Read more about the new traffic laws. 

The Lake County Forest Preserve has reported evidence of a gray fox in Lake County. Gray foxes occur throughout most of the southern half of North America but are rare in Lake County. The spotting coincided with an announcement from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that the foxes may warrant federal protection as a threatened or endangered species and that it would conduct a more thorough review.

Gray foxes have a black tipped tail, which distinguishes this species from red foxes. Gray foxes can be found in deciduous woodlands and are unique members of the dog family because they can climb trees. (The Asian raccoon dog is the only other climbing dog.) Gray foxes have strong, hooked claws that allow them to scramble up trees to avoid predators or get fruit. They den during the day in old woodchuck burrows, stumps or hollow trees - sometimes as high as 30 feet above the ground.

Check out the Lake County Forest Preserves' Facebook page for a Nov. 29 post about the fox, or read the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service press release. 

Outdoor Fun in a Beautiful Setting

Explore winter's wonder. When snow is on the ground, our preserves are an ideal setting for activities such as ice skating, ice fishing, sledding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and hiking. A 4.5-inch ice layer is required for ice skating and fishing, and a 4-inch snow base is required for snowmobiling. For current winter sports conditions, visit the Forest Preserves website or call our 24-hour automated winter sports hotline at 847.968.3235 for updated info. The Lakewood Winter Sports Area and an adjacent section of the Millennium Trail in Wauconda, and a trail loop at Old School in Libertyville are lighted, allowing for winter fun until 9 p.m., daily. For a complete list of activities and locations, visit the Forest Preserve's activities page. 

Annual Permit Sales

Annual permits for 2013 are available for purchase, including Dog Exercise Area permits, Horse Trail Use permits, Model Aircraft Flying Field permits, Dog Sled Area access and Horse-drawn Vehicle Use permits. Annual permits are good from the time purchased through the end of the calendar year (December 31, 2013). Permits can be purchased online or by phone at 847-367-6640, in person at our General Offices in Libertyville and our Operations and Public Safety Facility in Lindenhurst, or by mail or fax. Read more.