Background Image

Our Work

Educate

Through grants from the Annual Fund and donor-designated gifts, the Preservation Foundation helps the Forest Preserves serve more people each year through education and public programs. Our professional staff turns the Forest Preserves into living laboratories for exploration of the wildlife, plants, water, and cultural history of Lake County. Many education programs are available for a nominal fee or free, thanks to donor support.

Our education programs cultivate new advocates for preservation and restoration of our natural resources – both locally and globally.

  • Science_in_the_Preserves_2

    Science Explorers in Nature

    The Science Explorers in Nature program combines STEM learning with outdoor exploration. Led by Forest Preserves Environmental Educators and a certified science teacher, the four-week program helps middle-school students learn about nature in Lake County and potential science careers.  The inquiry-based curriculum includes hands-on STEM activities that support Illinois Learning Standards.

    View More Details

  • fishing

    Beyond The Classroom

    Program fees and bus transportation can severely limit the ability of Lake County schools in low-income communities to benefit from the Forest Preserves environmental and history education field trip programs.

    We're relaunching our Gateway Grants program with a significant expansion and new title, Beyond the Classroom—now offering 50 grants that include a $250 bus stipend to eligible schools.

    This expansion means more students can learn Beyond the Classroom–whether that’s in the preserves, at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville, or in their own schools.

    Donate

  • Teaching in the Museum

    Dunn Museum

    The North Shore Gas Education Classroom is home base for our school field trips and education programs. In summer, it hosts camps, scout programs, lectures, public programs and events. Elsewhere in the Dunn Museum, two immersive teaching spaces – a Native American wigwam and a one-room schoolhouse – provide space for formal field trip programs or interactive play.

    Thanks to a grant from the USG Foundation, the Dunn Museum offers free general admission each Thursday between 5–8 pm. Visitors can also enjoy special programming and events on a variety of topics.

    View More Details