Like to Hike? Take the Hike Lake County Challenge
Walking is one of the easiest ways to add activity to your routine and your Lake County Forest Preserves provide the perfect setting. Enjoy fall breezes and autumn colors while exploring designated Hike Lake County trails in scenic forest preserves throughout Lake County. At each preserve, look for Hike Lake County signs at the trailhead to get you started on the right route. Complete just seven of the 12 designated hikes by November 30 and earn a free commemorative shield for your walking stick. Each year features new trails and a colorful new shield. Get started.
Discovery Museum Participates in Blue Star Program
The Lake County Discovery Museum in Wauconda is offering free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families through Labor Day, September 5, as part of the Blue Star Museum program, a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and more than 1,300 museums across America. View a map and list of other participating museums. The free admission program is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention Common Access Card (CAC), a DD Form 1173, or a DD Form 1173-1, which includes active duty military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard), National Guard and Reserve members, and up to five immediate family members. Present your ID card at the Lake County Discovery Museum front desk to receive free admission.
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 upcoming September 19 walk from 9 to 10 a.m., at Grant Woods in Lake Villa. For details, call 847.968.3321.
Community Campfire Friday Nights
Gather around the campfire with family and friends and experience nature at night. Roast marshmallows, share nature stories, and sing songs. Bring a musical instrument to play and a blanket or chair to sit on. Campfire nights are free and open to all ages. View upcoming Community Campfire Friday Nights.
Progress Update
Thanks to your support, the Lake County Forest Preserves continues to protect some of our most important natural areas, maintain nearly 160 miles of trails, and restore many acres of habitat for Lake County's native plants and animals. Read the progress update to learn more about recent achievements.
Walk with a Naturalist
9-10 a.m. September 1, MacArthur Woods (Mettawa). One-hour guided nature hike. Explore a new preserve each month. Adults. $1 for residents, $2 for nonresidents. No registration required.
Dragons of Lake County
2-3 p.m. September 2, Wright Woods. These delicate, double-winged "dragons" are good for our environment-they're dragonflies and damselflies. Adults, families with children ages 5 and up. $5 adults/$1 children residents, $7 adult/$2 children nonresidents. Registration required by September 1. Register online, by telephone at 847.968.3321 or by mail or fax using this form.
Turtle Tales - Whoooo Lives in the Dark?
10-10:30 a.m. August 24, Greenbelt Cultural Center, North Chicago. Join us for a free story time with movement, songs and surprises. Stories are open to all children with an adult, but are focused on the pre-school age child. Stay and play after the program. For updates outside of normal business hours, call 847.968.3113. All ages, free. No registration required.
Outdoor Environmental Film Festival
August 25, Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area (Riverwoods). Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy a selection of films under the stars on the lawn of Brushwood. The evening will begin with a guided gallery tour of the Genius Loci: Listening to Nature's Muse group art exhibition at Brushwood, followed by a screening of films inspired by the theme "Lessons from the Prairie." Acclaimed films will explore ways that human society can learn from the prairie ecosystem in particular, and nature broadly speaking. Gallery tour at 7 p.m., films begins at 7:30 p.m. In case of rain, films will be shown in the Welcome Center. $15 public, $10 Friends of Ryerson Woods members. To register with a membership discount, call 847.968.3321.
Little Sprouts, Excellent Adventures
Join us down on the farm for fun and frolicking, select Wednesdays, June through October. We'll learn all about life on the farm, animals, and where our food comes from. Get to know other families while kids enjoy stories, hands-on activities and simple crafts. This special program is for kids ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers. Take a closer look at the inside of an egg and the cute creatures that hatch out. 10-11 a.m. August 29, Bonner Heritage Farm. Ages 2-5, $3 per child residents, $5 per child nonresidents, 3 or younger free. Register by August 28 using this form or register online.
Twilight Paddle - Moonlit
6:45-8:45 p.m. August 29, Van Patten Woods (Wadsworth), Sterling Lake Boat Launch. Enjoy the unique experience of paddling in the twilight hours as a naturalist guides you on the water. Paddling experience is required. Equipment provided or you may bring your own canoe/kayak. For updates outside of normal business hours, call 847.968.3113. Ages 12 and up, $23 per child or adult residents, $32 per child or adult nonresidents. Register by August 28 using this form or register online.
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