Stay informed about your Lake County Forest Preserves by reading the latest news items below.
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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, Communications Specialist, office 847-968-3202, cell 224-244-0583, email
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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.
Jul 05, 2022 01:27 PM
The Concert in the Plaza scheduled for Tuesday, July 5 at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville has been canceled.
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 26, 2022 11:47 AM
The Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County in Libertyville is joining museums across the country in offering free admission to military personnel and their families. The free admission program runs through September 5, Labor Day.
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 17, 2022 07:20 AM
Music lovers, dance lovers and outdoor lovers, get ready for award-winning performers playing under the stars at the annual Concerts in the Plaza music series. Nine concerts will be held at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville.
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.
May 02, 2022 10:59 AM
The Beer Garden at Independence Grove, featuring scenic views and craft brews, is scheduled to open Saturday, May 14. The venue at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville features a variety of local craft brews on tap.
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 29, 2022 11:27 AM
The work of a legendary comic book artist is coming to the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, 1899 W. Winchester Road in Libertyville, Illinois. Bill Sienkiewicz: Pop Culture Revolution will be on e
Mar 15, 2022 01:02 PM
Annual summer programs have a new look, but will continue to provide lifelong connections and memories, according to educators at the Lake County Forest Preserves.
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.
Feb 17, 2022 03:32 PM
Looking to spend the summer outdoors in a beautiful, natural setting? The Lake County Forest Preserves is in the process of hiring an array of temporary positions.
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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