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Newsroom

Stay informed about your Lake County Forest Preserves by reading the latest news items below.

Media Inquiries

Our Public Affairs division is happy to assist journalists and photo editors with stories, fact checks, photo requests, preserve tours and interviews with our experts. Members of the media may also subscribe to receive our news releases and photo opportunities via email.

Kim Mikus Croke, Media & Community Relations Specialist, office 847-968-3202, cell 224-244-0583, email


 

Horizons Magazine

Subscribe to our free quarterly magazine, or read current or past issues online.

Email Newsletters

Learn about projects, events, activities and special offers. Subscribe »

Social Media Channels

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @LCFPD. Share your forest preserve photos with us on Flickr. Watch educational and informative videos on YouTube.

Blogs

We host two blogs, written by our professional staff, to help you learn about Lake County Nature and Lake County History.

 
 
Results: 31 Articles found.
Half Day sunrise over a morning frost-BobCallebert

Winter 2023 Horizons Magazine

Check out our newest issue of Horizons, with news, education programs, events and more.

 
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Nov 30, 2023 11:37 AM

Join History Enthusiasts for a Journey Through Lake County's Past

The 9th annual Lake County History Symposium takes place virtually on Zoom from 6:30–8:30 pm on January 4 and 18. "Good Neighbors: Making a Difference in Lake County," is this year's theme.

 
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Kimberly Landmann
Nov 21, 2023 04:42 PM

Plan for GivingTuesday with the Preservation Foundation

The Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves proudly joins the global GivingTuesday initiative, standing with millions worldwide in a celebration of generosity on November 28.

 
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Nov 20, 2023 12:42 PM

Celebrating Environmental Excellence

The Chicago Wilderness Alliance (CWA) has recognized the Lake County Forest Preserves with two prestigious awards.

 
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Oct 31, 2023 10:56 AM

Read Fall 2023 Horizons

The fall issue of our Horizons magazine is now available.

 
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Oct 12, 2023 11:10 AM

Lake County Forest Preserves Board Approves 2024 Budget

In order to continue moving toward its 100-Year Vision to preserve and sustain Lake County's natural landscape and extend community outreach and education, the Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved the fiscal year 2024 budget.

 
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Sep 15, 2023 04:06 PM

State Grant Funds Upgrade to HVAC System at the Dunn Museum

The Bess Bower Dunn Museum in Libertyville received funding assistance to improve museum facilities through the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources administered the program.

 
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Sep 13, 2023 10:47 AM

Green Practices Applauded with Esteemed Award

The Lake County Forest Preserves earned a prestigious award in the Best Green Practices category of an Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) contest.

 
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Sep 07, 2023 03:08 PM

SeptOberFest Begins at Independence Grove

The Lake County Forest Preserves has planned a variety of entertainment as part of SeptOberFest at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. Music by local artists, events and programs will take place Wednesdays and Thursdays.

 
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Sep 06, 2023 02:34 PM

Director of Natural Resources Recognized as Notable Woman in STEM

Crain’s Chicago Business named Pati Vitt, director of natural resources at the Lake County Forest Preserves, one of the 2023 Notable Women in STEM.

 
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Aug 31, 2023 03:23 PM

Lake County Forest Preserves Opens the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve in time for Labor Day Weekend

On Thursday, August 31 the Lake County Forest Preserves reopened a 71.55-acre parcel of land that is now part of Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest.

 
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Aug 15, 2023 09:35 AM

Celebrating 60 Years of Saving Illinois’ Nature

The Lake County Forest Preserves is taking part in a state-wide celebration marking the 60th anniversary of an agency dedicated to preserving Illinois’ highest-quality natural areas.

 
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Steve Barten
Aug 07, 2023 11:59 AM

Rusty Patched Bumble Bees Spotted

A federally endangered rusty patched bumble bee was discovered at a Lake County forest preserve. This was the first recorded sighting of the rare species at this preserve and joins a handful of other recent bumble bee detections.

 
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Jul 27, 2023 01:59 PM

Lake County Forest Preserves Publication Earns National Awards

The communications and design division of the Lake County Forest Preserves earned two national awards through APEX, the Annual Awards for Publication Excellence Competition.

 
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Jul 17, 2023 03:05 PM

Executive Director Recognized for Leadership in Sustainability

Crain’s Chicago Business today named Alex Ty Kovach, executive director of the Lake County Forest Preserves, a Notable Leader in Sustainability for 2023.

 
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Jul 03, 2023 03:15 PM

Virtual Meeting July 10 for Openlands Acquisition

A virtual meeting is planned to provide an update and answer the public’s questions about the potential acquisition of the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve. The session takes place 5:30–6:30 pm Monday, July 10.

 
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Mike Tully
Jul 03, 2023 11:19 AM

Lake County Forest Preserves Earns National Award

A leader at the Lake County Forest Preserves earned a national award for his dedication to conservation and recreation. Chief Operations Officer Mike Tully recently received the Lifetime Professional Award.​

 
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Jun 05, 2023 01:20 PM

Openlands and Lake County Forest Preserves Partner in Land Transfer

The Planning Committee of the Lake County Forest Preserves approved a resolution recommending the acceptance of the 71.55–acre Openlands Lakeshore Preserve during a June 5 joint meeting of its operations, planning and finance committees.

 
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Jun 01, 2023 09:04 AM

Triple Impact to Restore Heron Creek Forest Preserve

Triple Impact to Restore Heron Creek Forest Preserve Funds from a recent grant will be used to restore 100 acres at Heron Creek Forest Preserve in Lake Zurich.

 
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May 18, 2023 09:19 AM

Summer Concert Series Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Imagine warm breezes, spectacular sunsets over the lake and award-winning music performers on stage at the outdoor venue for the annual Concerts in the Plaza music series in Libertyville.

 
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Apr 30, 2023 07:28 AM

Beer Garden to Open Weekends Beginning May 5

The Beer Garden at Independence Grove, featuring scenic views and craft brews, is scheduled to open Friday, May 5.

 
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Apr 28, 2023 12:48 PM

Lake Forest Academy Students Remove Buckthorn

When their Service Learning Day kicked off Thursday morning, the majority of the 65 participating Lake Forest Academy students participating did not know what buckthorn was or looked like.

 
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Part of Independence Grove Gains National Recognition

St. Francis Woods, located within Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, Illinois, has gained prestigious national recognition.

 
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Apr 20, 2023 10:11 AM

Lake County Forest Preserves Fishing Guide

Catch them if you can with the definitive guide to fishing in your Lake County Forest Preserves.

 
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Apr 11, 2023 10:10 AM

Spring 2023 Horizons Magazine

Check out our newest issue of Horizons, with news, education programs, events and more.

 
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Apr 04, 2023 11:03 AM

2,200 Pounds of Food and Toiletries Collected During Celebration

The Bess Bower Dunn Museum celebrated its five-year anniversary last week by offering free admission to visitors with the donation of a non-perishable food item or toiletry. Collected items benefit the Libertyville Township Food Pantry.

 
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Mar 15, 2023 03:44 PM

$11 Million Secured for Upper Des Plaines River Ecosystem Restoration

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Chicago District received funding to restore native habitats and improve ecosystem services in the Upper Des Plaines River Watershed. The Lake County Forest Preserves is a partner in this project.

 
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Mar 15, 2023 01:07 PM

Missing Hawk Found Safe

After missing for five days, a red-tailed hawk, used for education programming, was found near its home at Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods on Tuesday, March 14. He escaped from his home when it was vandalized.

 
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Mar 13, 2023 02:15 PM

Educators Ask Public for Help to Find Hawk

Environmental educators from the Lake County Forest Preserves are asking the public for assistance in locating a red-tailed hawk that has been missing after its home was vandalized at Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods.

 
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Feb 10, 2023 09:07 AM

Additional Programs Offered in Spanish

The Forest Preserves recently hired a bilingual environmental educator as one strategy toward our objective to reach a broader audience.

 
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Jan 23, 2023 10:49 AM

New Director of Public Safety Hired

The Lake County Forest Preserves hired Ron Davis, a 34-year law enforcement veteran, as director of public safety to replace retiring John Tannahill.

 
 
Results: 31 Articles found.