Horizons quarterly // winter 2021 by Lake County Forest Preserve District

HORI Z ON S QUARTERLY

winter 2021 VOLUME 31, ISSUE 1

On the cover: Soothing orange, pink and blue tones wash over a winter scene at Fox River Preserve and Marina (Port Barrington). Mystery prints zigzag through fresh snow along the frozen river. more than

31,000 acres are protected by the

lake county forest preserves .

A MESSAGE from ANGELO D. KYLE PRESIDENT LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES AKYLE@LAKECOUNTYIL.GOV

BOARD of COMMISSIONERS PRESIDENT

Angelo D. Kyle, Waukegan VICE PRESIDENT

John Wasik, Grayslake TREASURER

Paul Frank, Highland Park ASSISTANT TREASURER

The Forest Preserves strives to be a welcoming, inclusive and diverse agency. We work to provide educational and recreational opportunities that embrace differences and foster respect that extends beyond the program into all local communities. Our vision is to create an environment in which patrons, supporters and staff appreciate the challenges, accomplishments and perspectives of various groups of people. As a local government agency, we are charged with serving all Lake County residents, which makes achieving this vision critical to our mission. The following pages explain one of our key strategies. We are reinventing how we will deliver summer programs for young Lake County residents in 2022. Our educators listened closely to the needs and challenges caregivers face each summer. We recognize the hardships faced by working parents, as activities of summer push and pull for their time. In response, we have restructured and diversified our summer adventures to provide high-quality education in new ways to children and youth throughout Lake County. For decades, the Forest Preserves has been recognized for exceptional education programs. Through immersive learning experiences in nature and history, we treat individuals equally and with respect and compassion. It is my privilege to build on this strong foundation and to continue to promote an inclusive community. Together, we can ensure the Forest Preserves remains an agency that values all who visit, work, and call Lake County home. THANK YOU for your continued support!

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 Bill Durkin, Waukegan Sandy Hart, Lake Bluff Diane Hewitt, Waukegan J. Kevin Hunter, Ingleside Ann B. Maine, Lincolnshire Paras Parekh, Highland Park Linda Pedersen, Antioch Catherine Sbarra, Lake Zurich Julie Simpson, Vernon Hills Jessica Vealitzek, Hawthorn Woods Terry Wilke, Round Lake Beach EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ty Kovach

HORIZONS

VOLUME 31, ISSUE 1 Winter 2021 EDITOR AND DESIGNER

Jeanna Martinucci Cristino Horizons@LCFPD.org CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS

Kim Mikus, Allison Frederick, Brett Peto, Rebekah Snyder PHOTOGRAPHY

John D. Kavc (cover), Bob Callebert, John Weinstein, Briana Suriano, Chip Williams, Winterlyn Photography, Nat Carmichael, Kimberly Kingen, Phil Hauck, Scott Albert, Ted Orland, Dan Mayworm

SUBSCRIBE, UNSUBSCRIBE, UPDATE ADDRESS: 847–968–3335 | Horizons@LCFPD.org Horizons is the quarterly publication of the Lake County Forest Preserve District. Subscriptions are free. Subscribers may also receive mailings from the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves. Photo and videos are periodically taken of people participating in Forest Preserve District programs and activities. All persons registering for Forest Preserve District programs/activities or using Forest Preserve District property thereby agree that any photo or video taken by the Forest Preserve District may be used by the District for promotional purposes including its website, promotional videos, brochures, fliers and other publications without additional, prior notice or permission and without compensation to the participant.

Pine Dunes

Gander Mountain Prairie Stream

Sequoit Creek

Lake Marie

Dutch Gap

Raven Glen Bluebird Meadow

Hastings Lake

Wadsworth Savanna

McDonald Woods

Bonner Heritage Farm

Spring Bluff

Oak-Hickory

Ethel’s Woods

Sun Lake

Duck Farm

Van Patten Woods

ThunderHawk Golf Club

Waukegan Savanna Lyons Woods

Mill Creek

Grant Woods

Sedge Meadow

Fourth Lake Tanager Kames

Rollins Savanna

Greenbelt Cultural Center

Lake Carina

open 6:30 am to sunset daily Kestrel Ridge

Nippersink

Brae Loch Golf Club

Greenbelt

Almond Marsh

Marl Flat

Singing Hills

Independence Grove

Kettle Grove

Dunn Museum

LAKE MICHIGAN

Wilmot Woods

Ray Lake

Fox River

Countryside Golf Club

Oriole Grove

Old School

Middlefork Savanna

MacArthur Woods

Lakewood

Adlai E. Stevenson Historic Home Half Day

Grassy Lake Egret Marsh

Grainger Woods Conservation Preserve

Captain Daniel Wright Woods

Fort Sheridan

Prairie Wolf

Heron Creek

Skokie River Woods

Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area

Cuba Marsh Buffalo Creek

Berkeley Prairie Cahokia Flatwoods

Nearly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the forest preserves feel more important than ever. While so much was closed, the preserves and trails remained open—every day, from 6:30 am to sunset—providing refuge, peace and solace. If there can be a bright side in these challenging times, it may be the many new visitors and the new ways people discovered to enjoy the preserves. Throughout 2020, visitation increased an average of 70% over the previous year. Even as other recreation opportunities reopened, the rise was sustained through 2021, with a 43% increase in attendance compared to before the pandemic. “Visitors have developed an even deeper emotional attachment to the forest preserves,” said Alex Ty Kovach, executive director of the Lake County Forest Preserves. LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES

As the second-largest forest preserve district in Illinois, we maintain 209 miles of trails and 64 preserves. During stressful times, Lake County residents found they were never more than a 10-minute drive to a Lake County Forest Preserve.

FINDING SOLUTIONS

Many new visitors discovered the Des Plaines River

aspect that many people enjoy.”

Trail and Greenway, which was designated a National Recreation Trail by the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service. The scenic, multi-use trail spans nearly the entire length of Lake County for 31.4 miles, as it winds through 12 forest preserves and various habitats. Meandering along the Des Plaines River, the regional trail is a favorite for biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding and snowmobiling. Our three golf courses saw a resurgence to counter years of decline in the sport. Golf became a go-to activity and one of the first activities to reopen after the shutdown. “We also saw a surge in young golfers, which looks promising for the future,” said Alex Eichman, chief of golf operations. Nationwide, millions of people fished for the first time during the pandemic. In Lake County, fishing is allowed in rivers, ponds and lakes at 16 preserves. When conditions allow, ice fishing is permitted at Hastings Lake (Lake Villa), Independence Grove (Libertyville), Lake Carina (Gurnee), Lakewood (Wauconda) and on Sterling Lake at Van Patten Woods (Wadsworth). The forest preserves provide a safe social gathering place year-round. Even deep in winter, parking lots and trails are full of walkers, runners and birdwatchers. Crosscountry skiing activity has soared. A recent grant from the Preservation Foundation allowed us to purchase new trail grooming equipment to better serve these new users. As people felt more comfortable getting out, our other outdoor facilities have been recovering more quickly than anticipated, said Dan Stearns, chief business development officer. The new Beer Garden at Independence Grove became an instant success this past summer. “It had a festival atmosphere. We are proud we were able to provide such a positive experience,” Stearns said. The Concerts in the Plaza series returned with strong attendance—about 12,000 visitors—and another 800 attended live music events at the beer garden in the fall.

Photos >>

Education and outreach programming quickly shifted gears to serve the public in a different way. Early on, our professional educators began to transition programs to a virtual environment. “The experience was challenging,” said Nan Buckardt, director of education. “However, the pandemic ultimately made us a stronger, more flexible team. Some programs remained virtual, an

DunnTV, a YouTube channel founded in 2021, was considered by staff for several years until it became a reality due to the pandemic. While some planned exhibitions at the Dunn Museum (Libertyville) were cancelled, opportunities arose elsewhere. We developed our first virtual exhibitions to serve the public even when the Museum closed due to safety protocols. Visit

LCFPD.org/virtual-exhibitions to learn more. MAKING IMPROVEMENTS

Major preserve improvement projects were completed, helping meet sustained public demand. After months of construction, the public flocked to Buffalo Creek (Long Grove) to enjoy new boardwalks, overlooks and 1.7 miles of new trails. Restoration around the preserve’s reservoir provides improved flood control. A small new section of trail is having a big impact on several Gurnee neighborhoods. The 0.4-mile trail and a new pedestrian signal and crosswalk at the intersection of Route 45 and Dada Drive now provide thousands of people with safe access to Rollins Savanna (Grayslake) and the Millennium Trail. In December, a new 145-foot-long tunnel—the longest of nine tunnels in your extensive regional trail system— opened to allow walkers, bikers and equestrians safe passage beneath Route 45 near Miller Road in Antioch. The project connects Raven Glen and Ethel’s Woods Forest Preserves and includes nearly a mile of connecting trails. See page 7 for more details. Studies show that using trails and spending time in nature helps people cope with the stresses of everyday life, which are exacerbated by the pandemic. Taking a stroll on a trail helps reduce anxiety, improves mental health and wellness, and bolsters physical health, Kovach said. “We are proud of the way visitors have responded to the forest preserves and that we are able to provide opportunities for healing during these challenging times.”

1. Cross-country skiing is popular at preserves including McDonald Woods (Lindenhurst). 2. Ice fishing on Sterling Lake at Van Patten Woods. 3. The Beer Garden at Independence Grove opened in 2021 and offers a variety of local craft beer on tap. The facility is open seasonally, weather permitting. 4. Environmental educators Jenny Sazama (left) and Anissa Chaudhry (right) host a virtual program. 5. New boardwalks, overlooks and parking spaces were recently completed at Buffalo Creek.

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The Des Plaines River Trail and my recumbent bike have helped me through major health problems and the pandemic. Cycling has helped me heal and helped me adapt to a seemingly ever-changing normal.

—DAVID GOLDMAN, BUFFALO GROVE RESIDENT

Famed landscape photographer

Ansel Adams (1902–1984) was overwhelmingly influential on generations of artists and environmentalists. His black-and-white photographs of famous landscapes, including Yosemite National Park in California, have been admired by millions. Through March 27, 2022, the Dunn Museum (Libertyville) is featuring the photographer's work. The nationally acclaimed exhibition, Ansel Adams: Early Works, provides insight into Adams' evolution as a champion of wilderness and the environment. Here are seven facts about the exhibition, as well as many lesser-known points about Adams' life and his life's work.

The exhibition features more than 40 original small-scale, black-and-white photographs. A handful of the artist's most popular photographs from later in his career are also on display. Exhibit designers at the Museum created interactive components geared toward children and families.

Adams, a perfectionist, insisted on developing and exposing prints himself. "He was masterful in his manipulation of photos," said Steve Furnett, exhibitions and collections manager for the Museum. "He was a genius in building equipment in his darkroom to work much like Photoshop does today."

MOUNT CLARENCE KING, CA. 1925 PHOTOGRAPH BY ANSEL ADAMS

An only child, Adams was four when San Francisco was struck by the great earthquake of 1906. During an aftershock, he lost his balance and fell face-first into a garden wall, breaking his nose. The damage was severe and became a permanent feature of Adams' face. His nose, which caused him problems socially, and his dislike for school prompted home tutoring from his father and aunt. It was his lonely childhood that sparked a love of nature.

COASTAL ROAD, 1952-53 | PHOTOGRAPH BY ANSEL ADAMS

After a long courtship, in 1928, Adams married Virginia Best. The couple had two children, Anne and Michael. Virginia inherited and ran her family's studio. It has since changed its name to The Ansel Adams Gallery and still operates in Yosemite National Park.

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STORM, YOSEMITE VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, 1938 | PHOTOGRAPH BY ANSEL ADAMS

This is not the first time the Lake County Forest Preserves has featured Adams' work. Classic Images: Photography of Ansel Adams ran from September 2011 through January 2012 and was a popular exhibition at the Lake County Discovery Museum, formerly located in Wauconda.

7 SUPPORT FOR THE EXHIBITION WAS PROVIDED BY MUNDELEIN RESIDENTS DAN AND SHIRLEY MAYWORM AND THE PRESERVATION FOUNDATION OF THE LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES. DAN (BACK ROW, CENTER) PARTICIPATED IN A THREE-WEEK WORKSHOP THAT ADAMS (FRONT ROW, THIRD FROM LEFT) TAUGHT AROUND 1970.

Adams was also a musician. For much of his early adulthood, he was torn between a career as a concert pianist and one in photography. He famously likened the photographic negative to a musical score and the print to the performance.

Ansel Adams: Early Works is offered in-person and virtually with select images. To view the virtual exhibition, open the camera app on your phone and hover over the QR code shown on the right.

Learn more: dunnmuseum.org Photographs by Ansel Adams © The Ansel Adams Publishing Rights Trust. This exhibition is organized by art2art Circulating Exhibitions, LLC. All works are from the private collection of Michael Mattis and Judith Hochberg.

LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES

PRESERVENEWS Parking Added at Buffalo Creek We collaborated with the Village of Long Grove to provide additional parking at the west end of Buffalo Creek (Long Grove). Nine parking spaces have been added at the southwest corner of the intersection of Old Hicks and Checker roads. The area connects directly to the preserve's trail network. The Village of Long Grove owns and maintains the lot. Other recent work at the preserve includes expansion of the Buffalo Creek Reservoir to increase the region's resilience to flooding, along with new trails and overlooks. “The most recent public access improvements at Buffalo Creek include the addition of 1.7 miles of trails, seven new boardwalks, two scenic overlooks, and additional parking spaces,” said Lake County Forest Preserves President Angelo Kyle. “Restoration efforts included 19 acres of wetland, 60 acres of upland prairie and savanna, 1,000 native trees and shrubs and a massive expansion of the reservoir that will provide an additional 180 acre-feet of flood storage.” Learn more about the preserve at LCFPD.org/buffalo-creek.

RESERVATIONS OPEN FOR 2022 SPECIAL EVENTS The Greenbelt Cultural Center (North Chicago) and The Lodge at ThunderHawk Golf Club (Beach Park) are now booking events for 2022. Our versatile spaces can be reserved for business meetings, memorials, showers, weddings and other special events. Both indoor and outdoor options are available. For pricing and availability, contact Greenbelt at 847-968-3477 or Greenbelt@LCFPD.org and ThunderHawk at 847-968-3450 or ThunderHawkEvents@LCFPD.org.

STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE: Ensure Financial Stability We have been awarded the AAA bond rating by Moody’s Investors Service, one of the top credit rating agencies in the world. The AAA rating, the highest possible, indicates that an entity has an extremely strong capability to meet its debt obligations. Of the 250 rated recreation districts nationwide, the Lake County Forest Preserves is one of only a handful rated AAA. The importance of the AAA rating was highlighted recently, when we sold a $14.9 million series of bonds to refinance $16.9 million of outstanding bond issues. The sale resulted in about $1.6 million in total savings in tax levies through 2033. The savings, passed on to taxpayers, is worth about $1.5 million in today’s dollars. View our complete 100-Year Vision and Strategic Plan, and Road Map to 2025 objectives and tactics at LCFPD.org/vision.

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LONGEST UNDERPASS NOW OPEN A new underpass and trail extension safely connects Raven Glen and Ethel's Woods Forest Preserves (Antioch). A 145-foot, poured-in-place concrete pedestrian tunnel under Route 45 and 0.8 mile of new paved and gravel trails join the two preserves via the Millennium Trail and Greenway. The project features the longest of nine tunnels in your extensive trail system. The concrete structure was designed to accommodate the planned widening of Route 45 from two to five lanes by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). "The new trail and tunnel connect these two neighboring preserves, divided by a busy highway, and create a greenway corridor for improved land management and expanded outdoor recreation opportunities," said Director of Planning and Land Preservation Randy Seebach. This underpass project is partially funded by a federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant administered through the IDOT. “The TAP grant covers 80% of total construction costs. We received more than $3.8 million in federal funding assistance for the project," Seebach said.

Observations by local artist Pat Chaney

Solar-Lit Evening Hikes With small solar lights to guide the way, hikers, skiers and snowshoers can get some brisk evening exercise at Old School (Libertyville) and Lakewood (Wauconda). Though regular preserve hours are 6:30 am to sunset, the illuminated trails and adjacent parking lots remain open until 9 pm daily through Sunday, March 13. Visit LCFPD.org/solar-lit.

INTERACTIVE TRAIL MAP Use our online interactive map to navigate your next adventure along 209 miles of trails. This easy-to-use map will help you locate trails, preserves, activities and amenities from a phone, tablet or computer. To begin exploring, scan the QR code on page 17 or visit LCFPD.org/maps.

LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES

Be a voice for nature by making a tax-deductible donation to the Preservation Foundation, 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. A LEGACY GIFT OF THANKS FOR NATURE “Think globally, act locally” is a phrase that inspired Karen and Bill Hunter to do their part in learning about and supporting nature conservation. As young professionals in the 1970s, they developed a concern for the environment, as the energy crisis and climate change warnings grew harder to ignore. But their worry resulted in something positive when they chose to support charities that help provide life’s essentials: clean air, clean water and preservation of land to sustain plants and wildlife. While this is a worldwide challenge, Karen and Bill know anyone and everyone can inspire hope if we all do what we can— right in our backyards and neighborhoods. They have spent 40 years doing just that by supporting conservation in Lake County as active volunteers and donors. The Preservation Foundation, the charitable partner of the Lake County Forest Preserves, is one fortunate beneficiary of the Hunters’ generosity. Karen also gives her time as a Preservation Foundation board member and chair of its Development Committee. Karen and Bill donate to its endowment and annual giving campaigns, as well. “The pandemic has shown that free access to the tranquility of nature in the forest preserves is vitally important to our physical and emotional well-being. The Lake County Forest Preserves are always here for us, and we want to be here for them,” Karen and Bill said. They have also planned ahead. The Hunters became members of the Preservation Society by including the Foundation as a beneficiary in their will. This future donation will help ensure the Lake County Forest Preserves has resources to fund special restoration projects that might otherwise be delayed or go unfunded. The preserve they visit the most, Cuba Marsh (Deer Park), has been restored in part through donations to the Preservation Foundation.

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As volunteer fundraisers, we learned that leaving all in your will to your children or a charitable organization is not one or the other. We’ve decided to do both. Leaving a portion—either a set percentage or amount—to your favorite charity makes all the difference to their work, and it is very easy to do. —KAREN AND BILL HUNTER

If you are interested in joining Karen and Bill as members of the Preservation Society, please contact Sarah Klein, Major and Planned Gifts Manager, at 847-276-6933 or sklein@LCFPD.org.

TOGETHER, ACHIEVING MORE FOR THE FOREST PRESERVES.

Annual Fund Spotlight Most of Lake County experienced an unusually early, severe drought in 2021. Forest Preserves staff observed a number of effects, including total reproductive failure in all ponds throughout the southern Des Plaines River watershed, where we have worked since 2007 to reintroduce wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus).

Planning Grant to Chart Future of Lake County’s Wetland of International Importance Though it spans just 285 acres, Spring Bluff (Winthrop Harbor) is a critical component of a 4,000-acre, globally important landscape called the Chiwaukee Prairie-Illinois Beach Lake Plain. Since 2010, the Forest Preserves has led a two-state partnership of 16 public and private landowners working to restore high-quality dune and swale habitat along the Lake Michigan shoreline. More than $10 million has been raised to support restoration and management over the past decade. In 2015, a majority of the Lake Plain was designated a Wetland of lnternational Importance under the Ramsar Convention. The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty formed for the protection of exemplary wetland systems worldwide.

At their November 2021 board meeting, the Preservation Foundation Board of Directors approved a three-year grant from the Annual Fund to assess the status of wood frogs and other amphibians, and to better understand their resilience to severe drought. The research will also seek to identify management goals and conservation approaches to protect sensitive amphibian species.

Through the Preservation Foundation, Crown Family Philanthropies made a two-year grant to continue habitat restoration and monitoring across the Lake Plain. The grant will also support a strategic, community-based planning process to address long-term conservation, planning, and governance, and to evaluate strategies to ensure the financial sustainability of the partnership.

DONORS PREVIEW ANSEL ADAMS SPECIAL EXHIBITION Members of the Guardian Society and Preservation Society enjoyed a preview of the special exhibition Ansel Adams: Early Works before its public opening at the Dunn Museum (Libertyville) on November 4, 2021. The evening reception featured a lecture by Dr. Rebecca Senf, chief curator at the Center for Creative Photography and author of Making a Photographer: The Early Work of Ansel Adams. Guardian Society members are those who are able to give at a leadership level ($1,000-plus annually), while the Preservation Society is comprised of donors who have made a gift to the Forest Preserves through their will or estate plan. These members receive invitations to special events and tours.

LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES

SUMMER ADVENTURES In 2022, we’re offering a totally different line-up of summer programs. Sorted into three categories—Nature, Institute and History—these programs provide high-quality education in exciting ways across Lake County. Activities include hands-on components geared to developmentally appropriate ages. Programs are taught by experienced educators. Prices are per date range unless otherwise indicated and are listed as resident (R) and non-resident (NR).

Nature

FORT SHERIDAN EXPEDITIONS

Ages 9–12. Explore Fort Sheridan in Lake Forest, a fascinating place full of natural and cultural history. $14 R/$19 NR (each); $52 R/$73 NR (all)

BOOTS OF A BIOLOGIST

Ages 10–12. Hike in the boots of a biologist to learn about Lake County plants and animals through community science activities and hands-on investigations. $95 R/$133 NR June 21–23

Ryerson Woods

9 am–12 pm

FISHING 1

Ages 9–11. Explore the watery world fish inhabit and learn the basic skills, techniques and bait to catch them. Each day includes 1.5 hours of fishing. Equipment provided. $189 R/$265 NR June 27–July 1 Independence Grove July 18–22 Independence Grove August 1–5 Independence Grove

9 am–12 pm 9 am–12 pm 9 am–12 pm

FISHING 2

Ages 12–14. Learn about fish behavior, lures, bait selection and fishing techniques. Each day includes 1.5 hours of fishing. One day of guided boat fishing included. Equipment provided. July 11–13 (3-day): $125 R/$175 NR July 25–29; August 8–12 (5-day): $199 R/$279 NR July 11–13 July 25–29 August 8–12

Independence Grove Independence Grove Independence Grove

9 am–12 pm 9 am–12 pm 9 am–12 pm

July 21 July 28 August 4 August 11

Along the Lakeshore Ravine Revelations Red-tailed Hawk Squawk Biking Through History

10 am–12 pm 10 am–12 pm 10 am–12 pm 10 am–12 pm

INVESTIGATE INVERTEBRATES

Ages 6–12 with an adult. Discover the world of invertebrates found on land and in water. $8 R/$11 NR (each); $12 R/$17 NR (all) July 11 July 13

Grant Woods Pine Dunes

3–4 pm 3–4 pm

KAYAKING IN NATURE

Ages 13–15. Paddlers develop solo paddling skills and experience nature through on-water science activities. $229 R/$321 NR June 28–30 Independence Grove

9 am–3 pm

LET’S EXPLORE PLANTS AND ANIMALS

Ages 6–7. Explore habitats using your senses and tools from our Let’s Go Outside nature kits. Discover awesome organisms in natural areas. July 18–22 (5-day): $159 R/$223 NR August 2–4 (3-day): $95 R/$133 NR

July 18–22 Greenbelt Cultural Center 9 am–12 pm August 2–4 Greenbelt Cultural Center 9 am–12 pm

History

NATURE AT NIGHT

Ages 6–12 with an adult. See the preserves after dark and experience nature at night. $10 R/$14 NR (each); $16 R/$22 NR (all) July 5 July 7

Hastings Lake Ryerson Woods

8–9:30 pm 8–9:30 pm

NATURE CURIOSITY

Ages 4–5 with an adult. Allow your little one time to enjoy the wonders of nature. Watch them use their imagination to learn, build and create in nature. $65 R/$91 NR July 26–28

Independence Grove

9:30–11:30 am

WANDER AND WONDER

Ages 6–12. Wander through a preserve and wonder about smells, sounds and textures. Use your imagination to create your own habitat. $14 R/$19 NR (each); $52 R/$73 NR (all) June June June June

21 23 28 30

Buffalo Creek Independence Grove Grant Woods Greenbelt

9:30–11:30 9:30–11:30 9:30–11:30 9:30–11:30

am am am am

WETLAND EXPLORERS

Ages 8–9. Discover the importance of water. We’ll trek through wetlands examining plants, animals and soil that showcase Lake County’s variety of life. June 21–23 (3-day): $95 R/$133 NR July 11–15 (5-day): $159 R/$223 NR June 28–30 July 11–15

Hastings Lake Half Day

9 am–12 pm 9 am–12 pm

WILDLIFE IN MOTION

Ages 4–6 with an adult. From hopping to flying, investigate the ways animals move. $12 R/$17 NR (each); $44 R/$62 NR (all) August 2, 4, 11 August 9

Ryerson Woods Wright Woods

10 am–12 pm 10 am–12 pm

Institute Ages 15–16. Explore and study local ecosystems in this dynamic, two-week outdoor program, culminating with an overnight camp-out. Learn the importance of conservation through data collection in the field. $400 R/$560 NR (all) Independence Grove Van Patten Woods

Ages 7–9. Learn about the history of Bonner Farm in Lindenhurst and where our food comes from with fun activities, gardening and more. $95 R/$133 NR June 21–23

9 am–3 pm 3 pm–10 am

Bonner Farm

9 am–12 pm

GROWING UP IN LAKE COUNTY

Ages 6–8. Experience what it was like growing up in Lake County from the 1800s to 1900s through games, toys, activities and family traditions. $95 R/$133 NR July 5–7

Adlai E. Stevenson Historic Home

9 am–12 pm

HIGHLIGHT ON HISTORIC SITES

Ages 8–12. Take on the role of a historian! Tour historic sites and examine historical documents to learn the stories of Lake County’s past. $10 R/$14 NR (each); $36 R/$50 NR (all) July July July July

5 7 12 14

Bonner Farm Ryerson Woods Fort Sheridan Stevenson Home

10–11:30 10–11:30 10–11:30 10–11:30

am am am am

PREHISTORIC EXPLORATION

Ages 7–9. Uncover plants and animals from the past, from the Paleozoic Era to the Ice Age. $10 R/$14 NR (each); $36 R/$50 NR (all) July 26 July 28 August 2 August 4

Nippersink Dunn Museum Dunn Museum Stevenson Home

1–2:30 1–2:30 1–2:30 1–2:30

pm pm pm pm

VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE: TIME TRAVELERS

Ages 8–12. Time travel virtually with the Dunn Museum through Lake County history. Learn about dinosaurs, Ice Age mammals, first peoples and more. $65 R/$65 NR July 18–22

CONSERVATION EXPLORERS

July 11–15, 18–21 +July 22–23

FROM SEED TO SPROUT

Dunn Museum

10–11:15 am

EVERYONE IS WELCOME

We invite people with disabilities to enjoy our programs. Contact our ADA coordinator at 847-968-3214 or mkann@LCFPD.org to learn more about our accessibility, inclusion and special program initiatives.

Registration opens February 1 at LCFPD.org/summer and 847-968-3321. Need-based scholarships are available. Email AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org for more information.

FEATURED EVENTS

Education Programs, Activities and Resources In-person and virtual nature and history programs, school field trips, and digital resources are available. For a full list of events, descriptions, pricing and tickets, visit LCFPD.org/calendar, call 847-968-3321 or open the camera app on your phone and hover over the QR code shown on the left.

EDUCATOR PICKS We asked some of our professional educators to pick their top programs this

season. View all programs and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar. A few upcoming educator picks: February 26 Coyote Howl Family Hike March 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 Maple Syrup Hikes March 19 Photographing Chicago’s Natural Landscapes: The Chicago Prairie Style

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. A few upcoming family programs: February 27 Family Buckthorn Cut and Native Seed Collection March 16 Museum Storytime: Planes, Trains and Automobiles March 27 Search for Salamanders

VIRTUAL PROGRAMS Join our educators from the comfort of your home for a variety of programs, ranging from history lectures and nature clubs to Q&A discussions. View all virtual programs and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar. A few upcoming virtual programs: February 16 Conversation Starters: Love Is in the Air February 21 Playing the Past Scout Badge February 22 Pelicans

GUIDED WALKS Get exercise and learn about your local forest preserves. Join an educator and find out about preserve history, native plants and wildlife.

View all guided walks and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar. A few upcoming guided walks: February 27 Winter Bird Walk March 20 Spring Equinox Hike March 26 Walk with a Naturalist

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Have a question about Lake County history or nature? Our educators have the answer. Email: AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org

Snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus)

FREE FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAYS AT THE DUNN MUSEUM

The Dunn Museum (Libertyville) is open with FREE programs and admission from 5–8 pm on the first and third Thursdays of every month. View all programs and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar. A few upcoming USG programs: February 17 Virtual Program: The Restored Landscape of Lake County March 3 Aquatic Mammals April 7 Native Plants in Your Landscape