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
Jun 26, 2025 09:49 AM
The Dunn Museum opens its new gallery with Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains, showcasing lifelike portraits of Marvel and DC icons. The exhibit includes new works, rare insights from Ross, and a behind-the-scenes look at his creative process.
Linda Raymond donated a 300-year-old bur oak and 2.5 acres in Newport Township to the Lake County Forest Preserves. The tree was central to her family’s life—from weddings to quiet moments. It will now be protected for generations to come.
© Steven Diver
Jun 11, 2025 10:45 AM
The Forest Preserves Board approved buying 48 acres to expand Ray Lake and Half Day forest preserves, protecting wetlands, woodlands and trails. Funded by a 2024 bond, the move supports habitat, water quality, and public access goals.
May 27, 2025 09:51 AM
The team behind last summer’s buzz-worthy cicada-inspired brew is back—this time with a comic book twist. The Lake County Forest Preserves and Harbor Brewing Company have worked together again to launch two limited-edition beers.
© Dahai Zang
May 23, 2025 12:30 PM
Check out our newest issue of Horizons, with news, education programs, events and more.
May 23, 2025 11:22 AM
A hand-carved cathedral by Mundelein artist Charles Warner is now on view at Chicago’s Intuit Art Museum. The folk-art piece, inspired by Warner’s childhood in Poland, was discovered through the Dunn Museum’s virtual exhibit Color & Light.
May 22, 2025 02:35 PM
The Lake County Forest Preserves earned a top international award for its “Celebrating Cicadas” communications campaign.
May 09, 2025 09:00 AM
The Dunn Museum is unveiling a new gallery space this summer with Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains, a special exhibition spotlighting one of the most celebrated artists in comics. It runs June 29, 2025 through February 16, 2026.
© Ami Vitale
May 06, 2025 11:43 AM
Some of the most powerful images ever captured of the animal kingdom are part of a special exhibition at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. National Geographic: The Greatest Wildlife Photographs reveals rare and dramatic moments in nature.
© R. Scott McNeill
Apr 28, 2025 12:10 PM
As warm weather draws more visitors outdoors, the Lake County Forest Preserves is reminding the public to prioritize safety while enjoying the trails.
Apr 24, 2025 12:18 PM
The Beer Garden at Independence Grove, featuring scenic views and craft brews, is scheduled to open for the season Friday, May 2.
Jessica Vealitzek
Apr 24, 2025 10:26 AM
The Lake County Forest Preserves has initiated talks with the State of Illinois to transfer 1,005 acres of land tied to the former Route 53 Corridor into its care, Board President Jessica Vealitzek announced Thursday, April 24.
Apr 10, 2025 02:45 PM
Get ready for a summer filled with music, nature and good vibes. The popular Concerts in the Plaza series returns to Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, bringing live outdoor performances to Millennia Plaza.
Apr 07, 2025 08:49 AM
A $1.02 million gift from Paula Lillard honors a lifelong love of nature and creates an endowment supporting long-term land restoration across 1,086 acres in Lake County.
The Lake County Forest Preserves board of commissioners authorized staff to assess the potential relocation of its general offices and the Dunn Museum to property at Brae Loch Golf Club in Grayslake.
Thomas G. Wilson
Mar 12, 2025 11:10 AM
On Wednesday, March 12, the Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of two land parcels—55 acres in Fremont Township and 34 acres in Antioch Township.
Mar 03, 2025 03:34 PM
For the third year, the Bess Bower Dunn Museum in Libertyville is holding a food drive during spring break. Visitors will receive free admission with the donation of at least one non-perishable food item or toiletry per person.
© Ed Erkes
Feb 27, 2025 12:59 PM
Check out our newest issue of Horizons, with news, education programs, events and more.
Feb 24, 2025 03:47 PM
The Lake County Forest Preserves Ranger Police presented Sgt. James Harrison with an honorable mention award Friday, February 21 for his exceptional bravery and quick thinking.
Feb 14, 2025 03:31 PM
The goal of The Community Campaign for Lake County Forest Preserves is to establish a $20 million endowment. An endowment is made up of donations that are invested so the interest helps fund an organization's long-term needs.
Feb 14, 2025 02:30 PM
The Lake County Forest Preserves received awards from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) and the AVA Digital Awards.
Jan 16, 2025 11:07 AM
On Wednesday, January 15, the Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of additional land to expand Raven Glen Forest Preserve in Antioch and finalized an agreement with the Village of Gurnee.
Jan 15, 2025 02:51 PM
The Dunn Museum, operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves, is expanding to include a new gallery for larger special exhibitions. The inaugural exhibit will feature the work of renowned comic book artist Alex Ross.
Jan 15, 2025 01:05 PM
Two Lake County Forest Preserves police officers were honored Wednesday for their extraordinary dedication in locating a missing man.
© Jeff Goldberg
Dec 10, 2024 10:37 AM
Words of the Woods, the Lake County Forest Preserves’ award-winning podcast about nature and history, debuted its third season on December 4. It’s available on all major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify: LCFPD.org/podcast.
Jeff Goldberg
Dec 03, 2024 04:02 PM
The Lake County Forest Preserves is cooperating with Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation to keep a close watch on an injured mute swan at Hastings Lake Forest Preserve in Lake Villa.
At a special meeting on Monday, December 2, the Board of Commissioners elected Jessica Vealitzek (District 10) to serve as president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. The Board also elected Gina Roberts (District 4) to serve as vice president.
Nov 26, 2024 11:07 AM
The Lake County Forest Preserves secured two grants to develop a brand strategy for a collaborate initiative focused on preserving and managing natural features along a portion of the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Nov 18, 2024 03:56 PM
Discover more ways to connect with nature using Expand Your Experience, the new official map and guide to Lake County’s forest preserves.
© Justine Neslund
Nov 13, 2024 10:13 AM
On Wednesday, November 13, the Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of a 9.4-acre property it has sought for 36 years. The land, located on Cuba Road east of Ela Road, will be acquired for $725,000.
Nov 08, 2024 01:33 PM
The Lake County Forest Preserves nominated two of its partners who went on to win top honors in the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) Best of the Best Awards competition.
Nov 04, 2024 12:29 PM
Ecologists from the Lake County Forest Preserves are testing an experimental treatment to protect Blanding’s turtles from a dangerous, potentially fatal fungal disease.
Oct 18, 2024 12:16 PM
An anonymous private foundation and Wintrust Financial Corporation, a financial services company founded in Lake County, have together donated $1.5 million to endow two popular forest preserves.
The Lake County Forest Preserves' Horizons magazine recently received four prestigious awards from two esteemed competitions.
At its October 9 meeting, the Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of about 13.2 acres to expand Greenbelt Forest Preserve in North Chicago.
© Tim Elliott
Oct 09, 2024 10:25 AM
To advance its 100-Year Vision for Lake County, preserve and restore our natural lands, and expand community outreach and education, the Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved the 2025 fiscal year budget.
Sep 16, 2024 12:42 PM
Check out our newest issue of Horizons, with news, education programs, events and more.
Aug 14, 2024 04:48 PM
The Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of about 41 acres in Antioch Township, known as the Fogel property, at its regular board meeting on Wednesday, August 14.
Jul 29, 2024 02:33 PM
Afrofest is taking place from 12–8 pm, Saturday, August 17, at Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. The event is a vibrant celebration of African culture and heritage.
Jul 10, 2024 08:13 AM
The Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of 18.2 acres to expand Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest at a special board meeting Tuesday, July 9.
Jun 28, 2024 11:14 AM
NACPRO honored Event Operations Manager Stephanie Bosack with the New Professional award while Preservation Foundation President Nels Leutwiler was honored with the Outstanding Volunteer Award.
Jun 14, 2024 12:20 PM
The Lake County Forest Preserves has received more than $2 million in grants over the past 13 years from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation.
May 31, 2024 11:01 AM
Check out our newest issue of Horizons, with news, education programs, events and more.
May 10, 2024 01:12 PM
Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda, the county’s largest forest preserve spanning 2,835 acres, is undergoing a transformation as the initial phase of a comprehensive master plan is underway.
Mar 25, 2024 08:44 AM
College of Lake County (CLC) and the Lake County Forest Preserves have joined in a partnership to revitalize the Green Youth Farm, renamed Greenbelt Farm.
Mar 04, 2024 10:10 AM
Check out our newest issue of Horizons, with news, education programs, events and more.
Mar 01, 2024 08:01 AM
The Lake County Forest Preserves has adopted cutting-edge technology designed to enhance communication and accessibility for visitors to their website.
Liz Rose Fisher
Feb 12, 2024 03:27 PM
For more than four decades, educators and volunteers at the Lake County Forest Preserves have led wildly popular Maple Syrup Hikes at Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods.
© Melissa Marie Photography
Feb 02, 2024 01:36 PM
John Eggert's culinary journey ignited during his childhood. He has vivid memories of the moment his passion for cooking began to sizzle.
Two Illinois organizations committed to advancing parks and recreation recognized the outstanding contributions of the Lake County Forest Preserves with four esteemed awards for excellence in public communications and design.
Jason Cristino
Jan 16, 2024 03:06 PM
"Managing Healthy Landscapes" opens Saturday, February 10 at the Dunn Museum, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. The special exhibition runs through April 7 at the nationally accredited museum, a distinction held by only 3% of American museums.
Jan 11, 2024 10:14 AM
The 41st annual Profiles in Excellence event takes place from 3–4:30 pm, Sunday, February 4, at Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Road in North Chicago. The theme this year is “Music Roots.”
Check out our newest issue of Horizons, with news, education programs, events and more.
Nov 30, 2023 11:37 AM
The 9th annual Lake County History Symposium takes place virtually on Zoom from 6:30–8:30 pm on January 4 and 18. "Good Neighbors: Making a Difference in Lake County," is this year's theme.
Kimberly Landmann
Nov 21, 2023 04:42 PM
The Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves proudly joins the global GivingTuesday initiative, standing with millions worldwide in a celebration of generosity on November 28.
Nov 20, 2023 12:42 PM
The Chicago Wilderness Alliance (CWA) has recognized the Lake County Forest Preserves with two prestigious awards.
Oct 31, 2023 10:56 AM
The fall issue of our Horizons magazine is now available.
Oct 12, 2023 11:10 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 2024 budget.
Sep 15, 2023 04:06 PM
The Bess Bower Dunn Museum in Libertyville received funding assistance to improve museum facilities through the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources administered the program.
Sep 13, 2023 10:47 AM
The Lake County Forest Preserves earned a prestigious award in the Best Green Practices category of an Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) contest.
Sep 07, 2023 03:08 PM
The Lake County Forest Preserves has planned a variety of entertainment as part of SeptOberFest at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. Music by local artists, events and programs will take place Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Sep 06, 2023 02:34 PM
Crain’s Chicago Business named Pati Vitt, director of natural resources at the Lake County Forest Preserves, one of the 2023 Notable Women in STEM.
Aug 31, 2023 03:23 PM
On Thursday, August 31 the Lake County Forest Preserves reopened a 71.55-acre parcel of land that is now part of Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest.
Aug 15, 2023 09:35 AM
The Lake County Forest Preserves is taking part in a state-wide celebration marking the 60th anniversary of an agency dedicated to preserving Illinois’ highest-quality natural areas.
Steve Barten
Aug 07, 2023 11:59 AM
A federally endangered rusty patched bumble bee was discovered at a Lake County forest preserve. This was the first recorded sighting of the rare species at this preserve and joins a handful of other recent bumble bee detections.
Jul 27, 2023 01:59 PM
The communications and design division of the Lake County Forest Preserves earned two national awards through APEX, the Annual Awards for Publication Excellence Competition.
Jul 17, 2023 03:05 PM
Crain’s Chicago Business today named Alex Ty Kovach, executive director of the Lake County Forest Preserves, a Notable Leader in Sustainability for 2023.
Jul 03, 2023 03:15 PM
A virtual meeting is planned to provide an update and answer the public’s questions about the potential acquisition of the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve. The session takes place 5:30–6:30 pm Monday, July 10.
Mike Tully
Jul 03, 2023 11:19 AM
A leader at the Lake County Forest Preserves earned a national award for his dedication to conservation and recreation. Chief Operations Officer Mike Tully recently received the Lifetime Professional Award.
Jun 05, 2023 01:20 PM
The Planning Committee of the Lake County Forest Preserves approved a resolution recommending the acceptance of the 71.55–acre Openlands Lakeshore Preserve during a June 5 joint meeting of its operations, planning and finance committees.
Jun 01, 2023 09:04 AM
Triple Impact to Restore Heron Creek Forest Preserve
Funds from a recent grant will be used to restore 100 acres at Heron Creek Forest Preserve in Lake Zurich.
May 18, 2023 09:19 AM
Imagine warm breezes, spectacular sunsets over the lake and award-winning music performers on stage at the outdoor venue for the annual Concerts in the Plaza music series in Libertyville.
Apr 30, 2023 07:28 AM
The Beer Garden at Independence Grove, featuring scenic views and craft brews, is scheduled to open Friday, May 5.
Apr 28, 2023 12:48 PM
When their Service Learning Day kicked off Thursday morning, the majority of the 65 participating Lake Forest Academy students participating did not know what buckthorn was or looked like.
St. Francis Woods, located within Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, Illinois, has gained prestigious national recognition.
Apr 20, 2023 10:11 AM
Catch them if you can with the definitive guide to fishing in your Lake County Forest Preserves.
Apr 11, 2023 10:10 AM
Check out our newest issue of Horizons, with news, education programs, events and more.
Apr 04, 2023 11:03 AM
The Bess Bower Dunn Museum celebrated its five-year anniversary last week by offering free admission to visitors with the donation of a non-perishable food item or toiletry. Collected items benefit the Libertyville Township Food Pantry.
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 01:07 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 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.
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 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.
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!
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 prescribed burn sites.
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