves are beautiful, healthy and accessible to all.

In June 2020, the Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners approved the Road Map to 2025, a set of five-year objectives and tactics to move us toward the goals identified in our 100-Year Vision for Lake County. One key tactic is to double both awareness of the Preservation Foundation and our base of donors. We are just beyond the halfway point in the Road Map, and we have made two staffing changes to support this goal.

Rebekah Snyder moved on from her role as Preservation Foundation executive director to become the director of the Community Engagement & Partnerships department, overseeing both communications and fundraising for the Forest Preserves. Erika Stergos joined the Forest Preserves in June as the new executive director of the Preservation Foundation. She leads our incredible development team. We are excited to work together and with all of our Forest Preserves colleagues to develop new opportunities that will inspire new donors to join or past donors to give again. One of our top priorities is the launch of Every Acre Strong, the community campaign for the Lake County Forest Preserves.

Look for more information in the future about this campaign to ensure that your healthy and diverse forest preserves can be maintained at the highest quality for future generations. Until then, many thanks for your partnership and support.

Rebekah Snyder

TOGETHER, ACHIEVING MORE FOR THE FOREST PRESERVES.FOR

Erika Stergos

Meet our new Preservation Foundation Executive Director

We are pleased to welcome Erika Stergos as the new executive director of the Preservation Foundation. With more than 15 years of experience building fundraising programs and marketing teams, Stergos is excited to bring her skills and expertise to the Forest Preserves.

Stergos joins us from Genesys Works Chicago, where she served as chief of staff. Prior to that, she worked at The University of Texas at Austin Environmental Science Institute.

“Together, the Forest Preserves and the Preservation Foundation are building a worldclass private-public partnership. Lake County residents and donors from across the region are deeply committed to helping the Forest Preserves protect natural lands, waters and cultural assets,” Stergos said. “I am excited to lead the next phase of our journey.”

Stergos holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Anthropology from Southern Methodist University and a Master’s of Professional Writing from the University of Southern California. An avid runner, she enjoys training on the trails and simply being in nature with her husband, Mike, and pup, Duke.

In her new role, Stergos is looking forward to connecting with everyone who enjoys and appreciates the Forest Preserves. You can reach her at 847-968-3129 or estergos@LCFPD.org

charitable partner of the County Forest all sizes meaningful support projects initiate that or many years 847-968-3110.

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.

7 FACTS ABOUT THE CHARITY DEDICATED TO HELPING THE FOREST PRESERVES DO MORE

With 64 preserves and 209 miles of trails, Lake County has the second-largest forest preserve district in Illinois. Your 31,000 acres support more plant and animal species than any other county in the state. A lot goes into keeping this land healthy and resilient. Here are a few facts about the Preservation Foundation, which was established 15 years ago to help the Forest Preserves do more.

1160 people donated in 2007, compared to 1,064 donors in 2021.

2The smallest gift so far was $3. The largest cash gift was $2 million.

3In 1996, Grainger Corporation made the largest contri bution in the Forest Preserves' history— 261 acres now known as Grainger Woods (Mettawa). At the time, that gift was valued at $12 million.

A 1.25-acre sustainable farm within Greenbelt Forest Preserve (North Chicago) is an education program entirely funded by donations. The Green Youth Farm gives local teens a paid work experience growing, tending and harvesting fresh, healthy produce for the local community.

5Some ask why the Foundation is needed when the Forest Preserves relies on property taxes. Charitable gifts aren’t necessary, but many people feel inspired by their love of the Forest Preserves to make a gift. Every dollar helps do more than taxes alone can support, helping restore more land, protect more species and deliver educational programs for reduced or no fees.

Leaving the Foundation a legacy gift is becoming more popular. It’s easy to include a gift in one’s will—either as a specific amount or a percentage of the estate. Others have made the Foundation a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or made charitable distributions from an IRA.

6The Foundation had three board members in 2007. Today, its volunteer leadership includes 24 business and civic leaders with expertise ranging from marketing to finance to manufacturing.

PRESERVE NEWS

FREE NATIVE LANDSCAPING PROGRAMS OFFERED

We are offering an array of free education programs to promote removal of invasive plant species and replacement with native plants. Lake County residents will not be charged to attend the programs listed below that support this important mission:

• BUTTERFLY GARDENING

• LANDSCAPING FOR A CHANGING CLIMATE

• LANDSCAPING WITH NATIVE PLANTS

• NATIVE PLANTS

• PLANTING FOR POLLINATORS

• RAIN GARDENS 101

• STARTING NATIVE PLANTS FROM SEED

Beginning in 2023, attendance for all NATIVE GARDENERS CLUB: READY, SET, GROW programs will be free as well.

For upcoming program dates and to register, visit LCFPD.org/calendar. Presentations are available for organized groups such as homeowners associations, garden clubs, municipalities and libraries. Email AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org or call 847-968-3320 to schedule a presentation.

LAKEWOOD MASTER PLAN UPDATE

The Lakewood Forest Preserve (Wauconda) master plan provides a balance between public access, safety, habitat restoration and educational programming needs. Supply chain issues and volatility in the construction industry have delayed the timing of improvements.

Controlled Burn Season

Each fall and spring, certified crews conduct controlled burns across hundreds of acres throughout the preserves. Burns are considered a natural resource manager’s most cost-effective tool for managing native plant communities. Without fire invasive plants such as buckthorn, honeysuckle and other aggressive, non-native species invade local habitats and shade out native plants.

Safety is our highest priority. Burn crews are comprised of professionals who received training from the U.S. Forest Service. Before starting a controlled burn, we obtain all necessary permits and contact local fire departments. We notify neighbors that are adjacent to the preserves. Learn more and view an interactive map of daily burn locations: LCFPD.org/burninfo

We are planning to go out to bid for phase one of the project late this year with construction anticipated to finish in 2023. All trails remain open, while portions of the vehicle routes remain closed to prepare for construction.

Before heading to Lakewood, check our interactive trail map for closure updates: LCFPD.org/maps. For master plan project updates, visit LCFPD.org/projects.

District Receives Financial Reporting Award

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Lake County Forest Preserves. The award recognized the annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year that ended December 31, 2020.

“The certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in government accounting and financial reporting,”

GFOA Director Michele Mark Levine said.

We have earned this award for 30 consecutive years. “We are so proud to once again receive this coveted award that recognizes our transparency and account ability,” said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves.

YCC GAINS SUPPORT

We received a generous donation to support the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), a program that provides jobs and environmental education to local high school and college students.

Gewalt Hamilton Associations, Inc. of Vernon Hills gave $10,000 to the program. CEO Todd Gordon said his company looks for ways to give back to the community. “YCC is such an impressive, positive program,” he said.

STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE: Sustain Organizational Excellence

Construction is underway on the first phase of a new environmental education facility that aims to achieve net-zero energy. The building at Ryerson Conservation Area (Riverwoods) is designed to replace and expand education programming that has been offered in two 1940s-era cabins.

"As stewards of healthy landscapes and proponents of climate resiliency, we are leading the way in sustainable building technologies," said Executive Director Alex Ty Kovach.

The first phase of construction includes a 3,400-square-foot building with two classrooms, virtual teaching space, a net-zero energy interpretive exhibit area and a 1,000-square-foot screened porch for added teaching space. The $5.4 million project also involves realigning the entry road, installing accessible walkways and a looped educational trail, and extending water, sewer and other utilities. A second phase, which will add two more classrooms, is planned but currently unfunded. This phase is estimated to cost $2.6 million. View our complete 100-Year Vision and Strategic Plan, and Road Map to 2025 objectives and tactics at LCFPD.org/vision

Presenting the check is Todd Gordon, CEO of Gewalt Hamilton Associates, to Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. Also pictured are YCC participants Spencer Steeves (left) and Debanhi Jimenez (second from left).

Merlin (Falco columbarius)

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.

EDUCATOR PICKS

We asked a few of our professional educators to pick their top programs this season. View all programs and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar

October 25 Guided Walk: Old School

October 27 Adlai E. Stevenson Historic Home Public Tour

November 20 Family Nature Club: Sandhill Cranes

November 22 Dunn Museum Tour: The First People of Lake County

NATIVE LANDSCAPING PROGRAMS

Learn how you can make a positive impact on the environment by choosing native trees and shrubs for your yard and removing invasive species. View all native landscaping programs and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar

October 27 Native Gardeners Club: Collecting Native Seeds

November 5 Family Buckthorn Cut

November 10, 12 Starting Native Plants from Seed

FAMILY PROGRAMS

Looking for a fun, engaging and educational program designed for the whole family? Programs feature a variety of topics on history and nature. View all family programs and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar

October 21, 22 Halloween Hikes

November 5 Bilingual Serendipity Walk

November 17 Storytime at the Museum: Fall Fun November 22 Drop in at the Dunn

ADULT PROGRAMS

Join our history and environmental educators in these programs designed for adults. View all adult programs and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar

November 6 Mindful Moments with History: Tea and Origami with Stevenson November 12 Walk with a Naturalist: Van Patten Woods November 17 How Glaciers Shaped Lake County

DUNN

November 26, 2022–January 8, 2023 Dunn Museum (Libertyville) • See page 15 for details.

Have a question about Lake County history or nature?

Our educators have the answer.

FREE

Join us for these free, engaging educational programs. View all free programs and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar

October 28 Community Campfire Friday Night

November 3 Seven Springs All Nation Drum Circle

November 10 Adventures in Nature

November 15 Teacher Open House

HOUR: November 19, 9–10 am

The Dunn Museum will be open before regular hours to those who need a calm, quiet visit. A quiet room for stimulation breaks will be accessible. Creative crafts and manipulatives will be provided in our café space. All ages. Find registration details at LCFPD.org/sensory-hour

LAKE COUNTY

January 5 and 19, 2023, 7–9 pm

The Dunn Museum will host the 8th Annual Lake County History Symposium virtually to bring together those interested in the history of Lake County.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry: The History of Food and Hospitality in Lake County is the theme of the program. Topics may include the history of a family cookbook, the development of well-known restaurants, or stories of communities holding special banquets.

Professional, amateur and student historians are invited to submit proposals for presentations at the Symposium. Submissions are accepted until November 7. Submit or learn more: LCFPD.org/symposium

ON TO 2050 is the long-range plan to help the seven counties and 284 communities of northeastern Illinois achieve an inclusive and thriving region. The plan was developed by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) in collaboration with partners. Together, the agency and its partners are implementing the plan to address transportation, equity, the environment and other quality-of-life issues.

This exhibition was created by the Dunn Museum and CMAP.

Mundelein resident Charles Warner’s (1884–1964) hand-carved folk art cathedrals, created in remembrance of his childhood in Poland. Each of Warner's five models capture his impressions of the architecture and vibrant colors of the Old World. Enjoy 360-degree views of the cathedrals and take a virtual look inside at the meticulously decorated interiors—painted in a rainbow of hues with towers, spires and windows.

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

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.

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.

BESS BOWER DUNN MUSEUM

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.

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

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

Golf Gift Cards

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

FORT

More than 31,000 acres make up

Lake County Forest Preserves.

preserves are open 6:30 am

daily. If a preserve gate is open before 6:30 am , the preserve is considered open for use.

view the

open the camera app on your phone and scan the QR code below.

HORIZONS

Free Senior Museum

Admission in October

Senior admission to the Dunn Museum is free for the entire month of October. View hours at LCFPD.org/planyourvisit

2023 Shelter Rentals & Permits

Reservations for 2023 shelter rentals open on Monday, October 17. Annual permits for dog parks, horse trails and more go on sale Monday, December 5 Make reservations or purchase permits online starting at 12:01 am on the corresponding dates above; by phone; or in person starting at 8 am. Details: LCFPD.org/permits

INSTAGRAM PICK

A boardwalk at Ryerson Conservation Area (Riverwoods) led photographer Nate Whitney to this stunning view of a colorful forest. Posted via Instagram by @studio684.

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.