The Lake County Forest Preserves' Horizons magazine recently received four prestigious awards from two esteemed competitions.

The free quarterly publication earned two awards in a contest run by the Chicago Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the largest association for American communications professionals. Additionally, it received two national accolades through APEX, the Annual Awards for Publication Excellence.

Horizons garnered a PRSA Skyline Award for “Best Use of Print/Online Publishing” and an Excellence Award for “Content Marketing,” showcasing the 2023 fall and winter issues. The Skyline Awards are Chicago’s premier public relations and communications competition, celebrating creativity and innovation in the industry.

Judges offered high praise for the magazine. "What a beautiful publication, full of valuable information. Well-written and impeccably illustrated. Kudos!" remarked one PRSA judge. Another judge described it as "high quality," while one more wrote, "Excellent work. I could easily see myself sitting with a cup of coffee, enjoying this publication."

APEX awards are based on excellence in graphic design, editorial content and overall communications. The winter 2023 issue received the Grand Award in the “Newsletters” category, while the spring 2024 publication was honored with an Award of Excellence in the “Newsletters—Print” category. Out of more than 1,100 submissions, APEX only presented 100 Grand Awards.

With each issue of Horizons, the Forest Preserves' communications and design team strives to produce a top-tier magazine, blending exceptional design, engaging editorial content, striking illustrations and breathtaking photography.

Horizons has been a cornerstone of the Forest Preserves community engagement efforts since 1992. It was in 2008, following a redesign of the magazine, that the editorial team's creativity was able to flourish.

“I’m beyond proud of the talented team that brings Horizons to life,” said Rebekah Snyder, director of community engagement and partnerships. “Their dedication to crafting a visually stunning and content-rich publication is evident on every page, and these awards reflect their exceptional skills.”

Communications and Design Manager Jeanna Martinucci serves as editor and designer of Horizons. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design from Columbia College Chicago, she specializes in print and digital communications, brand and social media management, marketing campaigns, graphic design and photography.  “I admired the design and editorial quality of the magazine long before I joined the team,” Martinucci said.

Environmental Communications Specialist Brett Peto has written for Horizons since 2017. He often focuses on plants, animals, natural resources management, scientific research in the preserves and all things nature-related in Lake County. A graduate of Elmhurst University, Peto enjoys developing nuanced stories that make scientific information more approachable.

Kim Mikus writes for Horizons magazine and a variety of other resources promoting the Forest Preserves. With a journalism degree from Eastern Illinois University, she is an award-winning newspaper reporter and editor. About six years ago, Mikus joined the Forest Preserves as its media and community relations specialist.

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