horizons quarterly // spring 2016

LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES

PRESERVATION, RESTORATION, EDUCATION AND RECREATION

QUARTERLY spring 2016 VOLUME 25, ISSUE 2

H O R I Z O N S

A MESSAGE from

BOARD of COMMISSIONERS

PRESIDENT

Ann B. Maine, Lincolnshire

VICE PRESIDENT

Linda Pedersen, Antioch

TREASURER

S. Michael Rummel, Lake Forest

ASSISTANT TREASURER

Audrey H. Nixon, North Chicago

Chuck Bartels, MundeleinCarol Calabresa, Libertyville Steve Carlson, Gurnee Bonnie Thomson Carter, InglesideMary Ross Cunningham, Waukegan Bill Durkin, Waukegan Sandra Hart, Lake BluffDiane Hewitt, WaukeganAaron Lawlor, Vernon Hills Steven W. Mandel, Highland ParkSidney Mathias, Buffalo GroveBrent Paxton, Zion Nick Sauer, Lake BarringtonCraig Taylor, Lake Zurich Tom Weber, Lake VillaJeff Werfel, GrayslakeTerry Wilke, Round Lake Beach

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ty Kovach

HORIZONS VOLUME 25, ISSUE 2 Spring 2016

EDITOR Susan Hawkins, [email protected]

CONTRIBUTORS Allison Frederick

PHOTOGRAPHY Andrew Roberts (cover), Carol Freeman, Phil Hauck, James Jordan, Lake County Discovery Museum, Magnus Manske, Alex Schott, Gary Rogers, Chip Williams SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES HOTLINE: 847–968–3335

ANN B. MAINE PRESIDENT LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES

LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVESmore than 30,300 acres are protected

by the lake county forest preserves.

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Horizons is the quarterly publication of the Lake County Forest Preserves. Subscriptions are free. To subscribe, unsubscribe or update your address, call the hotline or email [email protected].

Subscribers may also receive mailings from the Preser-vation 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 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 publi-cations without additional, prior notice or permission and without compensation to the participant.

As the snow recedes from my garden, I anxiously search for the first of the mayapple, hepatica and bloodroot to pop through the ground. The native plants I put in a few years ago have brought dragonflies, native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other welcome visitors. As part of our 100-year Vision and Strategic Plan, we want to engage Lake County residents as conservation partners to enhance the landscape beyond forest preserve bound-

aries. Private lands will always comprise about 80 percent of the land in Lake County, but together we can conserve nature on a large scale, improving ecosystem functions and wildlife habitat across the county. What you do on your property can make a difference.

Gardens with native plants provide an important bridge between residential and nearby natural areas. In addition to planting your own native garden, you can recommend native plants to neighbors and homeowner associations, or get involved with local land-use planning processes.

With native plants, you can bring the beauty of Lake County into your own landscape while receiving numerous benefits. Many native plants survive with minimal watering once they are established. They require less fertilizer, pruning, pest control, and less of your time to maintain. Over thousands of years, they have developed their own defenses against pests and diseases. Reducing or eliminating pesticide use lets natural pest control take over and keeps toxins out of our watershed.

With spring upon us, now is the time to begin planning your garden. I invite you to join me in making your yard more welcome to our native pollinators. Start by assessing current conditions in your yard. Be sure to identify invasive species and remove them (for more information see invasive.org/illinois). A little investigation will help determine the best plants for your yard. When I put in my new garden a few years ago, I made sure to include a lot of pollinator-friendly plants. It was amazing how many bees, butterflies, and dragonflies came in just a few years. Native plants invite many insect pollinators, which can improve yield in your vegetable garden. Native birds and insects may also help control mosquitoes and other pests. Reducing turf grass and installing a rainwater barrel are two practices that can amplify the benefits of your native garden. Then you can sit back and enjoy your yard and your visitors.

Many native plants are available from commercial nurseries, or visit our annual Native Plant Sale this Mother’s Day weekend. Proceeds from this sale benefit our education programs. See page 11 for details, or visit LCFPD.org/plantsale.

52 15On the cover: Drake mallard preening in a spring wetland along the Des Plaines River Trail in Libertyville

Mayapple blooms at Ryerson Woods, Riverwoods

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L A ND S C A P IN G

Part of our 100-year Vision for Lake County is to conserve nature at a landscape scale. We ac-tively seek and facilitate projects with partners to enhance the surrounding living landscape, beyond forest preserve boundaries, in order to improve the ecosystem functions and diversity of native plant and animal life throughout Lake County. Lake County residents are our most im-portant partners in this effort.

Benefits of healthy ecosystems continue to be-come more apparent and important. The wet-lands that store floodwaters and the trees that deliver clean air and absorb excess carbon from our atmosphere provide vital protection to our communities. As development and urbaniza-tion expands, it is more important than ever to connect people to nature and our backyards to open spaces.

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LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES 1

Imagine a Lake County landscape where you cannot tell where a forest preserve ends and a backyard begins. A tiny veery (Catharus fuscescens, above), exhausted by its flight from South American win-tering grounds, searches for suitable habitat to raise its babies. Now, its search ends quickly because the bird doesn’t notice that there are boundaries at all. In early May, it finds its summer home in your backyard. You can simply open your kitchen window to hear its ethereal, cascading song at dawn and dusk. In June, if you sit quietly in the early morning, you can spy mama and her brood moving in long hops through soft clumps of native grasses at the edge of your garden.

Native Plants

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ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE THEORY OF ISLAND BIOGEOGRAPHY? The theory was coined in 1967 by ecologists E.O. Wilson and

Robert MacArthur. In a nutshell : smaller islands tend to support fewer species than larger islands. This is because smaller islands

contain less varied habitat and, therefore, fewer resources. Also, more distant islands have fewer species because it is harder for

new species to colonize. This idea has extended to other fragmented lands, for example, an “island” of suitable woodland habitat

surrounded by housing developments or other unsuitable habitat. As partners in conservation, we can create a mosaic of habitats that

spans hundreds of thousands of acres, granting diverse flora and fauna the opportunity to forage, nest, rest and ultimately thrive.

These maps highlight the current

state (left) and future potential

(right) for habitat in an area

near Lincolnshire. As partners in

conservation, we can blur the lines

between natural open spaces and

your own backyard.

Identify invasive species and remove them. • Assess what you have. Bare spots? Trees? Low areas with water?

Have your soil tested. Learn the right plants for the right yard. • Plant native species. • Reduce turf grass.

Reduce pesticide use. • Eliminate insecticide use. • Conserve water and collect rainwater. • Use a mulching

mower instead of a bagger, or rake and compost leaves and clippings to redistribute on gardens.

LEFT: FOREST PRESERVE LAND; RIGHT: FOREST PRESERVE,

PARK AND RESIDENTIAL LAND, LINCOLNSHIRE

W IL D L IF E K N O W S N O P R O P E R T Y L INE S

In Lake County, we are fortunate to have sizable pieces of our natural heritage protected in a system of preserves, allowing wildlife populations that are threatened by expanding development a chance to survive and thrive. Reducing the effect of fragmenta-tion is one of the reasons we strive to maintain large expanses of land and add acreage to existing areas.

But keeping open space is often not enough. As partners in conservation, we must focus on creating a mosaic of habitats to accommodate a rich vari-ety of species. Every species has different habitat requirements, and all must be able to successfully establish a nest, find food, raise young, and be pro-tected from predators.

2 HORIZONS QUARTERLY SPRING 2016

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B C D E

T IP S F R O M O UR L A ND S C A P E A R C H I T E C T S // B E S T P R A C T I C E S

Challenge: Transform a 9-foot urban heat island at our General Offices (Libertyville) into a prosperous native garden.

Planning the garden: We wanted to transform a vacant mulch bed near the entrance of our General Offices into a demonstration garden. Our landscape architects evaluated the small circle surrounded by concrete curb and found good organic well-drained soil. The location receives full sun and extreme heat conditions due to the surrounding pavement, yet it only required watering during the initial planting period. Suitable native prairie species were chosen for their tolerance to site conditions. Today, they provide a showy representation of native species to our visitors and staff.

Native flowers, grasses and forbs play a criti-cal role in increasing biodiversity —the variety of species living in a particular habitat. These indigenous plants help maintain native diver-sity by providing food and homes for insects, birds and mammals. In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of the impor-tance of preserving biodiversity. Biodiversity is important for such ecosystem processes as water purification, recycling nutrients and providing fertile soil, preventing erosion and facilitating pollination.

We see evidence every day that the local and global climate is changing, for example in unseasonably early bird migration and plant flowering. Natural resource strategies strive to help natural communities attain the best health possible, giving them the great-est chance to adapt to and survive the many changes the future may bring.

Designing a native landscape is not much different than designing any other garden. Choose what fits your needs and preferences. As long as you choose native species, you will save money while providing valuable habitat. Native plants require less watering, less fertil-izer and are well-suited to thrive in local gar-dens. Native flowering species also provide an abundance of nectar and attract wildlife, such as butterflies and songbirds. And the result will be just as beautiful.

No matter what style of garden is your fa-vorite—from Italianate to Cottage and even Japanese-style gardens—you can create it using native plants.

At 64 square feet, this is our smallest project to date!


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Species planted:

B BUTTERFLY WEED, Asclepias tuberosa (Nine 1-gallon plants)

C LITTLE BLUESTEM, Schizachyrium scoparium (Six 1-gallon plants)

D MISSOURI PRIMROSE, Oenothera macrocarpa (Nine 1-gallon plants)

E PALE PURPLE CONEFLOWER, Echinacea pallida (14 2.25-inch plugs)

F PRAIRIE DROPSEED, Sporobolus heterolepis (Nine 1-gallon plants)

G WILD PETUNIA, Ruellia humilis (27 2.25-inch plugs)

S E E I T IN A C T I O N

F G

PLEASE NOTE » The taking of any parts of flowers or

other plants from forest preserves is against District

regulations and subject to fine. Many native plants are

available from commercial nurseries, or visit our annual

Native Plant Sale on Mother’s Day weekend. See page 11

for details, or visit LCFPD.org/plantsale.

T IP S F R O M O UR L A ND S C A P E A R C H I T E C T S // B E S T P R A C T I C E S


ELECTRIC RANGER VEHICLES

Our first electric vehicle is being tested by Ranger Police, and so far they love it. The new Polaris electric vehicle costs less than the gas-run model. A full charge holds for 24 hours with regular use, and the car can be easily re-charged using a standard 110 volt outlet. Its four-wheel drive feature and slim size are perfect for patrolling the trails and going off road when needed. If it continues to test well, watch for more electric vehicles to join our fleet.

NEW LAND PRESERVED IN MUNDELEIN

Last November, our Board approved a 337-acre addition to Ray Lake Forest Preserve (Wauconda). Situated on the northern border of Ray Lake, this addition features rolling topography and expansive open views. A signifi-cant, uninterrupted parcel neighboring our largest pre-serve, Lakewood (Wauconda) , this land is an important cornerstone for a larger ecological complex of wetland and grassland natural communities. Together with Ray Lake and Lakewood, this purchase brings the acreage of forest preserve land in that area to 3,738.

Funds from the voter-approved November 2008 referen-dum made this purchase possible, along with a generous $1,085,000 grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Com-munity Foundation. The grant provides $1 million to-ward the acquisition price, and $85,000 for habitat restoration on the site.

PICNIC SEASON

Picnic permits provide exclu-sive use of a shelter with ample parking, picnic tables, water, grills and more. For details, call 847-367-6640 or visit LCFPD.org/permits.

PRESERVENEWS

SANDHILL CRANE (GRUS CANADENSIS) IN FLIGHT OVER RAY LAKE FOREST PRESERVE


DO YOU ENJOY WALKING IN THE PRESERVES? MEETING NEW PEOPLE?

If yes, then these volunteer opportunities may inter-est you. We are recruiting Nature Walk Guides and Roving Interpreters. Guides lead scheduled group walks through forest preserves, like our Habitat Walk for Seniors and Guided Hike Lake County walks—just to name a few. Interpreters greet and talk with preserve visitors, typically on weekends at their favorite preserve. They can choose their preferred location, hours, and often their topic. No previous natural history or preserve knowledge is needed for either volunteer position. Training is provided and schedules are flexible.

Interested in becoming a Nature Walk Guide? Call Mark Hurley at 847-968-3324.

Interested in becoming a Roving Interpreter? Call Jenny Sazama at 847-968-3482.

For other volunteer opportunities with the Lake County Forest Preserves, visit LCFPD.org/volunteer or call Mark Hurley at 847-968-3324.

JOHN TANNAHILL TO HEAD LAKE COUNTY POLICE ASSOCIATION

John Tannahill, Director of Public Safety, has been elected to head the Lake County Chiefs of Police Asso-ciation (LCCPA) in 2016.Tannahill said his highest priority as president will be to encourage members to become certified by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.

The LCCPA mission is to foster leadership development within the law enforcement community through the sharing of resources, training, use of technological inno-vations, and by creating and support-ing community partnerships.

As Director of Public Safety, Tanna-hill is responsible for the safety and security of preserve properties, staff, and patrons. He regularly partners with various levels of fire and police departments and conser-vation organizations to address safety-related issues.


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.

DONORS MAKE FIRST FOLIO! A SUCCESS

Have you experienced Shakespeare’s First Folio! yet? The Lake County Discovery Museum was selected to serve as the exclu-sive Illinois host site of this national touring exhibition, on display through February 28.The Illinois presentation of First Folio! was fully funded by gifts to the Preservation Foundation, including a leadership gift from John Monroe, in memory of his friend John High. Additional support was provided by the Friends of the Lake County Discovery Museum.

ADOPT YOUR FAVORITE DOG PARK

As the weather warms our four Dog Parks are coming back to life. If you value these special areas for the health and enjoyment they provide you and your dog, consider the Adopt-a-Dog-Park program. Your $100 gift can honor a loved one or a beloved pet and will be acknowledged with a personalized photo certificate. Your tax-deductible donation will directly support the care of your favorite park at Lakewood, Duck Farm, Independence Grove or Prairie Wolf. Visit LCFPD.org/Donate to learn more.

THE GREEN YOUTH FARM RESPROUTS AT GREENBELT

This May, North Chicago and Waukegan high school students will once again prepare a 1.25-acre farm to grow tomatoes, peppers, kale and squash amidst Lake County’s most densely populated communities. Students work Saturdays to prepare the soil and plant, and by summer they work five days a week gardening and learning about healthful eating and cooking. As the Green Youth Farm students work, they’ll gain critical job and interpersonal skills, spend valuable time with adult mentors, and gain exposure to career and educational opportunities in conserva-tion and sustainable food. Support their work. Stop by the Farm Stand July–October and buy produce harvested by the students. This program is a joint partnership between the Preservation Foundation and the Chi-cago Botanic Garden. To learn more or make a gift to the Green Youth Farm, contact the Preservation Foundation at 847-968-3434.


SPRING BURN SEASON

March and April are busy months for our burn crews, as they conduct controlled fires to revive natural areas. Fire is the most efficient and economical tool for managing Lake County’s natural communities, improving habitat by decreasing invasive plants, removing dead leaves and exposing the seedbed to the sun. For daily updates, visit LCFPD.org/burninfo.

SPRING TRAIL ALERTS

Although spring brings warmer trail-going weather, it also brings increased rainfall 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, see LCFPD.org or follow us on Facebook.com/LCFPD.

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

When people talk about infrastructure, they usually mean highways, energy sources and buildings. But there’s more to it. Just as we plan networks of roads, we can plan networks of open spaces and natural resources that connect communities and regions. This is our green infrastructure. A strategically planned and managed network of natural lands, working land-scapes, and other open spaces will conserve ecosystem values and services, while providing associated benefits to human populations.

In recent years, the Chicago Wilderness alliance established a vision for green infrastructure (GIV) by working with regional planning agencies to redefine how we think about sustainabil-ity and community health by incorporating conservation development principles and natural resource preservation into land use and transportation plans.

Lake County has been highly regarded for the amount of data it collects and maps, such as the quality of lakes, stormwater management facilities, a wetland inventory, ADID wetlands, soil surveys and public trail routes. We are now working to include these data and provide a more detailed vision for green infrastructure in Lake County. This is a critical resource for reaching the key conservation goals outlined in our 100-year Vision for Lake County. A refined GIV will allow us to identify priority areas where we can work with partners to create 10,000-acre complexes of diverse natural communities for large-scale wildlife habitats, to pinpoint impor-tant resource focus areas along Lake Michigan, and to enhance water resources in Lake Coun-ty.


MARCH

SPRING CALENDARRegistration required for all programs unless otherwise indicated. For detailed program descriptions, specific meeting locations, directions and registration visit LCFPD.org or call 847–968–3321.For updates outside of normal business hours, call 847-968-3113.

5–6, 12–13, 19–20 Maple Syrup HikesLearn how trees work and about the sweet sap of sugar maples. Ryerson Woods is one of the few places in Lake County where conditions are right for maple syrup production and where trees grow to a diameter and height that allows for tapping. Everyone gets a taste. Program also available as a school or scout field trip, call 847-968-3321 for details.

First three weekends in March. Hikes every half-hour from 12–2 pm. Ryerson Woods. All ages. $6. Children 3 and under, FREE. Hikes fill fast, so register soon.

5, 12, 19, 26 Forest Fitness Group fitness walks feature a new preserve each week.

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

8 Hikin’ Tykes—Maple Syrup Nature-based story, craft and outdoor exploration for you and your preschool child.

9 Small Discoveries—Digging for Dinosaurs Become a paleontologist as you dig for fossils, make fossil casts, create a dinosaur mask and more.

10 Connecting Kids with Nature Connect your kids with nature through outdoor exploration. Along the way, learn about the benefits of nature play.

23 People & Puppies in the Park Come romp in a dog park for National Puppy Day. Learn which native plants are pet-safe for your backyard.

23 Small Discoveries—Hop Into Spring Celebrate the arrival of spring with stories, crafts and more.

APRIL

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Forest Fitness Group fitness walks feature a new preserve each week.

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Rookery Watch Join us for viewing of nesting herons, cormorants and other waterfowl. Supported by Lake County Audubon volunteers.


6 Habitat Walk for Seniors Explore one of the many habitats found in Lake County, learning as you walk a 1.43-mile trail at Greenbelt.

Saturdays, 8–9 am, for weekly locations see LCFPD.org/FF. Adults. FREE. No registration required.

Saturday, 9–10 am, Grassy Lake. Adults. $1 residents, $2 nonresidents. No registration required.

Tuesday, 9:30–10:45 am, Ryerson Woods Welcome Center. Children ages 2–4, with an adult. $5 adult/$2 child residents, $7 adult/$3 child nonresidents.

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

Thursday, 10:30–11:45 am, Greenbelt Cultural Center. Children of all ages, caregivers. Adult supervision required. FREE. No registration required. A Lake County Nature Network Event.

Wednesday, 2–4 pm, Prairie Wolf Dog Park. Drop in any time between program hours. FREE with dog park fee. Dog park rules apply.



Saturdays, 8 am–12 pm, Almond Marsh. All ages. FREE. No registration required. Spotting scope provided.

Saturday, 9–10 am, Half Day —Shelter A. Adults. $1 residents, $2 nonresidents. No registration required.

Wednesday, 9–10 am, Greenbelt—Shelter B. Seniors ages 62 and up. FREE. No registration required.


APRIL (continued)

Trout season typically begins the first Saturday of April—check LCFPD.org for details. Find our free Fishing Guide at LCFPD.org/fishing for directions to fantastic angling spots, detailed bot-tom maps and illustrations of the fish to seek.

6 Homeschool Companion: Plants What’s so amazing about plants? Everything! Learn about plant parts, how they live, and hike to see which ones call Lake County home.

6 Small Discoveries—Create with Color Learn about primary colors and how to mix paints to make different hues. Then, make a colorful work of art.

9 Bilingual (English/Spanish) Nature Hike One-hour guided nature hike. Explore a new preserve each month.

11 H is for Hawk Author Talk Join us for a discussion of the book H is for Hawk with author Helen Macdonald. Presented in partnership with Lake Forest Book Store and Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods.

12 Hikin’ Tykes—Camouflage Nature-based story, craft and outdoor exploration for you and your preschool child.


16 Rx for Health—Walking in Nature Join a health professional and an educator on this walk to explore the preserve as we improve our health.

17 Woodcock Walk Join us for a peek at the unique courtship flight and call of the American woodcock, a fascinating bird of Lake County.

20, 24 Spring Bird Walks Join a skilled birder on these walks. Bring binoculars if you have them.

20 Small Discoveries—Seasons on the Farm Learn about the seasons and how they influence work on the farm. Read a story and create a piece of farm art to take home.

20 Playdate with Nature Move your kids outdoors for unstructured seasonal play activities, proven healthful and beneficial to children of all ages.

10 Adlai E. Stevenson’s 1953 World TourIn 1953, Look magazine commissioned Adlai E. Stevenson II to make a trip around the world and write a series of articles about his observations and findings. The private photographs from that trip are being exhibited publicly for the first time. Join us for a presentation by Stevenson scholar Joe Bean, and see how these photos capture Stevenson’s remarkable capacity for gaining the respect and admiration of people around the globe.

Sunday, 2–3 pm, Lake County Discovery Museum. Adults. $7 residents, $9 nonresidents, includes Museum admission.

Wednesday, 10 am–12 pm, Independence Grove Visitors Center. Children ages 5–12, with an adult. $5 residents, $7 nonresidents.


Saturday, 9–10 am, Nippersink —Entrance lot. All ages. Adult supervision required. FREE. No registration required.

Mon., 7–9 pm, Independence Grove Visitors Center. Adults. $21 (Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods members), $26 (nonmembers). Admission includes cost of the book. For more info or to register, see BrushwoodCenter.org or call 847-968-3308.

Tuesday, 9:30–10:45 am, Independence Grove Visitors Center. Children ages 2–4, with an adult. $5 adult/$2 child residents, $7 adult/$3 child nonresidents.


Saturday, 4–5 pm, Hastings Lake—Playground lot. All ages. Adult supervision required. FREE. No registration required.

Sunday, 7:30–9 pm, Ryerson Woods Welcome Center. Adults, families with children ages 8 and up. $6 residents, $8 nonresidents.

20: 7:30 am, Wright Woods; 24: 8 am, Fort Sheridan. Follow the signs for parking. All ages. Adult supervision required. FREE. No registration required.


Wednesday, 1–2 pm, Buffalo Creek. Children of all ages, caregivers. FREE. No registration required. A Lake County Nature Network Event.


Registration required for all programs unless otherwise indicated.

For detailed program descriptions, specific meeting locations, directions and registration visit LCFPD.org or call 847–968–3321.For updates outside of normal business hours, call 847-968-3113.

APRIL (continued)

18 Bluebird Hike Learn about eastern bluebirds and what makes them a special species, while you hike to view birds and the nest box homes we create for them.

Monday, 4–5 pm, Ryerson Woods—Classroom Cabins.

19 Recycled Art Join us as we use various materials and recycle them into works of art. What’s old is new again in this Earth Day art program at the Discovery Museum.

Tuesday, 4–5 pm, Lake County Discovery Museum.

20 Family Fishing Bring your family out and try your hand at fishing. We’ll show you how to cast, bait your hook and catch fish! We will supply all of the equipment.

Wednesday, 4–5 pm, Independence Grove—North Bay Pavilion.

20 Acoustic Bat Monitoring Bats use echolocation to hunt. Learn why bats are beneficial, how we can help them, and what species live in Lake County by detecting their sonar frequency on a 1.9-mile night hike.

Wednesday, 7:30–9 pm, Lyons Woods.

21 Pond Scooping Discover who lives under and around the water at the Wright Woods pond.

Thursday, 4–5 pm, Wright Woods. Please wear shoes that can get wet.

22 Nature’s Melodies Celebrate Earth Day with an evening hike where we’ll focus on sounds, followed by a campfire with stories and songs about wildlife. Make an instrument from recycled and natural items.

Friday, 7:30–9 pm, Hastings Lake—Shelter A.

23 Amphibian Exploration Go on a hike to listen for frogs and explore under logs for salamanders. Finish your hike by meeting our live education amphibians.

Saturday, 1–3 pm, Ryerson Woods Welcome Center.

24 Meet and Greet Education Animals Visit with our live education animals, and feel furs, feathers, and scales of local wildlife on our touch table.

Sunday, 1–3 pm, Ryerson Woods Welcome Center.

EARTH WEEKA week of free nature programs in honor of Earth Day (April 22). Celebrate spring, learn about ecology or join a nature walk. All programs are FREE. All ages. No registration required.

27 Homeschool Companion: Stevenson’s World Tour Explore never-before-seen photographs of Adlai E. Stevenson’s important 1953 world tour for Look magazine. Learn more about Stevenson’s role as America’s unofficial diplomat to the world through hands-on activities.

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

30 Woodcock Walk Join us for a peek at the unique courtship flight and call of the American woodcock, a fascinating bird of Lake County.

MAY

1 Playdate with Nature Move your kids outdoors for unstructured seasonal play activities, proven healthful and beneficial to children of all ages.

1 Spring Wildflower Walk Join a guided walk to learn about spring woodland wildflowers.

1 Bluebird Hike Observe and learn about eastern bluebirds while you hike.

Wednesday, 10 am–12 pm, Lake County Discovery Museum. Children ages 5–12, with an adult. $5 residents, $7 nonresidents, includes Museum admission.

Saturday, 10 am–12 pm, Wright Woods. Adults, families with children ages 8 and up. $5 residents, $7 nonresidents.

Saturday, 7:30–9 pm, Heron Creek—Shelter A. Adults, families with children ages 8 and up. $6 residents, $8 nonresidents.

Sunday, 1–2 pm, Ryerson Woods—Classroom Cabins. Children of all ages, caregivers. FREE. No registration required. A Lake County Nature Network Event.

Sunday, 1–2 pm, Ryerson Woods—Classroom Cabins. All ages. $5 adult/$1 child residents, $7 adult/$2 child nonresidents.

Sunday, 2–3 pm, Ryerson Woods—Classroom Cabins. All ages. $5 adult/$1 child residents, $7 adult/$2 child nonresidents.


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

MAY (continued)

7–8 Native Plant SalePurchase flowers and woody plants, a rain barrel or compost bin, and learn about eco-friendly practices that benefit your home and pocketbook. Saturday only: Rain barrel and compost bins available for sale from SWALCO and Stormwater Management. Saturday, 9 am–3 pm or Sunday, 10 am–2 pm, Independence Grove—North Bay Pavilion.

Sunday, 7:30–9 pm, Wright Woods. Adults, families with children ages 8 and older. $6 residents, $8 nonresidents.

Tuesday, 6:15–8:15 pm, Van Patten Woods— Sterling Lake Boat Launch. Adults, families with children ages 4 and up. $5.

Wednesday, 9–10 am, Sedge Meadow. Seniors ages 62 and up. FREE. No registration required.



Saturdays, 8 am–12 pm, Almond Marsh. All ages. FREE. No registration required. Spotting scope provided.

Saturday, 9–10 am, Rollins Savanna—Washington St. entrance. Adults. $1 residents, $2 nonresidents. No registration required.

Saturday, 2–4 pm, Lake County Discovery Museum. Adults. $12 residents, $15 nonresidents, includes Museum admission.

Tuesday, 9:30–10:45 am, Ryerson Woods Welcome Center. Children ages 2–4, with an adult. $5 adult/$2 child residents, $7 adult/$3 child nonresidents.


1 Spring Sounds Walk Experience the wonder of a spring night where the sounds of frogs, coyotes, owls and other nocturnal birds may be heard.

3 Paddle the Big Canoe Have you ever seen that big canoe tied at Sterling Lake’s dock and wondered what it is used for or how you can get in it? Here’s your chance to try it out.

4 Habitat Walk for Seniors Explore one of the many habitats found in Lake County, learning as you walk a 1.4-mile trail.

4 Small Discoveries—Mother’s Day Celebrate Mother’s Day with this special program. Decorate a delicious treat and create a gift to share with mom.

7, 14, 21, 28 Forest Fitness Group fitness walks feature a new preserve each week.

7, 14, 21, 28 Rookery Watch Join us for viewing of nesting herons, cormorants and other waterfowl. Supported by Lake County Audubon volunteers.


7 Tasting History—Fun Flavors of the Fifties 1950s cooking was whimsical, colorful and at times a bit dangerous. This historical cooking class will introduce you to some of it in an amusing, entertaining and delicious way.

10 Hikin’ Tykes—Wildflowers Nature-based story, craft and outdoor exploration for you and your preschool child.


1, 7, 8, 15, 18, 22, 25 Spring Bird WalksMay is the month for songbirds. Join a skilled birder on these walks. Bring binoculars if you have them. 1: 7 am, Ryerson Woods; 7: 7 am, Wright Woods; 8: 7 am, Ryerson Woods; 15: 7 am, Ryerson Woods; 18: 7 am, Ryerson Woods; 22: 7 am, Ryerson Woods; 25: 7:30 am, Pine Dunes. Follow the signs for parking. All ages. Adult supervision required. FREE. No registration required.


Registration required for all programs unless otherwise indicated.

For detailed program descriptions, specific meeting locations, directions and registration visit LCFPD.org or call 847–968–3321.For updates outside of normal business hours, call 847-968-3113.

MAY (continued)

23 World Turtle DayCelebrate World Turtle Day by raising awareness about turtles and tortoises. Go on a scavenger hunt hike and learn how you can help protect them and their habitats. Meet and touch five of our education turtles. Monday, 9:30–11 am, Middlefork Savanna. Adults, families with children ages 4 and up. $5 adult/$2 child residents, $7 adult/$3 child nonresidents.

19 The River as Time MachineThe Lake County Discovery Museum will play host to Brian “Fox” Ellis, a Road Scholar with Illinois Humanities. Riverlorian Ellis invites us on a musical ramble through history that will explore how we humans have shaped the rivers, how the rivers have changed through time, and the importance of rivers in the layers of human history. Thursday, 7–8 pm, Lake County Discovery Museum. All ages. Registration required. FREE with Museum admission.

12 Adlai E. Stevenson II Historic Home Public Tours Learn about this Illinois governor and ambassador to the United Nations as you tour his home, a National Historic Landmark.

14 Bilingual (English/Spanish) Nature Hike One-hour guided nature hike. Explore a new preserve each month.

14 2nd Annual Lake County History Symposium The Symposium brings together those interested in and actively researching Lake County History. Attend a series of presentations on this year’s theme, “Women in Lake County History.”

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

14 32nd Annual Smith Nature Symposium Now in its 32nd year of bringing luminaries in the field of conservation to Lake County, the Lake County Forest Preserve co-presents the Smith Nature Symposium, in support of Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods. Featuring Dr. J. Drew Lanham, songbird ecologist at Clemson University.

15 Quickstart Kayak Intro to paddling in an open-cockpit recreational kayak. We’ll cover the basics: attire, safety and paddling skills.

21 Scout Saturday: Bird Study Learn about and observe birds that live in and migrate through Lake County as you earn the Bird Study Merit Badge.

21 Rx for Health—Walking in Nature Join a health professional and an educator on this walk to explore the preserve as we improve our health.

22 Kayak—Refine and Rescue Refine your paddle techniques and practice rescues.

Thursday, 1–2 pm, 2:30–3:30 pm, Adlai E. Stevenson II Historic Home. Adults, families with children ages 8 and up. $5 residents, $7 nonresidents.

Saturday, 9–10 am, Lakewood—Winter Sports Area. All ages. Adult supervision required. FREE. No registration required.

Saturday, 9 am–4:30 pm, Lake County Discovery Museum. Adults, youth ages 16 and up. $10 adult/$5 youth ages 16–17. Clock Hours available.

Saturday, 1–4 pm, Old School—Trails lot. Adults, youth ages 16 and older. $20 residents, $28 nonresidents.

Saturday, 5:30–9 pm, Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods. Adults. Registration required. For event details, pricing and to register, visit BrushwoodCenter.org or call 847-968-3308.

Sunday, 9 am–12 pm, Independence Grove—Funbrella. Adults, families with children 9 and up. $29 residents, $41 nonresidents. Includes all equipment.

Saturday, 8 am–12 pm, Ryerson Woods—Classroom Cabins. Ages 10–17. $20 residents, $28 nonresidents.

Saturday, 4–5 pm, Ryerson Woods Welcome Center. All ages. Adult supervision required. FREE. No registration required.

Sunday, 9 am–12 pm, Independence Grove—Funbrella. Adults, children ages 12 and up. $29 residents, $41 nonresidents. Includes all equipment.

SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS

Through April 10 —Opening reception February 28, 1–3 pm Avian Architecture: The Bird Sanctuaries of Dave LaForgeMultimedia artist Dave LaForge was inspired by the beauty around us to create this exhibition of unique platform bird feeders made from recycled materials.

Through April 10 36 Acres: A Photographic Exploration of the Reed-Turner WoodlandTobin Fraley explores the wonder that can be found in the everyday details at Reed-Turner Woodland Preserve in Long Grove, Illinois.


25 Paddle the Big Canoe Have you ever seen that big canoe tied at the buoy or dock in the North Bay and wondered what it is used for or how you can get in it? Here’s your chance to try it out.

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

MAY (continued)

Through March 27 Postcard Art Competition/ Exhibition (PACE) 2015

This exhibition, focusing new imaginative energy on a familiar form of expression, is dedicated to the American picture postcard, celebrating the postcard as art and as visual document.

Thirty-six finalists from the 10th biennial international competition are exhibited before traveling to galleries and cultural institutions throughout 2016.

Lake County Discovery Museum

Ongoing Growing Up in Lake County: Exploring History through the Stories of ChildrenHave you ever wondered what life was like for children in the past? Growing Up in Lake County shares the everyday and extraordinary stories of children who grew up in the county.

Try your hand at living and working on a pioneer homestead. Discover what life was like for a young drummer boy in the Civil War. Learn about the first African-American family to settle in the county. Attend school in a one-room schoolhouse and play as children did over 100 years ago. Through real artifacts, historical accounts and hands-on experiences, children connect the stories of the past to their own lives in this new exhibition for families.


Wednesday, 6:30–8:30 pm, Independence Grove —North Bay Pavilion. Adults, families with children ages 4 and up. $5.

Saturday, 10 am–12 pm, Lyons Woods. Adults, families with children ages 8 and up. $5 residents, $7 nonresidents.

Opens March 19 Around the World in 180 Days: Adlai E. Stevenson II 1953 World TourNever-before-seen photographs document Adlai E. Stevenson II while on assign-ment for Look magazine. Stevenson was hired to go on a six-month tour of Europe and Asia to report on social, political, and economic conditions in over 30 coun-tries. Follow Stevenson as he meets with the young Queen Elizabeth II in England, Prime Minister Nehru in India, Prime Minister Ben-Gurion in Israel and other heads of state, interacts with local citizens, and sneaks out to visit local markets, all while assuming the role as America’s unofficial diplomat to the world.


April 24–June 6—Opening reception April 24, 1–3 pm For the BirdsThe Great Lakes Chapter of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators explores the world of birds.

BRUSHWOOD GALLERY AT RYERSON WOODS

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Featured Preserve PINE DUNES

Main entrance is on Hunt Club Road, one-third of a mile north of Edwards Road, in Unincorporated Lake County, near Old Mill Creek. (GPS 42°29'6.686"N 87°58'17.947"W) A second entrance is on Edwards Road east of Hunt Club Road, in Old Mill Creek. (GPS 42°28'48.724"N 87°58'43.279"W)

Emergency: 911Nonemergency: 847-549-5200

Prepared 24 November 2015

Pine DunesPine Dunes867 acres

ActivitiesBicyclingCross-Country SkiingHikingFishingHorseback Riding

LegendForest Preserve Boundary

Gravel Yellow Loop (2.2 miles)

Other Gravel Trails (0.6 miles)

Boardwalk

Wetlands

Parking

Toilet

Drinking Water

Overlook

Fishing

ÂTT Hitching Post

PINE DUNES FOREST PRESERVE

867 ACRES | ANTIOCH

PRESERVE AREA

WATER

WETLANDS

PRESERVE TRAILS

H MAIN ENTRANCE

P PARKING

OVERLOOK

FISHING

HITCHING POST

ACTIVITIES & AMENITIES

BENCHES

BICYCLING

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

DRINKING WATER

FISHING

HIKING

HORSEBACK RIDING

PUBLIC PARKING

TOILETS

TRAILS

THE IRISH HILLS

The name Irish Hills was used for the large settlement of

Irish immigrants who established farms in the rolling hills

around Hunt Club Road and Route 173, in what is now

part of Pine Dunes. The place name was commonly used

from the 1840s to the early 1900s. Many of these settlers

attended St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Wadsworth.


EDWARDS ROAD

CR

AW

FO

RD

RO

AD

MIL

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I-9

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Grassy Lake689 acres

Emergency: 911Nonemergency: 847-549-5200

Prepared 8 October 2015

ActivitiesCross-Country SkiingHiking

LegendForest Preserve Boundary

Paved Red Trail (0.25 miles)

Gravel Red Trail (1.25 miles)

Gravel Yellow Trail (3 miles)

Boardwalk

Other Gravel Trails (0.5 miles)

Grass Trails (0.6 miles)

Wetlands

Parking

Toilet

Overlook

!Á" Tunnel

STATE LINE ROAD

US

41

US

41

ROUTE 173

RUSSELL ROAD

HU

NT

CL

UB

RO

AD

Dutch Gap Forest Preserve

DESCRIBED BY OUR NATURAL RESOURCE EXPERTS AS “SOME OF THE FINEST ROLLING TOPOGRAPHY IN LAKE COUNTY,”

Pine Dunes (Antioch) features panoramic views and a pristine mix

of prairie, savanna and oak-hickory woodlands, as well as scenic

streams, marshes, sedge meadows, vernal ponds and other wetland

communities. It is one of five preserves and one state natural area

that comprise a 5,300-acre regional trail and greenway in northern

Lake County near the Wisconsin border.

PUBLIC ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS ARE NOW OPEN AT PINE DUNES FOREST PRESERVE IN ANTIOCH.

Featured Preserve PINE DUNES


PRESERVE BENEFITS FROM MITIGATION PROJECT

Many of the improvements at Pine Dunes

were provided by the Illinois State Toll

Highway Authority (ISTHA). In 2013, we

entered an Intergovernmental Agreement

with ISTHA for the mitigation of impacts

associated with the construction of the

O’Hare International Airport Western Access

Project. The agreement provided access for

ISTHA to construct public access improve-

ments and to implement wetland and upland

restoration at Pine Dunes to meet the U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers mitigation

requirements.

The collaboration was successful. ISTHA

restored 80 acres of wetlands and 235 acres

of adjacent savanna and prairie habitat. The

work provided critical habitat for savanna

species such as the red-headed woodpeck-

er, eastern bluebird and least flycatcher, and

for wetland birds, frogs and salamanders.

In addition to the habitat restoration work,

the mitigation project also provided for

public access improvements for the benefit

of preserve visitors.

Approximately 70 percent of the

land is upland habitat, while the

remaining 30 percent is wetland

communities. The Illinois Wildlife

Action Plan and Chicago Wilder-

ness have identified these

habitats as critical nesting and

foraging areas for a variety of

birds and other wildlife species.

Formerly the McClure family

homestead, the section of the

preserve on Edwards Road west

of Hunt Club Road is comprised

of well-maintained woodlands,

wetlands and prairie. This

property is special because of its

diverse topography and the work

that former owners, Ilse and

Michal McClure, put into improv-

ing the natural features since they

bought the property in 1977.

When the family sold us the

property in October 2010, their

desire was to preserve it as a

forest preserve that could be

enjoyed for years to come.

Recently completed public

access improvements at Pine

Dunes include 2.8 miles of gravel

trails along with four boardwalks,

three scenic overlooks, a drinking

fountain, and a toilet. Trails are

open to hiking, bicycling, cross-

country skiing and horseback

riding.

Eventually, the trails at Pine Dunes

will connect to the Des Plaines

River Trail along Russell Road to

Van Patten Woods Forest

Preserve in Wadsworth, and to our

regional Millennium Trail.

Pine Dunes is located in Antioch

near the Wisconsin border. The

main entrance is on Hunt Club

Road just north of Edwards

Road. A second entrance on

Edwards Road offers a grass

parking lot and access to a

man-made pond for fishing.

There are no formal trails or

other amenities in this section of

the preserve.

Pine Dunes features rolling hills and beautiful panoramic views of prairie, savanna and oak-hickory woodlands.

PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ILLINOIS STATE TOLL HIGHWAY AUTHORITY PROVIDED FOR THE RESTORATION OF 315 ACRES OF WETLAND, SAVANNA AND PRAIRIE HABITAT.


LCFPD.org

911 emergency 847–549–5200 nonemergency public safety issues

GENERAL OFFICES

1899 West Winchester Road Libertyville, Illinois 60048

847-367-6640 tel 847-367-6649 fax 847-968-3155 TDD

8 am–4:30 pm, Monday–Friday

SPECIAL FACILITIES Directory

GREENBELT CULTURAL CENTER

1215 Green Bay Road North Chicago, Illinois 60064

847–968–3477

GreenbeltCulturalCenter.org

Office Hours

11 AM–5 PM, Tuesday–Friday

RYERSON CONSERVATION AREA

21950 North Riverwoods Road Riverwoods, Illinois 60015

847–968–3320

LCFPD.org/Ryerson

Welcome Center Hours

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

Brushwood Center Hours

9 AM–3 PM, Monday–Thursday 1–3 PM Sundays, or by appointment

LAKE COUNTY DISCOVERY MUSEUM

27277 North Forest Preserve Road Wauconda, Illinois 60084

847–968–3400 Main 847–968–3381 Archives, Research

LakeCountyDiscoveryMuseum.org

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 62 and up $3 daily

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

EDUCATION

INDEPENDENCE GROVE

16400 West Buckley Road Libertyville, Illinois 60048

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

IndependenceGrove.org

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 with-out stopping to verify residency. Fee is $5, available at the Visitors Center.

FOX RIVER MARINA

28500 West Roberts Road Port Barrington, Illinois 60010

847–381–0669

FoxRiverMarina.org

Boat Launch & Marina Hours

For hours and fees visit our website.

BRAE LOCH GOLF CLUB

33600 North US Highway 45 Grayslake, Illinois 60030

847–968–3100 Tee Times 847–968–3441 Golf Gift Cards 847–489–1931 Golf Outings 847–247–1119 Banquets

BraeLochGolfClub.org

THUNDERHAWK GOLF CLUB

A Robert Trent Jones Jr. championship golf course

39700 North Lewis Avenue Beach Park, Illinois 60099

847–968–3100 Tee Times 847–968–3441 Golf Gift Cards 847–489–1931 Golf Outings 847–968–3450 Banquets

ThunderHawkGolfClub.org

COUNTRYSIDE GOLF CLUB

Prairie & 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

GOLFOUTDOOR RECREATION

OPERATIONS AND PUBLIC SAFETY

19808 West Grand Avenue Lake Villa, Illinois 60046

847-968-3411 tel (Operations) 847-968-3404 tel (Public Safety) 847-968-3116 fax

6:30 am–3 pm, Monday–Friday

More than 30,300 acres make up your Lake County Forest Preserves.

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

MAP CURRENT AS OF Friday, January 29, 2016

FOREST PRESERVE Entrance/Parking

FOREST PRESERVE EASEMENTS

STATE LAND (Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources)

CANOE LAUNCH

DOG AREA

COMMUNITY GARDEN

GENERAL OFFICES

OPERATIONS FACILITY

DES PLAINES RIVER TRAIL

MCCLORY TRAIL/ NORTH SHORE PATH (L.C. Division of Transportation)

MIDDLEFORK GREENWAY Planned section

PRAIRIE CROSSING TRAIL (L.C. Division of Transportation)

CASEY TRAIL

LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES LCFPD.ORG

MILLENNIUM TRAIL Planned section

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

FORT HILL TRAIL Planned (L.C. Division of Transportation)

CHAIN O’ LAKES BIKE PATH Planned (L.C. Division of Transportation)

Summer Camps

Our summer camps are a great way to give your child new and exciting experiences. While programs focus on fun and outdoor adventure, they are also educationally engaging. Hands-on activities help kids explore and appreciate art, nature and history.

A variety of weeklong sessions at locations throughout the county make it easy to find camps that are convenient for you. It’s not too early to plan your summer adventures. Browse our schedule of summer camps and register online at LCFPD.org/camps, or call 847-968-3321.

We hope to see you this summer!

◄

LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVESGENERAL OFFICES 1899 WEST WINCHESTER ROADLIBERTYVILLE ILLINOIS 60048

tPLEASE DELIVER PROMPTLY—TIME- SENSITIVE MATERIAL

H O R I Z O N S q THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED USING 100% RECYCLED PAPER, ALLOWING US TO SAVE61 MATURE TREES, 19,616 LBS GREENHOUSE GASES, 5,972 LBS SOLID WASTE

Hot spot to cool offBeach season passes are on sale now for unlimited 2016 beach access at Independence Grove. Purchase by May 1 and receive 10 percent off. Passes are available to Lake County residents (ID required). Buy at the Independence Grove Visitors Center. Visit LCFPD.org for prices, or call 847-968-3499.

NATIVE PLANT SALE

Choose from more than 60 varieties of flowers and grasses. See calendar inside or visit LCFPD.org/plantsale for details.

Mother’s Day weekend May 7, 9 am–3 pm May 8, 10 am–2 pm

FLICKR PICKA common loon strikes a pose—posted to our Flickr pool by Nat Carmichael.

Connect with us! For up-to-the-minute Forest Preserve news and events:

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

horizons quarterly // spring 2016

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