Horizons quarterly // spring 2024

A Magical Year

After 17 years, periodical cicadas will emerge by the millions.

On the cover: Beginning in late May and peaking in early June, periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.) will emerge from the ground to sing and mate in natural areas across Lake County and Chicagoland. Here, an adult cicada makes a pit stop on the richly colored flowers of blue wild indigo (Baptisia australis).

A MESSAGE from

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

Every spring is unique in your Lake County Forest Preserves, as habitat restoration efforts completed over the winter help promote new growth.

Rare plants once thought to no longer exist in the region suddenly resprout in a remnant habitat after a prescribed burn. Roadsides near preserves once crowded with invasive species flourish with diverse native plants following major clearing projects.

Birdsong returns to the trees. Flowers return to the ground. Warmth returns to the air. There is always a sign of progress, a silver lining, a beautiful moment to be found in nature.

Yet this spring promises a special event that hasn’t occurred in 221 years. Two broods, or groups, of periodical cicadas—known as Brood XIII (13) and Brood XIX (19)—will emerge by the millions during late spring in Illinois. Such a dual emergence last occurred in 1803 when Thomas Jefferson was president. Broods XIII and XIX won’t meet again until the year 2245.

This issue delves into the magic of periodical cicadas. Specific environmental conditions are needed to trigger their impressive emergence. Their life cycle holds interesting parallels to that of humans. Their synchronized songs make the treetops buzz. Along the way, enjoy beautiful, photorealistic illustrations of this true bug by Lake County artist Samantha Gallagher.

At a moment like this, I like to pause to appreciate the vision of past Lake County board members, civic and business leaders and residents. Without their efforts, the Forest Preserves would not exist. Cicadas and thousands of other species would have far fewer places to live in peace.

We’ll be celebrating cicadas throughout spring and summer with public programs and events, including a special exhibition titled Celebrating Cicadas at the Dunn Museum (Libertyville). I hope you’ll join us to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for cicadas during this once-in-several-lifetimes moment. However you choose to celebrate spring, enjoy all your forest preserves have to offer.

B OARD of COMMISSIONERS

PRESIDENT

Angelo D. Kyle, Waukegan

VICE PRESIDENT

John Wasik, Grayslake

TREASURER

Gina Roberts, Beach Park

ASSISTANT TREASURER

Paul Frank, Highland Park

Marah Altenberg, Buffalo Grove

Esiah Campos, Round Lake Beach

Carissa Casbon, Lake Villa

Jennifer Clark, Libertyville

Mary Ross Cunningham, Waukegan

Michael Danforth, Fox River Grove

Sandy Hart, Lake Bluff

Diane Hewitt, Zion

J. Kevin Hunter, Ingleside

Sara Frederick Knizhnik, Vernon Hills

Ann B. Maine, Lincolnshire

Paras Parekh, Highland Park

Linda Pedersen, Antioch

Adam Schlick, Wauconda

Jessica Vealitzek, Hawthorn Woods

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ty Kovach

HORIZONS

VOLUME 33, ISSUE 1 Spring 2024

EDITOR AND DESIGNER

Jeanna Martinucci Cristino

Horizons@LCFPD.org

CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS

Kim Mikus, Brett Peto, Rebekah Snyder, Erika Stergos

DESIGN CONTRIBUTORS

Eddie Fieg, Brett Peto

PHOTOGRAPHY AND ILLUSTRATION

John Winder (cover), Dr. Gene Kritsky, Samantha Gallagher, R. Scott McNeill, Jim and Joan Sayre, Michael Affinito, Bob Callebert, Char Heckel, Steven Meyer, Kyle Hauder, John D. Kavc, Tim Elliott, Carrie Werner, Pete Capp, Mike Borkowski, Melissa Marie Photography, Kara Gardner, Peter Schulz, Rebecca Lopez, Joel Sartore/ National Geographic Photo Ark

SUBSCRIBE, UNSUBSCRIBE, UPDATE ADDRESS: 847–968–3335 | H orizons@LCFPD.org

17 years, 64 degrees, 100 decibels

The Emergence of Periodical Cicadas

The alarm clock is ready to ring for the periodical cicadas of Lake County. The previous mass emergence of these impressive bugs in 2007 set the alarm for 2024. During spring and summer 17 years ago, millions of cicadas tunneled out of the soil, crawled up trees, sang, mated and completed their life cycle. This will be a magical year for their offspring.

A TRUE BUG

There are 190 known kinds of cicadas in North America and at least 3,000 species globally. “All species of cicadas belong in the scientific order Hemiptera, a group of insects known as true bugs,” said Environmental Educator Mark Hurley. “A common trait among them is a ‘beak’ used to drink fluids.”

Most cicadas have life cycles of 2–5 years. Since species overlap geographically and aren’t synchronized, we observe some cicadas every summer. These are called annual cicadas.

Periodical cicadas live 13 or 17 years.

Three 17-year species live in Lake County:

• Linnaeus’ 17-year cicada (Magicicada septendecim)

• Cassin’s periodical cicada (Magicicada cassini )

• Decula periodical cicada (Magicicada septendecula)

They’re harmless to humans and pets, and don’t bite or sting. Adults measure about 1.5 inches long. Except for different orange-brown stripes on their undersides, the species look identical. Learning their distinctive songs is the best identification method.

A brood is a group of cicadas that emerge together at regular intervals. Lake County’s periodical cicadas are in Brood XIII (13), spanning portions of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin. Nationwide, there are 12 broods of 17-year cicadas and three broods of 13-year cicadas.

American Indians observed cicadas centuries before Europeans arrived. A 1634 journal entry by William Bradford, then governor of New England’s Plymouth Colony, documented cicadas.

Brood XIII’s 17-year emergence coincides with that of Brood XIX’s (19) 13-year emergence for the first time since 1803, when Thomas Jefferson was president of the United States. Tecumseh’s confederacy, a confederation of American Indians living in the Great Lakes region, also began forming in the 19th century.

Nicknamed the Great Southern Brood, Brood XIX “contains four cicada species on a 13-year cycle,” Hurley said. They’ll overlap most near Springfield. The broods won’t meet again until the year 2245. See map on page 5.

THE NE XT GENERATION

Six to 10 weeks after their parents’ demise, trillions of rice-shaped eggs hatch where their mothers laid them inside shallow, V-shaped grooves near the tips of tree branches. The young, pale nymphs fall from trees and burrow into the ground. There they spend 17 years drinking sap first from grass roots, then deciduous tree roots.

Since sap is nutrient-poor, the nymphs grow slowly during this phase. Like humans, nymphs take almost two decades to reach maturity. In their homes 8–12 inches underground, they shed their brown exoskeletons, or protective shells, several times (right).

When ready for the final stage of their life cycle, two factors nudge the nymphs to begin their ancestors’ mating rituals. They sense the upward flow of sap, needed to sprout new springtime leaves, from the trees’ roots toward their crowns.

In late May and early June, once the temperature of the upper 8 inches of soil reaches 64 degrees Fahrenheit, the nymphs dig skyward. They don’t emerge simultaneously. South-facing locations with plentiful sunlight will see the early bugs.

Over several weeks, the cicadas will debut in such numbers they’ll be impossible to ignore. Rather, they should be celebrated.

Periodical cicadas (below) have iconic, bright red eyes with black pupils. Most people will only see these cicadas emerge a handful of times in

The cicadas heard every summer are annual cicadas (left). Though their life cycles last 2–5 years, they’re staggered, so some individuals are ready to emerge and sing every year.

CICADA LIFE CYCLE

1

The life cycle begins when a female cicada lays eggs inside small cuts near the tips of tree branches. Look for rice-shaped eggs.

3 Nymphs sip sap from tree roots for 17 years before emerging. If a root runs dry, a nymph will leave it and dig to find a fresh root.

2 Shortly after hatching, nymphs depart the treetops and drop to the ground. The race is on to burrow into the soil.

4 Nymphs sometimes create short chimneys as they surface. Their emergence holes provide natural aeration to the soil.

5

After emerging from the ground, the nymphs climb up a tree and shed their exoskeleton in a final molt. Their bodies are soft for a few hours, leaving them vulnerable to predators.

6 A fully developed adult rests on a bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) branch. It will crawl, fly, mate and lay eggs for about a month until it dies, falls to the ground and decomposes over time.

Artistry & Entomology

We commissioned Samantha Gallagher, a local freelance illustrator, to create 11 cicada illustrations, shown on these pages. At her home studio in Lake County, the artist uses colored pencils, pastels and textured paper to showcase cicadas, bees, moths and more.

Gallagher’s enthusiasm for insects earned her a nickname in second grade: the bee girl. “I needed to get more people to realize how cool bugs were,” she said.

In adulthood, Gallagher earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and a master’s degree in entomology, the study of insects. She blends them in her work today as a freelance scientific illustrator.

Before pressing pencil to paper, Gallagher consults insect specimens and reference photos, and visits local natural areas. The research phase can take a full day per illustration. She composes a digital sketch, traces it on paper and adds layers of color. Depending on size and complexity, she spends 8–20 hours fleshing out each drawing.

The results are beautiful, photorealistic illustrations. “There’s not a lot of room for interpretation in scientific illustration. You have to make it appealing and accurate.”

Gallagher encourages observers to “try to coexist” during the emergence. “This happens once every 17 years,” she said. “The cicadas deserve this brief moment of glory after waiting so long.”

such long life cycles? They “give the insect an edge over its predators, which typically have shorter life cycles,” said Environmental Educator April Vaos. Multiple generations of predators have never experienced a cicada emergence.

The crunchy buffet represents a survival strategy called predator satiation. It’s safety in numbers.

So many cicadas surface that predators—including birds, reptiles, mammals, frogs and fish—can’t eat all of them. It’s likely enough nymphs will survive to keep the cycle going.

The food bonanza has been shown to boost the populations of certain bird species such as red-bellied woodpeckers (Melanerpes carolinus) and blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata) by 10 percent for 1–3 years following a cicada emergence. Cicada bodies are also nitrogen-rich. After death, they decompose on the ground and provide nutrients to plants.

Some cicadas, known as stragglers, emerge in smaller groups one or four years earlier than their brood, or even four years later. Though rare, occasionally enough stragglers reproduce to start a new brood.

“This is called an acceleration,” Vaos said. “In 2020, this occurred in southeastern Lake County and northeastern Cook County.”

If the group reemerges in 2037, it will be known as Brood IX (9).

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS

To emerge, nymphs dig exit holes sometimes ringed by short chimneys. “If you get a nice, soaking rain to soften things up, that’s when they really pop,” said Dr. Gene Kritsky, cicada expert and professor emeritus of biology at Mount St. Joseph University in Ohio.

He’s devised a formula predicting the start of emergences. “It uses April’s average temperatures to predict when in May the cicadas should emerge, plus or minus a 48-hour period.”

Come nighttime, nymphs clamber up trees and other vertical surfaces. As if divers extracting themselves from wetsuits, they split open their exoskeletons once more and “pull themselves out, eventually hanging almost totally upside-down.”

In this teneral, or soft phase, their squishy bodies are opaque white and yellow. Two black patches resembling a football player’s face paint mark their thorax, the middle part of their body. Perhaps most arresting are their red eyes with black pupils.

The cicadas expand their double pairs of orange-veined wings. Over about 90 minutes, their bodies harden and darken. Now adults, the cicadas crawl to the treetops.

“They’ll start flying over the next day or so but won’t start singing until four or five days after they emerge,” Kritsky said.

SYNCHRONIZED SINGING

During daytime, “chorusing centers” of male cicadas sing using abdominal organs called tymbals. Tymbals expand and contract like bendy straws, producing clicks that swell into songs.

The male’s abdomen amplifies his calls to 90–100 decibels, as loud as a motorcycle. With up to 1.5 million cicadas per acre, the atmosphere will buzz with the peak of 17 years of patience.

“The chorus attracts females ready to mate. When a male and female get close to each other, the male makes a call. The female flicks her wings to show she’s interested,” said Kritsky. This repeats a few times. “After mating, in the next couple days, she’ll lay 400–600 eggs.”

The female uses her ovipositor, or egg tube, to make cuts along branches (right).

Mature trees in full sunshine surrounded by low vegetation are ideal. “That’s why you tend to find more cicadas in parks, cemeteries and preserves,” Kritsky said. “She’ll go along the branch, lay 20 or so eggs, walk another quarter inch down, do it again.”

The symphony will continue for 4–6 weeks into July, until the adults die. When the eggs hatch and nymphs drop to the ground, the alarm will be set for 2041.

A top-down view of a periodical cicada with wings spread.

CICADA HOT SPOTS

Source: Esri, USGS, ESA

Experience the Magic

Your forest preserves will be cicada hot spots. Preserves marked with this icon on the page 17 map should be especially buzzing. Want to help track the emergence? Report your observations at LCFPD.org/cicadas or scan the QR code on this page. See pages 10–11 for details on programs, including CicadaFest on June 9 at Ryerson Conservation Area (Riverwoods).

Plan your visit to the Dunn Museum (Libertyville) to experience the special exhibition Celebrating Cicadas, open April 27–August 4. Visit LCFPD.org/museum.

PRESERVE NEWS

New On-site Caterer at Independence Grove

Solitary sandpiper (Tringa solitaria

Expect exciting changes in both events and culinary offerings at Independence Grove Forest Preserve (Libertyville). Relish Events at Independence Grove is now the on-site caterer for special occasions and the café operator. Bookings are available for weddings, social and corporate events at any scale. John Eggert is director of operations, chef de cuisine for the 11-year-old parent company, Relish Catering Kitchen in Schaumburg. “We’re thrilled to expand in Lake County and operate at this picturesque venue to offer fabulous food options,” he said.

The business will also operate the café, working with the Beer Garden at Independence Grove. “We plan to offer summer classics, sandwiches, artisanal flatbreads and more,” Eggert said. “I implore our chef to unleash creativity, ensuring our menu items are Instagram-worthy.” Details: RelishEventsIG.com

CELEBRATING ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE

The Chicago Wilderness Alliance recognized the Forest Preserves with two prestigious awards. Restoration work at Greenbelt Forest Preserve (North Chicago) was honored with a Platinum-level Excellence in Ecological Restoration Award. And the esteemed George B. Rabb Force of Nature Award for 2023 celebrates the Chiwaukee Prairie–Illinois Beach Lake Plain Partnership, a regional collaborative project initiated by the Forest Preserves in 2010. Visit: LCFPD.org/two-awards

RULES FOR SAFE TRAIL CYCLING

Proper trail etiquette is important while cycling in the preserves. Please remember to:

• Travel at a safe speed. The speed limit is as posted and 20 mph where not posted.

• Ride on the right side of the trail. Allow ample space on left for others to pass.

• Signal when passing, either by calling “passing on your left” or ringing a bell.

• Yield to pedestrians and equestrians.

• When cycling in a group, ride single file only and control your speed at all times, especially around curves.

• Avoid riding when trails are too wet. If your tires create ruts on the trail, please stay on paved surfaces or postpone your ride.

Read more: LCFPD.org/etiquette

Nature-inspired Stationery

Explore the beauty of custom notecard boxed sets, now available for purchase at the Dunn Museum’s Gift Shop (Libertyville) and online at LCFPD.org/store. Featuring original illustrations, these cards showcase the unique charm of black-eyed Susan, bur oak, prairie smoke and butterfly weed. With 16 folded notecards, 18 envelopes, and 16 envelope seals in every set, they’ll provide a delightful touch to your notes.

Saturday, May 11

9 am–3 pm

Sunday, May 12

10 am–12 pm

Independence Grove Forest Preserve 16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville

Choose from a variety of plant species, including native flowers, ferns, forbs and grasses. As you shop, learn about eco-friendly practices to benefit your home, wallet and community. Experts will be available to answer questions.

Prices vary. Limited inventory. We encourage shoppers to bring boxes to transport plants home.

Online sales are open NOW.

LCFPD.org/plant-sale

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Royal fern (Osmunda regalis)

Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

An Evening with Joel Sartore

BENEFITING THE LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES

Friday, May 17 5:30 pm

Preservation Foundation

World-renowned National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore is the creator of the Photo Ark, a groundbreaking effort to document every species before they disappear.

Enjoy a cocktail reception, seated dinner and a photo-filled presentation—all to benefit the Forest Preserves. Please visit LCFPD.org/gala, call 847-968-3110 or scan the QR code to learn more about the event, purchase tickets or explore sponsorship opportunities.

Photos by Joel Sartore/National Geographic

TOGETHER, ACHIEVING MORE FOR THE FOREST PRESERVES.

SAVE THE DATE FOR CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA

The annual summer music series, Concerts in the Plaza, will return to Independence Grove Forest Preserve (Libertyville) from 7–8:30 pm on Tuesdays, June 1 1–August 6.

Starting this summer, the $10 vehicle entrance fee will support the Preservation Foundation’s endowment fund. The endowment is a perpetual, dependable funding source. It enhances the ongoing care of restored lands, ensuring preserves such as Independence Grove remain healthy, restored landscapes for everyone to enjoy.

Interested in learning about sponsorship opportunities? Email donate@LCFPD.org or call 847-968-3438. Check LCFPD.org/concerts for the concert lineup in late spring.

Supporting Special Exhibitions at the Dunn Museum

Since 201 4, the Preservation Foundation board of directors has awarded more than $90,000 in grants to support the Dunn Museum’s (Libertyville) exhibitions and related programming. Thanks to the generosity of friends and donors, the Foundation has supported several of the Museum’s exhibits, including Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross, Through Darkness to Light: Photographs Along the Underground Railroad and most recently, Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed.

As a celebration of the most recent exhibition, the Foundation hosted two exclusive events for donors. “Donuts with Dinosaurs” offered donuts and dinosaur crafts to visitors of all ages and “Drinks with Dinosaurs” was an evening reception featuring a presentation from Chicago paleontologist Tyler Keillor, the mastermind behind the Museum’s life-sized Dryptosaurus. To learn more or become a donor, visit LCFPD.org/donate

MAKE NATURE PART OF YOUR LEGACY

Your legacy can support the Lake County Forest Preserves not just today but for years to come. Many of our supporters have included a gift to the Preservation Foundation in their estate plans to make a lasting impact.

Our partner, FreeWill, is an online estate planning tool that makes it 100% free to write your will and designate the Preservation Foundation as a beneficiary of your legacy. To get started, visit LCFPD.org/freewill.

Give the Gift of Time

Volunteers power every part of the mission of the Forest Preserves. Last year, 1,322 volunteers dedicated 20,7 18 hours working in the preserves. Some joined us for the occasional restoration workday. Others are site stewards who manage projects in the preserves each week. These dedicated individuals and hundreds of others provide extra leverage to achieve much more than we could with staff alone.

There are opportunities available for individuals and groups in a variety of settings— both indoors and out. No prior experience is required, and training is provided for all positions. Learn more at LCFPD.org/volunteer

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.

SPRING BREAK AT THE DUNN MUSEUM: March 25–29 • 10 am–4:30 pm

Enhance your spring break by contributing to your community! Visit the Dunn Museum (Libertyville) from March 25–29 and receive FREE admission with the donation of at least one non-perishable food item or toiletry per visitor.

Collected items will benefit the Libertyville Township Food Pantry. Visit LCFPD.org/springbreak to view a list of items to donate.

Sponsored by:

EDUCATOR PICKS

We tasked a group of our skilled educators with choosing their top programs for the current season. View all programs and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar

April 4, 25 Adlai E Stevenson II Historic Home Tour

April 6, May 4 Caminata en Español

April 7 Animal Meet & Greet

May 1 Senior Series: Historic Bonner Farm Tour

May 20 Ask an Educator Live: 17-Year Cicadas

June 9 CicadaFest

DUNN MUSEUM PROGRAMS

The Dunn Museum sparks imaginations by narrating Lake County’s heritage, and guiding visitors to the very landscapes where history unfolded. View all programs and find registration details at LCFPD.org/MuseumPrograms

April 3 Senior Series: Dunn Museum Tour

April 4 Examining History Through Recipes: Crofton Cookbooks

April 18 Learn, Play, Create

May 2 Cicadas of Lake County

Have a question about Lake County history or nature? Our educators have the answer.

Email: AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org

FREE BIRDING PROGRAMS

Explore birdwatching havens or join spring walks to elevate your experience observing Lake County’s feathered friends. View all programs and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar

April 20 Birdwatching Hot Spots: Hastings Lake

April 28 Spring Bird Walk: Rollins Savanna

May 4, 9, 16 Spring Bird Walk: Ryerson Woods

May 5 Sunday Stroll: Nippersink

May 5, 11, 12 Spring Bird Walk: Independence Grove

May 18 Birdwatching Hot Spots: Greenbelt

Blue Star Museums

Active-duty military personnel (with ID) and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, enjoy FREE admission at the Dunn Museum (Libertyville) from May 18–September 3.

FREE FOR EARTH WEEK

Embrace the spirit of Earth Week and immerse yourself in FREE programs that celebrate and honor our planet. View all programs and find registration details at LCFPD.org/EarthWeek

April 2 1 Earth Week Celebration

April 22 Evening Bird & Botany Walk

April 23 Evening Serendipity Walk

April 24 Senior Series: Earth Week

April 25 Playdate with Nature

April 26 Evening Woodcock Walk

SPRING PROGRAMS

Welcome the beauty of spring through a plethora of enjoyable activities, including guided walks and nature scavenger hunts. View all programs and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar

April 11, May 9 Get Outside: Spring

May 3 Frog Evening Hike

May 4 Spring Wildflower Walk

May 24 Nature Scavenger Hunt

June 6 Hikin’ Tykes: Cicadas

June 8 Celebrating Cicadas: An Evening Search

Welcome to

Prices are listed as resident (R) and non-resident (NR) rates. Contact AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org with questions or to be added to a waitlist for any programs that are full.

SUMMER ADVENTURES

Register at LCFPD.org/summer and 847-367-6640.

History Nature

ANIMAL ATTIRE

Ages 6–8. Fur, feathers, fins, scales and skin all help animals survive. Discover how well-adapted these animal coverings are for life in prairies, forests and wetlands through hands-on exploration, games and crafts. $95 R/$133 NR

August 6–8

Independence Grove

BOOTS OF A BIOLOGIST

9 am–12 pm

Ages 10–11. Hike in the boots of a biologist to learn about Lake County plants and animals through hands-on investigations and community science activities. Test equipment and techniques our staff use to evaluate plants and animals. $95 R/$133 NR

June 25–27

Ryerson Woods

9 am–12 pm

Conservation explorers (ConEx)

Ages 14–16. This dynamic, two-week outdoor program culminates with an overnight camp-out in a preserve. High schoolers explore and study the local ecosystems of Lake County. They will gain real-world experience through data collection and learn about career options in science. ConEx is based outdoors and includes hiking, paddlesports and stewardship projects. $400 R/$560 NR

July 15–19, 22–25

July 26

July 27

Independence Grove Van Patten Woods Van Patten Woods

9 am–3 pm

3 pm dropoff

10 am pickup

EXPLORERS

Exploring Nature

Ages 4–5 with an adult. Allow your little one time to explore the wonders of nature. Use imagination and creativity to learn, create, play and build. Adults free. $64 R/$89 NR. Register adult and child.

July 16–18

August 6–8

Independence Grove

Independence Grove

Exploring PLANTS AND ANIMALS

9:30–11:30 am

9:30–11:30 am

Ages 6–8. Use sensory skills to explore and observe plants and animals living in different habitats. Imagination, curiosity and creativity will come to life as your child engages in nature play, artwork and more. $159 R/$223 NR

July 22–26

FISHING 1

Grant Woods

9 am–12 pm

Ages 9–11. Explore the watery world fish inhabit and learn the basic skills, techniques and bait to catch them. Each day includes 1.5 hours of fishing. Equipment provided. $189 R/$265 NR

July 8–12

July 22–26

July 29–August 2

Independence Grove Independence Grove Independence Grove

9 am–12 pm

9 am–12 pm

9 am–12 pm

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Need-based partial scholarships are available. For details on the confidential application process, email AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org or call 847-367-6640

FISHING 2

Ages 12–14. Learn about fish behavior, lures, bait selection and fishing techniques. Each day includes 1.5 hours of fishing. Equipment provided.

July 1–3 (3-day): $125 R/$175 NR

July 15–19 (5-day): $199 R/$279 NR

July 1–3

July 15–19 9 am–12 pm 9 am–12 pm Independence Grove Independence Grove

FROM FOSSILS TO FERNS: LAKE COUNTY’S NATURE AND HISTORY

Ages 9–11. Foster your child’s enthusiasm for the natural and human history of Lake County. From dinos to the modern day, we’ll explore how the habitats and people of Lake County have developed and adapted over time. $159 R/$223 NR

July 15–19 9 am–12 pm Ryerson Woods

PADDLE IN NATURE

Ages 12–14. Develop paddling skills and explore nature using solo kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). Learn about the native aquatic plants and animals of local waterways. $229 R/$321 NR

August 5–7 9 am–3 pm Independence Grove

PONDERING PLANTS

Ages 6–8. Through interactive activities and crafts, discover and learn about the plant world, how we are connected and why it’s important for us to take care of plants. $159 R/$223 NR

July 29–August 2 9 am–12 pm Independence Grove

TIME TRAVELERS

Ages 8–9. Journey through Lake County’s history. Using the Dunn Museum’s galleries, examine rare artifacts, make crafts, play historical games and hear unique stories to discover how the area has changed over time. $159 R/$223 NR

July 29–August 2 9 am–12 pm Dunn Museum

WILDLIFE IN MOTION

Ages 4–5 with adult. Fly, hop and “swim” together with your child through hands-on nature activities, explorations, stories, crafts and interactions with live animals. $64 R/$89 NR. Adults free. Register adult and child.

July 23–25 9:30–11:30 am Grant Woods

YOU’RE IN GOOD HANDS

Experienced educators lead all Summer Adventures programs. Safety, inclusion and experiential learning within a positive environment are our top priorities.

Managing hE althy l andscap E s

Have you ever wondered what it takes to manage more than 31,100 acres?

As principal guardian of Lake County’s open space and natural areas, the Lake County Forest Preserves has been preserving and restoring local landscapes since 1958. Healthy landscapes enhance our physical and mental well-being, counteract climate change and prevent the loss of Lake County’s native species. Discover the transformative nature of restoration in this coveted place we call home.

pinE dunEs

Coming to your forest preserves and yards: periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.)!

In May, 17-year cicadas will emerge from the ground by the millions to sing, mate and overwhelm their predators with sheer numbers. Periodical cicadas have a fascinating and mysterious life cycle— no one is certain why these cicadas emerge every 17 years. Discover the amazing life, sounds and benefits of this intriguing insect.

GENERAL OFFICES

1899 West Winchester Road Libertyville, Illinois 60048

847-367-6640 tel

847-367-6649 fax

847-968-3155 TDD

For hours, visit our website.

GREENBELT CULTURAL CENTER

1215 Green Bay Road

North Chicago, Illinois 60064

847-968-3477 Banquets, Meetings Greenbelt@LCFPD.org

GreenbeltCulturalCenter.org

Office Hours by appointment only.

INDEPENDENCE GROVE

16400 West Buckley Road Libertyville, Illinois 60048

847-968-3499 Main IndependenceGrove@LCFPD.org

IndependenceGrove.org

847-665-9211 Banquets, Meetings Info@RelishEventsIG.com

RelishEventsIG.com

Visitors Center

For hours, visit our website.

Beer Garden, Marina and Café

For seasonal hours and fees, visit our website.

North Bay Pavilion

For rentals, visit our website.

Parking Fee (spring–fall)

Lake County residents FREE.

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

Nonresidents

$6 per car Monday–Thursday

$12 per car Friday–Sunday and holidays

FOX RIVER MARINA

28500 West Roberts Road

Port Barrington, Illinois 60010

847-381-0669

FoxRiverMarina.org

Boat Launch and Marina

For hours and fees, visit our website.

OPERATIONS AND PUBLIC SAFETY

19808 West Grand Avenue

Lake Villa, Illinois 60046

847-367-6640 tel (Operations)

847-968-3404 tel (Public Safety)

847-245-3735 fax

For hours, visit our website.

RYERSON CONSERVATION AREA

21950 North Riverwoods Road Riverwoods, Illinois 60015

847-968-3320

LCFPD.org/ryerson

Welcome Center

For hours, visit our website.

BESS BOWER DUNN MUSEUM

1899 West Winchester Road Libertyville, Illinois 60048

847-968-3400

Dunn@LCFPD.org

DunnMuseum.org

Gallery and Gift Shop

For hours, visit our website.

General Admission

$6 adults/$10 nonresidents

$3 seniors, youth/$6 nonresidents Free, children ages 3 and under

Discount Tuesdays

Half off admission on Tuesdays and up to four free youth per adult.

First and Third Thursdays

On the first and third Thursdays of every month, enjoy FREE admission and programs from 5–8 pm.

Sponsored by:

LCFPD.org

911 emergency

847-549-5200 nonemergency public safety issues

COUNTRYSIDE GOLF CLUB

Prairie and Traditional Courses

20800 West Hawley Street

Mundelein, Illinois 60060

847-968-3466 Tee Times

847-489-1931 Golf Outings

CountrysideGolfClub.org

BRAE LOCH GOLF CLUB

33600 North U.S. Highway 45 Grayslake, Illinois 60030

847-968-3444 Tee Times

847-489-1931 Golf Outings

BraeLochGolfClub.org

THUNDERHAWK GOLF CLUB

A Robert Trent Jones Jr. championship golf course.

39700 North Lewis Avenue Beach Park, Illinois 60099

847-968-4295 Tee Times

847-489-1931 Golf Outings

ThunderHawkGolfClub.org

847-968-3450 Banquets, Meetings

ThunderHawkEvents@LCFPD.org

Office Hours by appointment only.

Golf Gift Cards

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

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, March 1

CASEY

BIKE

DPRT

FORT

Planned Section

MIDDLEFORK GREENWAY Planned Section

MILLENNIUM TRAIL

Planned Section

OTHER REGIONAL TRAILS Planned Section

TRAIL

Use our

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

DOG

CICADA

LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES

GENERAL OFFICES

1899 WEST WINCHESTER ROAD

LIBERTYVILLE ILLINOIS 60048

PLEASE DELIVER

PROMPTLY—

tTIME-SENSITIVE

MATERIAL

HORIZONS

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES

HOTLINE: 847–968–3335

email : Horizons @LCFPD.org

THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED USING

100% RECYCLED PAPER, ALLOWING US TO SAVE 119 MATURE TREES, 8,982 GALS

WATER, 17,013 LBS GREENHOUSE GASES

Connect with us @LCFPD on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Flickr, YouTube and X. Listen to our award-winning Words of the Woods podcast on Spotify.

INSTAGRAM PICK

Photographer John D. Kavc shared this image of a snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) at Fox River Marina and Forest Preserve (Port Barrington).

BEER GARDEN OPENS MAY 4

Enjoy local craft brews and scenic views at the Beer Garden at Independence Grove (Libertyville), opening Saturday, May 4. From May 4 through May 26, the outdoor venue will operate Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1–9 pm.

The Beer Garden will be open Memorial Day, Monday, May 27 with special hours from 1–9 pm. Starting May 28, hours will be 5–9 pm Tuesday through Thursday, and 1–9 pm Friday through Sunday and holidays. Plan your visit: LCFPD.org/beer

Garden Flag Program Reaches Milestone

More than 100 Lake County residents have successfully applied for a FREE commemorative buckthorn-free garden flag since the program launched in 2022. If you live in Lake County and your home landscape is free of European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), you are eligible to apply for a flag at LCFPD.org/buckthorn.