Featured preserve

Van Patten Woods, photo by JanetandPhil via flickr, http://www.flickr.com/photos/dharma_for_one/2926726492/

Van Patten Woods

975 acres

An oak forest, 86-acre lake and the Des Plaines River provide a picturesque backdrop for outdoor recreation activities in this preserve. The site is popular for hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, boating and horseback riding.

Learn more about this preserve.

What's new

Welcome Center receives highest LEED certification

New parking, trail and lake access opens at Grant Woods

Congresswoman Bean gets birds-eye view of Spring Bluff

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Featured programs

Monster of God book coverRyerson Reads

Wed. September 15, 7:30-9 pm

Ryerson Woods

Join the Ryerson Reads Book Group for the start of their sixth season. Discuss David Quammen's Monster of God, a nonfiction book exploring the fate of man-eating predators in dwindling habitats. Discussion is led by Lake Forest College English professor Benjamin Goluboff. Info and registration.


Lotus boatHistory Explorers: Boats & Waterways

Sat. September 18, 10-11:30 am

Lake County Discovery Museum

Rivers and lakes have shaped Lake County’s past and present. Learn the history of local waterways and how Voyageurs, Native Americans, pioneers and more recent residents have used them for work, travel and leisure. Then, test out models of a few of the boats that have traveled these waterways in the past. Info and registration.


flower, photo by Chip WilliamsThe Illinois Prairie: Native vs. Invasive Plants

Sun. September 19, 1-2:30 pm

Lyons Woods

Learn about the ongoing battle between the native and invasive plant species found in Illinois prairies. Explore the many ways prairie plants are adapted for their habitat. Learn how invasive plants spread and persist and discover how prairies are maintained and restored. Info and registration.


Canoe in the mist, photo by Nate Kay via flickrCanoes in the Mist

Sat. September 25, 6:30-8:30 am

Van Patten Woods

Paddle a canoe at sunrise on Sterling Lake and watch nature waking up. Enjoy the serenity of the early morning and see early-rising wildlife. Info and registration.


Sheep dog herding, photo by Chip WilliamsFarm Heritage Festival

Sat. & Sun, September 25 & 26, 9 am-4 pm

Lakewood

Watch a tractor parade, see a sheep dog herding demonstration, meet farm animals, take a wagon ride and explore Lake County's agricultural roots at this family festival. Entertainment and demonstrations round out the day. Find out more.


spider, photo by Jim & Joan SayreAwesome Arachnids

Sun. September 26, 2-3 pm

Lakewood

Discover the world of arachnids, including spiders, harvestmen and ticks, at this program for kids ages 6 to 8. Learn about these animals through exploration and a craft. Then, meet some of our resident arachnids face-to-face. Info and registration.


View the complete Forest Preserve calendar.


Download the Fall 2010 issue of Horizons.