Year of the Bat
The Lake County Forest Preserves is promoting the Year of the Bat through a series of programs, events and other educational efforts:
-
- Bat Acoustic Monitoring-Saturday, August 11, 8-9:30 pm. Join an environmental educator and learn how bats use echolocation to find and capture insects. Registration is required.
- To learn why Environmental Communications Specialist Allison Frederick thinks bats are amazing, fascinating, adorable and essential, read her latest blog post on Lake County Nature.
Jamaica and the Sounds of the Caribbean
Experience the market, dance, costumes, food and live music of these cultures in celebration of Jamaica's Independence Day. The event is free and open to all ages, and held at the Greenbelt Cultural Center, Sunday, August 5 from 3 to 7 pm.
Events in the Plaza
I have been able to attend 3 of the concerts held at Independence Grove Forest Preserve's outdoor amphitheater this summer and they have been wonderful. Arrive early to secure your spot with a blanket or lawn chair. Bring a picnic or enjoy a light dinner, snack or beverage from the walk-up For more information, call 847-968-3499.
The concert series offers live music on Tuesday evenings through August 7. In the event of rain, concerts are held on Thursday evenings. This year's concert lineup brings critically acclaimed recording artists performing their original sounds to this relax-on-the-lawn experience. Parking is $5 per car after 5 pm on concert days.
Free Habitat Walks for Seniors
Explore many of the different habitats of Lake County, learning as you walk. These free nature walks are designed for senior citizens and paced to the group's ability. Nan Buckardt, Director of Environmental Education and Public Affairs for the Lake County Forest Preserves, will lead the Tuesday, August 7 walk from 9 to 10 am, at Sedge Meadow Forest Preservein Wadsworth. For more information, call 847-968-3321.
The Blues: From the Heart and Soul 
Through August 19
The hot weather offers a great opportunity to visit the Lake County Discovery Museum.
This unique exhibition offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most influential periods of modern music and showcases the expansive collection of memorabilia from Chicago blues legend "Barrelhouse" Chuck Goering of Libertyville, Illinois. From playbills and autographs to the original musical instruments that created some of the most influential music in American history, The Blues: From the Heart and Soul exhibit provides a highly interactive and engaging environment to relive this exciting era. Find out more.
August 11--Barrelhouse Chuck and Friends
Join Barrelhouse Chuck, Erwin Helfer and friends for an outdoor concert featuring blues, jazz, and big-band-era standards. With Katherine Davis, Billy Flynn, and E.G. McDaniels. Info and registration.
Make a "Playdate with Nature"
Turn off the TV and get outside for interactive play activities designed to connect you and your child with nature! Build fairy houses and forts, explore off trail, and catch and observe land and water insects. The programs are free and open to children of all ages, with a caregiver. Dress for outdoor fun and adventure. A Leave No Child Inside initiative.
View upcoming Playdate with Nature programs.
The Adlai E. Stevenson Home
Learn more about this influential American Statesman known as "the man from Libertyville." You can tour the home and walk the grounds that welcomed many people who were part of world events. The next tours are Sunday August 26 at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Call 847-367-6640.
Check out the entire calendar for more activities.
Cleaning out the garage and basement? Updating computers for the school year? Make sure you dispose of electronics and hazardous waste correctly. 
Sundays from 5:00-6:30 pm bring a picnic to Mitchell Park in Deerfield and listen to a concert. Sponsored by the 