Horizons quarterly // summer 2021

HORI Z ON S QUARTERLY

summer 2021 VOLUME 30, ISSUE 3

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On the cover: Early on a mid-June morning at Middlefork Savanna (Lake Forest), photographer Bob Callebert found an abundance of native plants and wildflowers. The hazy light of the sunrise filled the dewdrops not yet evaporated from spiderwort (Tradescantia spp.), foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis), cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum) and milkweed (Asclepias spp.) plants. nearly 31,000 acres are protected by the lake county forest preserves .

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

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BOARD of COMMISSIONERS PRESIDENT

Angelo D. Kyle, Waukegan VICE PRESIDENT

John Wasik, Grayslake TREASURER

Paul Frank, Highland Park ASSISTANT TREASURER

What amazes me about being connected to the Lake County Forest Preserves is that I am always learning something new.

I have been affiliated with the Forest Preserves for many years, currently serving as President, a post I have held since December 2018. In January 2021, I took on a new responsibility, as a board member for the Preservation Foundation, the charitable partner of the Lake County Forest Preserves.

In just a few short months, I have already learned a great deal about the value the Preservation Foundation brings to the work of the Forest Preserves and to our community. Here's a list of seven “did you knows” that have come to my attention: 1. Did you know that our youngest donor is four years old and our oldest donor is

96 years old?

2. Did you know that more than $21.8 million has been raised since 2006?

3. Did you know that in 2020 alone, the Foundation granted $948,922 to the

Gina Roberts, Beach Park Marah Altenberg, Buffalo Grove Dick Barr, Round Lake Beach Carissa Casbon, Lake Villa Jennifer Clark, Libertyville Mary Ross Cunningham, Waukegan Michael Danforth, Fox River Grove Bill Durkin, Waukegan Sandy Hart, Lake Bluff Diane Hewitt, Waukegan J. Kevin Hunter, Ingleside Ann B. Maine, Lincolnshire Paras Parekh, Highland Park Linda Pedersen, Antioch Catherine Sbarra, Lake Zurich Julie Simpson, Vernon Hills Jessica Vealitzek, Hawthorn Woods Terry Wilke, Round Lake Beach EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ty Kovach

HORIZONS

VOLUME 30, ISSUE 3 Summer 2021 EDITOR AND DESIGNER

Lake County Forest Preserves to extend or accelerate its programs and projects?

Jeanna Cristino, Horizons@LCFPD.org

4. Did you know that most of the programs supported by the Foundation would

Kim Mikus Croke, Allison Frederick, Susan Hawkins, Brett Peto, Rebekah Snyder

be delayed, be smaller in scale, or would not be accomplished at all, if not for the support of the Foundation?

5. Did you know that since we began the Adopt-a-Turtle program in 2016,

547 baby Blanding's turtles have been adopted and released into the wild?

6. Did you know that 100% of every gift goes directly to work on the ground?

This is because the Forest Preserves covers the cost of fundraising and administering the Foundation.

7. Did you know that 4,895 people have donated to the Foundation in its

15-year history?

Please join me and thousands of our fellow community members in supporting the good work of the Forest Preserves through a gift to the Preservation Foundation. See page 8 to learn how you can help.

CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS

PHOTOGRAPHY

Bob Callebert (cover), John D. Kavc, Joel Sartore, Tim Elliott, Jeff Goldberg, John Weinstein, Ray Flores, Peter Schulz, Jeanna Cristino, Sherah G Photography, Melanie Jamison, Vivienne Shen, Andrew Roberts, Pete Capp, Phil Hauck, Dahai Z, Allison Frederick, Dan Mullen 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.

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 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, promotional videos, brochures, fliers and other publications without additional, prior notice or permission and without compensation to the participant.

Lake County is a closely set mosaic of human dwellings and infrastructure mixed with vital pockets of remaining native prairies, savannas, wetlands, woodlands, ravines and other habitats.

The Lake County portion of the Fox River watershed runs the entire length of the western border. The county’s eastern border is the Lake Michigan shoreline, an essential freshwater resource for more than 6.5 million Illinois residents. But nature doesn’t recognize human boundaries. What happens to one parcel of land affects more than only that parcel. Every action and event influences neighboring properties and water resources.

By developing a network of connected healthy landscapes, everyone can work together to safeguard the natural resources and places that benefit people, wildlife and the economy.

Natural areas and the life they support are an integral part of the heritage, culture and heart of our nation. At the Lake County Forest Preserves, we are working hard to preserve that legacy for generations far into the future.

Wherever healthy landscapes and the potential for them remain, largescale or small, we must be responsible stewards. Conscientious use and

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REGULATING SERVICES:

Regulating services moderate natural phenomena, including

protection of healthy landscapes

erosion and flood control, water purification, pollination, carbon

through conservation and sustainable

storage, decomposition, and climate regulation. In short, healthy

practices are critical to Lake County’s

ecosystems provide many of the basic services that make life

well-being and economy.

possible. Plants clean air and filter water. Bees pollinate flowers.

Forest preserves play an essential

Bacteria decompose waste. Roots hold soil in place. These

role in our local communities,

organisms form complex sets of relationships and function as a

offering emotional and physical

unit as they interact with their physical environment, making eco-

health benefits. A 2020 National

systems healthy, functional, sustainable and resilient to change.

Recreation and Parks Association poll found 83% of U.S. adults agreed that visiting their local parks, trails and open spaces was essential for their mental and physical well-being

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A provisioning service is a benefit to humans that can be taken

during the pandemic.

directly from nature. When people are asked to name one, food is often a first thought. Trees, nuts, fruits, vegetables, fish and live-

Though there is no price tag for the

stock are direct products of ecosystems. Alongside food, other

full scope of how nature enriches

examples include drinking water, timber, fuel, and plants that are

our lives, there are numerous tangible

made into clothes, medicines and other materials.

benefits to living in a community with healthy, resilient ecosystems.

We are researching and enumerating the value of these benefits to Lake County residents.

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contribute to the development and advancement of people, such

services, which wildlife or ecosystems

as building knowledge and the spread of ideas, creativity that arises

provide to humans. The benefits can

from interactions with nature, and recreation. The importance

be direct or indirect—big or small.

of ecosystems to humans can be traced back to the beginning of

This free assistance from nature

humankind with ancient drawings of animals, plants and weather

includes regulating, provisioning,

on cave walls. But just as humans interact with and alter nature,

and cultural services that directly

the natural world in turn alters us. Nature is a constant force in our

affect people, as well as supporting

lives, ever guiding our social, cultural and intellectual development.

services needed to maintain them. upon ecosystem products and services, such as fresh water, clean air, food and energy sources. And beneath it all lies biodiversity—

CULTURAL SERVICES:

Cultural ecosystem services are those nonmaterial benefits that

Such benefits are called ecosystem

Human health ultimately depends

PROVISIONING SERVICES:

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SUPPORTING SERVICES:

Simply put, without supporting services, regulating, provisioning,

the variety of life in a particular

and cultural ecosystem services would not exist. Nature provides

environment.

such vast services that we often overlook the most fundamental

There’s a direct correlation between

ones. Ecosystems require the consistency of underlying natural

natural systems and their diverse benefits to human economies.

In understanding the effects and

processes, such as the water cycle, photosynthesis, nutrient cycling, and the creation of soils. These essential functions allow Earth to sustain life.

overall value of ecosystem services, we can better prioritize funding and resources to protect them far into the future. When we consider ecosystems as valuable, we’re more likely to preserve them.

It’s that simple.

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PHOTOS >> 1. A calm stream meanders through Ryerson Woods (Riverwoods). Forest soils can store 50% more water than developed land, an example of a regulating ecosystem service. 2. Large, healthy wetlands support large, healthy creatures, such as this great blue heron as well as egrets and bald eagles. 3. Recreation activities such as fishing are considered cultural ecosystem services. 4. A honey bee (Apis mellifera) with full pollen baskets approaches a cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum). Complex relationships between plants and animals, including pollination, are critical for regulating ecosystems.

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ROAD MAP to 2025 In June 2020, our Board of Commissioners approved a new set of objectives and tactics to move our strategic plan goals forward over the next five years.

Between now and 2025, we will focus on four objectives that support our 100-Year Vision and Strategic Plan: Steward Healthy Landscapes, Strengthen Connections, Ensure Financial Stability and Sustain Organizational Excellence. Conservation tactics outlined in this road map will work toward nature-based solutions for climate resiliency, healthy water resources, green infrastructure improvements and a long-term conservation plan.

Lake County residents can work alongside us to help protect and restore ecological habitats and the free benefits they provide to human health and economies. Learn more at LCFPD.org/vision.

Today, we protect nearly 31,000 acres. That is 10% of the land in Lake County.

This public investment goes well beyond protecting open space. Forest preserves safeguard the quality of health and wellness for residents far into the future. Managing for wildlife habitat and the health of entire ecosystems creates vibrant communities. Finding strategies that provide food and homes to birds, butterflies and other wildlife on public and private lands benefits us all. Implementing simple practices such as conservative water use and native landscaping at home directly impacts the bigger picture.

Interconnected landscapes are resilient to change, enabling species migration, genetic exchange, and adaptation. By creating a green infrastructure strategy, communities work together to preserve and connect open spaces, watersheds, wildlife habitat, forest preserves and other critical landscapes.

OAK TREES (Quercus spp.)

Oaks are keystone species. They create an environment that maintains critical ecosystem processes and species diversity. Only 17% of the region’s original oak ecosystems remain, and it is estimated that 70% of all oak trees in the Chicago region are on private lands. Wherever possible, planting and protecting oaks are great ways to help support oak ecosystems for future generations.

NATIVE SHRUBS Viburnum, hazelnut, witch hazel and others Native shrubs are greatly lacking in the Chicago region’s natural areas due primarily to changes in land management, development and the influx of invasive species. Consider removing invasive plants from yards and edges and replacing them with native alternatives that provide nesting habitat and food for wildlife. Discover benefits: LCFPD.org/landscaping

POLLINATOR WAYSTATIONS & POCKET PRAIRIES Not every space is large enough to sustain a mighty oak tree.

Invite bees, butterflies and other pollinators to smaller spaces by planting native wildflowers, grasses and sedges in diverse arrays. Blurring the lines between natural areas, backyards and businesses will go a long way toward creating more contiguous habitat.

RUSTY PATCHED BUMBLE BEE (Bombus affinis) This endangered pollinator has been spotted in backyard native gardens and restored natural areas alike. Bees are active April through October. To provide habitat, gardeners should grow a variety of plants that bloom from early spring, through summer and into the fall.

Help preserve and protect Lake County's natural lands and historic Preservation Foundation treasures. Support the Preservation Foundation: LCFPD.org/donate Independence Grove (Libertyville)

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PRESERVENEWS Congratulations Brett Peto

Our Environmental Communications Specialist Brett Peto won the 2021 Excellence in Interpretive Support Award from the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), Heartland Region.

Hike Lake County Trails Celebrate the beauty of nature in fall, explore new or familiar trails, and improve your physical, mental and spiritual well-being along the way.

Travel at your own pace along designated Hike Lake County trails selected by our educators.

Complete seven of 12 hikes between August 15 and November 30 and earn a commorative shield.

Find details at LCFPD.org/HLC.

The award is given to an individual or an organization that has shown recognition of the value of interpretation through exceptional and sustained support.

Peto's colleagues in our Education Department nominated him in appreciation of his support, dedication, skill, and hard work in promoting virtual education programs, events and special projects. We just learned his regional award was moved up to compete in the NAI National Awards later this year. He's got our vote!

STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE | Sustainability As stewards of healthy landscapes and proponents of climate resiliency, we're leading the way for

Observations by local artist Pat Chaney

net-zero buildings. At their June meeting, our Board of Commissioners approved altering the Capital Improvement Plan to prioritize and accelerate our current net-zero building goals.

Also referred to as zero-energy buildings, net-zero buildings produce enough renewable energy to meet their annual energy consumption requirements, reducing the use of nonrenewable energy. These buildings use cost-effective measures to reduce energy usage. We want to ensure the most energy efficient use of our existing facilities and build stronger more resilient ones for the future. To do this, we must commit to achieving net-zero carbon emissions and investing in clean energy infrastructure.

At Ryerson Woods (Riverwoods), our planners are working with design architects to replace aging classroom cabins with a new net-zero environmental education center. A similar style of building for grounds maintenance at Lakewood Forest Preserve (Wauconda) is in the

BLUE STAR MUSEUMS

design phase.

Active-duty military personnel (with ID) and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, enjoy free admission at the Dunn Museum (Libertyville), through Labor Day. Get details at bluestarfam.org.

View our complete 100-Year Vision and Strategic Plan,

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and full set of Road Map to 2025 objectives and tactics at LCFPD.org/vision.

E XC E L L E N C E I S I N O U R N AT U R E

Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) feathers from left to right: semiplume, contour, tail, flight.

A TRIBUTE TO RYERSON'S RED-TAILED HAWK In early May, our 33-year-old resident red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) and honorary environmental educator passed away. She lived her life at Ryerson Conservation Area (Riverwoods) where she touched many lives as an ambassador for Lake County birds of prey.

DunnTV on Subscribe to our latest creation, DunnTV, a YouTube channel helping the Dunn Museum further engage its audience through video content created by our educators and curators.

Viewers get an inside look at the Dunn Museum, its collections, exhibits, programs, gallery tours, and Lake County history. Watch and subscribe:

LCFPD.org/DunnTV.

Funding for the channel was provided in part by an Annual Fund grant from the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves.

Over the years, nearly 500,000 children and adults in schools, libraries, and preserves across the county got to see her in action.

She helped teach important concepts such as biodiversity, food chains, interdependence in ecosystems, adaptations, and conservation.

She was always the star of the show.

Comfortable in front of crowds and cameras, she even posed for Joel Sartore of NatGeo's Photo Ark fame (right). Learn more about her story at LCFPD.org/Ryerson.

Farm Fresh Produce For Sale

Each year, fresh organic produce is grown and sold by high school students employed at a 1.25-acre sustainable farm located within Greenbelt Forest Preserve (North Chicago). Herbs, honey, flowers, and fresh vegetables and fruit can be purchased weekly at discount prices.

The farm stand is open Wednesdays from 9 am–1 pm, August 18 through October 13. The stand is located across the street from the farm in the parking lot of the Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 N. Green Bay Road. Find farm stand details at LCFPD.org/produce.

The Green Youth Farm program is a partnership between the Lake County Forest Preserves, its charitable partner the Preservation Foundation, and the Chicago Botanic Garden.

The program provides teens with a paid summer job working on an urban farm. In addition to work experience, high school students also gain entrepreneurial and job skills training, and exposure to healthy foods and cooking. The Green Youth Farm at Greenbelt Forest Preserve is made possible by donors from across the region. Learn how you can help support a student crew member. A gift of any amount helps grow stronger students. For details, visit LCFPD.org/farm.

TRIVIA TRAILS It's always fun to learn something new while you're out walking the trails. This summer, watch for signs featuring trivia questions about preserve information and human and natural history.

Follow the prompts. When you reach the end of the Trivia Trail, the final sign will point you to the answers. A new preserve is selected each month. Learn more at LCFPD.org/resources.

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TOGETHER, ACHIEVING MORE FOR OUR FOREST PRESERVES.

Be a voice for nature by making a tax-deductible donation to the Preservation Foundation, 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.

CN Grows its Commitment to Tree Planting Throughout Canada and the U.S., CN is committed to planting trees to improve public health and beautify the communities in which it operates. This year, the company expanded on that commitment with a $20,000 grant from its Stronger Communities Fund to plant trees at Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve (Deer Park). This is the Preservation Foundation’s first grant from CN. With the help of a dedicated group of volunteers, the Forest Preserves has been working to restore Cuba Marsh since 2015. The CN grant will allow staff and volunteers to plant approximately 150 trees—primarily one-inch native oaks and hickories—and to install enclosures, which are critical in protecting these young trees from deer browse.

COMED GRANT FUNDS SCIENCE EXPLORERS Science is a full-time job this summer for 19 middle school students in the Science Explorers in Nature program. Every day for four weeks, they learn scientific principles through virtual learning and hands-on investigations, experiments, and field trips in the forest preserves.

Along the way, they work in teams to design a research project, collect data, and present their research findings at a public open house.

It was a natural fit for a $20,000 grant from ComEd in 2021. The company’s charitable giving focuses on both safeguarding the environment and strengthening math and science education for youth.

Thank you, ComEd!

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Annual Fund Spotlight Starting this summer, a $36,000 grant from the Preservation Foundation Annual Fund will help the Forest Preserves establish new populations of “Sought After Sixty” species.

The “Sought After Sixty” list includes plants that are either rare or currently absent in the forest preserves and serve as critical building blocks of native plant communities. The project is a priority of the Barrington Greenway Initiative—a collaboration of seven conservation agencies, including the Forest Preserves, working throughout the Flint Creek and Silver Creek watersheds. The grant will be matched by $144,000 in funding from the Forest Preserves and Citizens for Conservation.

Support Your Lake County Forest Preserves and Limit Your Tax Burden Each year, over 800 individuals and families give generously to the Preservation Foundation in support of the mission of the Lake County Forest Preserves. Most give by check or credit card. However, if you are 70 and a half or older at the time of your next gift to the Preservation Foundation, you may want to consider making a direct transfer of funds from your IRA—also known as an IRA rollover. There are several benefits when giving in this way: 9 Your gift amount will count toward your required minimum distribution if applicable by age.

9 There is no tax on your transfer.

9 The transferred gift amount is subtracted from your income, making it similar to a charitable deduction.

Remember, the gift must be transferred directly from your IRA to the Preservation Foundation.

If you decide to make a gift in this way, you must authorize the transfer with your IRA administrator. For more details or if you have questions, you or your IRA administrator may contact Sarah Klein, Major and Planned Gifts Manager, at 847-968-3448 or sklein@LCFPD.org.

Another advantageous way to give is by naming the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves as a beneficiary of a set amount or percentage of remaining retirement funds, which may be taxed at a higher rate than other gifts when leaving to family members.

If you’d like more tips to reduce taxes and begin planning to leave a legacy to both your family and your favorite charity, like the Preservation Foundation, our website has helpful planning tools for individuals and families for each stage of life. To learn more, visit LCFPD.giftplans.org.

Please seek additional counsel from your attorney or financial planner as all information is provided as educational, is not professional advice, and may not apply to your situation.

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mECO:

Eco Data on the Fly

Prior to mECO, our restoration

are completed in a timely manner

and wildlife ecologists primarily

and quality data is being collected.”

collected data and recorded it on paper, field notebooks or entry forms that often lacked consistency, resulting in less powerful analysis.

After the field session was complete, they returned to the office for a time-consuming process of transcribing data into one or more databases. “It could literally take months to get the data into a useable format before reporting and analysis could be conducted,” Crowley said.

Using mECO, our staff enters the

With the mECO controlled burn module, natural resources staff can easily prioritize burn sites based on historic data and restoration activities, manage burn crews, create mailing lists and publish notifications, record burn event data, and export map books. Modules for invasive species management, seed collection and disbursement, and volunteer activities are planned for the future.

“ The development of mECO

data right into their phones where

has revolutionized the way

the information is processed,

we collect data throughout the

analyzed and presented visually

forest preserve landscape.

in mere milliseconds. “mECO’s

Giving our staff and technicians

true power and calling lies in its

the ability to enter their findings

analytical prowess,” Crowley said.

“When Rian started here three years ago, he was tasked with working with our Natural Resources Department and other team members to create the mECO tool to specifically meet these needs,” said Executive Director Alex Kovach.

“We are the only conservation

in a customized database while working in the field has paved the way for innovative approaches to analyses. This not only improves management of our natural resources but also advances

”

research efforts going forward.

JIM ANDERSON, DIRECTOR OF NATURAL RESOURCES

agency in the region utilizing this state-of-the-art technology.”

mECO integrates seamlessly with

Shortly after Crowley began his

a digital mapping method we use

job in the Information Technology

regularly, known as geographic

Monitoring turtles, determining controlled burn locations, and tracking plants and wildlife in the preserves are done more efficiently and effectively than ever before thanks to a one-ofa-kind computer application our Database Developer Rian Crowley designed and developed.

Department, he developed the first

information system (GIS). “Since

mECO module to help our wildlife

every piece of data collected in

ecologists monitor Blanding’s turtles.

mECO is time-stamped and has

When staff enters data, mECO makes

latitude and longitude recorded,

it quick and easy to search, register

we can map, query and analyze

and track the turtles, as well as to

that data with the full power of

monitor their nesting activity.

GIS,” Crowley said.

“The mECO application has greatly

“This monitoring application helps

increased our ability to collect

advance several of our Road Map

Crowley started creating mECO, which stands for mobile ecologists, three years ago. The innovative custom web application, or computer program that performs tasks over the internet, helps our ecologists record field data on the fly and monitor conservation activities and restoration impacts over time.

valuable wildlife data. It has allowed

to 2025 strategic plan objectives,

me to be more efficient and pro-

including to steward healthy land-

ductive by reducing the amount of

scapes, to innovate, and to enhance

time I spend organizing, reviewing

our organization’s digital capabilities,”

and managing data,” said Gary

Anderson said. “Based on the

Glowacki, Manager of Conservation

mECO ecological data, our goal is

Ecology. “In addition, mECO has

to analyze the correlated data to

allowed me to better guide ecologi-

implement precision conservation

cal technicians. Application settings

for restoration efforts focusing on

allow us to assign tasks and empower

ecological complexes, large habitats

people in the field to ensure tasks

and priority species.”

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ABOVE: Screen view of the mECO vegetation monitoring module. Collected data integrates seamlessly with GIS, a digital mapping method. BELOW: 1 Before mECO, data was recorded on paper in the field and later transcribed into databases. 2 With mECO, staff can enter data into their phones so it can be analyzed immediately. 3 A controlled burn is conducted by natural resources staff. 4 In the mECO controlled burn module, staff can create mailing lists and publish notifications based on burn site locations.

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RIAN CROWLEY, The Problem Solver As a kid growing up in Beach Park, Crowley said he spent time exploring the ravines near his home and playing video games. Computers and nature play a big role in his career here as a database developer.

Crowley earned a bachelor’s degree in geography, magna cum laude, from Illinois State University. He minored in environmental studies.

“After graduation, I discovered computer programming, fell in love

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with it, and have been coding ever since,” Crowley said.

Describing himself as a problem solver, Crowley says he enjoys his job. “I love that I am able to support the work of my colleagues in so many varied and interesting ways, using a blend of technology and creativity. I am primarily a software engineer, but I also manage projects, conduct GIS and data analysis, administer databases, and give presentations, sometimes all in the same day!”

LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES

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SUMMER CALENDAR Education Programs, Activities and Resources In-person and virtual nature and history programs, school field trips, and digital resources are available. For descriptions, pricing and tickets, visit LCFPD.org/calendar or call 847-968-3321.

Blue-spotted salamander (Ambystoma laterale)

ASK AN EDUCATOR HITS THE TRAILS Keep an eye out for our Education staff as they hit the trails! Our professional educators are traveling to different preserves throughout the summer, ready to answer your questions on the spot, as well as highlight nature and history happenings in Lake County. Questions can also be emailed to AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org.

IN-PERSON PROGRAMS For All Ages This summer we are excited to welcome you back to in-person programs! In response to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, protocols and guidelines will be in place for the safety and health of our program participants and employees, and the entire community.

Registration required. Walk-ins not permitted. View in-person

programs, read requirements and register at LCFPD.org/calendar.

VIRTUAL PROGRAMS For All Ages Adults, children and families can virtually attend a variety of programs, from local history lectures and gallery tours to nature walks and gardening. On the first and third Thursdays of every month from 6–8 pm, FREE virtual education programs are made possible through a donation by USG. Follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @LCFPD for more educational resources, webinars and videos.

View virtual programs and get registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar.

FIELD TRIPS AND IN-SCHOOL PROGRAMS For Teachers Our history and environmental educators offer a variety of in-person or virtual field trip experiences and in-school programs that engage students and lighten the load for teachers.

Artifacts, live animals and biofacts are used in programs to help students learn about local history and the natural world. Teachers can choose from a range of topics including prehistoric Lake County, early settlers, the Potawatomi, geology, animal adaptions, birds, and lake ecology.

All programs support Illinois Learning Standards. Make reservations now—plan early to help ensure you get a schedule that meets your needs. View all field trips and in-school programs and register at LCFPD.org/schools.

GROUP VISITS AT THE DUNN MUSEUM

Group visits can be booked at the Dunn Museum. Email AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org to find out more details.

HORI ZONS QUARTERLY SU M M E R 2 02 1

Do more good with your garden.

2021 Online Native Plant Sale

Now through December 31

1:23

1:23

LCFPD.org/PlantSale

Got any gaps in your garden? Shop online for native perennials, trees and shrubs. Our partners at Possibility Place Nursery will ship them straight to your doorstep.

Species available while supplies last. Minimum purchase of 18 pints, in any combination of plants, required for safe, efficient delivery.

Get started: LCFPD.org/plantsale Add to Cart

Need tips for native landscaping? Visit our resources hub at LCFPD.org/landscaping.

2021

OAKtober

Native Tree & Shrub Sale

Sunday, October 3, 8 am–12 pm

Ryerson Conservation Area 21950 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods, IL Fall is the perfect time to plant native trees and shrubs.

Purchase your favorites from our list of 27 species, including oak, hickory, hawthorn, dogwood, hazelnut and more.

Register for a 30-minute time slot and shop in person.

More details will be available at LCFPD.org/OAKtober.

craft brews scenic views O P E N F r i days – S u n DAYs + T u es day n i g h ts for

Concerts in the Plaza LC FPD.org/ be e r

The new outdoor Beer Garden at Independence Grove in Libertyville offers a variety of local craft beers on tap, packaged snacks and other beverages, and plenty of casual lakeside seating. Open seasonally, weather permitting.

Group rates and reservations are also available. Email IndependenceGrove@LCFPD.org for details and pricing.

m e n u featu r i n g

lake county local brews

for menu: Scan qr code with phone camera

Independence Grove • 16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville • 847-968-3499

Photos © Daily Herald

OUR VOICE IS BLACK HISTORY PAST • PRESENT • FUTURE

An original exhibition featuring the work of students from the College of Lake County’s Black Student Union. Explore multigenerational stories and experiences through graphic design, poetry, writing, art, and video interviews that portray the voice of the African Americans’ past and reality, which becomes Our Voice.

OUR VOICE IS BLACK HISTORY PAST • PRESENT • FUTURE

Sponsored by the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves.

Open in-person and virtually through October 24 1899 W. Winchester Rd, Libertyville • DunnMuseum.org • 847-968-3400

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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

GREENBELT CULTURAL CENTER

BESS BOWER DUNN MUSEUM

THUNDERHAWK GOLF CLUB

1215 Green Bay Road North Chicago, Illinois 60064

1899 West Winchester Road Libertyville, Illinois 60048

A Robert Trent Jones Jr. championship golf course

847-968-3400

39700 North Lewis Avenue Beach Park, Illinois 60099

847-968-3477 Banquets, Meetings

Greenbelt@LCFPD.org GreenbeltCulturalCenter.org

Dunn@LCFPD.org DunnMuseum.org

Office Hours By appointment only

Gallery and Gift Shop For hours, visit our website.

INDEPENDENCE GROVE

General Admission $6 adults/$10 nonresidents $3 seniors, youth/$6 nonresidents Free, children ages 3 and under

16400 West Buckley Road Libertyville, Illinois 60048 847-968-3499 Main

IndependenceGrove@LCFPD.org IndependenceGrove.org 847-247-1111 Banquets, Meetings

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

847-968-3100 847-968-3441 847-489-1931 847-968-3450

Discount Tuesdays $3 adults/$5 nonresidents $1.50 seniors, youth/$3 nonresidents First and Third Thursdays On the first and third Thursdays of every month, enjoy free programs and admission from 6–8 pm.

Sponsored by: ®

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

HORI ZONS QUARTERLY SU M M E R 2 02 1

RYERSON CONSERVATION AREA 21950 North Riverwoods Road Riverwoods, Illinois 60015 847-968-3320

LCFPD.org/ryerson Welcome Center For hours, visit our website.

LCFPD.org

Tee Times Golf Gift Cards Golf Outings Banquets

ThunderHawkGolfClub.org BRAE LOCH GOLF CLUB 33600 North U.S. Highway 45 Grayslake, Illinois 60030 847-968-3100 Tee Times 847-968-3441 Golf Gift Cards 847-489-1931 Golf Outings

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

CountrysideGolfClub.org

FOREST PRESERVE Entrance/Parking

FORT HILL TRAIL Planned Section

FOREST PRESERVE EASEMENTS

CHAIN O’LAKES BIKE PATH Planned Section

Nearly 31,000 acres make up your Lake County Forest Preserves.

STATE LAND

Most preserves are open 6:30 a m – sunset, daily. If a preserve gate is open before 6:30 a m , the preserve is considered open for use.

DES PLAINES RIVER TRAIL (DPRT)

MAP CURRENT AS OF

Monday, July 19

LCFPD.org

MILLENNIUM TRAIL Planned Section

DOG PARK

!

York House Rd

!

!

LYONS WOODS

!

! !

Kilbourne Rd

Hunt Club Rd Crawford Rd

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

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

!!

!! !!

! ! !

! ! ! !

Cedar Lake Rd

! ! ! ! !

!

Sand Lake Rd

!

MILL CREEK

SEDGE MEADOW

Ste arns Sc

hoo l Rd

!

Blanchard Rd

Delany Rd

!!

!!

!!

! ! ! !! !

! !! !

! ! !

! ! ! !

! !

! !

! !

BEACH PARK

WAUKEGAN SAVANNA

!

Lewis Ave

! !

! !! ! ! ! ! ! !

Wadsworth Rd

!

! !

! ! ! !

!

!

FOURTH LAKE

ROUND LAKE HEIGHTS

33rd St

WADSWORTH

McDONALD WOODS

BONNER HERITAGE FARM

!

Monaville Rd

!

OLD MILL CREEK

!

Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

THUNDERHAWK GOLF CLUB

!

! !

GRANT WOODS

Sand Lake Rd

d

ZION

!

LINDENHURST !

DUCK FARM

LAKE VILLA

!

Sheridan Rd

eR

OAK-HICKORY

! !!

!

!

!

ak

!

!

SPRING BLUFF WINTHROP HARBOR

WADSWORTH SAVANNA

ETHEL'S WOODS

!

Cedar Lake State Bog

! ! ! !

HASTINGS LAKE Grass L Gelden Rd

!

Des Plaines River

!

!

! !

Petite Lake Rd

Grass Lake Rd

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

RAVEN GLEN SUN LAKE

VAN PATTEN WOODS

!

!

DUTCH GAP

!!

BLUEBIRD MEADOW FOX LAKE

PRAIRIE STREAM !

Town Line Rd

! !

! !

Beach Grove Rd

Grass Lake Rd

!

Russell Rd

!

Rd

!! ! !

PATRIOT PATH Planned

Green Bay

Wilmot Rd

COMMUNITY GARDEN

! ! !

ANTIOCH

SEQUOIT CREEK

Edwards Rd

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

LAKE MARIE

Chain O'Lakes State Park

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

CANOE LAUNCH

M CCLORY TRAIL / NORTH SHORE PATH

! ! !! ! !

! ! ! !

! !

Deep Lake Rd

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

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

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

! !

BEER GARDEN

MIDDLEFORK TRAIL Planned Section

Red Wing Slough State Natural Area

Fox River

Use our interactive trail map online to help navigate your next adventure. To view the map, open the camera app on your phone and hover over the QR code shown below.

OPERATIONS AND PUBLIC SAFETY

PINE DUNES

GANDER MOUNTAIN

TRAIL MAP

GENERAL OFFICES AND DUNN MUSEUM

DPRT TO LYONS WOODS Planned Section

CASEY TRAIL PRAIRIE CROSSING TRAIL/GRAYSLAKE BIKE PATH

GRAND ILLINOIS TRAIL Planned

WAUKEGAN

Grand Ave

!

Rollins Rd

Kil bo Rd urne

! ! ! !

! ! ! !

yR d

HAWTHORN WOODS

er

R

ADLAI E. STEVENSON !

HISTORIC HOME

INDIAN CREEK

d

!

Everett Rd

Old M

en

ry

HALF DAY

Rd

CAPTAIN DANIEL WRIGHT WOODS

!

M id

lo

th

ia

n

NORTH BARRINGTON

LONG GROVE

Riverwoods Rd

Old Barrin gton Rd

Quentin Rd

!

R

d

Miller Rd

cH

Half Day Rd

ey R

d

!

LINCOLNSHIRE

RIVERWOODS

BUFFALO GROVE

DEERFIELD

LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES Lake Cook Rd

17

Rd

CAHOKIA FLATWOODS

ay

er Rd

BERKELEY PRAIRIE

Deerfield Rd

nB

Check

HIGHLAND PARK

ee Gr

Lake Cook Rd

!

DUFFY STORMWATER FACILITY Saunders Rd

DEER PARK

BUFFALO CREEK

Rd

d

!

SKOKIE RIVER WOODS

BANNOCKBURN

ry

dR

en

Ra n

!

HIGHWOOD

!

Duffy Ln

WELCOME CENTER

cH M

CUBA MARSH

EDWARD L. RYERSON CONSERVATION AREA

PRAIRIE WOLF

Rd

Cuba Rd Arlington Heights Rd

BARRINGTON

HERON CREEK Schaeffer Rd

BARRINGTON HILLS

KILDEER

! !

!

!

FORT SHERIDAN

ge

!

EGRET MARSH

Old Elm Rd

Rid

Ela Rd

Kels

LAKE ZURICH

!

! !

! !

!

GRASSY LAKE LAKE BARRINGTON

! !

G ilm

nr

! ! ! ! ! !! !! !

Fish Lake Rd

Rand Rd

! ! ! !

He

LAKE FOREST

! !

Rd

!! Fi sher

!!

!!

Hunt Club Rd ! ! ! ! ! !

Mc

NORTH NORTH

! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! !

! ! ! ! ! !

Rd

GRAINGER WOODS CONSERVATION PRESERVE

! !

!!

Almond Rd ! !

! !

!

Rd

TOWER LAKES

°

MIDDLEFORK SAVANNA

METTAWA

Rd

ld

River Rd

Old

!

! !

! ! ! !

Rd

n Milto s Rd

y lse Ke

MacARTHUR WOODS

irfie

!

VERNON HILLS

LAKEWOOD

ORIOLE GROVE

!

OLD SCHOOL

Fa

Rob ert

!

d

!

!

MUNDELEIN

er

FOX RIVER

R ! oe nh Iva

LAKE BLUFF

Des Plaines River

Sheridan Rd

m Gil

!

ATKINSON STORMWATER FACILITY

St Mary's Rd

COUNTRYSIDE GOLF CLUB

! !

!

PORT BARRINGTON

Atkinson Rd

e Ave

Hawley St

!

GREEN OAKS

LIBERTYVILLE

ke Milwau

WAUCONDA

!

Lake Michigan

! !

! !

!!

!!

Oak Spring Rd

ISLAND LAKE

!

Rd

!

Midlothian Rd

!

Bonner Rd

ley

WILMOT WOODS

Winchester Rd

!

RAY LAKE

ck

!!

! !

d

Fremont Center Rd ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

ll R

!!

! ! ! !

Peterson Rd

Bu

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

!!

!

! !

! !

! !

re Historical Ray Lake Boundary

NORTH CHICAGO

Rd

! !

VISITORS CENTER

!

Chardon Rd

14th St

GREENBELT

INDEPENDENCE GROVE

Casey Rd

!

!!

!

Fox River

! ! !

!!

Erhart Rd

MARINA

ALMOND MARSH

!

SINGING HILLS

GREENBELT CULTURAL CENTER

Rd

Bay

d R! !

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

Belvidere

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

er

ROUND LAKE PARK

PARK CITY

n Gree

ilm G

KETTLE GROVE

Rd

GRAYSLAKE

ay

!

nB

HAINESVILLE

ere R d

Washington St

!

Waukegan Rd

MARL FLAT

Belvid

!

r Da

! !

!

Center St

KESTREL RIDGE

!

! !

BRAE LOCH GOLF CLUB

NIPPERSINK

ROUND LAKE

LAKE CARINA

Washington St

THIRD LAKE !

Washington St

! !

VOLO

Black Crown Marsh ! !

State Natural Area!!

ROLLINS SAVANNA

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Nippersink Rd

GURNEE

ee Gr

Volo Bog State Natural Area

LAKEMOOR

! !

n ry L Dru

ROUND LAKE BEACH

TANAGER KAMES

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

q

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

BE A VOLUNTEER Nature needs your time and talents ... and so do we.

Become a voice for nature by helping us restore natural lands, care for wildlife habitat, collect native seeds, preserve local history, or lead education programs.

You can also share your unique talents in other ways that support our mission.

Opportunities are available for individuals and groups in a variety of settings—both indoors and out. No prior experience required. Training provided. Join us: LCFPD.org/volunteer.

New LCFPD.org Website Check out our new responsive website, designed with ADA compliance in mind and a lot of added features. Now you can: 9 Process your online purchases in one transaction with the new shopping cart.

9 Donate to the Preservation Foundation at checkout.

9 Make purchases from a mobile device.

9 Switch easily from your phone, tablet, or computer as page content scales to fit your device screen.

FLICKR PICK One, two or three?

These thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus) don’t know which way to go. Photo taken at Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve (Grayslake) by local photographer Phil Hauck.

Connect with us! Find us on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Flickr, LinkedIn, and YouTube @LCFPD. Download our mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store — search for “Lake County Forest Preserves.”