Horizons quarterly // spring 2012 by Lake County Forest Preserve District

HORI Z ON S LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES

PRESERVATION, RESTOR ATION , EDUCATION AN D RECRE ATION

QUARTERLY

spring 2012 VOLUME 21, ISSUE 2

4 more than

8 29,300

LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES

acres are protected

by the lake county forest preserves .

A MESSAGE from

BOARD of COMMISSIONERS

ANN B. MAINE PRESIDENT LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES

PRESIDENT

Ann B. Maine, Lincolnshire VICE PRESIDENT

Linda Pedersen, Antioch TREASURER

Though temperatures may still be low, make no mistake: spring is here! As the snow melts and the sun warms the earth, Lake County is awakening to the sights and sounds of the season. Spring brings new life and with it, the opportunity to learn something new and fascinating about our surroundings. For me, springtime is about discovery. About five years ago, during one of my walks through Ryerson Woods, I spotted groups of Dutchman’s breeches that I hadn’t noticed before. After researching this wildflower I found that they only thrive in two places at Ryerson—one of them being along that trail. I now make sure to hike that path in early spring each year to see these white and yellow flowers in bloom. Dutchman’s breeches, blue flag iris, and prairie blazingstar are beautiful examples of species that populate our county through woodland, marsh, and meadow, respectively. You can learn more about Lake County’s native wildflowers, their habitats and their important contributions to biodiversity in this issue of Horizons. One of the greatest provisions of your forest preserves is the catalog of activities and scenery to enjoy during this exciting time of year. A hike or bike along the trails reveals a colorful procession of blooms along with the melodies of returning songbirds and chirping frogs. Find something for everyone in our calendar of events (pages 7–13). Special spring activities are planned to celebrate Earth Day and the “Year of the Bat,” a global species awareness initiative (yearofthebat.org), along with our annual Maple Syrup Hikes. After a long winter, treat the kids to a trip to one of the playgrounds featured on page 14. These playgrounds provide a dynamic learning and exploring environment for children to grow and play, in a beautiful natural setting. Finally, follow LCFPD on facebook or twitter for new impromptu program announcements, and join us for free, drop-in programs when conditions are just right. It is my hope that the charm of the season encourages you to discover new and interesting things about the natural world around you. Happy spring!

Anne Flanigan Bassi, Highland Park ASSISTANT TREASURER

Carol Calabresa, Libertyville Melinda Bush, Grayslake Pat Carey, Grayslake Steve Carlson, Gurnee Bonnie Thomson Carter, Ingleside Mary Ross Cunningham, Waukegan Bill Durkin, Waukegan Michelle Feldman, Deerfield Susan Loving Gravenhorst, Lake Bluff Diane Hewitt, Waukegan Angelo D. Kyle, Waukegan Aaron Lawlor, Vernon Hills Stevenson Mountsier, Lake Barrington Jim Newton, Lindenhurst Audrey H. Nixon, North Chicago Diana O’Kelly, Mundelein Brent Paxton, Zion David B. Stolman, Buffalo Grove Craig Taylor, Lake Zurich Terry Wilke, Round Lake Beach EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Tom Hahn

HORIZONS VOLUME 21, ISSUE 2

Spring 2012

EDITOR

Kara Martin kmartin@LCFPD.org PHOTOGRAPHY

Christian Fischer, Carol Freeman, Barbara J. Hoeldt, Kim Karpeles, Ric McArthur, Jim & Joan Sayre, Justin Wambold, Chip Williams, H. Zell SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES HOTLINE: 847–968–3335

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.

4 2

5 Identification Key Pages 1–3

woodl ands 1

white trillium Trillium grandiflorum

spring beauty Claytonia virginica

bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis

dog blue violet Viola conspersa

wild geranium Geranium maculatum

jack-in-the-pulpit Arisaema triphyllum

Virginia bluebell Mertensia virginica

prairie trillium Trillium recurvatum

white trout lily Erythronium albidum

10 shooting star Dodecatheon meadia

prairie 11 prairie smoke Geum triflorum 12 prairie blazingstar Liatris pycnostachya 13 New England aster Aster novae-angliae 14 wild lupine Lupinus perennis 15 bee balm Monarda fistulosa 16 prairie phlox Phlox pilosa 17 yellow coneflower Ratibida pinnata 18 compass plant Silphium laciniatum 19 obedient plant Physostegia virginiana

wetlands 20 skunk cabbage Symplocarpus foetidus 21 giant bur-reed Sparganium eurycarpum 22 blue flag iris Iris virginica shrevei 23 cardinal flower Lobelia cardinalis 24 marsh marigold Caltha palustris

Flowers have long been admired for their beauty, fragrance, as tokens of esteem and as sources of food and medicine. While wildflowers are worth preserving in their own right, they also play a critical role in increasing biodiversity, or the variety of species living in a particular habitat. Wildflowers 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. Lake County provides a wide variety of conditions for plant growth. In each habitat, plant species are found that take advantage of the specific resources including soil, moisture, temperature, light and other factors. Three examples presented on the following pages are the woodlands, wetlands and prairies. Within each habitat, careful monitoring and management strives to preserve native diversity through such practices as controlled burns, management of deer populations, removing and controlling non-native and invasive species and reintroducing native plants and animals. Learn more about natural resource management at LCFPD.org/NRbrochures.

ID it! Check out the new nature identification feature in the LCFPD mobile app. Spring features wildflowers. Available for free in the Apple app store or Android market—search for “Lake County Forest Preserves.”

25 American lotus Nelumbo lutea 26 spatterdock Nuphar advena LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES

WOODLANDS

floor, ephemerals have already flowered, fruited and

One of the welcome signs of spring is the

stored nutrients for the following spring.

procession of wildflow-

Van Patten Woods, Wadsworth: April—Mid-May

FIND THEM AT Ryerson Conservation Area, Riverwoods;

ers that carpet the forest floor. The first woodland

P R A I R I E As many as 100 different

flowers of spring are called “ephemerals,” meaning transitory or short-lived. These plants take advan-

plant species can be found on less than five

tage of an abundance of sunlight on the forest

acres of healthy prairie (although diversity increas-

floor by quickly blooming before trees unfurl their

es with habitat size—larger habitats may support

leaves. High soil moisture from snowmelt buffers

even more species). Here you can find a vast variety

against unpredictable temperature extremes of

of colorful wildflowers from purple blazing stars

early spring—explaining why these plants grow so

to pink prairie smoke and yellow compass flowers.

near the ground. Woodland ephemerals also benefit

However, not all species are visible at once. As one

from high levels of nutrients in the soil from au-

species blooms and fades, an-

tumn’s decaying leaf litter. Many ephemerals have

other takes its place, creating

seeds with special oil attractive to ants. Ants carry

a sequence of beauty through-

off the seeds and store them underground, thus

out the season.

dispersing the seeds in the surrounding environ-

The soil underneath the prairie

ment. When the weather warms and the leaves of

is a dense tangle of roots,

taller plants and trees cast their shade on the forest

bulbs and rhizomes. Many

prairie

16 12 14 11

woodl ands

8 6 9 10

prairie plants have extensive root systems, such as

Many wetland plants have unusual flowers. Bur-

the compass plant, whose roots grow to a depth of

reed and sweet flag have ball-like flowers that are

15 feet or more. While prairie plants die back above

adapted to floating. A few, like the blue flag iris,

ground each year, plants are kept alive by these un-

have showy insect-pollinated blooms. The first

derground structures. Deep roots and underground

flower to bloom each spring in Lake County—skunk

storage structures are adaptations to the stresses

cabbage pushes its way through the frozen ground

of seasonal extremes and periods of drought com-

in late March with chemical thermogenesis, or self-

mon in the summer months.

generated heat. A narrow opening encloses the

FIND THEM AT Rollins Savanna, Grayslake; Gander

Mountain, Fox Lake: early summer—early fall

flower, attracting pollinating insects with its carrionlike appearance and namesake unpleasant odor. FIND THEM AT Spring Bluff, Winthrop Harbor; Grassy

W E T L A N D S Grab your boots because

Lake, Lake Barrington: late spring—early fall

you might get a little muddy looking for these flowers! Wetland plants are adapted to life in moist conditions. Many aquatic plants have special channels for diverting water in their leaves and stems. Plants that grow in water must be light enough to float upright, yet strong enough to retain their shape. Special air spaces called “aerenchyma” help some plants transport oxygen from their leaves to

The taking of any parts of flowers or other plants is against District regulations. Many native plants are available from commercial nurseries, or visit our 15th annual Native Plant Sale on Mother’s Day weekend, May 12–13 (see page 11 for details).

submerged stems and roots.

wetlands

20 19

25 22

PRESERVENEWS PRESERVING LAKE COUNTY’S NATURAL AND CULTURAL HISTORY

During the summer of 2011, the Lake County Discovery Museum conducted a public survey indicating an overwhelmingly positive perception of the museum’s role in the community—96% of museum visitors and 87% of non-visitors believe that caring for and telling Lake County’s natural and cultural history is important or very important.

RARE WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS

2011 was a year for rare discoveries in the forest preserves. In August, a very rare pink katydid was spotted during a photography workshop at Middlefork Savanna. The coloration is a result of a condition called erythrism, similar to the gene causing albinism, and is so rare it only occurs in one of every 500 katydids.

These survey results also provided strong direction for museum planning efforts, including the relocation of the museum to the Lake County Forest Preserve General Offices in Libertyville. The move and expansion will provide a safe and long-term home for the historic collections, doubling exhibition space and increasing accessibility by major roadways, bikeways and public transportation. The museum’s popular outdoor events such as Civil War Days will continue to be located at Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda.

In October, a rare albino mink showed up in a mammal survey grid. Population surveys are conducted annually to better understand the status of wildlife in our preserves. Data including species, weight and sex is recorded and wildlife is tagged and released promptly.

SPRING TRAIL ALERTS

Larger species are monitored with scentstations and motion triggered cameras. Some species, such as deer, are counted by helicopter or by counting droppings. Volunteer groups pitch in to monitor smaller species like birds, butterflies and dragonflies.

Although spring brings warmer trail-going weather, it also brings increased rain fall 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, visit LCFPD.org or follow us on facebook.com/LCFPD.

INDEPENDENCE GROVE DOG EXERCISE AREA TEMPORARY CLOSURES

Major work by the Illinois Department of Transportation to widen Milwaukee Avenue and reconstruct the intersection at Peterson Road (Rt. 137) in Libertyville continues through 2012. During construction, access to the Independence Grove Dog Exercise Area may be limited at times, and for a portion of the year, the Dog Area will be temporarily closed. A daily or annual permit allows you and your canine companion access to three other off-leash Dog Exercise Areas—Duck Farm in Lake Villa, Prairie Wolf in Lake Forest and Lakewood in Wauconda. Areas are open daily from 6:30 am until 7 pm or sunset, whichever is later. Check LCFPD.org for construction updates.

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MOVE IT OR LOSE IT

Our Ranger Police would like to remind preserve visitors that the simple act of locking valuables in the trunk and removing them from plain view can significantly reduce the chances of auto burglary. A laptop, cell phone, GPS, purse, items covered on the floorboard or even a cup holder full of change can tempt a thief looking for an easy target. Take these items with you or secure them in your trunk before you arrive. For more tips, visit LCFPD.org/safety.

ROOKERY AND WATERFOWL OBSERVATION

Almond Marsh heron rookery (Grayslake) is open Saturdays April–June, 8 am–noon for observation. Lake County Audubon will be on hand April 7 with bird books and binoculars to lend, and refreshments while supplies last. Above: This clever green heron was observed last spring at Almond Marsh displaying some unusual behavior—“fishing” with a dragonfly. Photos posted by Barbs World via Flickr (Flickr.com/groups/LCFPD). MAY IS ILLINOIS INVASIVE SPECIES MONTH

GO SLOW

Reminder: turtles are on the move during May and June. Be alert when driving near ponds, lakes or wetlands. DROP-IN RESTORATION

Invasive species are plants and animals that spread aggressively. These are often non-native species that overtake habitats, crowding out native species. This happens because natural enemies such as predators, disease or competitors that control populations are left behind in native lands. You can help combat the spread of invasive species by joining a restoration workday (below, left). To learn more about the impact of invasives and management efforts, visit invasive.org/Illinois. REMOVING INVASIVE GARLIC MUSTARD

Our dedicated conservation volunteers work year round to improve the preserves, gathering every weekend morning for a few hours to help restore wildlife habitat. No experience is required, just some sturdy shoes, work gloves and a willingness to help. It’s a great opportunity for teens to fulfill volunteer requirements for academic programs, too. Spring workdays typically involve pulling invasive garlic mustard plants or spreading native wildflower and grass seed. For details and workday schedule, look online at LCFPD.org/restoration. LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES

GOLF CONVENTION FEATURES FREE GOLF GIVEAWAYS

Free golf at ThunderHawk Golf Club and golf equipment are just a few of the prizes to be raffled away at the 2012 Golf Convention March 16 and 17. Held indoors at the Brae Loch Clubhouse, the Convention is a great chance to segue into the 2012 golf season. Take advantage of complimentary swing analysis by our PGA and LPGA Golf Professionals. Take part in the putting competition. Learn about the traditional Men’s, Women’s and Seniors Leagues, and our newest offering, the Couples League. Play golf trivia and earn a chance to win prizes each hour. The event also will feature vendor tables and plenty of golf conversation. Admission and activities for adults and children are free. Drop in any time 2–6 pm, Friday, March 16; 9 am–1 pm, Saturday, March 17 at Brae Loch Golf Club, 33600 N. US Highway 45, Grayslake. For more information call 847–968–3100.

ILLLINOIS’ PEREGRINE FALCONS

Illinois’ peregrine falcon population is on the rise after years of careful monitoring. Once a federally endangered species, peregrine falcons had all but completely disappeared from the Midwest by the 1960s, due to the use of the synthetic insecticide DDT. The population has gone from extirpation (local extinction) in 1951, to a current level (2011) of 23 territories. Over the last 20 years, the Chicago Peregrine Program has helped successfully reintroduce these beautiful birds back into the Midwest. There is one known breeding pair in Lake County. Interested in learning more? Check out fieldmuseum.org/explore/illinois-peregrines.

SPRING BURN SEASON

BOAT SLIPS

March and April will be busy months for our burn crew, which will use controlled fires to revive weakened natural areas. Before Illinois was settled, wildfires were critical to the survival of some plant communities. The need still exists, but wildfires that swept the countryside have been replaced with controlled burns managed by staff professionals. By mid-April, the program ends in order to protect wildlife such as birds beginning to nest and snakes emerging from hibernation. For current information about controlled burns, visit our website at LCFPD.org/burninfo or call 847-968-3293.

Spots are available at the Fox River Marina in Port Barrington, ideally situated on the scenic Fox River. New customers, save up to $180 on a 2012 season slip rental. Call 847-381-0669 to join the fun, or visit LCFPD.org/foxrivermarina.

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PICNIC SEASON SOON UNDERWAY

It’s never too early to plan some summer fun, especially if you’re in charge of the annual picnic for your family, company or club. This year, have your picnic at a Forest Preserve shelter. Permits provide exclusive access to a secluded shelter with ample parking, water, grills and more. For details, call 847-367-6640, or visit LCFPD.org/permits. TROUT SEASON OPENS

Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda opens for rainbow trout fishing on Saturday, April 7, following the release of roughly 600 pounds of fish. Trout season is a biannual event conducted in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. To participate, anglers ages 16 and over must have an Illinois fishing license and an inland trout stamp. Proceeds from stamp sales help fund the stocking program. Let our free Fishing Guide lure you to some of the best free-access fishing in Lake County. Available at: LCFPD.org/fishing.

SPRING CALENDAR Registration required for all programs unless otherwise indicated. For detailed program descriptions, specific meeting locations, and registration visit LCFPD.org or call 847–968–3321. 24-hour hotline for directions and program updates: 847-968-3113

MARCH 3–4, 10–11, 17–18 Maple Syrup Hikes Learn how trees work and about the sweet sap of sugar maples. Everyone gets a taste. Program is also available as a school or scout field trip, call 847–968–3321.

First three weekends in March. Hikes every half-hour from 12:30–2:30 pm. Ryerson Woods. All ages. $5 residents, $7 nonresidents. Children 3 and under, FREE.

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Forest Fitness Fast-paced weekly hikes provide one hour of heart-pumping exercise in a friendly group atmosphere.

Saturdays, 8–9 am, see website for weekly locations: LCFPD.org/FF. Adults. $1 residents/nonresidents. No registration required.

3 Walk with a Naturalist One-hour guided nature hike. Explore a new preserve each month.

Saturday, 9–10 am, Waukegan Savanna. Adults. $1 residents, $2 nonresidents.

5 Scout Mondays—Webelos Join the Lake County Forest Preserves to fulfill the Geologist badge requirements on this day off school.

Monday, 10–11 am, Ryerson Woods—Welcome Center. Webelos. $6 residents, $8 nonresidents.

9 Turtle Tales—Trees are Terrific! Join us for a storytime with movement, songs and surprises. Preschool level stories will be shared, but open to all ages.

Friday, 10–10:30 am, Greenbelt Cultural Center. All ages. FREE. No registration required.

13 Hikin’ Tykes—Maple Syrup Nature-based story, craft and outdoor exploration (weather permitting) 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/$1 child residents, $7 adult/$2 child nonresidents.

14 Ryerson Reads Book Group—American Chestnut Discuss Susan Freinkel’s fascinating chronicle of a mysterious blight that killed millions of American chestnuts.

Wednesday, 7:30–9 pm, Ryerson Woods—Brushwood. Adults, children ages 12 and up. $15, $10 Friends of Ryerson Woods Members.

14 Small Discoveries—Woolly Mammoths and Mighty Mastodons Explore the mysterious megafauna (giant animals) of the Ice Age—many of which lived right here in Lake County.

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

15 For the Love of Nature...& Healthy Children Experience how multi-sensory nature connections help young children develop healthy, happy brains and bodies.

Thursday, 10:30–11:45 am, Greenbelt Cultural Center. Preschoolers, with an adult. FREE. No registration required. A “Leave No Child Inside” initiative.

16 & 17 2012 Golf Convention A drop-in event with activities and information for golfers to get ready for the upcoming season.

Friday, 2–6 pm & Saturday, 9 am–1 pm, Brae Loch Golf Club. All ages. FREE. No registration required.

18 Nature in the Classics—Part III Join us for nature-themed classical music, featuring up-andcoming stars from the Music Institute of Chicago Academy.

Sunday, 1–2:30 pm, Ryerson Woods—Brushwood. All ages. FREE. No registration required.

18 Little Hikers—The Lorax Listen to the amazing story about the importance of conservation and stewardship, then become a little Lorax.

Sunday, 2–3:30 pm, Greenbelt Cultural Center. Children ages 5–7, with an adult. $5 adult/$1 child residents, $7 adult/$2 child nonresidents.

21 Families Exploring—Mud Mysteries Spend quality time as a family in the forest preserves. We’ll be exploring a muddy creek bed so wear waterproof boots.

Wednesday, 6:30–8 pm, Heron Creek—Shelter B. All ages. $6 adult/$1 child residents, $8 adult/$2 child nonresidents.

LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES

Woodcocks have one of the most spectacular breeding displays in Lake County. Males can be heard “peenting” at dawn and dusk. Listen for a series of “peents” followed by a metallic twitter as the woodcock heads skyward and flies in a wide circle above its breeding territory.

MARCH (continued) 26–30 Spring Break Fun Stop by during spring break for an afternoon of special activities and crafts while visiting our special exhibits.

Daily during spring break, 12–2 pm, Lake County Discovery Museum. Children ages 3–12, with an adult. Activities included with museum admission. No registration required.

26 Playdate with Nature Unstructured play in nature has been proven to be healthy and beneficial to children of all ages. Fun for adults, too!

Monday, 1 pm, Lyons Woods. Children of all ages, caregivers. FREE. No registration required. A “Leave No Child Inside” initiative.

28 Small Discoveries—Making Music Learn to make music by trying out a variety of instruments and performing on stage.

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

28 School’s Out—Science Join us on this day off school to experiment with science and nature, and take home your creations.

Wednesday, 10–11:30 am, Ryerson Woods—Welcome Center. Children ages 5–12, with an adult. $5 adult/$1 child residents, $7 adult/$2 child nonresidents.

29 Outdoor Skills—Campfire Cooking Learn basic campfire cooking skills and make some tasty campfire treats. Drop in and stay as long as you like.

Thursday, 10 am–12 pm, Lakewood. Adults, children ages 9 and up. $5 adult/$1 child residents, $7 adult/$2 child nonresidents.

29 Afterschool Adventures—Spring Break Wander through wetlands, woodlands and more. Awaken observation skills. Discover what’s new in nature each month.

Thursday, 1 pm, Greenbelt Cultural Center. Children ages 12 and up. FREE. No registration required. A “Leave No Child Inside” initiative.

APRIL 7 Boating Safety Class & Certification Exam Passing the written exam at the end of the class allows youth ages 12–18 to operate a watercraft on their own.

Saturday, 8 am–5 pm, Operations and Public Safety Building. Adults, children ages 10 and up. FREE. Phone reservations only: 847–968–3411

7, 14, 21, 28 Forest Fitness Fast-paced weekly hikes provide one hour of heart-pumping exercise in a friendly group atmosphere.

Saturdays, 8–9 am, see website for weekly locations: LCFPD.org/FF. Adults. $1 residents/nonresidents. No registration required.

10 Hikin’ Tykes—Bats Nature-based story, craft and outdoor exploration (weather permitting) for you and your preschool child.

Tuesday, 9:30–10:45 am, Greenbelt Cultural Center. Children ages 2–4, with an adult. $5 adult/$1 child residents, $7 adult/$2 child nonresidents.

11 Small Discoveries—Springtime Stories Celebrate the arrival of spring with crafts, stories 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.

11 Celebrate the Year of the Bat Learn what species live in Lake County and about the benefits of bats. Visit a colony shelter, then build a bat house to take home. 12 Playdate with Nature Unstructured play in nature has been proven to be healthy and beneficial to children of all ages. Fun for adults, too!

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Wednesday, 6:15–7:30 pm, Lakewood. Adults, children ages 6 and up. $30 residents, $35 nonresidents.

Thursday, 10:30 am, Lakewood—Shelter E. Children of all ages, caregivers. FREE. No registration required. A “Leave No Child Inside” initiative.

Registration required for all programs unless otherwise indicated. For detailed program descriptions, specific meeting locations, and registration visit LCFPD.org or call 847–968–3321. 24-hour hotline for directions and program updates: 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, join a nature walk or lend a hand to help save the planet by joining a special volunteer workday at Ryerson Woods April 21, 9 am–12 pm (meet at Welcome Center). All programs are FREE. All ages. No registration required. 15 Spring Celebration Welcome spring with sheep herding, sheep shearing and games, crafts and nature hikes. Sunday, 1–4 pm, Ryerson Woods. 16 Playdate with Nature Build a fort for you, or a smaller version for elves & fairies. Hunt for emerging spring critters, try mud painting and more. Monday, 4–5 pm, Fox River—Pavilion. 17 Photography for All Ages Learn the basics of taking nature photos. Bring your own camera. Tuesday 4–5 pm, Rollins Savanna— Washington Street entrance.

18 Buckthorn Busters Lend a hand in maintaining the health of Independence Grove. Individuals as well as school and scout groups encouraged. Wednesday, 10 am–2 pm, Independence Grove.

20 Family Fun Walk Walk a 1.3-mile section of forest preserve together with your family and community in celebration of Earth Week. Friday, begin anytime 4–5 pm, Grant Woods—Grand Ave. entrance.

18 Pond Life 22 Clean Water, Healthy Bats Learn how to determine the health of our Learn about the relationship between water water by what is living in it. Then, use nets to and our local bats while cleaning the shoreline. catch and identify small water animals. Sunday, drop-in anytime 10 am–2 pm, Wednesday, 4–5 pm, Wright Woods. Nippersink—Shelter A. 19 What’s the Word? Learn the secret ways animals communicate to find mates, food, and ward off predators. Thursday, 4–5 pm, Van Patten Woods.

22 Meet and Greet Education Animals Visit with live education animals and feel furs and feathers of local wildlife on our touch table. Sun., 2–4 pm, Ryerson Woods—Welcome Center.

13 Turtle Tales—Earth is Our Home Join us for a storytime with movement, songs and surprises. Preschool level stories will be shared, but open to all ages.

Friday, 10–10:30 am, Greenbelt Cultural Center. All ages. FREE. No registration required.

14 Walk with a Naturalist One-hour guided nature hike. Explore a new preserve each month.

Saturday, 9–10 am, Wright Woods. Adults. $1 residents, $2 nonresidents.

14 Frog Walk Learn the lifestyle of this vocal amphibian, its role as an environmental indicator, local species and when they call.

Saturday, 6:30–8 pm, Van Patten Woods—Shelter D. Adults, children ages 6 and up. $6 adult/$1 child residents, $8 adult/$2 child nonresidents.

18 Homeschool Companion—Chicago Blues Join other homeschoolers to learn about Chicago Blues music through hands-on activities.

Wednesday, 10 am–12 pm, Lake County Discovery Museum. Children ages 5–12, with an adult. $3 residents, $5 nonresidents, includes Museum admission.

18 Families Exploring—Sounds of Spring Learn who likes to make noise and why on a spring evening.

Wednesday, 6:30–8 pm, Independence Grove—North Bay. All ages. $6 adult/$1 child residents, $8 adult/$2 child nonresidents.

21 Scout Saturdays—Bear Scouts Earn your Sharing Your World with Wildlife badge.

Saturday, 10–11 am, Ryerson Woods—Welcome Center. Bear Scouts. $6 residents, $8 nonresidents.

21 Scout Saturdays—Brownies Scouts and troops with less than six members, earn your Bugs badge.

Saturday, 2–3:30 pm, Ryerson Woods—Cabins. Brownies. $6 residents, $8 nonresidents.

21 Woodcock Walk Join us for a peek at the odd courtship flight and call of the male woodcock, a fascinating bird of Lake County.

Saturday, 7–8:30 pm, Middlefork Savanna. Adults, children ages 8 and up. $6 adult/$1 child residents, $8 adult/$2 child nonresidents.

22 Free Access Cart Tours—Spring Wildflowers Guided cart hike for Lake County residents with mobility issues.

Sunday, 9:30 am–12 pm, Old School—Shelter A/B lot. All Ages. FREE. Registration required.

LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES

One of the more unusual of Lake County’s spring wildflowers is the jack‐in‐the‐pulpit. This species looks like no other wildflower. Look for a green and purple hood‐shaped plant in woodlands from mid-April.

APRIL (continued) 22 Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary Celebration Join other scouts to celebrate this milestone anniversary.

Sunday, 11 am–3 pm, Lake County Discovery Museum. Girl Scouts. Free with Museum admission.

24 Homeschool Companion—Life in the Woodlands Discover the hidden life of who lives in the woods, how they are connected to each other, and how to find them.

Tuesday, 10 am–12 pm, Ryerson Woods. Ages 5—12. $3 residents, 5 nonresidents.

25 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.

25 Landscaping for Wildlife & Native Garden Tour Indoor class intro to local native plants and backyard habitat design. A May tour of the native garden at Independence Grove gives a first-hand look on how to utilize these plants in your landscape.

Class: Wednesday, 6:30–8 pm, Ryerson Woods—Welcome Center. Native garden tour: Saturday, May 12, 10–11 am, Independence Grove. Adults. $10 residents, $14 nonresidents.

26 For the Love of Nature...& Healthy Children Experience how multi-sensory nature connections help young children develop healthy, happy brains and bodies.

Thursday, 10:30–11:45 am, Greenbelt Cultural Center. Preschoolers, with an adult. FREE. No registration required. A “Leave No Child Inside” initiative.

26 Afterschool Adventures Wander through wetlands, woodlands and more. Awaken observation skills. Discover what’s new in nature each month.

Thursday, 4–5:15 pm, Greenbelt Cultural Center. Children ages 12 and up. FREE. No registration required. A “Leave No Child Inside” initiative.

APR 28–JUN 9 Sketchbook Studies: Spring Wildflowers Derek Norman, artist and Director of the Midwest Center for Botanical Documentation, will lead students of all skill levels in drawing and painting spring wildflowers in this field study series.

Saturdays, 1–4 pm, Ryerson Woods—Brushwood. Adults, children ages 12 and up. $312, $249 Friends of Ryerson Woods or Chicago Botanic Garden Members. Call 847–835–5440 to register or at chicagobotanic.org.

29 Free Bird Walk Join an Audubon Society-led walk. Bring binoculars.

Sunday, 8 am, Fort Sheridan. All ages. FREE. No registration required.

29 Little Hikers—Bats Celebrate the Year of the Bat by learning what makes bats unique, why they’re important and where to find them in Lake County.

Sunday, 2–3:30 pm, Lakewood—Shelter E. Children ages 5–7, with an adult. $5 adult/$1 child residents, $7 adult/$2 child nonresidents.

MAY 1 Homeschool Companion—Stewardship in Spring Join other homeschoolers to discover spring plants, how exotics can throw nature off-balance, and how we can help.

Tuesday, 10 am–12 pm, Independence Grove—Canoe Launch. Ages 7—high school. $3 residents, 5 nonresidents.

3 An Evening with “Barrelhouse” Chuck Join Chuck Goering for an evening of Blues songs and stories.

Thursday, 7–8:30 pm, Lake County Discovery Museum. Adults. $7 residents, $9 nonresidents.

5, 6, 9, 12, 13, 16, 20 Free Bird Walks May is the month for songbirds. Join us for staff and Audubon Society-led walks. Bring binoculars.

5: 7 am, Ryerson Woods. 6: 7 am, Wright Woods. 9: 7:30 am, Old School. 12: 6:30 am, Ryerson Woods. 13: 7 am, Wright Woods. 16: 7 am, Ryerson Woods. 20: 7 am, Ryerson Woods. All ages.

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

Saturday, 9–10 am, Ryerson Woods. Adults. $1 residents, $2 nonresidents.

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

MAY (continued) 5, 12, 26 Forest Fitness Fast-paced weekly hikes provide one hour of heart-pumping exercise in a friendly group atmosphere.

Saturdays, 8–9 am, see website for weekly locations: LCFPD.org/FF. Adults. $1 residents/nonresidents. No registration required.

5 Free Access Cart Tours—Spring Marshes Guided cart hike for Lake County residents with mobility issues. Learn about natures’ activities in spring marshes.

Saturday, 9:30–11:30 am, McDonald Woods. All Ages. FREE. Registration required.

6 Travel Sketching at Ryerson Woods Nationally-recognized artist and instructor Nina Weiss teaches how to draw landscapes from your travels.

Sunday, 10 am–2 pm, Ryerson Woods—Brushwood. Adults, children ages 12 and up. $90. To register, call North Shore Art League at 847–466–2870.

6 Adlai E. Stevenson Historic Home Tours Learn more about this Illinois governor and ambassador to the United Nations as you tour his restored family home.

Sunday, 11 am, 1 & 2:30 pm Adlai E. Stevenson Historic Home. Adults, families with children ages 8 and up. $3 residents, $5 nonresidents.

6 Outdoor Skills—Weather Enhance your outdoor skills with basic weather spotting tips, cloud ID and folklore. Co-led by a meteorologist.

Sunday, 10 am–12 pm, Ryerson Woods—Welcome Center. Adults, children ages 9 and up. $5 adult/$1 child residents, $7 adult/$2 child nonresidents.

8 Hikin’ Tykes—Bees Nature-based story, craft and outdoor exploration (weather permitting) 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/$1 child residents, $7 adult/$2 child nonresidents.

9 Small Discoveries—Paint Me a Picture Learn about primary colors and how to mix paints. Then, make colorful works of art using various types of paint.

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

9 Paper Crafting 101—Card Making Learn card making skills while drawing inspiration from the Museum’s vast postcard collection.

Wednesday, 6:30–8:30 pm, Lake County Discovery Museum. Adults, children ages 12 and up. $7 residents, $9 nonresidents.

10 Warbler Fever—Learning Warblers by Sight and Sound Learn about and observe migratory warblers with Sheryl DeVore, author of Birds of Illinois and chief editor of Meadowlark, the journal of the Illinois Ornithological Society.

Thursday, 5–7 pm, Ryerson Woods—Brushwood. All ages. $37, $29 Friends of Ryerson Woods or Chicago Botanic Garden Members. Call 847–835–5440 to register or at chicagobotanic.org.

11 Turtle Tales—Wiggle Squiggle Squirm Join us for a storytime with movement, songs and surprises. Preschool level stories will be shared, but open to all ages.

Friday,10–10:30 am, Greenbelt Cultural Center. All ages. FREE. No registration required.

12 Quickstart Kayak Intro to paddling an open-cockpit recreational kayak.

Saturday, 9 am–12 pm, Independence Grove. Adults, children ages 9 and up. $29 residents, $41 nonresidents.

12–13 Native Plant Sale Purchase plants that thrive in local gardens and provide native wildlife habitat. Plants are restocked on Sunday. 15 Playdate with Nature Unstructured play in nature has been proven to be healthy and beneficial to children of all ages. Fun for adults, too!

Saturday, 9 am–3 pm or Sunday, 10 am–3 pm Independence Grove—North Bay Pavilion.

Tuesday, 10:30 am–12 pm, Nippersink—Shelter D. Children of all ages, caregivers. FREE. No registration required. A “Leave No Child Inside” initiative.

LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES

Mallard ducks are so common that many people take them for granted. Watch for ducklings when they hatch in late spring. Their interaction with the adults can be very entertaining.

MAY (continued) 16 Homeschool Companion—Bats Celebrate the Year of the Bat and learn about this amazing and often misunderstood creature.

Wednesday, 10 am–12 pm, Lakewood. Children ages 5–12, with an adult. $3 residents, $5 nonresidents.

16 Families Exploring—Spring Wildflowers Spend quality time as a family in the forest preserves. Find out what’s blooming this time of year.

Wednesday, 6:30–8 pm, Old School. All ages. $6 adult/$1 child residents, $8 adult/$2 child nonresidents.

18 Community Campfire Friday Nights Gather with family and friends, roast marshmallows and experience nature at night. Bring an instrument or story to share.

Friday, 7–9 pm, Greenbelt Cultural Center. All ages. Bring a blanket or chair. FREE. No registration required.

19 Quickstart Canoe Learn about boat control, apparel, hazards and rescues.

Saturday, 9 am–12 pm, Independence Grove. Adults, children ages 9 and up. $29 residents, $41 nonresidents.

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

Saturday, 1–4 pm, Ryerson Woods. Adults, youth ages 16 and up. $20 residents, $28 nonresidents.

19 Smith Nature Symposium: Lessons from the Prairie Keynote speaker Wes Jackson seeks to reform the agricultural system in nature’s image. The evening includes a reception, art exhibition, dinner and silent auction.

Saturday, 5–10 pm, Ryerson Woods—Brushwood. Adults, children ages 12 and up. $125 includes reception and dinner. $25 ($20 Friends of Ryerson Woods Members) for keynote and dessert only.

20 Bonner Farm Spring Fling Families will enjoy a variety of spring-themed activities, including crafts, wagon rides, a petting zoo, music and more.

Sunday, 12–4 pm, Bonner Heritage Farm. All ages. $3 residents, $5 nonresidents.

20 Little Hikers—Fish Discover how amazing fish are through art and games.

Sunday, 2–3:30 pm, Independence Grove—North Bay. Children ages 5–7, with an adult. $5 adult/$1 child residents, $7 adult/$2 child nonresidents.

22 Stewardship Day for Teens After-school stewardship day for teens. See how nature is out of balance, why that’s not healthy and how you can help.

Tuesday, 4–5:30 pm, Half Day—Shelter C. Teenagers. FREE. No registration required.

24 For the Love of Nature...& Healthy Children Experience how multi-sensory nature connections help young children develop healthy, happy brains and bodies.

Thursday, 10:30–11:45 am, Greenbelt Cultural Center. Preschoolers, with an adult. FREE. No registration required. A “Leave No Child Inside” initiative.

24 Afterschool Adventures Wander through wetlands, woodlands and more. Awaken observation skills. Discover what’s new in nature each month.

Thursday, 4–5:15 pm, Greenbelt Cultural Center. Children ages 12 and up. FREE. No registration required. A “Leave No Child Inside” initiative.

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

Saturday, 1:30–3 pm, Lyons Woods. Adults, children ages 8 and up. $5 adult/$1 child residents, $7 adult/$2 child nonresidents.

30 Homeschool Companion—Farming: Past and Present Try a variety of hands-on activities and learn about work done on early Lake County farms, then compare it with farms of today.

Wednesday, 10 am–12 pm, Bonner Heritage Farm. Children ages 5–12, with an adult. $3 residents, $5 nonresidents.

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SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS

February 18–August 19

The Blues: From the Heart & Soul From playbills to autographs to the original musical instruments that created some of the most influential music in American history. The Blues: From the Heart & Soul brings the sound and feel of the Chicago blues scene to the galleries of the Lake County Discovery Museum. This exhibition features the private collection of internationally known Chicago blues pianist “Barrelhouse” Chuck Goering. For more info, visit LCFPD.org/TheBlues.

Lake County Discovery Museum Through March 4

March 13–September 7

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Yards: Walter Payton

Nature Around the World

Professional photographers from around the nation share their photos and memories of the legendary Walter Payton. Greenbelt Cultural Center

Through April 16

Peggy Macnamara: Finding Mallards

Artist and author Peggy Macnamara exhibits large scale works from her first children’s book, Ten. Macnamara is an adjunct associate professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and is the artist-in-residence at the Field Museum. Independence Grove Visitors Center

Riverwoods Nature Photographic Society is pleased to present the photographic exhibit Nature Around the World. This exhibit features exquisite color and black and white photographs by club members who have explored Lake County and beyond. Artist Reception March 22, 6–8 pm Greenbelt Cultural Center

April 2–June 3

Postcard Art Exhibition (PACE 2011)

This biennial juried international exhibit celebrates the art of the postcard with an eclectic assortment of 4-by-6 inch original artworks. Greenbelt Cultural Center

March 4–April 29

April 18–July 18

Animals Are Outside Today Photographer Colleen Plumb examines relationships between humans and animals. Living and dead, real and fake, these images investigate our multivalent attitudes toward animals, exposing both our kinship and disjuncture from other creatures of the Earth. Artist Reception (includes talk and book signing) March 4, 1–3 pm Ryerson Woods—Brushwood

Wondrous Things

The beauty and complexity of Illinois native plants are highlighted in a diverse selection of Kathleen Garness’ watercolor paintings. Garness’ work has been exhibited around the Chicago area, including the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Independence Grove Visitors Center

May 8–June 29

SPECIMENS: Photographs by Julie Meridian A constant collector of nature’s commonplace wonders, Julie Meridian is an artist with reverent curiosity about the natural world. Inspired by the carefully classified and preserved specimens in the vast collections of the Field Museum, she began photographing her own collection. Instead of documentation, her intent is to convey the unfathomable mysteries the specimens exude, exploring themes of fragility and endurance, beauty and decay, chance and destiny, life and death. Artist Reception at Smith Nature Symposium, May 19, 5–7 pm Ryerson Woods—Brushwood

Þ Impromptu Program Announcements Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to receive notice of special impromptu programs. Explore with us as nature comes alive in this season of change. Take a walk to find out what’s blooming in the woodlands, hear frogs singing in the evening, or view the odd courtship flight of the male woodcock, a fascinating bird of Lake County. When the weather is just right, meet us for a beautiful sunrise or sunset paddle.

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twitter.com/LCFPD | Sign up for our e-news: LCFPD.org/signup LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES

Special Feature

PLAYGROUNDS VAN PATTEN WOODS

GREENBELT INDEPENDENCE GROVE OLD SCHOOL

LAKEWOOD

HALF DAY

WRIGHT WOODS

HERON CREEK

H PLAYGROUND LOCATIONS GREENBELT FOREST PRESERVE 617 ACRES | NORTH CHICAGO Enter on the west side of Route 131 (Greenbay Road), about one mile south of Route 120. HALF DAY FOREST PRESERVE 236 ACRES | LINCOLNSHIRE On the east side of Route 21 (Milwaukee Avenue), about one mile north of Route 45, and two miles south of Route 60. HERON CREEK FOREST PRESERVE 239.5 ACRES | LONG GROVE In Ela Township, located on the southwest corner of Route 22 and Old McHenry Road. INDEPENDENCE GROVE FOREST PRESERVE 1145 ACRES | LIBERTYVILLE On the north side of Route 137 (Buckley Road) about one half mile east of Route 21 (Milwaukee Avenue). LAKEWOOD FOREST PRESERVE 2708 ACRES | WAUCONDA Enter from Route 176, just west of Fairfield Road, about three miles east of Route 12. VAN PATTEN WOODS FOREST PRESERVE 975 ACRES | WADSWORTH On the north side of Route 173, about one half mile east of Route 41. WRIGHT WOODS FOREST PRESERVE 747 ACRES | METTAWA Near Lincolnshire at the intersection of Everett Road and St. Mary’s Road, one mile south of Route 60.

Get directions on your smartphone by scanning the QR code below, or visit LCFPD .org/playgrounds .

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ost kids love to run, climb and swing at playgrounds because it’s fun—but research shows that play time is essential to cognitive, physical, social and emotional development. In 2007, the American Academy of Pediatrics reported that a regular program of play-oriented parenting and early childhood programs has been documented to contribute to significantly higher IQs by age five. A trip to the playground is also an ideal opportunity for parents to connect with their children. Now that winter is over, treat your kids to some fun, fresh air and exercise at one of eight Forest Preserve playgrounds. Take a spin on the slide, then go exploring in the preserve! The first Forest Preserve playgrounds at Greenbelt, Half Day, Lakewood, Old School, Van Patten Woods and Wright Woods were designed roughly 15 years ago, in response to an expressed public need for play equipment at these popular picnicking sites. Each playground is situated in an area of natural shade, within walking distance from shelters and public access. Play structures are selected to provide a challenging experience for all ages and the highest level of accessibility. Climb up, swing through, bounce across or slide down elevated platforms, slides, chutes, monkey bars and swings. Lakewood’s play area also includes natural play structures of earth mounding, and unique recycled milk jug “lumber” edging. The innovative playground at Heron Creek in Long Grove provides a series of colorful tunnels, slides, ladders, bridges, decks and swings for children to climb and explore. The playground has two distinct areas, one for children ages two to five, and one for children five to 12, separated by a natural stone climbing wall and seating area. Much of the playground is ramped for

handicapped accessibility. There is also a sand pit for children to dig in and create sculptures, and a lookout station with views into the woods. The playground was created thanks in part to funding from an Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant, which provided $400,000 for improvements at the 240-acre preserve. At Independence Grove in Libertyville, “Children’s Grove” is an ideal example of a growing national trend toward creating natural play environments. A sensory-rich play environment with state-of-the-art handicap adaptable play equipment and wide paved pathways make access comfortable and enjoyable for all visitors (made possible in part by a generous donation from the Lexi Kazian Foundation, helpingfromheaven.org). The centerpiece of Children’s Grove is a 300-foot-long rock wall that winds through the play area, providing visual beauty and climbing opportunities for all ages. An upper-level canyon playhouse bridge offers dramatic views of the lake, while special caves allow for underground exploration. Six inches of colored recycled truck tire material called “Rubberiffic” creates a clean, durable and bouncy surface that will hold up under the wear and tear of children. The play area also features a grassy

lawn for games, picnics and relaxation. Seating on the upper level of the play area offers especially beautiful views of the adjacent lake and surrounding preserve. A new wildlife habitat concept playground at Hastings Lake in Lake Villa is set to begin construction in spring 2012, to open sometime in 2013. Consistent with the trend in other municipalities, this playground features larger than life sculptures made of fiberglass reinforced concrete. A nature theme reinforces the Forest Preserve’s mission. The playground will include a “pond” with frogs, stepping stones and lily pads, a beaver lodge, and native species such as turtles and oaks. The more traditional equipment is made of US recycled steel, and the sculptures are made in the USA. Preserves and play areas are open daily 6:30 am–sunset.

LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRES E RVES

SPECIAL FACILITIES Directory GENERAL OFFICES

1899 West Winchester Road Libertyville, Illinois 60048 847-367-6640 tel 847-367-6649 fax

911 emergency 847–549–5200 non-emergency public safety issues

LCFPD.org 8 am –4:30 pm, Monday–Friday

OUTDOOR RECREATION

EDUCATION & CULTURE

GOLF

FOX RIVER MARINA

GREENBELT CULTURAL CENTER

COUNTRYSIDE GOLF CLUB

26034 Roberts Road Port Barrington, Illinois 60010

1215 Green Bay Road North Chicago, Illinois 60064

847–381–0669

847–968–3477

FoxRiverMarina.org

GreenbeltCulturalCenter.org

Boat Launch & Marina Hours

Gallery & Office Hours

847–968–3100 Tee Times 847–968–3441 Golf Gift Cards 847–489–1931 Golf Outings

7 AM–sunset, daily, in season

11 AM–5 PM, Tuesday–Friday

CountrysideGolfClub.org

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

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

847–968–3321 LCFPD.org/Ryerson

39700 North Lewis Avenue Beach Park, Illinois 60099

IndependenceGrove.org

Welcome Center Hours

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.

9 AM–5 PM, Tuesday–Saturday 11 AM–4 PM, Sundays Restroom only, Mondays

10 AM–2 PM, Tuesday–Friday 1–3 PM Sundays LAKE COUNTY DISCOVERY MUSEUM Lake County History Archives Curt Teich Postcard Archives 27277 North Forest Preserve Road Wauconda, Illinois 60084 847–968–3400 Main 847–968–3381 Archives, Research

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 Discount Tuesdays: Adults $3, Youth 17 and under FREE HORI ZONS QUARTERLY

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

Tee Times Golf Gift Cards Golf Outings Banquets

ThunderHawkGolfClub.org

Brushwood Hours

LakeCountyDiscoveryMuseum.org

Prairie & Traditional Courses 20800 West Hawley Street Mundelein, Illinois 60060

BRAE LOCH GOLF CLUB 33600 North US Highway 45 Grayslake, Illinois 60030 847–968–3100 847–968–3441 847–489–1931 847–247–1119

Tee Times Golf Gift Cards Golf Outings Banquets

BraeLochGolfClub.org

LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES

LCFPD.ORG

FOREST PRESERVE Entrance/Parking

More than 29,300 acres make up your Lake County Forest Preserves.

DES PLAINES RIVER TRAIL Planned section

FOREST PRESERVE EASEMENTS

CANOE LAUNCH

MAP CURRENT AS OF

GENERAL OFFICES

Red Wing Slough State Natural Area

CASEY TRAIL Planned section

PRAIRIE CROSSING TRAIL Planned section

OPERATIONS AND PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY

GANDER MOUNTAIN

FORT HILL TRAIL Planned (Lake County Dept. of Transportation)

MIDDLEFORK GREENWAY Planned section

DOG AREA

January 20, 2012

GRAND ILLINOIS TRAIL Planned (Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources)

M CCLORY TRAIL / NORTH SHORE PATH (managed by Lake County Dept. of Transportation)

STATE PARK (managed by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources)

Most preserves are open 6:30 AM –sunset, daily.

MILLENNIUM TRAIL Planned section

SPRING BLUFF

VAN PATTEN WOODS

DUTCH GAP PINE DUNES

PRAIRIE STREAM

OAK-HICKORY

Hunt Club Rd

SEQUOIT CREEK RAVEN GLEN

Chain O'Lakes State Park

ETHEL'S WOODS

SUN LAKE

BLUEBIRD MEADOW

WADSWORTH SAVANNA

Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

HASTINGS LAKE Gelden Rd

MCDONALD WOODS

Cedar Lake State Bog

WAUKEGAN SAVANNA DOG SLED AREA

DUCK FARM

Cedar Lake Rd

GRANT WOODS

THUNDERHAWK GOLF CLUB

BONNER HERITAGE FARM Stear

MILL CREEK

ns Sch

FOURTH LAKE

TANAGER KAMES

LYONS WOODS

SEDGE MEADOW

ool R

ROLLINS SAVANNA

Volo Bog State Natural Area

Washington St

LAKE CARINA BRAE LOCH GOLF CLUB

NIPPERSINK KESTREL RIDGE

GREENBELT

ALMOND MARSH

GREENBELT CULTURAL CENTER

MARL FLAT INDEPENDENCE GROVE

Lake Michigan

SINGING HILLS

Waukegan

KETTLE GROVE

VISITORS CENTER

!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

BLACK BLACK CROWN CROWN

WILMOT WOODS

Winchester Road

RAY LAKE

ATKINSON STORMWATER FACILITY

Bonner Road

OLD SCHOOL kee Ave

Middlefork Dr

LAKE COUNTY DISCOVERY MUSEUM

ORIOLE GROVE

Milwau

COUNTRYSIDE GOLF CLUB Rd

LAKEWOOD

MIDDLEFORK SAVANNA

MACARTHUR WOODS

rfie Fai ld

FOX RIVER

GRAINGER WOODS CONSERVATION PRESERVE

MARINA Rand Rd

ADLAI E. STEVENSON HISTORIC HOME

FORT SHERIDAN

CAPTAIN DANIEL WRIGHT WOODS

HALF DAY GRASSY LAKE

PRAIRIE WOLF

Half Day Rd

EGRET MARSH

EDWARD L. RYERSON CONSERVATION AREA

DUFFY STORMWATER BERKELEY FACILITY PRAIRIE

WELCOME CENTER

CAHOKIA FLATWOODS

Saunders Rd

BUFFALO CREEK

en cH

Arlington Hts Rd

CUBA MARSH

HERON CREEK

SKOKIE RIVER WOODS

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

PLEASE DELIVER PROMPTLY—

TIME- SENSITIVE MATERIAL

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THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED USING 100% RECYCLED PAPER, ALLOWING US TO SAVE 100 MATURE TREES, 23,332 LBS GREENHOUSE GASES, 7,445 LBS SOLID WASTE

Native Plant Sale

SUMMER CAMPS

Prepare your wish list of native plants for your yard and visit our 15th annual Native Plant Sale this Mother’s Day weekend. Native plants require less watering, less fertilizer, and are guaranteed to thrive in local gardens. Native flowering species also provide an abundance of nectar and attract wildlife such as butterflies and songbirds. Choose from more than 60 varieties of flowers and grasses—visit LCFPD.org/plantsale for a complete list.

Lake County Forest Preserves’ summer camps and day programs offer nearby, affordable summer fun and learning. Browse camps and register online: LCFPD.org/camps.

Maple syrup hikes Stroll through a maple woodland in spring and let our naturalists reveal to you the secrets of this American tradition. Tree biology never tasted so good! See page 7 for details.

The annual Native Plant Sale is a fundraiser that benefits conservation and environmental education programs. Thank you for your support.

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FLICKR PICK Leap into spring! Enjoy maple syruping, stargazing, Earth Day activities, bird walks and more (see calendar inside for a complete listing). Bullfrog posted by jeff_a_goldberg via Flickr. Connect with us! For up-to-the-minute Forest Preserve news and events: Find us on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, or YouTube @LCFPD. Download our mobile app in the Apple app store or Android market—search for “Lake County Forest Preserves.”