Stay informed about your Lake County Forest Preserves by reading the latest news items below.
Media Inquiries
Our Communications & Design 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
© Thomas G. Wilson
Nov 06, 2026 11:06 AM
Enjoy a free winter walk at Independence Grove in Libertyville, December 1–March 14. Festive lights illuminate a 0.7-mile trail until 9 pm daily. Enjoy live music, fire pits and seasonal treats on December 4, 11 and 18. Admission and parking are free
Nov 04, 2026 09:49 AM
A new all-terrain wheelchair helps more visitors explore Ryerson Conservation Area. Donated by the Ancient Oaks Foundation, the GRIT Freedom Chair is available to borrow free at the Ryerson Welcome Center on a first-come, first-served basis.
Starting Tuesday, November 3 we will be transitioning to a new online experience. For assistance, call 847-367-6640 or email [email protected].
© Thomas G. Wilson
Oct 20, 2026 03:24 PM
Keep exploring after sunset! Solar-lit trails at Old School and Lakewood forest preserves stay open until 9 pm daily, November 1–March 14, for hiking, skiing and snowshoeing. Bring a flashlight or headlamp for extra light.
Oct 19, 2026 03:30 PM
The Lake County Forest Preserves has approved 23 land purchases totaling more than 831 acres over the past two years to protect sensitive habitats, improve trail connections and preserve open space.
Oct 16, 2026 12:10 PM
The Lake County Forest Preserves approved two land purchases totaling nearly 39 acres to connect wildlife habitat at Raven Glen in Antioch and expand protected natural areas at Lakewood in Wauconda, funded by the 2024 referendum.
Oct 14, 2026 10:35 AM
The Lake County Forest Preserves approved a $110.6 million budget for 2027, down 3.7% from last year. The balanced plan keeps operating costs nearly flat while advancing land preservation, habitat restoration and public access.
Oct 02, 2026 11:16 AM
The Lake County Forest Preserves earned four regional and national awards for Horizons magazine, the Alex Ross exhibition campaign, the Preservation Foundation annual report and a Birdwatching Guide, recognizing excellence in communications.
© Tim Elliott
Sep 21, 2026 10:09 AM
Registration is open for the 40th and final season of Halloween Hikes, October 23–24 at Ryerson Conservation Area. Enjoy a candlelit trail, nature-themed skits, a campfire, cider and donuts.
© Justine Neslund
Sep 14, 2026 10:17 AM
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, dance, authentic food and family activities at Festival de Cultura, Comida y Vida, 2–6 pm Sunday, September 27 at Nippersink Forest Preserve in Round Lake. Admission is free.
Sep 11, 2026 11:46 AM
A lifelong love of birds and nature inspired Barbara Butcher to dedicate three benches and leave her home and 1.25-acre property to benefit the Lake County Forest Preserves, creating a lasting legacy for future generations.
Sep 10, 2026 10:12 AM
The Forest Preserves Board approved the purchase of 4.6 acres to expand Lotus Country Conservation Preserve. The addition will provide a buffer around Lake County’s largest heron and egret rookery and improve staff access.
Sep 04, 2026 12:36 PM
Share your input on a proposed $7.33 million project to rehabilitate the Des Plaines River Trail approaches on both sides of the Lake Cook Road bridge. Complete a brief survey by September 18 to help strengthen the state funding application.
© Thomas G. Wilson
Sep 03, 2026 09:58 AM
A five-year restoration project at Raven Glen Forest Preserve in Antioch will renew 421 acres of wetlands, prairies and woodlands, improve habitat and water quality and help the landscape hold more stormwater. Work may begin this fall or winter.
Sep 01, 2026 02:48 PM
The Dunn Museum will offer half-price admission September 20–October 31 while about half of its permanent galleries are renovated. The refreshed galleries will feature new objects, bilingual exhibits and expanded Latino heritage displays.
Aug 31, 2026 12:30 PM
Horizons is the free quarterly magazine of the Lake County Forest Preserves, featuring stories about nature, history, conservation, recreation and community. Read the latest issue online or subscribe to receive a free print copy at your home.
© Thomas G. Wilson
Aug 18, 2026 03:23 PM
New strategic objectives will guide the Lake County Forest Preserves through 2030, advancing habitat restoration, public access, financial sustainability, community engagement and the long-term care of newly acquired land.
© Thomas G. Wilson
Aug 14, 2026 01:36 PM
A major restoration project at Dutch Gap Forest Preserve will revive nearly 794 acres of wetlands, streams, prairies and savannas, improving water quality, reducing flooding and creating healthier habitat for native plants and wildlife.
© Thomas G. Wilson
Aug 10, 2026 11:23 AM
Explore local history during the 28th annual Hike Lake County program. Hike seven of 12 designated trails from August 15–November 30 to earn a free bald eagle medallion. Historical panels highlight the people and places that shaped Lake County.
© Tim Elliott
Aug 10, 2026 10:06 AM
Celebrate Ethel Untermyer’s legacy and Ryerson Conservation Area’s induction into the Old-Growth Forest Network on Saturday, September 12. The free event features a guided walk, hands-on activities and ways to support conservation.
Aug 05, 2026 12:21 PM
Ryan Brant has joined the Lake County Forest Preserves as executive director of the Preservation Foundation. He will lead fundraising efforts, including a campaign to build a $20 million endowment for long-term care of the preserves.
Aug 04, 2026 03:35 PM
Celebrate the birthday and legacy of Lake County historian Bess Bower Dunn with free admission to the Dunn Museum on Aug. 23. Enjoy special programs, explore local history and purchase GlenRock Pop during this family-friendly event in Libertyville.
Jul 17, 2026 09:25 AM
Enjoy free live music at Afrofest from 2–7 pm Saturday, Aug. 15, at Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. The family-friendly festival celebrates African heritage with live performances, food vendors and free admission and parking.
Jul 15, 2026 03:09 PM
The Lake County Forest Preserves and Tighthead Brewing Company have teamed up to create Trailhead IPA, a limited-edition West Coast-style craft beer inspired by outdoor adventure. A portion of proceeds supports the Preservation Foundation.
Jun 24, 2026 03:42 PM
The Lake County Forest Preserves mourns the passing of Commissioner Mary Ross Cunningham, honoring her more than two decades of public service, leadership, commitment to equity and lasting contributions to land conservation and outdoor access.
Jun 17, 2026 02:27 PM
The Dunn Museum's two-part special exhibition, Pursuit of Happiness: Many Journeys, One Community, commemorates America's 250th anniversary through Lake County stories, artifacts and a traveling exhibition highlighting contemporary Potawatomi voices.
𝘝𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘳 𝘋𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘚𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘥𝘴, 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘢 𝘝𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘻𝘦𝘬, 𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘒𝘦𝘯 𝘑𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴
Jun 17, 2026 11:11 AM
Lake County Forest Preserves Land Preservation Director Ken Jones and volunteer photographer Dale Shields received national awards from the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials for their contributions to conservation.
@ R. Scott McNeill
Jun 05, 2026 12:30 PM
Horizons is the free quarterly magazine of the Lake County Forest Preserves, featuring stories about nature, history, conservation, recreation and community. Read the latest issue online or subscribe to receive a free print copy at your home.
© Tim Elliott
Jun 05, 2026 09:00 AM
Check out the 2025 Annual Report of the Preservations Foundation, the charitable partner of the Lake County Forest Preserves.
@ Mark Widhalm
May 29, 2026 04:27 PM
The Lake County Forest Preserves is marking America’s 250th anniversary with museum exhibits, history programs, guided walks, outdoor experiences and online resources that connect national history to the people, places and stories of Lake County.
May 26, 2026 03:40 PM
The Lake County Forest Preserves and Harbor Brewing have teamed up to create 56 Quills: American Pils, a limited-edition beer celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
May 13, 2026 10:45 AM
The Lake County Forest Preserves approved the purchase of 0.85 acres to expand Grant Woods Forest Preserve in Ingleside. The $37,500 acquisition strengthens preserve boundaries and supports long-term conservation goals.
Apr 16, 2026 07:53 AM
Volunteers power conservation across Lake County, contributing 21,000+ hours each year to restore habitat, support education and strengthen communities—often turning a single project into a lasting connection with the land.
Apr 13, 2026 09:48 AM
Live music returns to Independence Grove with Concerts in the Plaza, June 9–August 4. Enjoy nine Tuesday evening shows featuring rock, blues, country and more, plus lake views. The June 30 concert includes a patriotic performance by Wayne Messmer.
© Thomas G. Wilson
Mar 11, 2026 03:15 PM
Lake County Forest Preserves approved two land acquisitions totaling 38 acres, expanding Kestrel Ridge in Round Lake and Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda.
© R. Scott McNeill
Mar 03, 2026 09:54 AM
Two Lake County Forest Preserves photographers earned national honors in the 2025 National Recreation Trail Photo Contest for images captured along the Des Plaines River Trail, highlighting trail sharing and winter recreation in Lake County.
© Paco Luengo
Feb 27, 2026 01:40 PM
Check out our newest issue of Horizons, with news, education programs, events and more.
Feb 27, 2026 11:30 AM
From Michael Jordan’s statue at the United Center to tributes honoring James Lovell and Johnny Cash, the Dunn Museum’s new exhibition explores how Rotblatt Amrany Studio creates monumental bronze sculptures. On view March 14–Jan. 3, 2027.
Feb 18, 2026 04:14 PM
Congressman Brad Schneider visited Gander Mountain after securing a $1 million federal grant to restore 250 acres of rare prairie, savanna and wetlands. Crews will remove invasive plants and strengthen habitat for threatened wildlife.
Feb 17, 2026 09:53 AM
The Lake County Forest Preserves earned two statewide honors from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association and Illinois Association of Park Districts, winning for the Fall 2025 issue of Horizons and the 2024 Preservation Foundation Annual Report.
Feb 12, 2026 02:29 PM
The Lake County Forest Preserves has named a new 119.9-acre Winthrop Harbor site Mshkodé Forest Preserve, a Potawatomi word meaning prairie. The name honors the land’s roots and reflects ongoing collaboration with Native partners to share history.
© Mike Borkowski
Feb 11, 2026 12:20 PM
Lake County Forest Preserves approved buying 29.4 acres to expand Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda. The $2.1 million purchase connects wetlands, strengthens boundaries and protects habitat for threatened and endangered species.
Feb 02, 2026 02:51 PM
The Forest Preserves are hiring for temporary positions across Lake County, from food and beverage and visitor services to golf courses and grounds maintenance. These hands-on roles offer a chance to work outdoors and support popular preserves.
Jan 22, 2026 09:43 AM
The Lake County Forest Preserves received a $600,000 state grant to improve accessibility at Lake Carina in Gurnee, including ADA parking, trails, a kayak launch and restroom upgrades, making the former gravel pit preserve easier to access.
Jan 21, 2026 11:53 AM
Lake County Forest Preserves commissioners approved buying about 0.82 acres to expand Grant Woods Forest Preserve in Ingleside. The $37,000 Woodville property along Route 59 supports long-term conservation and improves preserve continuity.
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