The Lake County Forest Preserves received four prestigious awards recognizing achievements in media relations, publications and storytelling.

Three honors came from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) awards program. A fourth came from the Annual Awards for Publication Excellence (APEX).

The awards include:

• PRSA Skyline Award—Magazines: Horizons quarterly magazine.
• PRSA Skyline Award—Media Relations, Government: Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains media relations campaign.
• PRSA Award of Excellence—Annual Reports: Preservation Foundation annual report.
• APEX Award of Excellence—One-of-a-Kind Publications: Birdwatching Guide.

The Forest Preserves competed in regional and national contests featuring entries from public relations agencies, corporations, nonprofits and government organizations.

“These awards reflect the creativity, skill and dedication our staff bring to sharing the Forest Preserves’ work,” said Forest Preserves President Jessica Vealitzek. “They invite people to explore nature, discover Lake County’s history and understand the importance of protecting these special places.”

A Magazine That Connects People With Nature

Horizons is the Forest Preserves’ quarterly magazine featuring stories about Lake County’s natural and cultural history, habitat restoration, recreation and news from the preserves. It has a print circulation of more than 41,000 and averages 12,160 online reads per issue.

“The magazine consistently demonstrates exceptional writing, design, photography and production quality,” one award judge said. “Each issue pairs carefully researched stories with striking images and a design that reflects the season.”

Horizons is printed on 100% recycled paper, saving an estimated 92 mature trees, 7,132 gallons of water and 13,194 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per edition compared to conventional paper. Read the magazine: LCFPD.org/Horizons

A Museum Exhibition that Reached Millions

An integrated marketing and media relations campaign promoted the Dunn Museum’s Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains special exhibition, featuring work by the internationally acclaimed comic book artist, to comic book, pop culture and art enthusiasts nationwide. Judges praised the campaign’s approach to reaching fans.

The campaign generated more than 60,000 website page views and an estimated media reach of 285 million. The exhibition attracted 12,911 visitors and generated $120,181 for the Preservation Foundation’s Every Acre Strong community campaign. A VIP opening event featuring Ross and exclusive giveaways drew guests from several states.

Community Takes Center Stage

The Preservation Foundation’s annual report highlighted the impact of private philanthropy on the Forest Preserves’ conservation mission. One judge said the report “speaks to the donors and gives a face to the impact they are making.”

Built around the theme of community, the report featured the public launch of the $20 million Every Acre Strong campaign, the emergence of 17-year periodical cicadas and voters’ approval of a $155 million Forest Preserves referendum. Profiles, donor testimonials, original photography and financial information illustrated the collective efforts to protect Lake County’s natural and cultural resources. Read the report: LCFPD.org/annual-report

A Guide for Local Birders

The Birdwatching Guide introduces readers to birds found throughout Lake County and the forest preserves where they can be spotted. Detailed illustrations bring featured species to life while making the guide inviting and easy to use. It offers new and experienced birders an engaging way to deepen their appreciation of local wildlife.

Written and designed by Environmental Communications Specialist Brett Peto, with original illustrations from Lake County artist Samantha Gallagher, the guide is available in English and Spanish at LCFPD.org/birds and in print at Forest Preserves facilities.

Media Contact: Kim Mikus, [email protected], 847-968-3202

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