Horizons quarterly // spring 2016 by Lake County Forest Preserve District

HORI Z ON S LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES

PRESERVATION, RESTOR ATION , EDUCATION AN D RECRE ATION

QUARTERLY

spring 2016 VOLUME 25, ISSUE 2

On the cover: Drake mallard preening in a spring wetland along the Des Plaines River Trail in Libertyville more than

12 30,300 acres are

LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES

protected

by the lake county forest preserves .

BOARD of COMMISSIONERS

A MESSAGE from

PRESIDENT

ANN B. MAINE PRESIDENT LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES

VICE PRESIDENT

Ann B. Maine, Lincolnshire Linda Pedersen, Antioch TREASURER

S. Michael Rummel, Lake Forest

As the snow recedes from my garden, I anxiously search for the first of the mayapple, hepatica and bloodroot to pop through the ground. The native plants I put in a few years ago have brought dragonflies, native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other welcome visitors. As part of our 100-year Vision and Strategic Plan, we want to engage Lake County residents as conservation partners to enhance the Mayapple blooms at Ryerson Woods, Riverwoods landscape beyond forest preserve boundaries. Private lands will always comprise about 80 percent of the land in Lake County, but together we can conserve nature on a large scale, improving ecosystem functions and wildlife habitat across the county. What you do on your property can make a difference. Gardens with native plants provide an important bridge between residential and nearby natural areas. In addition to planting your own native garden, you can recommend native plants to neighbors and homeowner associations, or get involved with local land-use planning processes. With native plants, you can bring the beauty of Lake County into your own landscape while receiving numerous benefits. Many native plants survive with minimal watering once they are established. They require less fertilizer, pruning, pest control, and less of your time to maintain. Over thousands of years, they have developed their own defenses against pests and diseases. Reducing or eliminating pesticide use lets natural pest control take over and keeps toxins out of our watershed. With spring upon us, now is the time to begin planning your garden. I invite you to join me in making your yard more welcome to our native pollinators. Start by assessing current conditions in your yard. Be sure to identify invasive species and remove them (for more information see invasive.org/illinois). A little investigation will help determine the best plants for your yard. When I put in my new garden a few years ago, I made sure to include a lot of pollinator-friendly plants. It was amazing how many bees, butterflies, and dragonflies came in just a few years. Native plants invite many insect pollinators, which can improve yield in your vegetable garden. Native birds and insects may also help control mosquitoes and other pests. Reducing turf grass and installing a rainwater barrel are two practices that can amplify the benefits of your native garden. Then you can sit back and enjoy your yard and your visitors. Many native plants are available from commercial nurseries, or visit our annual Native Plant Sale this Mother’s Day weekend. Proceeds from this sale benefit our education programs. See page 11 for details, or visit LCFPD.org/plantsale.

ASSISTANT TREASURER

Audrey H. Nixon, North Chicago Chuck Bartels, Mundelein Carol Calabresa, Libertyville Steve Carlson, Gurnee Bonnie Thomson Carter, Ingleside Mary Ross Cunningham, Waukegan Bill Durkin, Waukegan Sandra Hart, Lake Bluff Diane Hewitt, Waukegan Aaron Lawlor, Vernon Hills Steven W. Mandel, Highland Park Sidney Mathias, Buffalo Grove Brent Paxton, Zion Nick Sauer, Lake Barrington Craig Taylor, Lake Zurich Tom Weber, Lake Villa Jeff Werfel, Grayslake Terry Wilke, Round Lake Beach EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ty Kovach

HORIZONS VOLUME 25, ISSUE 2

Spring 2016

EDITOR

Susan Hawkins, Horizons@LCFPD.org CONTRIBUTORS

Allison Frederick PHOTOGRAPHY

Andrew Roberts (cover), Carol Freeman, Phil Hauck, James Jordan, Lake County Discovery Museum, Magnus Manske, Alex Schott, Gary Rogers, Chip Williams SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES HOTLINE: 847–968–3335 Horizons is the quarterly publication of the Lake County Forest Preserves. Subscriptions are free. To subscribe, unsubscribe or update your address, call the hotline or email Horizons@LCFPD.org. Subscribers may also receive mailings from the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves. Photo and videos are periodically taken of people participating in Forest Preserve District programs and activities. All persons registering for Forest Preserve District programs/activities or using Forest Preserve property thereby agree that any photo or video taken by the Forest Preserve District may be used by the District for promotional purposes including its website, promotional videos, brochures, fliers and other publications without additional, prior notice or permission and without compensation to the participant.

ccccccccccccc ccccccccccccc ccccccccccccc with Native Plants L ANDSC APING

Imagine a Lake County landscape where you cannot tell where a forest preserve ends and a backyard begins. A tiny veery (Catharus fuscescens, above), exhausted by its flight from South American wintering grounds, searches for suitable habitat to raise its babies. Now, its search ends quickly because the bird doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t notice that there are boundaries at all. In early May, it finds its summer home in your backyard. You can simply open your kitchen window to hear its ethereal, cascading song at dawn and dusk. In June, if you sit quietly in the early morning, you can spy mama and her brood moving in long hops through soft clumps of native grasses at the edge of your garden.

Part of our 100-year Vision for Lake County is to conserve nature at a landscape scale. We actively seek and facilitate projects with partners

Benefits of healthy ecosystems continue to become more apparent and important. The wetlands that store floodwaters and the trees that

to enhance the surrounding living landscape, beyond forest preserve boundaries, in order to improve the ecosystem functions and diversity

deliver clean air and absorb excess carbon from our atmosphere provide vital protection to our

of native plant and animal life throughout Lake County. Lake County residents are our most important partners in this effort.

communities. As development and urbanization expands, it is more important than ever to connect people to nature and our backyards to open spaces.

LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES

ccc W ILDLIFE KNOWS NO PROPERT Y LINES In Lake County, we are fortunate to have sizable pieces of our natural heritage protected in a system of preserves, allowing wildlife populations that are threatened by expanding development a chance to survive and thrive. Reducing the effect of fragmentation is one of the reasons we strive to maintain large expanses of land and add acreage to existing areas.

But keeping open space is often not enough. As partners in conservation, we must focus on creating a mosaic of habitats to accommodate a rich variety of species. Every species has different habitat requirements, and all must be able to successfully establish a nest, find food, raise young, and be protected from predators.

These maps highlight the current state (left) and future potential (right) for habitat in an area near Lincolnshire. As partners in conservation, we can blur the lines between natural open spaces and your own backyard.

LEFT: FOREST PRESERVE LAND; RIGHT: FOREST PRESERVE, PARK AND RESIDENTIAL LAND, LINCOLNSHIRE

ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE THEORY OF ISLAND BIOGEOGRAPHY? The theory was coined in 1967 by ecologists E.O. Wilson and Robert MacArthur. In a nutshell: smaller islands tend to support fewer species than larger islands. This is because smaller islands contain less varied habitat and, therefore, fewer resources. Also, more distant islands have fewer species because it is harder for new species to colonize. This idea has extended to other fragmented lands, for example, an “island” of suitable woodland habitat surrounded by housing developments or other unsuitable habitat. As partners in conservation, we can create a mosaic of habitats that spans hundreds of thousands of acres, granting diverse flora and fauna the opportunity to forage, nest, rest and ultimately thrive.

T I P S F R O M O U R L A N D S C A P E A R C H I T E C T S // B E S T P R A C T I C E S Identify invasive species and remove them. • Assess what you have. Bare spots? Trees? Low areas with water? Have your soil tested. Learn the right plants for the right yard. • Plant native species. • Reduce turf grass. Reduce pesticide use. • Eliminate insecticide use. • Conserve water and collect rainwater. • Use a mulching mower instead of a bagger, or rake and compost leaves and clippings to redistribute on gardens.

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Native flowers, grasses and forbs play a critical role in increasing biodiversity—the variety of species living in a particular habitat. These indigenous plants help maintain native diversity by providing food and homes for insects, birds and mammals. In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of the importance of preserving biodiversity. Biodiversity is important for such ecosystem processes as water purification, recycling nutrients and providing fertile soil, preventing erosion and facilitating pollination.

At 64 square feet, this is our smallest project to date!

We see evidence every day that the local and global climate is changing, for example in unseasonably early bird migration and plant flowering. Natural resource strategies strive to help natural communities attain the best health possible, giving them the greatest chance to adapt to and survive the many changes the future may bring.

SEE IT IN AC T ION

Designing a native landscape is not much different than designing any other garden. Choose what fits your needs and preferences. As long as you choose native species, you will save money while providing valuable habitat. Native plants require less watering, less fertilizer and are well-suited to thrive in local gardens. Native flowering species also provide an abundance of nectar and attract wildlife, such as butterflies and songbirds. And the result will be just as beautiful.

Challenge: Transform a 9-foot urban heat island at our General Offices (Libertyville) into a prosperous native garden. Planning the garden: We wanted to transform a vacant mulch bed near the entrance of our General Offices into a demonstration garden. Our landscape architects evaluated the small circle surrounded by concrete curb and found good organic well-drained soil. The location receives full sun and extreme heat conditions due to the surrounding pavement, yet it only required watering during the initial planting period. Suitable native prairie species were chosen for their tolerance to site conditions. Today, they provide a showy representation of native species to our visitors and staff.

No matter what style of garden is your favorite—from Italianate to Cottage and even Japanese-style gardens—you can create it using native plants.

Species planted: BUTTERFLY WEED, Asclepias tuberosa B (Nine 1-gallon plants) LITTLE BLUESTEM, Schizachyrium scoparium C (Six 1-gallon plants)

MISSOURI PRIMROSE, Oenothera macrocarpa D (Nine 1-gallon plants) PALE PURPLE CONEFLOWER, Echinacea pallida E (14 2.25-inch plugs)

PLEASE NOTE » The taking of any parts of flowers or other plants from forest preserves is against District regulations and subject to fine. Many native plants are available from commercial nurseries, or visit our annual

PRAIRIE DROPSEED, Sporobolus heterolepis F (Nine 1-gallon plants) WILD PETUNIA, Ruellia humilis G (27 2.25-inch plugs)

Native Plant Sale on Mother’s Day weekend. See page 11 for details, or visit LCFPD.org/plantsale.

LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES

PRESERVENEWS PICNIC SEASON

Picnic permits provide exclusive use of a shelter with ample parking, picnic tables, water, grills and more. For details, call 847-367-6640 or visit LCFPD.org/permits. ELECTRIC RANGER VEHICLES

SANDHILL CRANE (GRUS CANADENSIS) IN FLIGHT OVER RAY LAKE FOREST PRESERVE NEW LAND PRESERVED IN MUNDELEIN

Last November, our Board approved a 337-acre addition to Ray Lake Forest Preserve (Wauconda). Situated on the northern border of Ray Lake, this addition features rolling topography and expansive open views. A significant, uninterrupted parcel neighboring our largest preserve, Lakewood (Wauconda)足, this land is an important cornerstone for a larger ecological complex of wetland and grassland natural communities. Together with Ray Lake and Lakewood, this purchase brings the acreage of forest preserve land in that area to 3,738. Funds from the voter-approved November 2008 referendum made this purchase possible, along with a generous $1,085,000 grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation. The grant provides $1 million toward the acquisition price, and $85,000 for habitat restoration on the site. 4 HORI ZONS QUARTERLY

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Our first electric vehicle is being tested by Ranger Police, and so far they love it. The new Polaris electric vehicle costs less than the gas-run model. A full charge holds for 24 hours with regular use, and the car can be easily recharged using a standard 110 volt outlet. Its four-wheel drive feature and slim size are perfect for patrolling the trails and going off road when needed. If it continues to test well, watch for more electric vehicles to join our fleet.

DO YOU ENJOY WALKING IN THE PRESERVES? MEETING NEW PEOPLE?

If yes, then these volunteer opportunities may interest you. We are recruiting Nature Walk Guides and Roving Interpreters. Guides lead scheduled group walks through forest preserves, like our Habitat Walk for Seniors and Guided Hike Lake County walksâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; just to name a few. Interpreters greet and talk with preserve visitors, typically on weekends at their favorite preserve. They can choose their preferred location, hours, and often their topic. No previous natural history or preserve knowledge is needed for either volunteer position. Training is provided and schedules are flexible. Interested in becoming a Nature Walk Guide? Call Mark Hurley at 847-968-3324. Interested in becoming a Roving Interpreter? Call Jenny Sazama at 847-968-3482. For other volunteer opportunities with the Lake County Forest Preserves, visit LCFPD.org/volunteer or call Mark Hurley at 847-968-3324.

JOHN TANNAHILL TO HEAD LAKE COUNTY POLICE ASSOCIATION

John Tannahill, Director of Public Safety, has been elected to head the Lake County Chiefs of Police Association (LCCPA) in 2016.Tannahill said his highest priority as president will be to encourage members to become certified by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. The LCCPA mission is to foster leadership development within the law enforcement community through the sharing of resources, training, use of technological innovations, and by creating and supporting community partnerships. As Director of Public Safety, Tannahill is responsible for the safety and security of preserve properties, staff, and patrons. He regularly partners with various levels of fire and police departments and conservation organizations to address safety-related issues. LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRES E RVES

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. ADOPT YOUR FAVORITE DOG PARK

THE GREEN YOUTH FARM RESPROUTS AT GREENBELT

This May, North Chicago and Waukegan high school students will once again prepare a 1.25-acre farm to grow tomatoes, peppers, kale and squash amidst Lake County’s most densely populated communities. Students work Saturdays to prepare the soil and plant, and by summer they work five days a week gardening and learning about healthful eating and cooking. As the Green Youth Farm students work, they’ll gain critical job and interpersonal skills, spend valuable time with adult mentors, and gain exposure to career and educational opportunities in conservation and sustainable food. Support their work. Stop by the Farm Stand July–October and buy produce harvested by the students. This program is a joint partnership between the Preservation Foundation and the Chicago Botanic Garden. To learn more or make a gift to the Green Youth Farm, contact the Preservation Foundation at 847-968-3434. 6 HORI ZONS QUARTERLY S PR IN G 2 01 6

As the weather warms our four Dog Parks are coming back to life. If you value these special areas for the health and enjoyment they provide you and your dog, consider the Adopt-a-Dog-Park program. Your $100 gift can honor a loved one or a beloved pet and will be acknowledged with a personalized photo certificate. Your tax-deductible donation will directly support the care of your favorite park at Lakewood, Duck Farm, Independence Grove or Prairie Wolf. Visit LCFPD.org/Donate to learn more.

DONORS MAKE FIRST FOLIO! A SUCCESS

Have you experienced Shakespeare’s First Folio! yet? The Lake County Discovery Museum was selected to serve as the exclusive Illinois host site of this national touring exhibition, on display through February 28. The Illinois presentation of First Folio! was fully funded by gifts to the Preservation Foundation, including a leadership gift from John Monroe, in memory of his friend John High. Additional support was provided by the Friends of the Lake County Discovery Museum.

SPRING TRAIL ALERTS

Although spring brings warmer trail-going weather, it also brings increased rainfall and snow melt, putting trails at greater risk for flooding. After submerged sections dry, maintenance crews are quick to regrade and repair any water damage. For the latest trail closings, see LCFPD.org or follow us on Facebook.com/LCFPD. GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

When people talk about infrastructure, they usually mean highways, energy sources and buildings. But thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more to it. Just as we plan networks of roads, we can plan networks of open spaces and natural resources that connect communities and regions. This is our green infrastructure. A strategically planned and managed network of natural lands, working landscapes, and other open spaces will conserve ecosystem values and services, while providing associated benefits to human populations. In recent years, the Chicago Wilderness alliance established a vision for green infrastructure (GIV) by working with regional planning agencies to redefine how we think about sustainability and community health by incorporating conservation development principles and natural resource preservation into land use and transportation plans. Lake County has been highly regarded for the amount of data it collects and maps, such as the quality of lakes, stormwater management facilities, a wetland inventory, ADID wetlands, soil surveys and public trail routes. We are now working to include these data and provide a more detailed vision for green infrastructure in Lake County. This is a critical resource for reaching the key conservation goals outlined in our 100-year Vision for Lake County. A refined GIV will allow us to identify priority areas where we can work with partners to create 10,000-acre complexes of diverse natural communities for large-scale wildlife habitats, to pinpoint important resource focus areas along Lake Michigan, and to enhance water resources in Lake County. SPRING BURN SEASON

March and April are busy months for our burn crews, as they conduct controlled fires to revive natural areas. Fire is the most efficient and economical tool for managing Lake Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural communities, improving habitat by decreasing invasive plants, removing dead leaves and exposing the seedbed to the sun. For daily updates, visit LCFPD.org/burninfo. LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRES E RVES

SPRING CALENDAR Registration required for all programs unless otherwise indicated. For detailed program descriptions, specific meeting locations, directions and registration visit LCFPD.org or call 847–968–3321. For updates outside of normal business hours, call 847-968-3113.

MARCH

5–6, 12–13, 19–20 Maple Syrup Hikes

Learn how trees work and about the sweet sap of sugar maples. Ryerson Woods is one of the few places in Lake County where conditions are right for maple syrup production and where trees grow to a diameter and height that allows for tapping. Everyone gets a taste. Program also available as a school or scout field trip, call 847-968-3321 for details. First three weekends in March. Hikes every half-hour from 12–2 pm. Ryerson Woods. All ages. $6. Children 3 and under, FREE. Hikes fill fast, so register soon. 5, 12, 19, 26 Forest Fitness Group fitness walks feature a new preserve each week.

Saturdays, 8–9 am, for weekly locations see LCFPD.org/FF. Adults. FREE. No registration required.

5 Walk with a Naturalist One-hour guided nature walk. Explore a new preserve each month.

Saturday, 9–10 am, Grassy Lake. Adults. $1 residents, $2 nonresidents. No registration required.

8 Hikin’ Tykes—Maple Syrup Nature-based story, craft and outdoor exploration for you and your preschool child.

Tuesday, 9:30–10:45 am, Ryerson Woods Welcome Center. Children ages 2–4, with an adult. $5 adult/$2 child residents, $7 adult/$3 child nonresidents.

9 Small Discoveries—Digging for Dinosaurs Become a paleontologist as you dig for fossils, make fossil casts, create a dinosaur mask and more.

Wednesday, 10–11 am, Lake County Discovery Museum. Children ages 2–5, with an adult. $6 adult/$2.50 child, includes Museum admission.

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

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

23 People & Puppies in the Park Come romp in a dog park for National Puppy Day. Learn which native plants are pet-safe for your backyard.

Wednesday, 2–4 pm, Prairie Wolf Dog Park. Drop in any time between program hours. FREE with dog park fee. Dog park rules apply.

23 Small Discoveries—Hop Into Spring Celebrate the arrival of spring with stories, crafts and more.

Wednesday, 10–11 am, Lake County Discovery Museum. Children ages 2–5, with an adult. $6 adult/$2.50 child, includes Museum admission.

APRIL 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Forest Fitness Group fitness walks feature a new preserve each week.

Saturdays, 8–9 am, for weekly locations see LCFPD.org/FF. Adults. FREE. No registration required.

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Rookery Watch Join us for viewing of nesting herons, cormorants and other waterfowl. Supported by Lake County Audubon volunteers.

Saturdays, 8 am–12 pm, Almond Marsh. All ages. FREE. No registration required. Spotting scope provided.

2 Walk with a Naturalist One-hour guided nature walk. Explore a new preserve each month.

Saturday, 9–10 am, Half Day—Shelter A. Adults. $1 residents, $2 nonresidents. No registration required.

6 Habitat Walk for Seniors Explore one of the many habitats found in Lake County, learning as you walk a 1.43-mile trail at Greenbelt.

Wednesday, 9–10 am, Greenbelt—Shelter B. Seniors ages 62 and up. FREE. No registration required.

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Trout season typically begins the first Saturday of April—check LCFPD.org for details. Find our free Fishing Guide at LCFPD.org/fishing for directions to fantastic angling spots, detailed bottom maps and illustrations of the fish to seek.

APRIL (continued) 6 Homeschool Companion: Plants What’s so amazing about plants? Everything! Learn about plant parts, how they live, and hike to see which ones call Lake County home.

Wednesday, 10 am–12 pm, Independence Grove Visitors Center. Children ages 5–12, with an adult. $5 residents, $7 nonresidents.

6 Small Discoveries—Create with Color Learn about primary colors and how to mix paints to make different hues. Then, make a colorful work of art.

Wednesday, 10–11 am, Lake County Discovery Museum. Children ages 2–5, with an adult. $6 adult/$2.50 child, includes Museum admission.

9 Bilingual (English/Spanish) Nature Hike One-hour guided nature hike. Explore a new preserve each month.

Saturday, 9–10 am, Nippersink—Entrance lot. All ages. Adult supervision required. FREE. No registration required.

10 Adlai E. Stevenson’s 1953 World Tour In 1953, Look magazine commissioned Adlai E. Stevenson II to make a trip around the world and write a series of articles about his observations and findings. The private photographs from that trip are being exhibited publicly for the first time. Join us for a presentation by Stevenson scholar Joe Bean, and see how these photos capture Stevenson’s remarkable capacity for gaining the respect and admiration of people around the globe. Sunday, 2–3 pm, Lake County Discovery Museum. Adults. $7 residents, $9 nonresidents, includes Museum admission. 11 H is for Hawk Author Talk Join us for a discussion of the book H is for Hawk with author Helen Macdonald. Presented in partnership with Lake Forest Book Store and Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods.

Mon., 7–9 pm, Independence Grove Visitors Center. Adults. $21 (Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods members), $26 (nonmembers). Admission includes cost of the book. For more info or to register, see BrushwoodCenter.org or call 847-968-3308.

12 Hikin’ Tykes—Camouflage Nature-based story, craft and outdoor exploration for you and your preschool child.

Tuesday, 9:30–10:45 am, Independence Grove Visitors Center. Children ages 2–4, with an adult. $5 adult/$2 child residents, $7 adult/$3 child nonresidents.

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

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

16 Rx for Health—Walking in Nature Join a health professional and an educator on this walk to explore the preserve as we improve our health.

Saturday, 4–5 pm, Hastings Lake—Playground lot. All ages. Adult supervision required. FREE. No registration required.

17 Woodcock Walk Join us for a peek at the unique courtship flight and call of the American woodcock, a fascinating bird of Lake County.

Sunday, 7:30–9 pm, Ryerson Woods Welcome Center. Adults, families with children ages 8 and up. $6 residents, $8 nonresidents.

20, 24 Spring Bird Walks Join a skilled birder on these walks. Bring binoculars if you have them.

20: 7:30 am, Wright Woods; 24: 8 am, Fort Sheridan. Follow the signs for parking. All ages. Adult supervision required. FREE. No registration required.

20 Small Discoveries—Seasons on the Farm Learn about the seasons and how they influence work on the farm. Read a story and create a piece of farm art to take home.

Wednesday, 10–11 am, Lake County Discovery Museum. Children ages 2–5, with an adult. $6 adult/$2.50 child, includes Museum admission.

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

Wednesday, 1–2 pm, Buffalo Creek. Children of all ages, caregivers. FREE. No registration required. A Lake County Nature Network Event.

LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRES E RVES

Registration required for all programs unless otherwise indicated. For detailed program descriptions, specific meeting locations, directions and registration visit LCFPD.org or call 847–968–3321. For updates outside of normal business hours, call 847-968-3113.

APRIL (continued) EARTH WEEK A week of free nature programs in honor of Earth Day (April 22). Celebrate spring, learn about ecology or join a nature walk. All programs are FREE. All ages. No registration required. 20 Family Fishing

22 Nature’s Melodies

Bring your family out and try your hand at fishing. We’ll show you how to cast, bait your hook and catch fish! We will supply all of the equipment.

Celebrate Earth Day with an evening hike where we’ll focus on sounds, followed by a campfire with stories and songs about wildlife. Make an instrument from recycled and natural items.

Wednesday, 4–5 pm, Independence Grove—North Bay Pavilion.

18 Bluebird Hike Learn about eastern bluebirds and what makes them a special species, while you hike to view birds and the nest box homes we create for them. Monday, 4–5 pm, Ryerson Woods— Classroom Cabins.

19 Recycled Art Join us as we use various materials and recycle them into works of art. What’s old is new again in this Earth Day art program at the Discovery Museum. Tuesday, 4–5 pm, Lake County Discovery Museum.

20 Acoustic Bat Monitoring

Friday, 7:30–9 pm, Hastings Lake— Shelter A.

Bats use echolocation to hunt. Learn why bats are beneficial, how we can help them, and what species live in Lake County by detecting their sonar frequency on a 1.9-mile night hike.

23 Amphibian Exploration

Wednesday, 7:30–9 pm, Lyons Woods.

Saturday, 1–3 pm, Ryerson Woods Welcome Center.

21 Pond Scooping Discover who lives under and around the water at the Wright Woods pond. Thursday, 4–5 pm, Wright Woods. Please wear shoes that can get wet.

Go on a hike to listen for frogs and explore under logs for salamanders. Finish your hike by meeting our live education amphibians.

24 Meet and Greet Education Animals Visit with our live education animals, and feel furs, feathers, and scales of local wildlife on our touch table. Sunday, 1–3 pm, Ryerson Woods Welcome Center.

27 Homeschool Companion: Stevenson’s World Tour Explore never-before-seen photographs of Adlai E. Stevenson’s important 1953 world tour for Look magazine. Learn more about Stevenson’s role as America’s unofficial diplomat to the world through hands-on activities.

Wednesday, 10 am–12 pm, Lake County Discovery Museum. Children ages 5–12, with an adult. $5 residents, $7 nonresidents, includes Museum admission.

30 Walk on the Wildflower Side Uncover the secrets of wildflowers. Learn the folklore and healing powers they hold.

Saturday, 10 am–12 pm, Wright Woods. Adults, families with children ages 8 and up. $5 residents, $7 nonresidents.

30 Woodcock Walk Join us for a peek at the unique courtship flight and call of the American woodcock, a fascinating bird of Lake County.

Saturday, 7:30–9 pm, Heron Creek—Shelter A. Adults, families with children ages 8 and up. $6 residents, $8 nonresidents.

MAY 1 Playdate with Nature Move your kids outdoors for unstructured seasonal play activities, proven healthful and beneficial to children of all ages.

Sunday, 1–2 pm, Ryerson Woods—Classroom Cabins. Children of all ages, caregivers. FREE. No registration required. A Lake County Nature Network Event.

1 Spring Wildflower Walk Join a guided walk to learn about spring woodland wildflowers.

Sunday, 1–2 pm, Ryerson Woods—Classroom Cabins. All ages. $5 adult/$1 child residents, $7 adult/$2 child nonresidents.

1 Bluebird Hike Observe and learn about eastern bluebirds while you hike.

Sunday, 2–3 pm, Ryerson Woods—Classroom Cabins. All ages. $5 adult/$1 child residents, $7 adult/$2 child nonresidents.

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Join the Skokie Valley Astronomers at Ryerson Woods on the second Friday of each month. Learn about topics in astronomy and stargaze with members’ telescopes, weather permitting. For dates and topics, visit LCFPD.org/astronomy.

MAY (continued) 1, 7, 8, 15, 18, 22, 25 Spring Bird Walks May is the month for songbirds. Join a skilled birder on these walks. Bring binoculars if you have them. 1: 7 am, Ryerson Woods; 7: 7 am, Wright Woods; 8: 7 am, Ryerson Woods; 15: 7 am, Ryerson Woods; 18: 7 am, Ryerson Woods; 22: 7 am, Ryerson Woods; 25: 7:30 am, Pine Dunes. Follow the signs for parking. All ages. Adult supervision required. FREE. No registration required. 1 Spring Sounds Walk Experience the wonder of a spring night where the sounds of frogs, coyotes, owls and other nocturnal birds may be heard.

Sunday, 7:30–9 pm, Wright Woods. Adults, families with children ages 8 and older. $6 residents, $8 nonresidents.

3 Paddle the Big Canoe Have you ever seen that big canoe tied at Sterling Lake’s dock and wondered what it is used for or how you can get in it? Here’s your chance to try it out.

Tuesday, 6:15–8:15 pm, Van Patten Woods— Sterling Lake Boat Launch. Adults, families with children ages 4 and up. $5.

4 Habitat Walk for Seniors Explore one of the many habitats found in Lake County, learning as you walk a 1.4-mile trail.

Wednesday, 9–10 am, Sedge Meadow. Seniors ages 62 and up. FREE. No registration required.

4 Small Discoveries—Mother’s Day Celebrate Mother’s Day with this special program. Decorate a delicious treat and create a gift to share with mom.

Wednesday, 10–11 am, Lake County Discovery Museum. Children ages 2–5, with an adult. $6 adult/$2.50 child, includes Museum admission.

7, 14, 21, 28 Forest Fitness Group fitness walks feature a new preserve each week.

Saturdays, 8–9 am, for weekly locations see LCFPD.org/FF. Adults. FREE. No registration required.

7, 14, 21, 28 Rookery Watch Join us for viewing of nesting herons, cormorants and other waterfowl. Supported by Lake County Audubon volunteers.

Saturdays, 8 am–12 pm, Almond Marsh. All ages. FREE. No registration required. Spotting scope provided.

7–8 Native Plant Sale Purchase flowers and woody plants, a rain barrel or compost bin, and learn about ecofriendly practices that benefit your home and pocketbook. Saturday only: Rain barrel and compost bins available for sale from SWALCO and Stormwater Management. Saturday, 9 am–3 pm or Sunday, 10 am–2 pm, Independence Grove—North Bay Pavilion. 7 Walk with a Naturalist One-hour guided nature walk. Explore a new preserve each month.

Saturday, 9–10 am, Rollins Savanna—Washington St. entrance. Adults. $1 residents, $2 nonresidents. No registration required.

7 Tasting History—Fun Flavors of the Fifties 1950s cooking was whimsical, colorful and at times a bit dangerous. This historical cooking class will introduce you to some of it in an amusing, entertaining and delicious way.

Saturday, 2–4 pm, Lake County Discovery Museum. Adults. $12 residents, $15 nonresidents, includes Museum admission.

10 Hikin’ Tykes—Wildflowers Nature-based story, craft and outdoor exploration for you and your preschool child.

Tuesday, 9:30–10:45 am, Ryerson Woods Welcome Center. Children ages 2–4, with an adult. $5 adult/$2 child residents, $7 adult/$3 child nonresidents.

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

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

LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRES E RVES

MAY (continued) 12 Adlai E. Stevenson II Historic Home Public Tours Learn about this Illinois governor and ambassador to the United Nations as you tour his home, a National Historic Landmark.

Thursday, 1–2 pm, 2:30–3:30 pm, Adlai E. Stevenson II Historic Home. Adults, families with children ages 8 and up. $5 residents, $7 nonresidents.

14 Bilingual (English/Spanish) Nature Hike One-hour guided nature hike. Explore a new preserve each month.

Saturday, 9–10 am, Lakewood—Winter Sports Area. All ages. Adult supervision required. FREE. No registration required.

14 2nd Annual Lake County History Symposium The Symposium brings together those interested in and actively researching Lake County History. Attend a series of presentations on this year’s theme, “Women in Lake County History.”

Saturday, 9 am–4:30 pm, Lake County Discovery Museum. Adults, youth ages 16 and up. $10 adult/$5 youth ages 16–17. Clock Hours available.

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

Saturday, 1–4 pm, Old School—Trails lot. Adults, youth ages 16 and older. $20 residents, $28 nonresidents.

14 32nd Annual Smith Nature Symposium Now in its 32nd year of bringing luminaries in the field of conservation to Lake County, the Lake County Forest Preserve co-presents the Smith Nature Symposium, in support of Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods. Featuring Dr. J. Drew Lanham, songbird ecologist at Clemson University.

Saturday, 5:30–9 pm, Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods. Adults. Registration required. For event details, pricing and to register, visit BrushwoodCenter.org or call 847-968-3308.

15 Quickstart Kayak Intro to paddling in an open-cockpit recreational kayak. We’ll cover the basics: attire, safety and paddling skills.

Sunday, 9 am–12 pm, Independence Grove—Funbrella. Adults, families with children 9 and up. $29 residents, $41 nonresidents. Includes all equipment.

19 The River as Time Machine The Lake County Discovery Museum will play host to Brian “Fox” Ellis, a Road Scholar with Illinois Humanities. Riverlorian Ellis invites us on a musical ramble through history that will explore how we humans have shaped the rivers, how the rivers have changed through time, and the importance of rivers in the layers of human history. Thursday, 7–8 pm, Lake County Discovery Museum. All ages. Registration required. FREE with Museum admission. 21 Scout Saturday: Bird Study Learn about and observe birds that live in and migrate through Lake County as you earn the Bird Study Merit Badge.

Saturday, 8 am–12 pm, Ryerson Woods—Classroom Cabins. Ages 10–17. $20 residents, $28 nonresidents.

21 Rx for Health—Walking in Nature Join a health professional and an educator on this walk to explore the preserve as we improve our health.

Saturday, 4–5 pm, Ryerson Woods Welcome Center. All ages. Adult supervision required. FREE. No registration required.

22 Kayak—Refine and Rescue Refine your paddle techniques and practice rescues.

Sunday, 9 am–12 pm, Independence Grove—Funbrella. Adults, children ages 12 and up. $29 residents, $41 nonresidents. Includes all equipment.

23 World Turtle Day Celebrate World Turtle Day by raising awareness about turtles and tortoises. Go on a scavenger hunt hike and learn how you can help protect them and their habitats. Meet and touch five of our education turtles. Monday, 9:30–11 am, Middlefork Savanna. Adults, families with children ages 4 and up. $5 adult/$2 child residents, $7 adult/$3 child nonresidents.

1 2 HORI ZONS QUARTERLY S PRI N G 2 01 6

SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS

PHOTO COURTESY CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

Opens March 19 Around the World in 180 Days: Adlai E. Stevenson II 1953 World Tour Never-before-seen photographs document Adlai E. Stevenson II while on assignment for Look magazine. Stevenson was hired to go on a six-month tour of Europe and Asia to report on social, political, and economic conditions in over 30 countries. Follow Stevenson as he meets with the young Queen Elizabeth II in England, Prime Minister Nehru in India, Prime Minister Ben-Gurion in Israel and other heads of state, interacts with local citizens, and sneaks out to visit local markets, all while assuming the role as America’s unofficial diplomat to the world. Lake County Discovery Museum

Ongoing Growing Up in Lake County: Exploring History through the Stories of Children Have you ever wondered what life was like for children in the past? Growing Up in Lake County shares the everyday and extraordinary stories of children who grew up in the county. Try your hand at living and working on a pioneer homestead. Discover what life was like for a young drummer boy in the Civil War. Learn about the first African-American family to settle in the county. Attend school in a one-room schoolhouse and play as children did over 100 years ago. Through real artifacts, historical accounts and hands-on experiences, children connect the stories of the past to their own lives in this new exhibition for families. Lake County Discovery Museum

Through March 27 Postcard Art Competition/ Exhibition (PACE) 2015

BRUSHWOOD GALLERY AT RYERSON WOODS

This exhibition, focusing new imaginative energy on a familiar form of expression, is dedicated to the American picture postcard, celebrating the postcard as art and as visual document.

Avian Architecture: The Bird Sanctuaries of Dave LaForge

Thirty-six finalists from the 10th biennial international competition are exhibited before traveling to galleries and cultural institutions throughout 2016. Lake County Discovery Museum

Through April 10—Opening reception February 28, 1–3 pm

Multimedia artist Dave LaForge was inspired by the beauty around us to create this exhibition of unique platform bird feeders made from recycled materials.

Through April 10

36 Acres: A Photographic Exploration of the Reed-Turner Woodland Tobin Fraley explores the wonder that can be found in the everyday details at ReedTurner Woodland Preserve in Long Grove, Illinois.

April 24–June 6—Opening reception April 24, 1–3 pm For the Birds

The Great Lakes Chapter of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators explores the world of birds.

MAY (continued) 25 Paddle the Big Canoe Have you ever seen that big canoe tied at the buoy or dock in the North Bay and wondered what it is used for or how you can get in it? Here’s your chance to try it out.

Wednesday, 6:30–8:30 pm, Independence Grove—North Bay Pavilion. Adults, families with children ages 4 and up. $5.

28 Walk on the Wildflower Side Uncover the secrets of wildflowers. Learn the folklore and healing powers they hold.

Saturday, 10 am–12 pm, Lyons Woods. Adults, families with children ages 8 and up. $5 residents, $7 nonresidents. LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRES E RVES

Featured Preserve

Pine Dunes

PINE DUNES Pine Dunes

STATE LINE ROAD

867 acres

US 41

Grassy Lake Activities 689 acres RUSSELL

Dutch Gap Forest Preserve

ROAD

Activities

Legend

Cross-Country SkiingForest Preserve Boundary Gravel Yellow Loop (2.2 miles) Hiking Other Gravel Trails (0.6 miles) Wetlands

US 41

Legend

MILL CREEK ROAD

Boardwalk

Parking Toilet Drinking Water

Forest Preserve BoundaryOverlook

I-9

HUNT CLUB ROAD

CRAWFORD ROAD

EDWARDS ROAD

Bicycling Cross-Country Skiing Hiking Fishing Horseback Riding

Fishing Paved Red Trail (0.25 miles)

TT Â

Hitching Post

Gravel Red Trail (1.25 miles)

ROUTE 173

Gravel Yellow Trail (3 miles) Main entrance is on Hunt Club Road, one-third of a mile north of Edwards Road, in Unincorporated Lake County, near Old Boardwalk Mill Creek. (GPS 42°29'6.686"N 87°58'17.947"W) A second entrance is on Edwards Road east of Hunt Club Road, in Old Mill Creek. (GPS 42°28'48.724"N 87°58'43.279"W)

Emergency: 911 Nonemergency: 847-549-5200

Prepared 24 November 2015

PINE DUNES FOREST PRESERVE

Other Gravel Trails (0.5 miles)

867 ACRES | ANTIOCH

Grass Trails (0.6 miles)

Wetlands

PRESERVE AREA

Parking

WATER

Toilet

WETLANDS

PRESERVE TRAILS

H MAIN ENTRANCE P

Tunnel

PARKING

OVERLOOK FISHING

Overlook

!Á"

Emergency: 911 Nonemergency: 847-549-5200 Prepared 8 October 2015

HITCHING POST

ACTIVITIES & AMENITIES BENCHES BICYCLING CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING DRINKING WATER FISHING HIKING HORSEBACK RIDING PUBLIC PARKING TOILETS TRAILS

THE IRISH HILLS

PUBLIC ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS

The name Irish Hills was used for the large settlement of

ARE NOW OPEN AT PINE DUNES

Irish immigrants who established farms in the rolling hills around Hunt Club Road and Route 173, in what is now

FOREST PRESERVE IN ANTIOCH.

part of Pine Dunes. The place name was commonly used from the 1840s to the early 1900s. Many of these settlers attended St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Wadsworth.

DESCRIBED BY OUR NATURAL RESOURCE EXPERTS AS “SOME OF THE FINEST ROLLING TOPOGRAPHY IN LAKE COUNTY,” Pine Dunes (Antioch) features panoramic views and a pristine mix of prairie, savanna and oak-hickory woodlands, as well as scenic streams, marshes, sedge meadows, vernal ponds and other wetland communities. It is one of five preserves and one state natural area that comprise a 5,300-acre regional trail and greenway in northern Lake County near the Wisconsin border.

1 4 HORI ZON S QUARTERLY SPR IN G 2 01 6

Pine Dunes features rolling hills and beautiful panoramic views of prairie, savanna and oak-hickory woodlands. PRESERVE BENEFITS FROM MITIGATION PROJECT Many of the improvements at Pine Dunes were provided by the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (ISTHA). In 2013, we entered an Intergovernmental Agreement with ISTHA for the mitigation of impacts associated with the construction of the Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hare International Airport Western Access Project. The agreement provided access for ISTHA to construct public access improvements and to implement wetland and upland restoration at Pine Dunes to meet the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers mitigation requirements. The collaboration was successful. ISTHA restored 80 acres of wetlands and 235 acres

Approximately 70 percent of the

Recently completed public

land is upland habitat, while the

access improvements at Pine

remaining 30 percent is wetland

Dunes include 2.8 miles of gravel

communities. The Illinois Wildlife

trails along with four boardwalks,

Action Plan and Chicago Wilder-

three scenic overlooks, a drinking

ness have identified these

fountain, and a toilet. Trails are

habitats as critical nesting and

open to hiking, bicycling, cross-

foraging areas for a variety of

country skiing and horseback

birds and other wildlife species.

riding.

Formerly the McClure family

Eventually, the trails at Pine Dunes

homestead, the section of the

will connect to the Des Plaines

preserve on Edwards Road west

River Trail along Russell Road to

of Hunt Club Road is comprised

Van Patten Woods Forest

of well-maintained woodlands,

Preserve in Wadsworth, and to our

wetlands and prairie. This

regional Millennium Trail.

property is special because of its diverse topography and the work that former owners, Ilse and Michal McClure, put into improving the natural features since they bought the property in 1977. When the family sold us the property in October 2010, their desire was to preserve it as a forest preserve that could be enjoyed for years to come.

of adjacent savanna and prairie habitat. The work provided critical habitat for savanna species such as the red-headed woodpecker, eastern bluebird and least flycatcher, and for wetland birds, frogs and salamanders. In addition to the habitat restoration work, the mitigation project also provided for public access improvements for the benefit of preserve visitors.

PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ILLINOIS STATE TOLL HIGHWAY AUTHORITY PROVIDED FOR THE RESTORATION OF 315 ACRES OF WETLAND, SAVANNA AND PRAIRIE HABITAT.

Pine Dunes is located in Antioch near the Wisconsin border. The main entrance is on Hunt Club Road just north of Edwards Road. A second entrance on Edwards Road offers a grass parking lot and access to a man-made pond for fishing. There are no formal trails or other amenities in this section of the preserve.

LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES

SPECIAL FACILITIES Directory GENERAL OFFICES

OPERATIONS AND PUBLIC SAFETY

1899 West Winchester Road Libertyville, Illinois 60048

19808 West Grand Avenue Lake Villa, Illinois 60046

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

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

8 am –4:30 pm, Monday–Friday

6:30 am –3 pm, Monday–Friday

911 emergency 847–549–5200 nonemergency public safety issues

OUTDOOR RECREATION

EDUCATION

GOLF

LCFPD.org

INDEPENDENCE GROVE

GREENBELT CULTURAL CENTER

BRAE LOCH GOLF CLUB

16400 West Buckley Road Libertyville, Illinois 60048

1215 Green Bay Road North Chicago, Illinois 60064

33600 North US Highway 45 Grayslake, Illinois 60030

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

847–968–3477

Office Hours

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

11 AM–5 PM, Tuesday–Friday

BraeLochGolfClub.org

IndependenceGrove.org Visitors Center Hours 9 AM–4:30 PM, unless otherwise posted For beach, marina and café seasonal hours and fees visit our website. Parking Fee Lake County residents FREE Nonresidents $5 per car Monday–Thursday $10 per car Friday–Sunday and holidays Vehicle window stickers allow entry without stopping to verify residency. Fee is $5, available at the Visitors Center.

GreenbeltCulturalCenter.org

RYERSON CONSERVATION AREA

THUNDERHAWK GOLF CLUB

21950 North Riverwoods Road Riverwoods, Illinois 60015

A Robert Trent Jones Jr. championship golf course

847–968–3320

39700 North Lewis Avenue Beach Park, Illinois 60099

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

FOX RIVER MARINA 28500 West Roberts Road Port Barrington, Illinois 60010

LAKE COUNTY DISCOVERY MUSEUM

FoxRiverMarina.org

27277 North Forest Preserve Road Wauconda, Illinois 60084

Boat Launch & Marina Hours

847–968–3400 Main 847–968–3381 Archives, Research

For hours and fees visit our website.

LakeCountyDiscoveryMuseum.org

16 HORI ZONS QUARTERLY SPRI N G 2 01 6

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

Tee Times Golf Gift Cards Golf Outings Banquets

ThunderHawkGolfClub.org

Brushwood Center Hours 9 AM–3 PM, Monday–Thursday 1–3 PM Sundays, or by appointment

847–381–0669

Tee Times Golf Gift Cards Golf Outings Banquets

Museum Gallery Hours 10 AM–4:30 PM, Monday–Saturday 1–4:30 PM, Sunday Adults $6, Youth 4–17 $2.50, 3 years and under FREE 62 and up $3 daily Discount Tuesdays: Adults $3, Youth 17 and under FREE

COUNTRYSIDE GOLF CLUB Prairie & Traditional Courses 20800 West Hawley Street Mundelein, Illinois 60060 847–968–3100 Tee Times 847–968–3441 Golf Gift Cards 847–489–1931 Golf Outings CountrysideGolfClub.org

LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES FOREST PRESERVE Entrance/Parking

More than 30,300 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

Friday, January 29, 2016

FOREST PRESERVE EASEMENTS STATE LAND (Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources) CANOE LAUNCH DOG AREA COMMUNITY GARDEN

LCFPD.ORG DES PLAINES RIVER TRAIL M CLORY TRAIL / NORTH SHORE PATH (L.C. Division of Transportation) MIDDLEFORK GREENWAY Planned section

GRAND ILLINOIS TRAIL Planned (Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources) FORT HILL TRAIL Planned (L.C. Division of Transportation)

PRAIRIE CROSSING TRAIL (L.C. Division of Transportation)

CHAIN O’ LAKES BIKE PATH

CASEY TRAIL

Planned (L.C. Division of Transportation)

GENERAL OFFICES OPERATIONS FACILITY

MILLENNIUM TRAIL Planned section

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

PLEASE DELIVER PROMPTLY—

TIME- SENSITIVE MATERIAL

HORI Z ON S

THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED USING 100% RECYCLED PAPER, ALLOWING US TO SAVE 61 MATURE TREES, 19,616 LBS GREENHOUSE GASES, 5,972 LBS SOLID WASTE

Summer Camps

Hot spot to cool off

Our summer camps are a great way to give your child

Beach season passes are on sale now for unlimited 2016 beach access at Independence Grove. Purchase by May 1 and receive 10 percent off. Passes are available to Lake County residents (ID required). Buy at the Independence Grove Visitors Center. Visit LCFPD.org for prices, or call 847-968-3499.

new and exciting experiences. While programs focus on fun and outdoor adventure, they are also educationally engaging. Hands-on activities help kids explore and appreciate art, nature and history. A variety of weeklong sessions at locations throughout the county make it easy to find camps that are convenient for you. It’s not too early to plan your

NATIVE PLANT SALE

summer adventures. Browse our schedule of summer

Choose from more than 60 varieties of flowers and grasses. See calendar inside or visit LCFPD.org/plantsale for details.

camps and register online at LCFPD.org/camps, or call 847-968-3321. We hope to see you this summer!

Mother’s Day weekend May 7, 9 am–3 pm May 8, 10 am–2 pm

◄ FLICKR PICK A common loon strikes a pose—posted to our Flickr pool by Nat Carmichael. Connect with us! For up-to-the-minute Forest Preserve news and events: Find us on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, or YouTube @LCFPD. Download our mobile app in the Apple App Store or Android Play Store—search for “Lake County Forest Preserves.”