Forest Preserve Considers Grant Woods Expansion 

How Do You Go Green, Lake County? Try Native Plants

Lake County boasts plenty of beautiful forest preserves and natural space. Homeowners can support and preserve the natural green ecosystem by planting more native plants.  Native plants serve as food to many songbirds and other native wildlife, protect water quality by controlling soil erosion and moderate flooding, and they can look just as beautiful as store-bought plants! Find out how easy it is to contribute to the green movement by watching this installment of How Do You Go Green, Lake County?  Watch Video: 

Rain Barrel and Native Plant Sales in May

Join us for this special springtime event... a joint effort sponsored by SWALCO, Stormwater Management Commission and Lake County Forest Preserves.

Using rain barrels, practicing backyard composting, and planting native species are all sustainable and environmentally sound practices that will not only be good for your pocketbook, but for your home, community and beyond.  There are so many wonderful benefits including: 

• Rain barrels reuse stormwater from rooftops and diverts water from storm drains, decreasing the impact of runoff to streams and minimizing sewer overflows during heavy rainfall.
• Residents who compost dispose of less material in their waste, diverting a large percentage of materials from our landfills.  Compost reduces water use and helps improve resistance to both plant diseases and insect pests.
• Planting native species reduces the amount of water needed for gardens and eliminates the need for fertilizers and chemicals.  Native plants also support local wildlife, provide food, water and shelter to songbirds, butterflies, and other native wildlife.

Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale

Saturday, May 12, 2012

9 a.m.-3 p.m., Rain or Shine

Independence Grove Forest Preserve, Parking Lot D

16400 W. Buckley Rd, Libertyville

Rain Barrels (55 gallon): $60 ($150 value)

Compost Bins (11 cubic foot/311 liter capacity): $50 ($100 value)

Accessories including $10 Kitchen Scrap Pail, $15 Compost Aerator and $25. Compost Thermometers also available.  View flyer here.

Native Plant Sale 

Saturday, May 12, 2012 from 9 a.m. -3 p.m.

Sunday, May 13, 2012 from 10 a.m. -3 p.m.

Independence Grove Forest Preserve, North Bay Pavilion 

Career Chat: Preparing and Responding During Behavior Based Interviews

In today's job market, employers are turning to behavioral-based interviews to see how candidates may have handled different situations and experiences to see if they are a good fit for the organization. For example, an interviewer may ask, "Tell me about a time when you worked in a team." In this edition of Career Chat, learn what types of questions to expect, how to prepare, and how to respond during a behavioral interview. Watch now (8 minutes).

Lake County Workforce Investment Board Annual Report

The Lake County Workforce Investment Board 2011 Annual Report is now available. Learn more about local economic conditions impacting our businesses and workers, outcomes of workforce programs, and the impacts of those programs on our local economy. The report also highlights services available to businesses, youth and adult job seekers, and some of 2011's greatest success stories. View the report here.

Distracted Driving Awareness Seminars Offered at CLC

The dangers and costs of distracted driving will be addressed at two seminars in Grayslake on April 19 and 20 - one directed toward parents and their teen drivers and the other directed toward employers.

The seminars are sponsored by the Workforce and Professional Development Institute of the College of Lake County. Both presentations will be held at the University Center of Lake County, 1120 University Center Drive, Grayslake. At both events, David Teater of the National Safety Council will share his personal story of how a distracted driver changed his and his family's life forever.

Thursday, April 19 from 6-8 p.m -- Teen Driving + Texting = Disaster, for Parents and Teens

At this seminar, parents and teens will learn about the dangers associated with distracted driving from people who have experienced it firsthand. This is a free event, but pre-registration is required.

Friday, April 20 from 7:30-9:30 a.m. -- Texting Dangers for Employees

This seminar is a discussion on ways employers can limit the risk and liability of employees' distracted driving. Hear a panel of business experts discuss how implementing cell phone policies can reduce risk and liability and increase productivity. All attendees will receive a free Cell Phone Policy Tool Kit. The workshop cost is $29, including breakfast.

Visit  www.clcevents.eventbrite.com to register for either event. Register before April 16 to guarantee a seat; space is limited. For more information, call (847) 543-2615.

Upcoming April Programs at the Lake County Forest Preserves

Restoration Workdays

Every weekend in April
Various locations across Lake County
Free; ages 10 and up

Grab some work gloves and join other volunteers to save some of Lake County's natural areas. Workdays are a great way to spend time outdoors, make new friends improve the preserves.  More info here. 

Frog Walk
Sat., April 14, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Van Patten Woods, Wadsworth
Ages 6 and older

Learn the lifestyle of this vocal amphibian, its role as an environmental indicator, which species you'll find in our county and when they call. Info and registration here.

Join the Antioch CERT Team

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community.

The training covers basic skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not available.  With training and practice and by working as a team, you will be able to do the greatest good for the greatest number of victims after a disaster, while protecting yourself from becoming a victim.

Classes will be taught by trained emergency personnel, including firefighters and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel.  The program consists of 20 hours of training and emphasizes hands-on practice.