HORI Z ON S QUARTERLY
spring–summer 2022 VOLUME 31, ISSUE 2
8
11
On the cover: A raccoon (Procyon lotor) mother and her young, or kit, cuddle on a tree branch. Kits stay with their mother from birth in April or May until late fall, or sometimes the following spring. This time together teaches the kits hunting skills, and where to find feeding grounds and spots for their own dens. more than 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
13
15
BOARD of COMMISSIONERS PRESIDENT
Angelo D. Kyle, Waukegan VICE PRESIDENT
John Wasik, Grayslake TREASURER
Paul Frank, Highland Park ASSISTANT TREASURER
It is not often that the nation designates a new holiday. It is especially relevant when we use a holiday to let our actions, individually and collectively, give voice to the change we want to see in our communities. Last year on June 17, President Biden signed legislation to make June 19 a federal holiday. Juneteenth is the first new holiday established since Martin Luther King Day in 1983. The State of Illinois quickly followed, and this month marks the Forest Preserves' first official celebration of Juneteenth. Also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth is a combination of the words “June” and “nineteenth” and marks the day in 1865 that slaves in Galveston, Texas learned they had been freed by President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. The day has been celebrated by African-Americans since the late 1800s. At the Forest Preserves, we understand the significance of this historic moment and hope all will find personal peace and joy in its recognition. Juneteenth is not just a day for celebration. Let us be inspired to engage with one another and to embrace our differences, which bring richness to each of our communities. Just as having a high degree of plant and animal diversity in our forest preserves makes our natural lands more resilient, diversity in our communities—in race, culture and idea—makes Lake County more resilient. Preserving and honoring the cultural history of Lake County is core to the Forest Preserves mission. This is what we’ll be celebrating this Juneteenth, and we hope you’ll join us. THANK YOU for your continued support!
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 Sandy Hart, Lake Bluff Diane Hewitt, Zion J. Kevin Hunter, Ingleside Ann B. Maine, Lincolnshire Paras Parekh, Highland Park Linda Pedersen, Antioch Catherine Sbarra, Lake Zurich Julie Simpson, Vernon Hills Steve Snarski, Waukegan Jessica Vealitzek, Hawthorn Woods Terry Wilke, Round Lake Beach EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ty Kovach
HORIZONS
VOLUME 31, ISSUE 2 Spring–Summer 2022 EDITOR AND DESIGNER
Jeanna Martinucci Cristino Horizons@LCFPD.org CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS
Kim Mikus, Allison Frederick, Brett Peto, Kristen Seefurth, Rebekah Snyder PHOTOGRAPHY
Patrick Connolly (cover), Jeff Goldberg, John Weinstein, Tim Elliott, Tamima Itani, Eileen Davis, Allison Frederick, Bill Sienkiewicz, Merlin Tuttle, Peter Schulz, John D. Kavc, Jason Cristino, Mike Borkowski, Julie Etterson, Dale Shields 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.
g n i w o r G t hroug h Ch ange
T
he tractor trundled along a snowy field, tracing row after row. A small trailer
attached to the back scattered seed on the ground, and a drone glided above to capture footage. Supervising at ground level were the Director of Natural Resources Pati Vitt and Restoration Ecologist Ken Klick. It was January 2021, but they had the year 2050 on their minds. The fields sown that winter with 1,900 pounds of native grass seed are part of a research project at Grant Woods (Ingleside). It’s an effort to restore former farmland while comparing the success of native seed mixes sourced from different geographic regions. One mix, spread on two-thirds of the area, followed our typical practice of purchasing seed grown within 250 miles of the county. The other mix, spread on the remaining third, was an experiment. Its seed hailed from central Missouri and Kentucky. Both mixes contained the same species of native plants, such as little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans). We hope to learn whether plants grown from southern seeds carry genes that help them better withstand the summer heat and fluctuating precipitation patterns expected to affect Lake County in the coming decades. “One historic principle for sourcing seed has been that local is best,” Vitt said. “But our climate is changing. This project is trying to determine how we should source seed for restoration projects to have the greatest success, not just right this minute, but over the next 20, 30, 50 years.”
PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE CLIMATE
LEFT Youth Conservation Corps crew members drill holes for a wetland planting at the Grant Woods project area in July 2021.
LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES
1
The 180-acre project area at Grant Woods sits along Monaville and Fairfield roads. For more than
NI LR OU TE 59
Lay of the Land
w Grand ave
N
a century, farmers grew crops on about 120 acres. A multiuse trail winds along the area’s west side. Near the trail is a ravine that served as “the outlet for the many drain tiles located in the adjacent farm fields,” said Matt Ueltzen, manager of restoration ecology. Drain tiles are perforated underground pipes that lower the water table to encourage crop growth. Even after farmland is retired, “drain tiles reduce wetland acres and water quality,” he said. Dotted throughout the project N fa irfi eld rd
area are wetlands and woodlands. The woodlands partly separated the fields during agricultural use. The wetlands haven’t been very wet for a while, due to drain tiles and a drought that parched Lake County from April 2021 to April 2022. Vitt has little doubt it contributed to the failure of the early 2021 seeding. “The seed likely did germinate, but the seedlings couldn’t flourish in
w monaville rd
the hot, dry conditions,” she said. Thanks to additional grant funding, the fields were seeded again this past winter. Vitt has her fingers crossed that it rained enough for plants to establish this spring.
Forest Preserve entrance
Forest Preserve boundary
Prairie Restoration
stream
project boundary
wetland Restoration
trail
woodland Restoration
Droughts tend to strike Chicagoland in late summer. Native plants are generally well-adapted to that timing. But spring droughts are highly unpredictable and much less common regionally. By contrast, local rainfall was higher
Future-Proofing the forest Preserves The difference between climate and weather is a matter of time. Weather is a rainy Tuesday or a week of 60-degree temperatures. Weather is shortterm patterns of precipitation and temperature that vary around an average. Climate describes these averages over decades.
than average each spring from
According to the Illinois State Climatologist, the state’s average daily tem-
2017–2020, based on data from
perature has risen one to two degrees Fahrenheit over the past 120 years.
the National Oceanic and Atmo-
Total annual precipitation has swelled five inches, equivalent to a 12-15%
spheric Administration.
increase. Projecting forward, “Illinois is expected to continue to see increasing
“This is a major concern about
air temperatures and increasing precipitation throughout the 21st century.”
climate change. Curveballs such as
A plant’s ability to adapt to changes in its environment or differences
this drought can significantly harm
between various habitats, called plasticity, depends on genetics. If southern
habitats. The life cycles of native
seeds—having evolved in warmer environments—produce plants that grow
plants and animals evolved with
better, we might help keep the preserves healthier for decades to come by
predictable seasons,” said Vitt.
shifting our seed sourcing policy.
A Living Laboratory Vitt thinks of the project area as a “living laboratory.” She knows of only one other large-scale project in the U.S., spearheaded by The Nature Conservancy in North The project area spans 180 acres and contains former farmland plus wetlands and woodlands.
and South Dakota, attempting this type of research into climateresilient seed sourcing. We’re employing other restoration techniques alongside different seed mixes. Since 2019, crews have removed woody invasive species such as common buckthorn and honeysuckle from the area’s woodlands to reconnect habitats. We’ve disabled drain tiles to restore the natural, slower flow of water and shored up the banks of the ravine, which had been eroding. Crews also installed
A tractor scatters native seed sourced from central Missouri and Kentucky in a former farm field.
a series of stone riffles in the ravine to further reduce the water’s erosive pace. “Prior to these efforts, precipitation quickly moved off site via drain tiles,” Ueltzen said. “Now, water will mostly move into the soil and fill wetlands and groundwater. Water that does enter the ravine for drainage will do so with much less velocity.” To assess if seeds sourced from farther south perform better, staff and volunteers will monitor the
Youth Conservation Corps crew members planted about 1,000 wetland plugs in July 2021.
plants over several years. So will high school students on field trips. “They’ll take data on measures of plant success, such as flowering time, abundance and pollinator observation,” Vitt said. The results could have far-reaching implications across Chicagoland and the Midwest.
LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES
Crews stabilized the banks of the ravine and constructed stone riffles to slow the flow of water.
3
1
2
3
4
5
Bloodroot Market Forces In 2020, Vitt hosted a virtual workshop that welcomed participants from the U.S., Argentina, Australia, Canada and Germany. Attendees ranged from commercial seed
Photo: 6-8-18 producers to researchers to land managers. They discussed current Elaiosomes. The
Sanguinaria Grant Woods contains the Gavin Bog canadensis and Prairie Nature Preserve, which
includes the namesake 35-acre bog PAPAVERACEAE plus marsh, sedge meadow, woodland and prairie habitats. It’s the focus of rare plant recovery efforts. “Through a collaborative effort with
elaiosome isBotanic obvious in bloodroot, like a white gummy worm. Wear gloves the Chicago Garden, several Photo: 6-8-18 best practices, challenges and of the region’s rarest plants have Can staining your fingers. Collect open capsules. (~ !” wide) *gentle* Elaiosomes. The elaiosome is obvious in bloodroot, like give a white swollen gummy worm.pods Wear gloves to prevent the a pod’s yellow sap research. “It was a huge success,” staining your fingers. Collect open capsules. Can give swollen pods (~ !” wide) a *gentle* squeeze to see if it pops open to received special attention to ensure reveal the wine-colored seeds. Want to learn more about native reveal the wine-colored seeds.
F ind a Guide
said Vitt. Following the workshop,
long-term survival,” said Klick. “It
a working group formed. Its
has allowed the Forest Preserves to
members recently reached a
plant hundreds of tamarack trees
milestone: writing a comprehen-
and other imperiled bog plants.”
sive literature review of current
The effort is funded by a grant from
climate-resilient seed-sourcing
the Preservation Foundation of the
research. The scientific journal
Lake County Forest Preserves.
Frontiers in Conservation Science has accepted it for publication.
sourcing strategies for the next
seawall along a highly eroded
20 years in the Midwest, with an
portion of shoreline. Next year, we
eye toward fostering climate resil-
plan to restore 1,400 more linear
ience. If project results support
feet to resolve current shoreline
it, this could lead to more land
erosion and prevent future erosion.
for climate-resilient seed.
A Tradition of Restoration The seed project is a development in a deep tradition of restoration on Grant Woods’ 1,226 acres. Efforts to control buckthorn and other woody invasive species
Its 265 pages of crystal-clear photographs and captions depict the seeds of nearly 500 native that grow in natural areas.
we constructed 250 linear feet of
effectively sowing a new market
County Seed Collection Guide.
we own 1,700 linear feet of shoreline on 389-acre Long Lake. In 2005,
vendors to increase production—
Shields have a solution: the Lake
grasses, forbs and woody plants
write a policy document on seed
sourced seed and encouraging
Kelly Schultz and Volunteer Dale
At Grant Woods’ southern boundary,
Another goal of the group is to
managers purchasing southern-
seeds? Stewardship Ecologist
Twelve chapters show the seeds that are ripe for collection chronologically from spring through fall. This guide fills a need in the market, one Shields encountered himself. “When I first started taking pictures as a volunteer, I could
Community members are also
identify a lot of plants by flowers,”
making a difference. Longtime vol-
but not as many by seeds. “That’s
unteers Joyce and George Proper
how the field guides were all
have greatly contributed to the
published. They show flowers.”
improved health of Grant Woods over their 28 years of service. Joyce has been the site steward for 27 years. She and George have donated more than 16,000 hours, and organized many workdays where volunteers clear invasive species, collect and sow native seed,
Schultz and Shields teamed up in 2017 to create a new resource. Schultz wrote the guide, drawing on 17 years of experience working with seeds, and using references such as Flora of the Chicago Region. Shields took the photos, hiking to remote locations in 34
have been underway for more
and plant native plants and trees.
than 30 years. In the past several
In 2021, Joyce and George won the
crafted with a 3D printer to keep
years, crews have controlled them
Outstanding Volunteer award from
plants in focus on windy days.
throughout 500 acres. At Fairfield
the National Association of County
and Rollins roads, another 50 acres
Park and Recreation Officials
were recently relieved of these
(NACPRO). The positive impact of
plants. “Thousands of pounds of
their dedication is immense, Klick
native woodland, prairie and
said. “Grant Woods would not be the
wetland seed have been spread
place it is today without their sup-
to enrich biodiversity,” Klick said.
port.” Learn more about becoming
a volunteer at LCFPD.org/volunteer. 1. Julie Etterson (third from left), professor at the Institute on the Environment at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, was a speaker at Vitt's virtual workshop. 2. A skid steer shreds buckthorn and other woody invasive species in a dense woodland. 3. A volunteer works in a portion of the research project area at Grant Woods. 4. In 2023, about 1,400 linear feet of shoreline on Long Lake will be restored to stop current erosion and prevent future erosion. 5. Volunteers Joyce and George Proper won the 2021 NACPRO Outstanding Volunteer award.
preserves and using a clamp he
The guide was designed and written for anyone to pick up and enjoy. Visit LCFPD.org/seedguide
or the Dunn Museum (Libertyville) to purchase a copy.
I think it's exciting how well the Forest Preserves manages natural areas. Because of that, my hope is many native species won't have to adapt to as many threats at once. Good management helps mitigate other threats such as pollution and
"
invasive species.
-Pati V itt
Director of Natural Resources
A Seedling Grows Our research project has received attention from the seed industry and local press. It won the 2021 NACPRO Conservation Award, which recognizes “an exceptional effort to acquire, restore and preserve natural areas.” But the work isn’t over. On the to-do list this year are further drain tile removal and monitoring the seed as it flourishes. “I hope we have a better outcome for this recent seeding,” Vitt said. “This experience has confirmed for me how important it is we understand these dynamics.” This research project is supported by a private donor; a grant from the Wildlife Conservation Society Climate Adaptation Fund, which is made possible through the support of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation; and the Preservation Foundation. Follow us on social media @LCFPD for updates.
above WGN-TV News interviewed Vitt live on air for a Sunday morning broadcast in August 2021.
LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES
7
Concerts in the Plaza Return to Independence Grove & Greenbelt Music lovers, dance lovers and outdoor lovers, get ready for award-winning performers playing under the stars at the annual Concerts in the Plaza music series. Nine concerts will be held at Independence Grove Forest Preserve (Libertyville), at 7:30 pm on Tuesdays, June 21 through August 16. The concerts take place at the preserve's outdoor Millennia Plaza overlooking a 115-acre lake. A bonus concert is scheduled at the outdoor amphitheater at Greenbelt Cultural Center (North Chicago) on June 23. From Beatles tributes to the blues, from rock and bluegrass to swing and jazz, there’s something for just about any music taste in this season's entertainment schedule. We are grateful for the continued support of our sponsors, North Shore Gas and Libertyville Bank & Trust Co., as well as our Media Sponsor—Lake County Journal. 2022 INDEPENDENCE GROVE LINEUP: JUNE 21: Bumpus JUNE 28: Johnny Russler & the Beach Bum Band JULY 5: Kaleidoscope Eyes JULY 12: Pete Kilpatrick Band JULY 19: Laura Rain & the Caesars JULY 26: Mississippi Heat AUGUST 2: The Wayouts AUGUST 9: Gizzae AUGUST 16: Adam Ezra Group JUNE 23 AT GREENBELT CULTURAL CENTER: John Primer
Bring chairs and blankets for these outdoor concerts. Entrance fee of $10 per car after 5 pm on event nights (drop-offs included). All entrance fees are nonrefundable. No rain dates. Find more details and band descriptions at LCFPD.org/concerts or scan the QR code shown on the right.
Fresh Produce for Sale at Farm Stand
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 affordable prices. The farm stand is open Wednesdays from 9 am–1 pm, August 17 through October 12. The stand is located across the street from the farm in the parking lot of the Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 N. Green Bay Road. For details, visit LCFPD.org/farm. 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.
8
HORI ZONS QUARTERLY SPRI N G– SU M M E R 2 02 2
The Preservation Foundation is the charitable partner of the Lake County Forest Preserves. Gifts of all sizes are meaningful and help support projects and initiate programs that may otherwise go unfunded or take many years to complete. Learn more at LCFPD.org/donate or call 847-968-3110.
TOGETHER, ACHIEVING MORE FOR THE FOREST PRESERVES.
THE PRESERVATION FOUNDATION WELCOMES TWO NEW BOARD MEMBERS Chuck Bartels and Chris Heier both spent a great deal of time fishing while growing up. Bartels enjoyed Red Lake in Ontario. Heier spent summers in Door County. Both continue to be drawn to the outdoors, which led them to join the board of the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves. Bartels and Heier join 21 other dedicated volunteers who give their time, expertise, connections and donations to help the Forest CHUCK BARTELS
Preserves do more.
CHRIS HEIER
A Mundelein resident, Bartels was a Forest Preserve
The new board members realize that keeping
commissioner from 2014 to 2018 and learned a great
our forest preserves healthy is an ongoing
deal about the mission and importance of restoration.
challenge. The forest preserves are more popular
“Our forest preserves are central to quality of life in
than ever following the pandemic. Visitation in
Lake County,” he observes. “The land is so attractive
2020 was 70% higher than the year before, and
to individuals and families – and thus to jobs and
remains strong.
economic vitality. Having good forest preserves
Revenues have not kept pace with increases in
partners with good economic development.” Lakewood (Wauconda) is his favorite place to visit for the picturesque trails, and he enjoys events at Independence Grove (Libertyville).
visitation. "The Forest Preserves is tax capped," observed Preservation Foundation President Nels Leutwiler. “Revenues have been essentially flat for more than a decade.” For those who want to do
Heier has early memories of spending time in nature
more, there are many ways to help through the
during summer trips to Door County. “We would
Foundation. One option is to give to the Annual
spend a lot of time on the water around Fish Creek.
Fund, which is a flexible source of funding to meet
We took numerous trips to Peninsula State Park and
immediate needs.
Whitefish Dunes to walk the trails, kayak and jump
Looking ahead, the Foundation aims to raise
off the cliffs.” The Vernon Hills resident now enjoys time in the forest preserves with his family. Favorites are Half Day (Vernon Hills) and Wright Woods (Mettawa). “We are so fortunate to have the second largest forest preserve district in the state right in our backyards,” he said.
$20 million in habitat restoration endowment funds by 2025. The endowment will provide permanent funding to plant trees, manage invasive species and conduct controlled burns. “All critical, ongoing activities to care for our preserves," Leutwiler said.
Chuck and Chris are ideal new board members. They have diverse business backgrounds and live in different communities, but they share a deep, personal connection to nature. —FOUNDATION PRESIDENT NELS LEUTWILER
LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES
9
PRESERVENEWS LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT STATEMENT As the largest owner and steward of land in Lake County, it is fitting for us to acknowledge and honor the first people to live here and care for this land. A land acknowledgment statement is an important tool for teaching about the history of the Native people of this land. We will lead the way in making land acknowledgment statements a regular practice for local organizations. Part of our mission is to educate about the history of Lake County. While developing this statement, we worked with Trickster Cultural Center in Schaumburg to gain knowledge and to ensure the Native voice was at the center of the statement. We are grateful for their collaboration and guidance throughout this monumental project. Read the full statement below: “As a place that shares the intertwined stories of people and nature, the Lake County Forest Preserves is dedicated to preserving the unique ecosystems and history of northeastern Illinois. We acknowledge Native people as the original caretakers of the land the Forest Preserves now resides on. These are the traditional homelands of the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi nations. Many other nations including the Miami, Illinois, Kickapoo, Peoria, Meskawki, Sauk & Fox, Winnebago, and Ho-Chunk have settled in, traveled through, and welcomed others to this area. American Indian groups still exist today despite the historic and cultural campaigns of removal. They maintain cultural traditions and call Lake County home. The Forest Preserves strives to build relationships with American
A New Teammate to Tackle Buckthorn We have teamed up with the Chicago Bears to tackle European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), a non-native, invasive tree that harms native plants, animals and habitats. Removing this pesky plant is a key objective in our 100-Year Vision for Lake County. A pilot project to help achieve this goal started in 2015. Its mission is to clear buckthorn from Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve (Lake Forest) and the surrounding landscape by encouraging about 700 public and private landowners to do the same. Halas Hall, the Bears’ headquarters, neighbors Middlefork Savanna. To learn how to remove and replace buckthorn, visit LCFPD.org/buckthorn.
Indian communities today.”
BLUE STAR MUSEUMS Active-duty military personnel (with ID) and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, enjoy free admission at the Dunn Museum (Libertyville), through Labor Day. Find details: arts.gov/ bluestarmuseums.
10
HORI ZONS QUARTERLY SPRI N G– SU M M E R 2 02 2
Great blue heron (Ardea herodias)
BEER GARDEN OPEN FOR THE SEASON The Beer Garden at Independence Grove (Libertyville) is open for the season. Visitors can enjoy scenic views and local craft brews at the venue, along with packaged snacks and other beverages. The Beer Garden can also be reserved for events. Learn more and view the menu: LCFPD.org/beer Seasonal hours pending staffing levels and weather: June–August:
Tuesday for Concerts in the Plaza Thursday Friday–Sunday, holidays
5–9 pm 5–9 pm 1–9 pm
September–October:
Thursday Friday–Sunday, holidays
5–9 pm 1–9 pm
STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE: Sustain Organizational Excellence Solar panels were recently installed on the roof of the Edward L. Ryerson Welcome Center (Riverwoods). We received a $76,000 Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation grant and a $50,000 private donation to support this project. Completed in 2006, the building is certified LEED Platinum by the U.S Green Building Council. Sustainable features at the building include the use of natural light, geothermal heating and cooling, and recycled rainwater. “Focusing on the highest levels of sustainability in our facilities is important for the future of the Lake County Forest Preserves and the communities we serve,” said Executive Director Alex Ty Kovach. “We are running out of time
Tick Bite Prevention Limit exposure to ticks by steering clear of tick habitats such as tall grass, shrubs or leaf litter. Ticks wait patiently on vegetation near the ground for a host to brush past. Walk in the center of trails to avoid contact with tall plants. Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks to minimize access to skin. Certain insect repellents discourage ticks. Remove any ticks on your clothing before returning to your car or home. For helpful tips, visit LCFPD.org/tickinfo.
to ensure a habitable planet for our children and grandchildren. Now is the perfect time for us to engage in these clean energy projects, and to educate and inspire others to do the same.” View our complete 100-Year Vision and Strategic Plan, and Road Map to 2025 objectives and tactics at LCFPD.org/vision.
LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES
11
FEATURED EVENTS
For a full list of events, descriptions, pricing and tickets: Visit LCFPD.org/calendar, call 847-968-3321 or open the camera app on your phone and scan the QR code shown on the left. In-person and virtual nature and history programs, school field trips, and digital resources are available.
EDUCATOR PICKS We asked a few of our professional educators to pick their top programs this
season. View all programs and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar. June 22, July 27, August 24 Beer Garden Trivia Nights July 7 Comic Book Crafts July 21 Lake County Bats August 4 Introduction to Mushroom ID
GUIDED WALKS Get exercise while learning about your local forest preserves. Join an educator and find out about preserve history, native plants and wildlife. View all guided walks and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar. July 17 Sunday Stroll July 23 Wildflower Walk August 6 Walk with a Naturalist August 25 Senior Walk Series
FAMILY PROGRAMS Looking for a fun, engaging and educational program designed for the whole family? Programs feature a variety of topics on history and nature. View all family programs and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar. July 7 Family Fishing July 13 Storytime on the Farm July 21 From Tadpole to Frog August 21 Family Bug Search
ADULT PROGRAMS Join our history and environmental educators in these programs designed for adults. View all adult programs and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar.
July 13 Mindful Moments with History: Gardening Through Time July 28 Native Gardeners Club: Ready, Set, Grow August 16 Hummingbirds August 18 A Long Time Ago: Star Wars from 1977–1983
12
HORI ZONS QUARTERLY SPRI N G– SU M M E R 2 02 2
Have a question about Lake County history or nature? Our educators have the answer. Email: AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org
PADDLING PROGRAMS Looking to explore nature from a different perspective? Join us on the
water. View all programs and find registration details at LCFPD.org/calendar. July 6 Canoeing for Clues July 31 Guided Nature Paddle August 8 Canoe with your Kids August 20 Mindful Moments with History: Paddle the Adlai Way
CONSERVATION EXPLORERS: July 11–July 23 Are you a teen, or do you know one, who is looking for something fun to do this summer? If so, we can help! In a dynamic two-week outdoor program, students entering grades 10 or 11 will explore and study the local ecosystems of Lake County. Conservation Explorers (ConEx) focuses on the importance of conservation and stewardship, includes a variety of hands-on projects and culminates with an overnight adventure. Participants will learn about summer job opportunities and career options in the science field. Ready to know more? Visit: LCFPD.org/conex
TEACHER INSTITUTE: August 1–5 Calling all teachers! Do you need an innovative way, close to home, to get your professional development credits this summer? Learn about the work of the Forest Preserves and its Dunn Museum through immersive on-site experiences led by history and environmental education staff, museum curators, landscape architects, ecologists, and more. Teachers will connect with programs and staff from the Forest Preserves to introduce and promote conversation efforts, native ecosystems and local history. The concepts presented will support state learning standards for middle and high school curricula. Each day will include authentic, real-world experiences focused on the local environment and history. Registration is available for individual days or the full week: LCFPD.org/institute
LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES
13
online Native Plant Sale
Butterfly weed
Lady fern
(Asclepias tuberosa) One of the showiest milkweeds, it has orange clusters of flowers and long, narrow leaves. Host for many pollinators.
(Athyrium filix-femina) This hardy fern is great for perennial borders and woodlands. Prefers dappled sunlight to moderate shade and moist to mesic soils.
Early low blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) This is one tough little shrub. White flowers in spring attract insects. Fruits appear in June and attract birds when ripe.
Blue beech (Carpinus caroliniana) Mid-sized tree with smooth, gray bark. Grows well in different soils and pH levels. Also called American hornbeam and musclewood.
Choose from 100-plus species. Inventory is limited. First-come, first-serve.
Do more good with your garden Purchase native flowers, ferns, forbs, grasses, shrubs and trees. Online sales are open through October 31. Your purchases will be shipped to your door. Shop now: LCFPD.org/plant-sale The Online Native Plant Sale is an annual fundraiser benefiting our environmental education programs and events. Thank you for your support.
SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS
On exhibit in-person and virtually through September 5 Bill Sienkiewicz (pronounced sin-KEV-itch) is an Eisner-winning and Emmy nominated artist, best known for revolutionizing the style of comic and graphic novel illustration over the past four decades. Landmark works, such as Marvel Comics' Elektra: Assassin and his acclaimed graphic novel Stray Toasters, have earned Bill Sienkiewicz an international reputation and cult status across media industries. This exhibition showcases sketches and original paintings spanning the artist’s career from the 1980s to present day. View over 60 works of art and video interviews to discover how Sienkiewicz’s renderings incorporate abstract and expressionist influences. Plan your visit: LCFPD.org/museum/planning
Meet the Artist | Saturday, August 13 | 10 am–12:30 pm Meet artist Bill Sienkiewicz at the Dunn Museum during an exclusive signing event. Visitors will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Bill will sign up to three items per person. No sketches. Learn more: LCFPD.org/meet-bill
Exclusive Bill Sienkiewicz: Pop Culture Revolution exhibition posters, the Bill Sienkiewicz: Revolution book and a variety of other merchandise will be available for purchase in the Museum's Gift Shop.
LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES
15
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
RYERSON CONSERVATION AREA
COUNTRYSIDE GOLF CLUB
1215 Green Bay Road North Chicago, Illinois 60064
21950 North Riverwoods Road Riverwoods, Illinois 60015
847-968-3477
Banquets, Meetings
Greenbelt@LCFPD.org GreenbeltCulturalCenter.org Office Hours By appointment only
INDEPENDENCE GROVE 16400 West Buckley Road Libertyville, Illinois 60048 847-968-3499
Main
847-247-1111
Banquets, Meetings
IndependenceGrove@LCFPD.org IndependenceGrove.org Info@eventsig.com EventsAtIndependenceGrove.com Visitors Center For hours, visit our website. Beer Garden, Marina and Café For seasonal hours and fees, visit our website. Parking Fee Lake County residents FREE Vehicle window stickers allow entry without having to verify Lake County residency. Fee is $5, available at the Visitors Center.
847-968-3320
LCFPD.org/ryerson
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.
16
HORI ZONS QUARTERLY SPRI N G– SU M M E R 2 02 2
Prairie and Traditional Courses 20800 West Hawley Street Mundelein, Illinois 60060 847-968-3466 847-968-3466 847-489-1931
Welcome Center For hours, visit our website.
Tee Times Golf Gift Cards Golf Outings
CountrysideGolfClub.org
BESS BOWER DUNN MUSEUM 1899 West Winchester Road Libertyville, Illinois 60048 847-968-3400
BRAE LOCH GOLF CLUB 33600 North U.S. Highway 45 Grayslake, Illinois 60030
Dunn@LCFPD.org DunnMuseum.org
847-968-4295 847-968-4295 847-489-1931
Gallery and Gift Shop For hours, visit our website.
BraeLochGolfClub.org
Tee Times Golf Gift Cards Golf Outings
THUNDERHAWK GOLF CLUB
General Admission $6 adults/$10 nonresidents $3 seniors, youth/$6 nonresidents Free, children ages 3 and under Discount Tuesdays Half off admission on Tuesdays and up to four free youth per adult First and Third Thursdays On the first and third Thursdays of every month, enjoy free programs and admission from 5–8 pm. Sponsored by: ®
Nonresidents $6 per car Monday–Thursday $12 per car Friday–Sunday and holidays
LCFPD.org
A Robert Trent Jones Jr. championship golf course 39700 North Lewis Avenue Beach Park, Illinois 60099 847-968-3450
Banquets, Meetings
847-968-3444 847-968-3444 847-489-1931
Tee Times Golf Gift Cards Golf Outings
ThunderHawkEvents@LCFPD.org
ThunderHawkGolfClub.org
FOREST PRESERVE Entrance/Parking
FORT HILL TRAIL Planned Section
FOREST PRESERVE EASEMENTS
CHAIN O’LAKES BIKE PATH Planned Section
More than 31,000 acres make up your Lake County Forest Preserves.
STATE LAND
Most preserves are open 6:30 am – sunset, daily. If a preserve gate is open before 6:30 am , the preserve is considered open for use.
DES PLAINES RIVER TRAIL (DPRT)
MAP CURRENT AS OF
Monday, June 6, 2022
LCFPD.org
MILLENNIUM TRAIL Planned Section
OPERATIONS AND PUBLIC SAFETY BEER GARDEN
MIDDLEFORK TRAIL Planned Section
CANOE LAUNCH
M CCLORY TRAIL / NORTH SHORE PATH
COMMUNITY GARDEN
PATRIOT PATH Planned
DOG PARK
SPRING BLUFF
!
HASTINGS LAKE
Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
THUNDERHAWK GOLF CLUB
ETHEL'S WOODS
!
!
!
! ! ! !
!
!
MILL CREEK
! !
FOURTH LAKE
LYONS WOODS
!
!
!
!
WAUKEGAN SAVANNA
! !
! !
! !! !
!
!!
BONNER HERITAGE ! FARM
!
!
GRANT WOODS
!
!
! !
DUCK FARM
!
!
McDONALD WOODS
!
! !
! ! ! ! ! !!
! !
!
!
!!
!!
!!
! ! ! !! !
WADSWORTH SAVANNA
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
!!
!! !!
! ! !
! ! !
!!! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! !
SUN LAKE
Des Plaines River
!
! !
! ! ! !
RAVEN GLEN
OAK-HICKORY
!
! !!
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
!
! !
! !
! !
DUTCH GAP
! ! ! !
!
Cedar Lake State Bog
!
PRAIRIE STREAM
!
BLUEBIRD MEADOW
!
! !
SEQUOIT CREEK
! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
LAKE MARIE
Chain O'Lakes State Park
VAN PATTEN WOODS
! ! !
! ! ! !
! !
! !
!
! ! !! ! !
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! !
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
! ! ! !
Red Wing Slough State Natural Area
Fox River
!! ! !
Use our online interactive trail map to navigate your adventure. To view the map, open the camera app on your phone and scan the QR code below.
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
SEDGE MEADOW
!
!
! !
ROLLINS SAVANNA
! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
TANAGER KAMES Volo Bog State Natural Area
LAKE CARINA
!
! !
! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
MARL FLAT
! !
ALMOND MARSH
! ! !
GREENBELT
KETTLE GROVE
! !
Black !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Crown ! ! SINGING !! Marsh! ! ! ! State HILLS Natural ! ! Area ! !
KESTREL RIDGE
!
INDEPENDENCE GROVE
!
! !
! !
! ! ! !
! !
! ! ! !
!!
!!!!
!!
! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
! ! ! ! ! !
!
!
ATKINSON STORMWATER FACILITY
WILMOT WOODS
!
RAY LAKE
Lake Michigan
! !
! !
!!
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
! !
! !
!!
! !
!
VISITORS CENTER
!
!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
! !
NIPPERSINK !
GREENBELT CULTURAL CENTER
!
BRAE LOCH GOLF CLUB
!
!
! ! ! ! ! !
!
! !
! !
! ! ! !
Des Plaines River
OLD SCHOOL
COUNTRYSIDE GOLF CLUB
!
FOX RIVER
°
!
!
MacARTHUR WOODS
LAKEWOOD
!
ORIOLE GROVE
!
MIDDLEFORK SAVANNA
!
NORTH NORTH
! ! ! !
! !
!
!
! ! ! !
!
!! ! !
! !
! !
!
PRAIRIE WOLF
!
EGRET MARSH
HERON CREEK
EDWARD L. RYERSON CONSERVATION AREA
!
CUBA MARSH
BUFFALO CREEK
!
WELCOME CENTER !
CAHOKIA FLATWOODS
!
DUFFY STORMWATER FACILITY
!
FORT SHERIDAN
! ! ! ! ! !! !! !
!
! !
HALF DAY
!
CAPTAIN DANIEL WRIGHT WOODS
! !
!
!
! !
!
GRASSY LAKE
! !
ADLAI E. STEVENSON ! HISTORIC HOME
Fox River
! ! ! ! ! !
! ! ! !
GRAINGER WOODS CONSERVATION PRESERVE
!
MARINA
!
SKOKIE RIVER WOODS BERKELEY PRAIRIE
LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES
17
LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES GENERAL OFFICES 1899 WEST WINCHESTER ROAD LIBERTYVILLE ILLINOIS 60048
PLEASE DELIVER PROMPTLY—
t
TIME- SENSITIVE MATERIAL
HORI Z ON S SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES HOTLINE: 847–968–3335 email : Horizons@LCFPD.org
q
THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED USING 100% RECYCLED PAPER, ALLOWING US TO SAVE 45 MATURE TREES, 6,424 GALS WATER, 10,985 LBS GREENHOUSE GASES
SUMMER ADVENTURES
FOX RIVER MARINA & BOAT LAUNCH
Nature. History. EXPLORERS.
Get in the water fast from our four-lane launch for
This summer, we’re offering a variety of hands-on nature
boats, personal watercraft and paddlecraft. There is
and history education programs for children and teenagers
a fee for launching. Boat slips are available for rent on
ages 4–16. In-person and virtual offerings are available.
a seasonal basis. Indoor dry storage is also available.
Register for Summer Adventures programs online at
Learn more: FoxRiverMarina.org
Gospelfest: July 31 • 3–7 pm
LCFPD.org/summer or call 847-968-3321.
Be inspired by Lake County’s gospel voices this summer at the Greenbelt Cultural Center (North Chicago). This annual favorite features choirs and solo performances. Gospelfest is FREE and open to all ages. For details, visit LCFPD.org/calendar.
FLICKR PICK The brilliant blue of an indigo bunting (Passerina cyanea) stands out against a vivid green backdrop at Ryerson Conservation Area (Riverwoods) in late spring. Posted via Flickr by Dahai Zang.
Connect with us @LCFPD on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Flickr, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Listen to our award-winning Words of the Woods podcast on your favorite podcast app.