Horizons quarterly // fall 2023

HORI Z ON S QUARTERLY fall 2023 VOLUME 32, ISSUE 2

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On the cover: An acorn from a red oak (Quercus rubra) rests on a bed of leaves. Oaks in Chicagoland

are experiencing a “mast year,” producing many more acorns than in a typical autumn. Animals such as squirrels and mice cannot eat all of them, helping ensure some acorns will germinate into new trees.

A MESSAGE from

MORE THAN 31,100 ACRES ARE PROTECTED

BY THE LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES.

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

Gina Roberts, Beach Park ASSISTANT TREASURER

Paul Frank, Highland Park

MCDONALD WOODS

Fall mornings bring crisp weather and cool colors. Sunrise arrives later each day and it feels like nature is slowly powering down, putting itself to bed for winter.

But the forest preserves are hitting their stride this time of year. Visitors know there’s no better place to enjoy fall color than walking the natural surface trail at McDonald Woods Forest Preserve (Lindenhurst)—and checking off two Hike Lake County walks at once. There’s no better place to notch a lifer during fall bird migration than Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve (Lake Forest). No better place to snag a largemouth bass than the cool waters of Sterling Lake at Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve (Wadsworth). Fall is anything but slow in your preserves.

In this issue, we reflect on the past few years, which seemed to fly by with all we’ve been through. In March 2020, a steering committee of the Board of Commissioners proposed a bold five-year plan called the Road Map to 2025.

Days later, everything changed.

It would be understandable if we had put the plan on a shelf and focused on keeping the preserves open. Instead, we’ve kept the Road Map front and center. As we pass the halfway point, I’m deeply proud of our progress.

As you read about our accomplishments stewarding Lake County’s healthy landscapes, strengthening connections with the public we serve, and ensuring financial sustainability and organizational excellence, I hope you’re proud, too.

There is still much to do on our Road Map, but with your support, we can get there together.

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

HORIZONS

VOLUME 32, ISSUE 2 Fall 2023 EDITOR AND DESIGNER

Jeanna Martinucci Cristino Horizons@LCFPD.org CONTRIBUTORS

Kim Mikus, Brett Peto, Kristen Seefurth, Rebekah Snyder, Erika Stergos PHOTOGRAPHY & ILLUSTRATION

Justine Neslund/@outofthewildbyjustine, Kyle Hauder, Tim Elliott, Liz Rose Fisher, Scott McNeill, Vic Berardi, Paco Luengo, Colin Michaelis, Jason Cristino, Amy Call, Mike Borkowski, Museum of Discovery, Bob Callebert, John D. Kavc, Eddie Fieg, Alma Schrage, Samantha Gallagher 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.

ROAD MAP to 2025 STEWARD HEALTHY LANDSCAPES

STRENGTHEN CONNECTIONS

ENSURE FINANCIAL STABILITY

SUSTAIN ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Investing in nature provides benefits for wildlife,

This doesn’t just happen. It takes vision, leadership

improves our mental, physical and emotional health

and hundreds of talented staff and volunteers

and creates resilient communities better equipped

working together toward objectives identified in

to respond to the uncertainties of a changing climate.

our five-year strategic plan: the Road Map to 2025.

As principal guardian of Lake County’s open space

Now at the halfway point in the plan, we’ve invested

since 1958, we protect more than 31,100 acres. We

in big, bold initiatives and small but impactful

maintain 209 miles of trails, and restore thousands

projects—all to improve the pockets of wilderness

of acres of habitat each year for people, plants

and wonder in this coveted place we call home.

and animals.

STEWARD HEALTHY LANDSCAPES Our objective to Steward Healthy Landscapes aims to prevent the extinction of native plants and animals and to ensure the land functions at its highest ecological level. Cleaning the air, purifying groundwater, improving soil, plant pollination—we help nature provide these and countless other benefits that sustain quality of life in Lake County.

Youth Conservation Corps members planted about 1,000 wetland plugs at Grant Woods.

A beautiful aerial view of Dutch Gap, which will soon undergo major restoration.

NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCY

WATER RESOURCES & CONSERVATION PLAN

Growing Through Change is an award-winning research

We are collaborating with the U.S. Army Corps of

project aiming to restore 180 acres of former farmland

Engineers on a multi-year, $15 million wetland restoration

at Grant Woods Forest Preserve (Ingleside) using a

project at Dutch Gap Forest Preserve (Antioch). With

climate-adapted native seed mix. The goal is to learn

our input, the Army Corps will coordinate the work,

if seed sourced from areas further south results in a

restoring 748 acres to their natural state, improving

restoration that is more resilient to a shifting climate.

water quality and alleviating flooding while installing public amenities.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT: The impact goes beyond preserve boundaries to

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT:

engage seed producers, conservation organizations,

The property is currently in agriculture. Once restored

and landowners to build and sustain a demand for

to prairie, the land will provide critical wildlife habitat.

climate-adapted seed.

Trail construction will allow visitors to better enjoy the preserve.

BIGGEST BENEFITS: By 2050, Illinois’ climate is predicted to be similar to

BIGGEST BENEFITS:

Oklahoma’s current climate. This project will inform

Habitat improvement, increased water infiltration,

native seed-sourcing strategies for the Forest Preserves

flood reduction and improved water quality. Restoring

and all conservation agencies in our region.

land provides a place for native plants and wildlife to live, and for people to enjoy the physical, mental and emotional benefits of time in nature.

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STRENGTHEN CONNECTIONS We aim to Strengthen Connections with every Lake County resident because it takes all of us, working together, to create healthy landscapes. This includes partnerships with nonprofits, units of local government, businesses and individuals.

Chicago Bears and Forest Preserves staff and volunteers collaborated to remove buckthorn from the Bears' team headquarters, Halas Hall.

Dunn Museum visitors get hands-on with history at the Museum's interactive dig pit.

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

EDUCATION

European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) spreads quickly,

Offer innovative educational opportunities that expand

creating dense thickets that overwhelm natural areas.

our reach to every Lake County zip code. This includes

We continue our Buckthorn Eradication Pilot Project

promoting the forest preserves as a destination for

to clear the destructive plant from Middlefork Savanna

physical and mental wellness.

Forest Preserve (Lake Forest) and neighboring lands by encouraging 700 public and private landowners to join.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT: The forest preserves are for all Lake County residents

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT:

and visitors. It’s imperative that we connect with diverse

Growing up to 25 feet tall, buckthorn is an invasive shrub

audiences. Staff at the Dunn Museum (Libertyville)

or tree that harms soil and native plants and wildlife.

worked with community partners to develop exhibitions,

It accounts for 52.2% of trees in Lake County. When

including Our Voice is Black History: Past, Present, Future

buckthorn is removed, native plants have a much better

and A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern

chance of thriving.

Mexico, to better represent all residents.

BIGGEST BENEFITS:

BIGGEST BENEFITS:

The Chicago Bears, City of Lake Forest, Chicago Region

Broadens conversations to increase awareness and

Trees Initiative, Lake Forest Open Lands Association and

welcome all to actively use the preserves. Museum

countless landowners are partners helping educate and

attendance reached nearly 16,000 in 2022 with visitors

inspire all property owners to remove buckthorn. Once

from all zip codes in the county, plus 24 states and

a resident has removed it from their property, they can

Puerto Rico.

request a complimentary “Buckthorn-Free” garden flag, helping achieve cultural change around buckthorn, the bully of the forest. Learn more: LCFPD.org/buckthorn

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ENSURE FINANCIAL STABILITY As one of the top conservation agencies in the country, we Ensure Financial Stability with careful stewardship of every dollar. We maintain sound reserves, long-term replacement funds, moderate debt and a AAA bond rating. We project 10 years into the future in our operating and capital budgets, enabling us to react quickly to fiscal challenges.

A member of our natural resources crew ignites a prescribed burn at Independence Grove Forest Preserve (Libertyville).

Donor support helps ensure our comprehensive Blanding's Turtle Recovery Project continues to be successful.

UNDERSTAND CAPACITY

SECURE NEW FUNDING

With data-driven decision-making, we collect and

Long-term planning helps maximize resources, minimize

interpret information to identify patterns and gain

waste and secure additional funding. Since hiring a grants

insights. We look at many kinds of data and apply a

specialist in March 2022, we have submitted 32 grant

variety of analytics throughout all aspects of our work.

requests; 67% have been awarded. With $5.3 million raised, 2022 was the most successful fundraising year since the

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT:

Preservation Foundation was established in 2007.

Our natural resources department conducts research to evaluate and adjust land management activities.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT:

For example, prescribed burning is one of our most

Grant funding makes our dollars go further.

effective land management tools. Ongoing monitoring

Recent grant-funded projects include:

allows staff to understand the optimal time between burns to maximize resources and biodiversity benefits.

BIGGEST BENEFITS:

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230 acres at Greenbelt Forest Preserve (North Chicago).

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A grant to test and treat Blanding’s turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) for a potentially devastating new threat:

Robust data collection and analysis improve operating efficiency and provide better results.

Two grants to re-treat or clear invasive species across

a fungus known as Emydomyces testavorans.

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A grant to improve the HVAC system in the Dunn Museum's Collections Care and Storage Facility.

BIGGEST BENEFITS: Less than 2% of the average property tax bill supports the Forest Preserves. Grants and donations allow us to do more.

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SUSTAIN ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE Countywide surveys show residents value their forest preserves as clean, safe and popular places to relax and enjoy nature. The positive results are rooted in a commitment to Sustain Organizational Excellence. This begins with our most valuable resource—our skilled, professional employees—and continues with efforts to ensure our staff reflects the diverse population we serve. It calls for a forward-thinking approach to investing in new sites or rethinking the use of well-loved preserves.

Donor Relations Coordinator Norma Zamudio (right) interacts with visitors and other staff at a recent donor event.

A new environmental education facility is nearing completion.

The building uses cost-effective measures to reduce energy usage.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLANNING

Increasing diversity in our workforce and building a

The new Education Center at Ryerson Woods (Riverwoods)

culture of inclusion internally and for the public are

aims to achieve net-zero energy. Net-zero energy occurs

critical to ensuring organizational excellence. We

when a building generates enough renewable energy to

modified our hiring process, provide regular staff

match its energy needs in a given year. The 3,400-square-

diversity training and offer events such as “low sensory

foot building has two indoor classrooms, an outdoor

hours” at the Dunn Museum. We are implementing a

screened classroom and exhibits to educate about its

long-range accessibility plan in accordance with the

many sustainability strategies.

Americans with Disabilities Act. WHY IT’S IMPORTANT: WHY IT’S IMPORTANT:

We want to raise the bar and set the example for

As a public agency, it’s essential that we reflect

sustainability in our built infrastructure. Our goal

all communities and that our culture is inclusive

is for new and retrofitted facilities to be models of

of different ideas, perspectives and lifestyles.

long-lasting, energy-efficient design.

BIGGEST BENEFITS:

BIGGEST BENEFITS:

Diverse teams are more creative and innovative, leading

We are running out of time to ensure a habitable planet

to new ideas and solutions to remain relevant in a

for future generations. Achieving net-zero energy in our

rapidly changing world. Ensuring our built infrastructure

new buildings is important for the future of the Forest

is open and accessible helps us serve every visitor.

Preserves and Lake County.

View our complete 100-Year Vision and Road Map to 2025 objectives and tactics: LCFPD.org/vision

PRESERVENEWS FORT SHERIDAN EXPANDS A 71.55-acre parcel of land known as the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve was transferred from Openlands, a Chicago-based regional conservation organization and land trust, to the Forest Preserves on August 30. The donation is now part of Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve (Lake Forest).

The property features 1 mile of Lake Michigan shoreline, three beautifully restored ravines and blufftops, accessible trails, overlooks and art installations. “We are thrilled this picturesque addition to Fort Sheridan is now in public ownership for all to explore and enjoy,” said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves.

Read more: LCFPD.org/FS-addition

$11 Million Secured for Ecosystem Restoration The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District received funding to restore native habitats and improve ecosystem services in the Upper Des Plaines River Watershed. The Forest Preserves is a partner in this project, which will take place at Raven Glen Forest Preserve (Antioch).

Sen. Dick Durbin announced $11 million in congressionally-directed funding to address ecosystem restoration and flood mitigation along 67 miles of the river in Lake and Cook counties. Durbin secured funds in the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus appropriations bill.

This funding will allow the Corps, in coordination with the Forest Preserves, to restore Pollack Lake, also known as Timber Lake, and Hastings Creek wetlands. The 421-acre site was modified to support decades of agricultural use. This project will restore the site’s natural hydrology, which will have local and downstream benefits. Find more details at LCFPD.org/army-corps.

Sign Up for Prescribed Burn Notifications During fall, winter and spring, professionally trained crews conduct prescribed burns across hundreds of acres throughout the preserves. To reduce paper usage, mailed notifications to preserve neighbors will be discontinued after this fall. If you would like to receive notifications by phone call, text or email when a prescribed burn is happening near you or if you have special health concerns, complete a contact form at

bit.ly/requestcontact or scan this QR

code. Learn more:

LCFPD.org/burninfo

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Scan this QR code to view our Fishing Guide.

HORIZONS MAGAZINE EARNS AWARDS Our communications and design division earned two national awards for Horizons through the Annual Awards for Publication Excellence Competition.

Two Directors Honored Crain’s Chicago Business honored two of our directors with leadership awards.

Executive Director Alex Ty Kovach earned the “Notable Leader in Sustainability for 2023” award. Kovach said he’s thrilled that he and the Forest Preserves are being recognized for their sustainability efforts. “I am honored that our organization’s work is valued and acknowledged in the Chicago area,” Kovach said. “Sustainability is now included in every aspect of the Forest Preserves’ operations.”

For more details: LCFPD.org/leadership

The Forest Preserves earned a Grand Award—the top honor— for the fall 2022 issue of Horizons in the “newsletters” category.

An Award of Excellence was garnered for a feature story, “Growing Through Change: Preparing for the Future Climate” in the spring-summer 2022 issue of Horizons. This was entered in the “environment–climate change/eco-friendly” category.

With more than 1,100 entries, competition was intense. A total of 100 Grand Awards were presented to honor outstanding work in 14 categories, and 453 Awards of Excellence recognized exceptional entries in 100 subcategories. Learn more at LCFPD.org/publication-awards.

Dr. Pati Vitt, director of natural resources, was named one of the “2023 Notable Women in STEM.” Vitt develops and implements land management and restoration programs at the Forest Preserves. Programs include prescribed burning, farmland management, reforestation and native vegetation planting, endangered and threatened species monitoring, wildlife species reintroduction and invasive species control. Read more: LCFPD.org/stem NEW FISHING GUIDE DEBUTED Catch them if you can with the definitive guide to fishing in your forest preserves, updated for 2023. Plan your day of fun with detailed bathymetric maps of 17 popular fishing locations and sport fish species typically found there. See helpful tips from Forest Preserves staff, including recommended reels, lure colors, best times of day to fish and more.

Read online at LCFPD.org/fishing or pick up a copy at Fox River Marina (Port Barrington), the General Offices (Libertyville), Greenbelt Cultural Center (North Chicago), Independence Grove Visitors Center (Libertyville), Ryerson Welcome Center (Riverwoods) or other facilities.

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TOGETHER, ACHIEVING MORE FOR THE FOREST PRESERVES.

Donors Attend Behind the Scenery Event In September, the Preservation Foundation hosted its annual Behind the Scenery event for Guardian Society and Preservation Society members. Donors enjoyed a lovely fall evening at Heron Creek while hearing an update on the Forest Preserves from Executive Director Ty Kovach and an overview of upcoming restoration work from Dr. Pati Vitt, director of natural resources.

Triple Your Impact at Heron Creek Thanks to a Community Stewardship Challenge Grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF), your gift can have triple the impact and help restore 100 acres at Heron Creek Forest Preserve (Lake Zurich).

With its rolling landscape of scenic woodlands, wetlands and open fields, Heron Creek provides exceptional wildlife habitat.

Your donation supports efforts to remove invasive species, collect and replant native seed, and provide volunteers with tools and training (including prescribed burn training). ICECF will contribute $3 for every $1 we receive, up to $7,000—turning your $25 gift into a $100 impact!

You can also volunteer during monthly workdays at Heron Creek. When we reach 400 volunteer hours, ICECF will provide another $4,000. Thanks to ICECF, our volunteers, and friends like you, we can secure $32,000 to continue habitat restoration at this treasured preserve.

To triple your impact or learn more about volunteering, visit LCFPD.org/3to1.

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Sarah Schultz, volunteer site steward at Heron Creek, also gave guests an in-depth look at what our dedicated volunteers have accomplished in the 15 years since the preserve opened to the public.

The Guardian Society recognizes donors who make an annual commitment of $1,000 or more to the Forest Preserves. The Preservation Society recognizes donors who include the Forest Preserves in their will or estate plan. Details: LCFPD.org/donate

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.

A FREE TOOL TO PLAN YOUR LEGACY We’ve partnered with FreeWill, a secure online estate planning tool, that allows you to take stock of your present, protect your future and build your legacy.

Creating a will allows you to:

✅ Care for everything and everyone you love.

ANNUAL FUND SPOTLIGHT: EXPANDING THE PRESCRIBED BURN PROGRAM Prescribed burns are the most efficient, economical tool available to manage Lake County’s natural communities. The Forest Preserves saw a need to expand its prescribed burn program, especially in high-quality remnant habitats that are often small and difficult to access.

Last fall, three donors stepped forward to help meet this need. Thanks to the Preservation Foundation Board of Directors, their gifts were matched by a distribution from the Annual Fund and an outside grant.

These funds supported training and equipping volunteers to assist staff with prescribed burns.

✅ Build a legacy that honors

your history, family and values.

✅ Create a lasting gift to the

Preservation Foundation as a way to protect Lake County land and trails.

Scan the QR code above or visit

FreeWill.com/PreservationFoundation

to get started.

The Forest Preserves held training for 55 volunteers in March, in time for the spring burn season. Stewardship Ecologist Kelly Schultz pointed to a huge volunteer turnout for a prescribed burn at Heron Creek as evidence of the impact of these gifts. Experienced team members guided recent trainees, and everyone had a chance to try igniting and suppressing fire.

“It was a great, collaborative, safe and successful day,” Schultz said.

During the spring, volunteers assisted with five burns that covered 113 acres. Learn how to become a volunteer: LCFPD.org/volunteer

The Importance of the Native Seed Nursery This past summer, Preservation Foundation board members John Wasik and Pradip Sahu hosted 22 guests for a tour of the Native Seed Nursery at Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve (Grayslake). The Seed Nursery is critical to our restoration efforts, as rare and hard-to-collect seeds of native species are carefully grown here. Guests heard from Kelly Burdick, our stewardship ecologist who oversees the nursery, and Dr. Pati Vitt, director of natural resources. Participants learned how staff and volunteers collect native seed from across the preserves, how seed is processed and stored and how five acres of nursery grounds are used to cultivate plants needed to restore native habitats across the county. Read more about the Seed Nursery: LCFPD.org/nursery

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Special Feature

ST. FRANCIS WOODS

VO ER the bridge

Through the Woods:

CELEBRATING AN OLD-GROWTH FOREST HONORING OLD GROWTH

NATURAL HISTORY

OGFN is a nonprofit organization

Northern red oaks (Quercus rubra)

working to connect communities

and white oaks (Quercus alba)

with nature by creating a national

dominate the canopy in St. Francis

network of protected, publicly

Woods. Several white oaks date back

accessible forests and a coalition

to between 1737–1801. Other species

of people to advocate for them.

include hickories (Carya spp.),

Founded in 2012 by Maryland

American basswood (Tilia americana),

professor emeritus Joan Maloof,

black cherry (Prunus serotina) and

OGFN has dedicated more than

sugar maple (Acer saccharum).

190 forests in 33 states. Learn more

If you park near the North Bay Pavilion in Independence Grove Forest Preserve (Libertyville) and walk north along the Des Plaines River Trail, you can see back through time. Beyond the first bridge stands St. Francis Woods. Earlier this year, about 115 people attended a celebration inducting the 80-acre woodland into the Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN).

It’s the first northern Illinois forest to gain this prestigious national recognition.

at oldgrowthforest.net.

Forests have shaded this portion of the eastern slope of the Des Plaines

“We are thrilled to gain this national

River since the glaciers melted more

recognition and thankful for the

than 9,000 years ago. As the climate

volunteers who spear-headed

warmed, maples, basswood and

the effort,” said Rebekah Snyder,

ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) appeared.

director of community engagement

Descendants of the original trees

and partnerships. “This designation

remain in small numbers.

recognizes the importance of St. Francis Woods and our responsibility to continue to take care of it.”

Only 0.15% of Illinois’ old-growth forests exist today. OGFN Network Manager Nick Sanchez defines oldgrowth forests as “relatively old and relatively undisturbed … They are especially valuable as refuges for rare species. They store incredible amounts of carbon. They clean and filter our water.”

About 5,000 years ago, oaks and hickories spread into the area, aided by Native peoples’ use of controlled fire that shaped forests, prairies and savannas. St. Francis Woods is a rare place that preserves the look and feel of those ancient forests.

—RESTORATION ECOLOGIST KEN KLICK

HUMAN HISTORY Two years ago, OGFN founder Maloof contacted Lake County residents Vic and Ann Berardi via Facebook. Vic is a photographer of birds, wildflowers and trees, and Ann enjoys painting watercolors based on his photos. They became OGFN’s volunteer Lake County coordinators and set about identifying an old-growth forest to nominate with the help of our staff.

The Berardis researched and visited

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10 woodlands around the county. In the end, they nominated St. Francis Woods. “When we came here the very first time, it was late November or early December. It was quiet. We read about the history. There was just a feeling that we got,” Vic said.

A summer camp for children living in a Chicago orphanage was built here in 1926. The Catholic Church and Catholic Youth Organization bought the property and ran the St. Francis Boys Camp from 1954– 1973. The camp then opened to girls until it closed in 1979 and the buildings were demolished. In 1982, we acquired the site and restored it to its natural state.

Autumn is Ann’s favorite time to visit St. Francis Woods. “It’s really pretty in the fall,” she said. With the OGFN recognition complete, the couple wants to capture photos of the woods in each season.

“There’s always been a bit of a mystique,” Vic said. “These trees have a certain character.”

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FolkS PROtECtING Oaks The oak tree (Quercus spp.) is a keystone species in Chicagoland. Unfortunately, oaks are struggling in Illinois due to development and competition from other trees.

You can help protect oaks by removing common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) from your

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property. This invasive species grows in dense thickets that change soil composition and block sunlight from reaching native plants. Find native plant resources and learn how to remove and replace buckthorn

Scan this QR code to watch a video featuring peaceful autumn scenes from St. Francis Woods.

at LCFPD.org/buckthorn.

You can also refrain from pruning oaks during the growing season

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from late April to early October.

PHOTOS >> 1. St. Francis Woods spans

Pruning makes them more sus-

80 acres and contains trees that are hundreds

ceptible to a fungus (Ceratocystis

of years old.

fagacearum) that causes oak wilt, a fatal infectious disease. The University of Illinois Plant Clinic offers lab tests to diagnose oak

wilt. Visit extension.illinois.edu/

plant-clinic.

2. Vic and Ann Berardi and

Nick Sanchez pause for a photo in the midst of St. Francis Woods.

3. The Des Plaines

River Trail runs north-south through St. Francis Woods. 4. This stone gate standing along River Road once marked the entrance of the Katherine Kreigh Budd Memorial Home for Children, built in 1926. 5. A group of OGFN celebration attendees heads over the bridge to St. Francis Woods.

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 favorite programs this season. View all programs and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar.

November 14 Starting Native Plants from Seed November 18 Birdwatching Hot Spots: Fort Sheridan November 18 Meet & Greet Education Animals Drop-In November 19 Family Nature Club: Wild Turkeys

GUIDED WALKS Spend time in nature and join a walk with our educators this fall. View all guided walks and find registration details at LCFPD.org/guided-walks.

November 11 Walk with a Naturalist: Fox River November 15 Guided History Walk: Fort Sheridan November 19 Sunday Stroll: Middlefork Savanna November 26 Guided Hike Lake County: Fort Sheridan

SOLAR-LIT TRAILS Having a hard time getting outside in nature now that the sun sets earlier? Join an educator for a guided evening hike on solar-lit trails and learn about the site's history and animals that are active at dusk.

December 4 Guided History Walk: Lakewood Solar-Lit Trail December 10 Solar-Lit Trail Hike: Old School The solar lights serve as a guide along the trails.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a flashlight or headlamp for added illumination. Learn more and get a ticket: LCFPD.org/solar-lit-walks

Solar-lit trails are available Sunday, November 5 through Sunday, March 10, 2024 at Old School Forest Preserve (Mettawa) and the Winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve (Wauconda). Though regular preserve hours are 6:30 am to sunset, the illuminated trails and adjacent parking lots will remain open until 9 pm daily.

Learn more: LCFPD.org/solar-lit

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Have a question about Lake County history or nature?

Our educators have the answer.

Email: AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org

Oyster mushroom

(Pleurotus ostreatus)

DUNN MUSEUM PROGRAMS Arrive curious and explore Lake County history at the Dunn Museum (Libertyville). View all programs and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar.

November 18 Potawatomi Lifeways for Scouts November 19 Sensory-Friendly Hour November 19 The First People of Lake County November 30 Museum Storytime: Roar Like a Dinosaur

RESTORATION WORKDAYS Grab some work gloves, help restore the environment and get a behind-the-scenes look at your forest preserves! Restoration workdays occur in dozens of sites around the county, on weekdays and weekends.

No commitment or experience necessary. In fall, work is focused on brush clearing, seed collection and tree and shrub planting. View all restoration workdays and find more details at LCFPD.org/restoration.

LAKE COUNTY HISTORY SYMPOSIUM: January 4 and 18, 2024 • 6:30–8:30 pm Love history? The Dunn Museum will virtually host the 9th annual Lake County History Symposium to bring together those interested in the history of Lake County.

This year's theme, Good Neighbors: Making a Difference in Lake County, will share stories of individuals and organizations that made significant contributions to society and worked to improve their communities today.

Professional, amateur and student historians are invited to submit proposals for presentations at the Symposium. Submissions are accepted until November 6. Submit a proposal or get a ticket to attend the events at LCFPD.org/symposium.

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Like to Hike?

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

2023 HIKE LAKE COUNTY TRAIL LOCATIONS Fort Sheridan 1005 Vattman Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045

Grant Woods 24801 W. Grand Avenue, Lake Villa, IL 60046

HOW IT WORKS:

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Visit LCFPD.org/HLC to download our Travel Log to record each hike. Every hiker needs their own.

You'll also find trail maps, directions and upcoming guided hikes.

2 Walk seven of the designated trails (or complete all 12) by November 30. Look for the Hike Lake

County logo at the trailhead of each participating preserve to get started on the right route. Bicycling and horseback riding do not count toward this program.

3

Grassy Lake 23860 N. Old Barrington Road, Lake Barrington, IL 60010

Greenbelt 1110 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064

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

Marl Flat 32609 N. Fish Lake Road, Round Lake, IL 60073

McDonald Woods 19611 W. Grass Lake Road, Lindenhurst, IL 60046

Nippersink

Submit your Travel Log by January 31, 2024 to earn a free commemorative medallion.

900 W. Belvidere Road, Round Lake, IL 60073

• Submit online: LCFPD.org/HLC or scan the

42909 Hunt Club Road, Antioch, IL 60002

Pine Dunes

QR code on the bottom right of this page.

• Submit in person: General Offices (Libertyville)

Ryerson Conservation Area 21950 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods, IL 60015

or Ryerson Welcome Center (Riverwoods).

• Mail to: Lake County Forest Preserves,

Singing Hills 30700 N. Fish Lake Road, Round Lake, IL 60073

1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville, IL 60048.

Dogs can join the fun! The

icon indicates dog-friendly trails. Record your dog's name on your Travel Log when they complete a hike with you to receive a commemorative dog tag for their collar. Up to three dogs per participant.

Van Patten Woods 15838 W. Route 173, Wadsworth, IL 60083

Wild Card–You Pick!

Choose a 2-mile walk on any Lake County Forest Preserves trail.* Dog-friendly trails

Celebrating 25 Years of Hike Lake County

HORI ZONS QUARTERLY FALL 2 02 3

counts as *two trails

1.7 1.6 1.6 1.3 1.4 1.7 2.4* 1.3 2.2* 1.5 2.6* 1.7 2*

Natural surface trails, not ADA accessible

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

14

MILEAGE

ON EXHIBIT THROUGH

JANUARY 15, 2024

Explore the bones and fossils belonging to the giant creatures that once roamed the earth! View and touch six full dinosaur skeletal molds including a Triceratops Triceratops,, Tyrannosaurus rex and Velociraptor Velociraptor..

Stand next to a 6-foot-1-inch Apatosaurus femur, or view molds of skulls, arms, legs, eggs and footprints in this interactive exhibition.

Sponsored by: Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed was conceptualized by the Arkansas Discovery Network, a unique, six-museum partnership, of which the Dunn Museum is a member.

1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville DUNNMUSEUM.ORG | 847-968-3400 Gallery & Gift Shop Hours: Tuesday, Thursday*, Saturday: 10 am–4:30 pm Sunday: 12–4:30 pm *On the first and third Thursdays of every month, enjoy FREE programs and admission from 5–8 pm. Sponsored by USG.

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

847-367-6640 tel (Operations) 847-968-3404 tel (Public Safety) 847-245-3735 fax

For hours, visit our website.

For hours, visit our website.

911 emergency 847-549-5200 nonemergency public safety issues

INDEPENDENCE GROVE

RYERSON CONSERVATION AREA

THUNDERHAWK GOLF CLUB

16400 West Buckley Road Libertyville, Illinois 60048

21950 North Riverwoods Road Riverwoods, Illinois 60015

A Robert Trent Jones Jr. championship golf course.

LCFPD.org/ryerson

847-968-3320

39700 North Lewis Avenue Beach Park, Illinois 60099

Welcome Center For hours, visit our website.

ThunderHawkEvents@LCFPD.org

847-968-3499

Main

847-247-1111

Banquets, Meetings

IndependenceGrove@LCFPD.org IndependenceGrove.org Info@eventsig.com EventsAtIndependenceGrove.com Visitors Center For hours, visit our website.

Beer Garden, Marina and Café For seasonal hours and fees, visit our website.

Parking Fee Lake County residents FREE. Vehicle window stickers allow entry without having to verify Lake County residency. Fee is $5, available at the Visitors Center.

Nonresidents $6 per car Monday–Thursday $12 per car Friday–Sunday and holidays FOX RIVER MARINA 28500 West Roberts Road Port Barrington, Illinois 60010 847-381-0669

FoxRiverMarina.org

BESS BOWER DUNN MUSEUM 1899 West Winchester Road Libertyville, Illinois 60048 847-968-3400

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.

HORI ZONS QUARTERLY FALL 2 02 3

847-968-3450

Banquets, Meetings

847-968-4295 847-489-1931

Tee Times Golf Outings

ThunderHawkGolfClub.org

COUNTRYSIDE GOLF CLUB Prairie and Traditional Courses

Dunn@LCFPD.org DunnMuseum.org

20800 West Hawley Street Mundelein, Illinois 60060

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: ®

Boat Launch and Marina For hours and fees, visit our website.

16

LCFPD.org

847-968-3466 847-489-1931

Tee Times Golf Outings

CountrysideGolfClub.org

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

BRAE LOCH GOLF CLUB 33600 North U.S. Highway 45 Grayslake, Illinois 60030 847-968-3444 847-489-1931

Tee Times Golf Outings

BraeLochGolfClub.org

FOREST PRESERVE Entrance/Parking FOREST PRESERVE EASEMENTS

More than 31,100 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, October 20

STATE LAND Illinois Department of Natural Resources CASEY TRAIL CHAIN O’LAKES BIKE PATH Planned Section DES PLAINES RIVER TRAIL (DPRT)

DPRT TO LYONS WOODS Planned Section FORT HILL TRAIL Planned Section MIDDLEFORK GREENWAY Planned Section MILLENNIUM TRAIL Planned Section OTHER REGIONAL TRAILS Planned Section

GENERAL OFFICES & DUNN MUSEUM OPERATIONS & PUBLIC SAFETY BEER GARDEN CANOE LAUNCH COMMUNITY GARDEN

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.

OFF-LEASH DOG AREA

LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES

17

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

PLEASE DELIVER PROMPTLY—

t

TIME- SENSITIVE MATERIAL

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

THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED USING 100% RECYCLED PAPER, ALLOWING US TO SAVE 85 MATURE TREES, 6,380 GALS WATER, 12,246 LBS GREENHOUSE GASES

JOIN OUR TEAM

Shelter Rentals & Permits

As Lake County’s principal

Reservations for 2024 shelter rentals

guardian of open space and

are now available. Annual permits for

natural areas since 1958, we

dog parks, horse trails and more go

set the standard in nature

on sale Monday, December 4.

and historic preservation,

Make reservations or purchase permits

and in outdoor recreation and education. We offer a range of employment opportunities.

Apply: LCFPD.org/jobs

online starting at 12:01 am on the corresponding date above; by phone; or in person starting at 8 am.

Details: LCFPD.org/permits

FLICKR PICK: Photographer Bob Callebert captured an early November scene at Ryerson Conservation Area (Riverwoods). Connect with us @LCFPD on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Flickr, YouTube and X. Listen to our award-winning Words of the Woods podcast on Spotify or your favorite podcast app.