Horizons quarterly // winter 2022

B OARD of COMMISSIONERS

A MESSAGE

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

As we reflect on 2022 and look to the new year, I am proud of everything the Forest Preserves accomplished during my second term as president. I’m deeply honored to begin a new two-year term. I can’t imagine a better way to serve the people of Lake County.

The recent election has me thinking about the meaning of leadership, which is one of the Forest Preserves’ five core values. Napoleon said, “a leader is a dealer in hope.” It occurs to me how apt this vision of leadership is, for the Forest Preserves delivers hope every day. Preserving land, restoring native plants and wildlife, educating people of all ages—these are all acts of hope, for future generations and for the future of our natural world. We see other expressions of leadership in this issue of Horizons. Pati Vitt, director of natural resources, is the lead author of a peer-reviewed journal article about climate-resilient native seed. Director of Education Nan Buckardt was inducted into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame, recognizing a remarkable career educating and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

An award-winning restoration project at Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve (Long Grove) added 58 million gallons of floodwater storage. A donation of 133 acres at Sedge Meadow (Wadsworth)—part of a wetland mitigation bank— comes with a $165,000 endowment, which the Preservation Foundation will invest to ensure funding to care for the land in perpetuity. These are marks of an agency that is a recognized leader locally, regionally and nationally.

As you walk, sled, ski or snowshoe in your forest preserves this winter, I hope you’ll experience these picturesque pockets of nature with deeper appreciation for all the ways we embody this core value.

Thank you for your continued support!

PRESIDENT Angelo D. Kyle, Waukegan

VICE PRESIDENT John Wasik, Grayslake

TREASURER Gina Roberts, Beach Park

ASSISTANT TREASURER

Paul Frank, Highland Park

Marah Altenberg, Buffalo Grove

Esiah Campos, Round Lake Beach

Carissa Casbon, Lake Villa

Jennifer Clark, Libertyville

Mary Ross Cunningham, Waukegan

Michael Danforth, Fox River Grove

Sandy Hart, Lake Bluff

Diane Hewitt, Zion

J. Kevin Hunter, Ingleside

Sara Frederick Knizhnik, Vernon Hills

Ann B. Maine, Lincolnshire

Paras Parekh, Highland Park

Linda Pedersen, Antioch Adam Schlick, Wauconda

Jessica Vealitzek, Hawthorn Woods

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ty Kovach

Matt Sutton (cover), Punnya Naveen, John D. Kavc, Merlin D. Tuttle, Larry Reis, Robert Visconti, Bob London, Callie Klatt Golba, K~Dobbins, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Mike Borkowski, Alma Schrage, Joyce Dever, Tom Lally, Jeff Goldberg, Kara Gardner Photography, Isavel Gonzalez, Sherah G Photography, Jeanine Michna-Bales, Bob Callebert, Tim Elliott 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.

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.

more than 31,000 acres are protected by the lake county forest preserves

BUFFALO CREEK

How Animals Survive the Season

In your forest preserves, winter is peaceful, the sounds softened by snowfall—and an apparent drop in animal activity. When Environmental Educator April Vaos leads winter walks, participants commonly ask, “Where are all the animals?”

The answer depends on the species. “Each employs survival strategies that help it adapt and even thrive in winter,” Vaos said.

I like to say wildlife have MAD strategies:

migrate: On the Move

Many native animals migrate over short, medium or long distances to survive winter. It’s less about the cold and more the lack of food sources such as insects, plants and fish, which become inaccessible when bodies of water freeze over.

Birds, butterflies and bats are common migrators. “You’ve probably heard about the migration of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus), but hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus) migrate 1,200 miles each way from Illinois to southern California or Mexico for the winter,” said Vaos. Dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis) migrate to the lower 48 states from their Canadian breeding grounds. Recognize them by remembering the phrase, “leaden skies above, snow below.”

Not all wildlife travels to different states or countries. Some amphibians, such as American toads ( Anaxyrus americanus), and insects, such as June beetles (Phyllophaga spp.), burrow into the soil below the frost line to stay warm.

active: What Cold?

Other animals remain active, including coyotes (Canis latrans), great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Staying in the area requires wildlife to find food continuously. They may grow extra fur or build special homes to endure the weather.

Northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis), the Illinois state bird, are permanent residents. Their diet of seeds, fruits and insects helps them find enough food year-round. Like mammals, “cardinals are endothermic, meaning they produce their own body heat,” Vaos said.

When snow is on the ground, red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) practice a hunting technique called mousing. Prey animals such as white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) and meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) make sounds as they chew food or move beneath snow. Fox ears are sensitive to these sounds. Once a fox hears prey, it pounces, punching through the snow headfirst to snap it up.

A. dark-eyed junco, B. hoary bat, C. American toad, D. white-tailed deer, E. northern cardinal, F. eastern gray squirrel, G. coyote, H. great horned owl, I. channel catfish, J. red fox.

IMAGES>>

A sunburst captured through the trees on a frosty morning at Lakewood Forest Preserve (Wauconda).

dormant: An Epic Nap

Certain animals enter dormancy, a period when metabolic activity is minimal and physical development is suspended to conserve energy. Hibernation is full dormancy and can last all season. Body temperature, heart rate and metabolic rate greatly decrease. Groundhogs (Marmota monax) and thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) are hibernators. Some animals are active in warmer weather but enter a deeper sleep, called torpor, daily or during bouts of extreme cold. Black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) and deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) do this.

In fall, a wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) finds a safe spot under a log or leaf litter. When the temperature falls below 32 degrees, the frog starts to freeze. Its liver converts glycerol into glucose, forming a natural antifreeze that protects its body.

If you found a frozen wood frog, there would be no heartbeat or breathing motion to show it was alive. But in spring, this hardy creature will thaw and hop away as if it never became a frog-cicle,” Vaos said.

Many animals use multiple strategies to outlast the cold. Blanding’s turtles (Emydoidea blandingii ) are ectothermic, or cold-blooded. Sunlight, and air and water temperatures, keep their bodies functioning. For the winter, this species and other freshwater turtles migrate to the bottoms of wetlands, bury themselves in mud and enter dormancy.

IMAGES>> K. thirteen-lined ground squirrel, L. black-capped chickadee, M. wood frog, N. Blanding’s turtle.

Groundhog Day, held annually on February 2 in the U.S. and Canada, is a case of mistaken identity. It stems from a Germanic tradition involving badgers as weather predictors for farmers. When German settlers arrived in Pennsylvania, they continued this custom with groundhogs, which were plentiful in the Keystone State.

“Weather forecasting isn’t on their radar, but groundhogs have other notable traits,” said Environmental Educator Jen Berlinghof. “They’re rodents and Lake County’s largest squirrel, weighing up to 15 pounds.”

Groundhogs are solitary apart from mating season. They spend summer and early fall bulking up on a mostly plant-based diet, with slugs and grubs as occasional garnishes. They also use their powerful front claws to create complex burrows. Their underground abodes stretch up to 50 feet over several levels with multiple entrances and chambers. Once temperatures drop, groundhogs retreat to these palatial homes and enter hibernation. They oscillate between long periods of torpor and short periods of arousal. Their heart rate plunges from 80 to five beats per minute and their body temperature falls from 98 to 38 degrees, about the same as inside a refrigerator. Groundhogs lose up to a third of their body weight in this altered state.

In February, male groundhogs emerge from their dens and make sleepy house calls to females living in their territories. “After this first date, the males return to their burrows for more torpor before emerging to mate in early spring,” Berlinghof said.

K M N

L

How Our Staff Survive the Winter

Your preserves are as beautiful and stress-relieving now as in every other season. Try ice fishing or ice skating, sledding or snowshoeing, or take a nighttime walk on solar-lit trails at Lakewood Forest Preserve (Wauconda) and Old School Forest Preserve (Mettawa). Our staff shared their favorite winter recreation activities, preserves and gear recommendations.

Looking to not just survive, but thrive this winter? Attend our environmental and history education programs (see pages 12–13) and learn more at LCFPD.org/calendar. Discover winter recreation activities at LCFPD.org/recreation

Acquired by the Forest Preserves in 1990, this preserve was once a seasonal recreational vehicle campground, but thanks to extensive land and shoreline restoration, and public access improvements, it is now one of Lake County’s most beautiful landscapes.

It boasts panoramic views of a tranquil stretch of the Fox River in Port Barrington. The landscape features rolling topography, oak savannas and high-quality wetlands that support native species and habitat for diverse wildlife. Unique to the preserve is a large rookery used by great blue herons ( Ardea herodias), great egrets ( Ardea alba) and a fen that supports two statelisted plant species.

We did a great deal of work here from 2002 to 2005 and in 2014 and 2015 to improve public access and amenities, restore natural areas and create new trail connections. Visitors enjoy an array of recreational activities, including a marina with boat slips, public boat launch, indoor dry storage, shoreline fishing and picnic shelters. More than three miles of trails weave along the riverbank, or wind through wetlands and over boardwalks.

The National Park Service has recognized the preserve as an access point along the Fabulous Fox River Water Trail that runs from Waukesha, Wisconsin to Ottawa, Illinois. There are 67 other access points along the water trail. “This is one of our more popular forest preserves for outdoor recreation enthusiasts,” said Dan Stearns, chief business development officer.

Maintaining a piece of the area’s traditions, the preserve offers camping opportunities for scouts and other organized youth groups, with adult supervision. The campground provides a traditional camping experience. Permits are required. Learn more at LCFPD.org/camping

This preserve is named for the Fox River, a major waterway and tributary of the Illinois River. The river is named for the Fox Tribe (Menominee) of Wisconsin, whose self-given name is “Red Earth People.” ’ The road at the entrance to the preserve has existed for more than 150 years. Since 1932, it’s been known as Roberts Road. It was named for John “Jack” W. Roberts (1866–1938), an Irish immigrant and wealthy Chicago meat packer who bought about 400 acres along the roadway. ’ As early as 1840, there was a log cabin home at the entrance of today’s preserve. The site, located on higher ground next to the river, was ideal for newly arrived settlers to plant crops and pasture livestock. ’ In the 1840s, Irish immigrants Bryan Courtney (1812–1889) and his wife Rosa (1834–1882) were some of the earliest people to purchase land that would later become part of the preserve today. The family initially lived in the log home until they built a frame home and barns. Their descendants lived on-site for decades. The marina underwent a large renovation in 2001 when we installed a unique floating dock system. The marina’s 169 slips are available in three lengths: 20, 25 and 30 feet. Slip holders enjoy 24/7 access to their boats from May through October. Indoor and outdoor storage are available on-site. Find details at FoxRiverMarina.org

There is a four-lane public launch for boats, personal watercraft and paddlecraft. The ramp is open from 6:30 am–10 pm, daily until the season ends. Next year, pontoon rentals and outdoor daily storage will be available. The pontoon, a 20-foot Bennington, is available to rent for

half-days or full days. It can seat up to eight people.

Two large picnic shelters are available for special events, weddings and occasions. One shelter features a beautiful view of the river with a large stone fireplace that adds to the ambience. The other shelter showcases a rustic stone-and-wood construction. Both shelters are adjacent to trails and parking, and have seasonal access to drinking fountains, running water and toilets.

Fishing enthusiasts bring back up to 50” muskie, up to 30” walleye, and small and largemouth bass. Fishing is not permitted in the marina area or from the docks.

FOX RIVER FOREST PRESERVE 598 ACRES | PORT BARRINGTON

BOAT LAUNCH

ENTRANCE

FISHING PIER MARINA OVERLOOK PARKING PICNIC SHELTER

PRESERVE AREA PRESERVE TRAILS TRAIL ACCESS WATER WOODED AREA YOUTH GROUP CAMPING

ACTIVITIES & AMENITIES

BIKING BOATING CANOEING/KAYAKING CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING DRINKING WATER FIREPLACE

FISHING PIER FLUSH TOILETS HIKING PICNIC SHELTERS PICNIC TABLES PLAYFIELD PUBLIC PARKING RUNNING WATER YOUTH GROUP CAMPING

GETTING HERE

The entrance is on Roberts Road west of River Road.

ROBERTS RD RIVER RD

NEW DONOR SUPPORTS TREE PLANTING

A $3,000 grant from ACT Foundation USA supported the planting of 59 native trees this fall, including oaks, hickories, cherries and hawthorns. The funding allowed the Forest Preserves to plant more trees through its annual reforestation program, which involves planting native trees and shrubs in high-priority sites around Lake County. To help ensure survival, we purchase native trees that are either in five-gallon buckets or at least one-inch in diameter, as planting smaller trees results in higher mortality. We also install fencing to protect the new transplants from deer browse and hire contractual labor to do follow-up watering.

Through a combination of public funds and private donations, District staff planted 2,190 native trees and shrubs across about 100 acres of the Forest Preserve system in September and October. The plantings took place at Captain Daniel Wright Woods (Mettawa), Cuba Marsh (Deer Park), Fox River (Port Barrington), Grant Woods (Ingleside), Old School (Mettawa), Ray Lake (Wauconda) and Ryerson Conservation Area (Riverwoods), and are critical to ongoing ecological restoration efforts. ACT Foundation USA is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. The volunteer-run global charity community is present in 25 countries and is currently focused on the Fruit Tree Plantation Drive—a global sustenance movement initiated by their founder, Mohanji. This grant is a part of the Foundation’s goal to plant 100,000 fruit and nut trees across the world.

Donor Story

A Lake County resident for more than 60 years, Don Bouseman has donated every year since 2007. “I am blessed to enjoy the wonderful restoration of public lands that the Forest Preserves has made,” the North Barrington resident said. “Once the Foundation was established, I knew how important it was to help accelerate the conservation work of our precious open spaces, wetlands and oak groves. I am proud to be a part of this important mission to save and restore our precious resources.” Love your preserves: LCFPD.org/donate

Converting Turf Grass into Pollinator Habitat

Thanks to a $20,000 grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, approximately 2.6 acres of mowed turf at Lakewood Forest Preserve (Wauconda) will be converted into two diverse pollinator meadows. The project, funded through the Pollinator Meadows Program, involves removing turf grass and planting a combination of native seed and plugs.

From early spring through fall, these two new pollinator meadows will provide nectar and pollen as food for our native pollinators and beneficial insects, as well as nesting and overwintering habitat. Importantly, educational signage will be installed to inform and inspire the visiting public to support pollinators by planting native species around their own homes and businesses.

TOGETHER, ACHIEVING MORE FOR THE 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.

LIBERTYVILLE NEIGHBOR HELPS FIGHT

INVASIVE SPECIES

The Forest Preserves recently gave its General Offices and the Dunn Museum (Libertyville) a landscaping makeover, thanks to a long-time supporter.

Valent BioSciences, with its headquarters and Biorational Research Center in Libertyville, recently donated $15,000 to cover the cost of removing Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana) trees, an invasive species, at the General Offices, 1899 W. Winchester Road. Native trees, such as oak and hickory, replaced the invasives. With its strong global presence, Valent BioSciences is a worldwide leader in the development, commercialization, and manufacturing of biorational products and technologies used in the agriculture, public health and forestry markets.

“Both of our organizations have much in common from an environmental perspective,” said Salman Mir, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Valent BioSciences. “Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond Libertyville. We are restoring 34 acres of highly diverse native prairie adjacent to our manufacturing facility in Osage, Iowa. In addition, we are installing a solar field that will provide 8% of the plant’s annual energy.”

The Callery pear, also known as Bradford pear, is an invasive ornamental tree introduced to the region for landscaping purposes from eastern Asia. While the original cultivars were bred to be sterile, cross-pollination has resulted in viable seeds. Birds readily eat this plant’s fruits, which resemble small apples, and disperse the seeds in their droppings. Unfortunately, Callery pear has spread aggressively and invaded many habitats, including natural areas.

“We are grateful for Valent BioSciences’ support as we work to remove this invasive species from our corporate campus, a key objective in the Forest Preserves’ 100-year Vision for Lake County,” said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. “Restoration is core to our mission and we want to lead by example in replacing these trees. We hope to educate and inspire other corporations to understand the threat of Callery pear to Lake County’s natural lands and remove it from their corporate campuses." ®

Thank you,

The public can enjoy free admission and special programming at the Dunn Museum on the first and third Thursday of each month throughout 2023, thanks to a renewed $15,000 grant from USG Foundation. This is the sixth consecutive year of support from the company. Plan your visit to the Museum at LCFPD.org/planyourvisit

Oaks are a keystone species in the Chicago area. Hundreds of species of birds, insects, butterflies, mammals and other animals depend on them for shelter, nutrients, camouflage and reproduction. Valent BioSciences staff joined our staff to celebrate Valent’s donation supporting a landscaping project at the General Offices. Pictured: Savannah Bertram, Nels Leutwiler, Salman Mir, Rosa Maria Gimenez, Erika Stergos and John Mandel.

PRESERVE NEWS

DIRECTOR INDUCTED INTO OUTDOOR HALL OF FAME

The Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) Board of Directors inducted Director of Education Nan Buckardt into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame, recognizing her leadership in the area of natural resources.

Since 2002, the ICF has recognized Illinoisans for their significant contributions and unparalleled dedication in preserving, promoting, enhancing or supporting natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities with induction into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame. The recognition is a testament to Buckardt’s passion for outdoor recreation and conservation.

“I am humbled by this prestigious honor,” said Buckardt, who has dedicated more than 30 years of her career to inspiring people to preserve and protect the natural world. “This honor is the result of my passion to share the Forest Preserves’ commitment to preserve a dynamic system of natural and cultural resources.”

Residents Give Us High Marks

Lake County’s forest preserves are clean, safe and popular places to relax and enjoy nature, as rated by local residents in a countywide attitude and interest survey.

Results are based on a survey of 698 households conducted earlier this summer by aQity Research & Insights. Through the survey, 77% of residents rated the Forest Preserves positively, with 40% holding us in the highest regard. Residents believe our top priorities should be to care for the trails and preserves and to restore and manage natural lands for native plants and wildlife and for the services that nature provides, such as flood mitigation, cleaner air and water, and carbon storage.

“We received high trust and confidence ratings,” Executive Director Alex Ty Kovach said of the survey, which he describes as a “scorecard of consumer sentiment.”

RESERVOIR EXPANSION RECEIVES AWARD

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Illinois Section recognized the Forest Preserves, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and the Village of Buffalo Grove for their work on a reservoir expansion completed in 2022 at Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve (Long Grove). ASCE bestowed its Sustainability in Civil Engineering Achievement Award.

Among other benefits, the project added more than 58,653,000 gallons of floodwater storage to the reservoir while maintaining a meandering shoreline. Rather than transport it elsewhere, crews also reused 300,000 cubic yards of excavated material to create naturalistic landforms west of Schaeffer Road. The preserve lies upstream of where Buffalo Creek connects with the Des Plaines River in Wheeling.

Landscape Architect Michael Haug was part of the project team. “The project serves as an example of how government agencies can work together to positively impact a region beyond the boundaries of a single jurisdiction,” he said.

Groundhog (Marmota monax)

Science IN THE PRESERVES

Pati Vitt, director of natural resources, was the lead author of a research paper published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Conservation Science in October. Titled “Seed sourcing strategies for ecological restoration under climate change: A review of the current literature,” the paper analyzed 176 studies to assess how seed origin, or provenance, “affects the performance of plants in a restoration project when you move them away from their home range,” Vitt said.

She and her co-authors make up a working group developing guidelines for regional seed sourcing strategies that are mindful of climate change. They found most studies focused on North American tree species used in commercial forestry. “The herbaceous species and grasses found in most prairie restorations were not well-studied,” said Vitt. “Since most restorations start with a seed mix of herbaceous species, we concluded much more research on [them] is necessary.”

A climate-resilient seed research project underway on 180 acres at Grant Woods Forest Preserve (Ingleside) is “exactly the type of test we were hoping to find in the scientific literature.” Learn more at LCFPD.org/conservation.

Sedge Meadow Addition

The Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved acceptance of 133.5 acres as an addition to Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve (Wadsworth). The new property is being restored as a wetland mitigation bank. The property is being conveyed to the district at no cost; however, we are responsible for its long-term management.

Restoration is nearly complete. Once the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Lake County Stormwater Management Commission give final approval and final wetland mitigation credits are sold, the Forest Preserves will assume ownership.

When the transfer occurs, $165,000 will be transferred to the Preservation Foundation. At their quarterly meeting in November, the Foundation Board voted to place the funds in a new restricted endowment specific to this parcel. The funds will be managed according to the Foundation’s investment and endowment policies, and is expected to generate about $6,600 per year to support long-term management of the property.

RUSTY PATCHED BUMBLE BEE SIGHTINGS INCREASE

An uptick in sightings of the federally endangered rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) is creating a buzz in Lake County. Nine rusty patched bumble bees were found at six of 13 Lake County forest preserves recently surveyed. This species has declined by 87% in the past 20 years, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The bee was placed on the federal endangered species list in 2017. “We’re ecstatic to see these elusive bumble bees in the forest preserves,” said Pati Vitt, director of natural resources. “Increased monitoring and awareness, including a new program that trained volunteers in the field, are factors in spotting additional bees.” Healthy woodlands, grasslands and tallgrass prairies are essential to the rusty patched bumble bee’s survival. “The work we do across the Forest Preserves to restore and maintain healthy, diverse landscapes helps bee species thrive,” Vitt said.

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

January 25 Senior Walk: Independence Grove

January 29 Groundhogs: More Than a Prediction

February 5 Dunn Museum Sensory Friendly Hour

February 18 Teacher Workshop: The Underground Railroad and Lake County

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

January 25 Native Gardeners Club: Ready, Set, Grow

January 28 The Network to Freedom: Connecting to the Underground Railroad

February 12 Curious Courtships in Nature

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

January 26 Storytime at the Museum: Mighty Mastodons

February 2 All About Beavers

February 5 Family Nature Club: Woodpeckers

WINTER PROGRAMS

There are many ways to enjoy the winter season, from a peaceful morning walk to learning how to identify native trees using branches, buds and bark. View all winter-themed programs and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar

January 21 Winter Tree Identification

January 22 Family Nature Club: Animals in Winter

February 4 Winter Sensory Walk

February 17, 26 Coyote Howl Hike

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

40TH ANNUAL PROFILES IN EXCELLENCE: February 5, 3–4:30 pm

Join us for the 40th annual Profiles in Excellence event for inspiring presentations and performances in honor of Black History Month. This year’s theme, Women in Sports, will feature guest speaker, China Jude, the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Denver Broncos. FREE. All ages. Learn more: LCFPD.org/profiles

PROFILES IN EXCELLENCE

Common redpoll (Acanthis flammea)

MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL: February 25, 9–11 am

We’re offering nature and history summer programs for children and teenagers, taught by experienced educators. Activities include developmentally appropriate hands-on components geared to all ages. Registration opens on February 15. Explore the options: LCFPD.org/summer

Many consider the Underground Railroad to be the first great freedom movement in the Americas and the first time when people of different races and faiths worked together in harmony for freedom and justice. Photographer Jeanine Michna-Bales has spent more than a decade meticulously researching “fugitive” slaves and the ways they escaped to freedom. From the cotton plantations south of Natchitoches, Louisiana, all the way north to the Canadian border, this series of photographs helps us imagine what the long road to freedom may have looked like as seen through the eyes of one of those who made this epic journey. Through Darkness to Light features beautifully dramatic color photographs, ephemera and narratives that together tell the story of the Underground Railroad.

A Program of ExhibitsUSA, a national division of Mid-America Arts Alliance and The National Endowment for the Arts

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

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.

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

RYERSON CONSERVATION AREA

21950 North Riverwoods Road Riverwoods, Illinois 60015 847-968-3320 LCFPD.org/ryerson

Welcome Center For hours, visit our website.

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:

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

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

Golf Gift Cards

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

More than 31,000 acres make up your Lake County Forest Preserves. Most preserves are open 6:30 am –sunset, daily. If a preserve gate is open before 6:30 am , the preserve is considered open for use.

MAP CURRENT AS OF Monday, December 19

TRAIL MAP Use our interactive trail map to navigate your adventure. To view the map, open the camera app on your phone and scan the QR code below.

Solar-Lit Evening Hikes

With small solar lights to guide the way, hikers, skiers and snowshoers can get brisk evening exercise at Old School Forest Preserve (Libertyville) and Lakewood Forest Preserve (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 12. Visit LCFPD.org/solar-lit.

Recycle Your Tree

Drop off your holiday tree and we'll recycle it into wood chips for trails and landscaping in your forest preserves. Details: LCFPD.org

COMMEMORATIVE GIFTS

If you love your Forest Preserves, we invite you to dedicate an area that is most important to you. Honor someone special, remember a loved one or celebrate a milestone by making a commemorative gift through the Preservation Foundation. Your tax-deductible gift will leave a lasting legacy. Learn more: LCFPD.org/honor-gifts

FLICKR PICK

Photographer Jeff Goldberg captured this image of ice formations along the shore of Lake Michigan at Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve (Lake Forest).

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