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
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Blogs
We host two blogs, written by our professional staff, to help you learn about Lake County Nature and Lake County History.
Mar 15, 2023 03:44 PM
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.
Mar 15, 2023 01:53 PM
The Dunn Museum is conducting a survey for museum-goers. “It will provide staff with data from our visitors as well as nationwide results for context, helping us be more effective in the communities we serve,” said Director of Education Nan Buckardt.
Mar 15, 2023 01:07 PM
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.
Mar 13, 2023 02:15 PM
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.
Feb 24, 2023 10:50 AM
The Bess Bower Dunn Museum is celebrating its five-year anniversary at its current location at 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. "To recognize the occasion and thank Lake County residents, free admission will be offered between March 25–April 2.
Feb 15, 2023 02:25 PM
The Lake County Forest Preserves is hosting a job fair from 2–6 pm, Thursday, March 16, at the Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Road in North Chicago. An array of full-time, part-time and temporary positions are available.
For more than 40 years, educators and volunteers at the Lake County Forest Preserves have led wildly popular Maple Syrup Hikes through Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods.
Feb 10, 2023 09:07 AM
The Forest Preserves recently hired a bilingual environmental educator as one strategy toward our objective to reach a broader audience.
Jan 23, 2023 10:49 AM
The Lake County Forest Preserves hired Ron Davis, a 34-year law enforcement veteran, as director of public safety to replace retiring John Tannahill.
Check out our newest issue of Horizons, with news, education programs, events and more.
Dec 14, 2022 02:28 PM
A new, groundbreaking effort to study animal migrations and connect researchers, scientists and students to real-time migratory data across the globe is underway. Lake County is one of the newest links in the chain.
Dec 06, 2022 01:55 PM
At a special meeting, the Board of Commissioners reelected Angelo Kyle of Waukegan (District 14) as president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. The Board also reelected John Wasik of Grayslake (District 6) to serve as vice president.
© Rick Myslinski
Nov 29, 2022 01:02 PM
From ice skating to sledding to cross-country skiing, the Lake County Forest Preserves give residents a variety of reasons to get outside this season.
Nov 17, 2022 10:09 AM
The Lake County Forest Preserves recently gave its General Offices and the Dunn Museum in Libertyville a landscaping makeover, thanks to a long-time supporter.
Nov 08, 2022 10:35 AM
Paul J. Hettich, a Lake County Forest Preserves ranger police officer, was inducted into the 2022 class of the U.S. Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps National Hall of Fame.
Oct 12, 2022 10:36 AM
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 2023 budget.
Oct 10, 2022 10:32 AM
In response to growing community interest in controlling invasive species, the Lake County Forest Preserves developed a library of free resources that support efforts to eradicate common or European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).
Check out our newest issue of Horizons, with news, education programs, events and more.
Sep 26, 2022 02:20 PM
Lake County's forest preserves are clean, safe and popular places to relax and enjoy nature, as rated by local residents in a countywide attitude and interest survey.
Sep 21, 2022 03:00 PM
An uptick in sightings of the federally endangered rusty patched bumble bee is creating a buzz in Lake County.
Sep 14, 2022 08:12 AM
Director of Education Nan Buckardt was recognized for her leadership in the area of natural resources. The Illinois Conservation Foundation Board of Directors inducted Buckardt into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame.
Aug 12, 2022 09:27 AM
“Our Voice is Black History: Past, Present, Future,” a special exhibition that ran last year virtually and in-person at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum in Libertyville, recently earned national recognition.
The Lake County Forest Preserves recently received two donations to support YCC, a program that provides jobs and environmental education to high school and college students interested in maintaining the forest preserves.
Check out our newest issue of Horizons, with news, education programs, events and more.
Jun 08, 2022 12:35 PM
Construction started this week on the first phase of a new environmental education facility that aims to achieve net-zero energy.
The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Lake County Forest Preserves.
May 25, 2022 02:09 PM
A 1,300-pound bison that escaped from a Wauconda farm late last year was safely and humanely removed early Wednesday morning from Lakewood Forest Preserve in early April.
May 16, 2022 11:56 AM
Ecologists from the Lake County Forest Preserves are working with expert veterinarians to monitor Blanding's turtles in this area and develop protocols in attempt to keep them safe from a fungus recently detected within the population in Lake County.
Construction has begun on a new net-zero energy building at Ryerson Woods.
Apr 28, 2022 02:28 PM
The Bess Bower Dun Museum in Libertyville, IL is adding a new traveling exhibition to its lineup. “Bill Sienkiewicz: Pop Culture Revolution” is the most recent exhibition developed by Dunn Museum staff to hit the road this fall.
Apr 13, 2022 03:44 PM
Warmer weather coupled with a challenging economy are leading to an increase in vehicle break-ins. Parking lots, including those in the forest preserves, are prime locations for these crimes.
Mar 09, 2022 08:02 AM
The Lake County Forest Preserves and the Chicago Bears have formed a partnership to battle common buckthorn, a non-native, invasive tree that harms plants and wildlife.
Check out our newest issue of Horizons, with news, education programs, events and more.
Jan 11, 2022 02:40 PM
The Lake County Forest Preserves received its first naming gift to support a new Environmental Education Facility at Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods.
Jan 07, 2022 11:09 AM
The Lake County Forest Preserves collaborated with the Village of Long Grove to provide additional parking at the west end of Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve in Long Grove.
Dec 30, 2021 10:48 AM
The Lake County Forest Preserves completed a new underpass and trail extension that safely connects Raven Glen and Ethel's Woods forest preserves in Antioch for pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians.
The Lake County Forest Preserves has been awarded the AAA bond rating by Moody’s Investors Service, one of the top credit rating agencies in the world. The agency is nationally recognized by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Oct 18, 2021 09:37 AM
The Lake County Forest Preserve District received the Regional Resilience Award for its collaborative work on a $9.7 million project to expand the Buffalo Creek Reservoir and increase the region’s resiliency against flooding.
Oct 13, 2021 10:13 AM
The Lake County Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners approved the fiscal year 2022 budget at its October 12 meeting.
Aug 26, 2021 12:43 PM
A rare hummingbird, reportedly seen only once before in Illinois, was spotted at the backyard bird feeder of Jeanna Cristino, communications specialist at the Lake County Forest Preserves.
Jul 22, 2021 04:28 PM
Lake Villa residents Joyce and George Proper were awarded the Outstanding Volunteer award.The Growing Through Change project at Grant Woods Forest Preserve earned the Conservation Award.
Jul 20, 2021 08:43 AM
As stewards of healthy landscapes and proponents of climate resiliency, officials at the Lake County Forest Preserves altered their Capital Improvement Plan to prioritize and accelerate current net-zero building goals and lead the way for others.
May 29, 2021 03:39 PM
We're excited to announce the opening of the new outdoor Beer Garden at Independence Grove, starting this Saturday, May 29. The Beer Garden features a variety of local craft brews on tap, and packaged snacks and other beverages.
May 18, 2021 05:00 PM
The new channel features videos about the Dunn Museum's collections, exhibits, programming, Lake County history, and other information.
May 18, 2021 08:55 AM
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our resident education red-tailed hawk, who passed on May 7, 2021. She was one of the oldest red-tailed hawks on record and a true education ambassador.
Apr 28, 2021 12:53 PM
We've been awarded the AAA bond rating by Moody’s Investors Service, the highest rating possible, in recognition of our strong long-term financial planning.
Ethel's Woods
Feb 12, 2021 04:13 PM
Read about a trail extension and tunnel we're building to connect Raven Glen and Ethel's Woods.
Oct 29, 2020 06:06 AM
This expansive 18,500-square-foot venue is the perfect setting for any occasion, with both indoor and outdoor spaces.
History and nature virtual field trips are now available!
Help support the Dunn Museum! Purchase a Dryptosaurus t-shirt while supplies last, and buy gift cards for family and friends.
Apr 24, 2020 02:12 PM
Each of us is living through a significant moment in history. The Dunn Museum is documenting the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Apr 03, 2020 07:24 AM
As the Lake County Forest Preserves continues to follow social distancing requirements and the state's stay-at-home order, committee meetings will be held remotely by video and audio conferencing.
Millennium Trail
Before heading out, check the current status of trail underpasses. Also find construction alerts, preserve improvement projects and controlled burn sites.
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