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Archive for the ‘Lake’ Category

Celebrate America 250 with The Land We Love Run to Support Folds of Honor

Posted in Contests, Cuba Township, Folds of Honor, Fundraisers, Guest Essay, The Land We Love Run, VBHPD on May 23, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Neighbors & Friends –

Join us as we kick off the America 250 celebration 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 on Sunday, June 28, 2026, with the annual “The Land We Love Run” through Barrington Hills! Brought to you by the Village of Barrington Hills and Cuba Township The Land We Love Run starts at 7:30 am from Cuba Township, and offers 5k & 10k runs and a 2 mile walk.  Come out to enjoy our beautiful Village and to support our Heroes!

Our 5k and 10k 🏃‍♂️🏃🏼‍♀️ courses are certified and professionally chip timed.

Compete in the Team Competition 🙌 Put together your team of 3 or more for camaraderie, bragging rights, and to compete for fun prizes!

Police 👮🏻 monitored routes with age-based awards 🥇, and water/aid stations. Stay for the award ceremony, refreshments and fun following the run.

All proceeds to benefit Folds of Honor – Chicago, a National organization with a local presence that provides scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled Service Members and First Responders. Donations are also being accepted to the Cuba Township Food Pantry, addressing Barrington-area residents’ food insecurity needs.

It’s a HILL of a RUN!
Hope to see you and your friends and colleagues on June 28th! 

You don’t run? Consider volunteering or sponsorship!

Sponsorship levels are:

  • America 250 Sponsor $2,500 Recognition on Website, Logo on T-shirts, Race Banner, American 250 Banner, 10 Race Entries, Space for Table/Tent
  • 1776 Sponsor $1,776 Logo on T-shirts, Race Banner, 5 Race Entries
  • Liberty Sponsor $1,000 Logo on Race Banner
  • Freedom Sponsor $500 Logo on Water Station Signs

***SPONSORSHIP MUST BE CONFIRMED BY MAY 27th TO GUARANTEE LOGO ON T-SHIRTS***

Click for SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION & FORM

We appreciate you forwarding this invitation to any who might be interested in participating and/or sponsorship.

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Plan Commission Special Public Meeting May 28: Lot Consolidation #2

Posted in County, Lake, Land Use, Plan Commission on May 8, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Before the Plan Commission
Village of Barrington Hills
Plat of Subdivision – Lot Consolidation

Notice is hereby given that a Public Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. by the Plan Commission of the Village of Barrington Hills at the Barrington Hills Village Hall, 112 Algonquin Road, Barrington Hills, IL, concerning an Application filed by the owner of 19 & 21 Peraino Circle, Barrington Hills, IL to request approval of a final plat of subdivision consolidating Lots 8 and 21 of the Subdivision of Barrington Ridge in Barrington Hills, IL to create a single lot. Affected properties are identified by PIN 13-33-301-024-0000 and 13-33-301-016-0000.

A copy of the application and proposed plat for lot consolidation is available for examination in the office of the Village Clerk at the Village Hall, by appointment, during hours of operation. Any interested party will be given an opportunity to provide comment. Written comments on the application for lot consolidation, which will be provided to the members of the Plan Commission, will be accepted in the Office of the Village Clerk through 3:00 PM, May 27, 2026.

By: Village Clerk
Village of Barrington Hills
Clerk@vbhil.gov
112 Algonquin Road
Barrington Hills, IL 60010

Source

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Cuba Township Assessor Shares: Important Update Regarding Upcoming Property Tax Bills

Posted in 220, Board of Education, County, Cuba Township, District 220 referendum, FUBAR, Lake, Property Taxes, School Districts, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on April 28, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Important Update Regarding
Upcoming Property Tax Bills

(Please click on image to enlarge)

Dear Cuba Township Residents

Our office would like to provide an important update regarding the upcoming May 2026 property tax bills, particularly as they relate to the November 2024 Barrington CUSD 220 referendum.

At the time of the referendum, Barrington CUSD 220 presented taxpayers with an estimated increase of approximately $236 per $500,000 of market value. Based on the tax rate information now available, this estimate appears to be significantly understated. Current projections indicate the actual impact may be closer to three times the estimated amount for similarly valued homes. The following is a link to the referendum tax calculator: Barrington 220 2024 Referendum Tax Calculator. We encourage you to compare this calculator to your May tax bill.

While we understand this increase may be concerning, it is important to clarify how property taxes are determined and the role of the Assessor’s Office in that process. Our responsibility is to establish fair and equitable property assessments based on market value. We do not set tax rates or control the budgets of taxing bodies.

Property taxes are determined by two primary components: assessed value (EAV) and tax rates. In simple terms, the total tax burden is driven by how much revenue taxing districts levy to fund their budgets. The tax rate is then adjusted to generate that amount and is distributed across all property owners based on their share of the total assessed value.

An easy way to think about this is like splitting a restaurant bill. The total check represents the amount taxing bodies have decided to spend. Each person’s share is based on what they ordered—someone who ordered a steak pays more than someone who ordered a salad, just as properties with higher assessed values pay a larger share of the total tax burden. If the total bill increases, everyone pays more, regardless of how the bill is divided.

Typically, when overall assessed values increase across a taxing district, tax rates decrease to offset that growth. However, when taxing bodies increase their levies, tax rates may rise or remain elevated to meet that higher spending level. In this case, while most taxing bodies now have a reduced rate, Barrington CUSD 220 has an increased rate, resulting in a higher overall tax burden for property owners. While factors such as the County’s equalization process may impact assessed values, they do not, by themselves, increase the total taxes collected.

For questions, concerns, or feedback regarding this increase, we encourage residents to contact Barrington CUSD 220 directly. If you would like to send a message to Board members as well as the Superintendent of Schools, please Click Here.

Barrington CUSD 220 Contact Information
District Administrative Center
515 W. Main Street
Barrington, IL 60010
Phone: (847) 381-6300

Upcoming Board of Education Meetings

All regular Board of Education meetings are held on Tuesday evenings, beginning with a Closed Session at 5:30 p.m., followed by Open Session at 6:00 p.m. Unless otherwise noted, meetings take place at the District Administrative Center. Meetings include opportunities for public comment and provide a forum for residents to learn more and share input.

Our office remains committed to transparency and ensuring fair and accurate property assessments. If you have questions regarding your property assessment, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Cuba Township Assessor’s Office
Cuba Township| Website

Cuba Township | 28000 Cuba Road
Barrington, IL 60010 US

Email sent April 20, 2026

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Cuba Township Annual Town Meeting Tuesday

Posted in County, Lake, Overhead, Politics, Property Taxes, Unions on April 10, 2026| Leave a Comment »

CUBA TOWNSHIP
176th ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Originally implemented to give citizens a uniform place and time to gather, this state mandated meeting provides an opportunity for any registered voter of the Township to speak. Cuba Township voters may propose agenda items, relevant to the powers granted to the electors under the Township code, for the Annual Town Meeting.

Proposals must be written and signed by at least 15 registered Cuba Township voters and delivered by March 1, 2026, to the Cuba Township Clerk,
Heidi N. Shannon.
Please join us. Questions can be directed to the
Township office at (847) 381-1924
175th Annual Town Meeting
April 14th, 2026; 6:00 pm
Cuba Township Office
28000 W. Cuba Road
Barrington, IL 60010

Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Nomination and election of Moderator
Oath of office to Moderator
Public Comment
Approval of Minutes 2025 Annual Town Meeting
Supervisor’s Annual Financial Report
Highway Commissioner’s Report
New Business
Old Business
Scheduling of Date, Time, and place of 2027 Annual Town Meeting
Adjournment

Source

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Lake County clerk’s office changes Lake Barrington polling place

Posted in County, Daily Herald, Elections, Lake, Politics on March 17, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Daily Herald Reportb Posted March 16, 2026 7:56 pm

Due to an ongoing gas leak resulting in no heat at the Lake Barrington Village Hall, it will not serve as an Election Day polling place on Tuesday, March 17, officials announced Monday.

Voters are encouraged to use the polling sites closest to them:

“Health and safety are our utmost priorities for our election judges and voters. I thank our partners at Lake Barrington Village Hall for their efforts to find a viable solution in a very short period of time. I also want to thank Lake County Emergency Management Agency for their assistance,” Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega said.

Voters can confirm their polling location, view sample ballots, and find additional election information by visiting the Lake County Clerk’s Office website or calling the office at (847) 377-2410.

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How much did Illinois take from your town’s income taxes?

Posted in Cook, County, Illinois Policy Institute, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Politics, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes on December 23, 2025| 1 Comment »

Illinois local governments lost out on over $10.9 billion in income tax revenue since fiscal year 2012. Here’s what your city or county lost.

By Patrick Andriesen | Illinois Policy Institute

Illinois local governments lost out on more than $10.9 billion in income tax revenue since fiscal year 2012, thanks to state lawmakers cutting the share of income taxes promised to municipalities and counties.

The state kept the difference.

An Illinois Policy Institute analysis found state lawmakers’ decision to reduce the local share from 10% of net income tax collections to less than 7% has cost municipalities over $9.49 billion since FY 2012. That includes cities, towns and villages and meant fewer dollars for programs and services, infrastructure, and potential property tax relief.

Use our table below to find out how much more income tax revenue your municipality would have received.

In addition to the municipal losses, county governments lost another $1.43 billion. Use our table below to find out much more income tax revenue your county would have collected.

More here.

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Illinois firefighter pensions torch local finances

Posted in BCFPD, Cook, Cost of Living, County, Illinois Policy Institute, Jewel-Osco, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Overhead, Property Taxes, Taxes, Unions on November 19, 2025| Leave a Comment »

In Lake County and across Illinois, fire pensions are driving up property taxes and leaving fewer resources for safety.

By LyLena Estabine | Illinois Policy Institute

Chicago fire pensions may be close to insolvency, but the city is not alone: firefighter pensions are consuming most of the resources needed to keep communities safe.

Statewide, the most recent data shows municipal fire department increased property taxes by $371.6 million between 1996 and 2023, adjusted for inflation. While the total tripled, pensions have gone from taking less than half of the property taxes to taking nearly three-fourths: $311.6 million more in 2023 than in 1996.

Actual fire protection operated on $60 million more than in 1996.

Firefighters receive generous pensions, and rightly so given the dangerous nature of their work. However, when those benefits become overpromised – as they have become in Illinois – they undermine retirement security and reduce the amount of money available for service. Police and fire pensions outside of Chicago reported combined liabilities of $493.1 billion in 2024, with only 49 cents on hand for each dollar owed.

The low funding ratio isn’t because property taxes aren’t going towards pensions. In most counties more property tax revenue is going towards pensions than in the past. In 1996, 48% of these revenues went toward pensions compared to 73% in 2023. A similar pattern can be seen in counties across the state.

That doesn’t mean every town is cutting back on fire services, but it does mean an increasing share of local tax dollars is being consumed by pension costs rather than the services residents rely on.

At 1.83% of their home’s value each year, Illinoisans pay the highest average effective property tax rate in the nation. But in some communities, it’s worse than that figure would indicate.

Read more here.

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District 220 Board of Education meets tonight

Posted in 220, Agendas, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Conflict of interest, Countryside Elementary School, County, Deception, District 220 referendum, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, Ethics, His Master's Voice, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Lake, Land Use, New Normal?, Open Meetings Act, Organizations, Pension Funding, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, School Districts, Taxes, Transparency, Unions, Video Recordings, Video Streaming, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on October 7, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The District 220 Board of Education meets this evening at 6:00 PM at the District Administration Center, 515 W. Main Street. Items on their agenda include:

  • Special Public Comment on IASB Resolutions
  • FOIA Reports
  • Personnel Report
  • Consideration to Approve Reunification Contract with Willow Creek Community Church
  • Consideration to Approve a District Representative at the Lake County Lake Division Meeting
  • Consideration to Approve the Proposed Lake County Slate of Officers
  • Consideration to Approve IASB Resolutions

A copy of the agenda can be viewed here. The meeting will be live-streamed on the district YouTube channel.

Related: “District 220’s Lack of Transparency (Updated),” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency,” “Ding Politicking on School District Property,” “District 220 Board of Education meets tonight (9.15.25),” “District 220 posts Notice of Tentative Budget Public Hearing,” “Dual School Board and State Rep Positions Legally Incompatible,” “D220 Abuses Taxpayer Funds in favor of Partisan Campaign,” “Ding In Her Own Words – CONFLICTED!,” “District 220 Board of Education meets this evening (07.15.25)” “Ding Doubles Down,” “Ding’s D220 Deception,” “Chan Ding running in Democratic primary in 52nd,” “Three (3) Democratic candidates queued to run for the IL 52nd District House seat in 2026”

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Enjoy returning favorites and new events at the 96th Annual Lake County Fair July 23-27

Posted in County, Entertainment, Goat Rodeo, Lake, Politics on July 20, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The Lake County Fair returns with rides, music, food, Grandstand events and much more Wednesday through Sunday, July 23-27, at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake. | Daily Herald file photo

By the Lake County Fairgrounds

Celebrating its 96th year, the Lake County Fair is back and bigger than ever, promising five days filled with excitement, entertainment and memories for the whole family. Taking place from Wednesday, July 23, to Sunday, July 27, at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, this year’s fair brings a sensational lineup of Grandstand Arena events, including returning favorites and new additions.

Midway rides and games, operated by Skinner’s Amusements, open at 1 p.m. on Wednesday and noon Thursday through Sunday. Tickets are $1 each (number of tickets needed vary per ride) and are available at ticket booths located throughout the Midway. All-You-Can-Ride Wristband specials will be available for $30 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, 1-5 p.m. Thursday, and 1-5 p.m. Friday.

Pig racing is just one of the returning attractions at the Lake County Fair in Grayslake. | Daily Herald file photo

An array of Grandstand Arena events are included with fair admission. The lineup features adrenaline-pumping spectacles that aim to have visitors on the edge of their seats:

  • Demolition Derby: 6 p.m. Wednesday
  • Motocross: 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday
  • 406FMX High Air Tour: 7 p.m. Thursday
  • Monster Truck Throwdown: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday
  • Pro Bull Riding & Barrel Racing: 3 p.m. Sunday

The Lake County Fair welcomes back several crowd favorites, ensuring nonstop entertainment for fairgoers of all ages. Daily events include:

  • Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show (as seen on America’s Got Talent)
  • Show Me Swine Pig Races
  • Kidbucks Game Show
  • John Measner Magic Show
  • K9 Demonstration with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office
  • Timerbworks Lumberjack Show
  • Interactive Bubble Zone

Other returning events include:

  • Miss, Junior Miss, and Little Miss Lake County Fair Pageants: 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday
  • Operation Glow: Taylor Swift Party: 8 p.m. Wednesday
  • Flower Hour: A sensory-friendly carnival morning on the opening day of the Lake County Fair, providing a welcoming environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities to enjoy the rides and games at the Midway carnival. During this time, the Midway Carnival will be exclusively open to those attending Flower Hour. Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday.
  • Bloody Mary Bingo on Sunday

In addition to the returning events, the latest additions to the Lake County Fair’s lineup include:

  • The Strolling DJ: Three daily shows. This mobile DJ booth rolls through the fairgrounds, bringing high-energy music, fun vibes, and spontaneous dance parties wherever it goes. You never know when the beat will drop; just follow the sound and join the fun.
  • So Hot Glass Live!: Daily glass blowing demonstration
  • Swine Jackpot Show: 10 a.m. Friday, July 25. The Swine Jackpot Show brings top competition to the barn with three exciting divisions: Showmanship, Market and Breeding Gilts. Exhibitors will showcase their skills in handling, presenting and evaluating swine as they compete for prizes and bragging rights. Don’t miss this action-packed event that highlights some of the finest pigs and most dedicated youth in the show ring.

Hi Infidelity is among the many musical acts that will perform at the Lake County Fair July 23-27 at the fairgrounds in Grayslake. | Courtesy of Hi Infidelity

The Lake County Fair will include more than a dozen bands performing throughout the event. The eclectic lineup features “Swiftie Nation,” Operation Glow: Taylor Swift Dance Party and Hi Infidelity. Other acts include The Dixon Bandits, Alien Eyes, Brass from the Past, Big Boss and the Toes Band, The Noize, Second Hand Soul, Chapel Hill, School of Rock, Peter and the Versatiles, Blue Marlin, Beyond the Blonde, Gooroos, No Limit, Roger That, Tropixplosion, Chicago Latin Groove and Classical Blast.

Daily admission is $15 for ages 13-64; $5 for ages 6-12 and 65 and older and active military, veterans and dependents with valid ID; and free for ages 5 and younger and active military in uniform with valid ID. Season passes are $55 for ages 13-64 and $20 for ages 6-12 and 65 and older. Admission is free for active military, veterans, dependents and first responders with valid ID on Thursday.

The Lake County Fairgrounds is at 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. For more information about the Lake County Fair, visit lcfair.com/2025.

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Concerts in the Plaza summer concert series announced

Posted in Entertainment, Lake County Forest Preserve District on May 5, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Summer concerts are returning to Independence Grove Forest Preserve this summer. | Courtesy of Lake County Forest Preserves

By the Lake County Forest Preserves

Get ready for a summer filled with music, nature and good vibes. The popular Concerts in the Plaza series returns to Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, bringing live outdoor performances to Millennia Plaza, set against the backdrop of a 129-acre lake. Concerts run from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings, June 10 through Aug. 5.

This year’s lineup blends local favorites and crowd-pleasing tribute acts, from Beatles and Steely Dan covers to ’90s hits, country, reggae, blues and more. Whether you’re dancing, picnicking or just soaking up the sunset, there’s a lineup for everyone. This year’s concerts are supported by North Shore Gas (platinum sponsor), Libertyville Bank and Trust (bronze sponsor) and Lake County Journal (media sponsor).

“There’s nothing quite like live music surrounded by nature,” said Forest Preserves President Jessica Vealitzek. “Concerts in the Plaza brings families and friends together in one of the most beautiful settings in Lake County.”

• June 10: The Wayouts (1960s Rock’n’Roll) Dedicated exclusively to garage rock hits from the 1960s, The Wayouts deliver an authentic revival of rock’n’roll’s first generation with hits from The Kinks, The Animals, The Troggs, The Monkees, The Rascals and more. Veterans of the Chicago music scene, they have diverse musical resumes.

• June 17: Brooklyn Charmers (Steely Dan Tribute, Jazz Rock) Brooklyn Charmers is a Steely Dan tribute band composed of some of Chicago’s top players. With masterful precision and obsessive dedication to the music, Brooklyn Charmers injects a new energy into the beloved catalog, bridging the gap between new and lifelong fans alike.

• June 24: How Rude! (’90s Tribute) How Rude! brings the best of the ’90s to life with their high-energy, nostalgia-filled performance, mixing everything from grunge to pop. Relive the era with iconic slap bracelets, parting your hair down the middle and rocking those classic overalls, flannel shirts and platform shoes.

• July 1: Mackenzie O’Brien and Band (Country) The hottest young country band in the area boasting a lineup of full-time musicians and led by the captivating talent known as Chicago’s new country queen. The band covers a wide array of music from contemporary country stars such as Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, as well as classics from legends including Dolly Parton and Waylon Jennings.

• July 8: Gizzae (Raggae) Gizzae, an acclaimed reggae band, blends diverse musical experiences from its global members. Over 35 years, they’ve won Grammys and Chicago Music Awards, sharing stages with icons such as the The Rolling Stones and Ziggy Marley. Their shows feature energetic guitar solos and mesmerizing keyboards, ensuring good vibes and moving rhythms for all.

• July 15: American English (Beatles Tribute) American English has been named the best Beatles tribute band of our time. They were voted No. 1 in soundalike contests at The Fest for Beatles Fans for three consecutive years. Their demand here and abroad, coupled with their fan base, anchored them in larger venues and theaters worldwide.

• July 22: Peach Jam (Allman Brothers Band Tribute, Blues Rock) A tribute to the iconic music of the legendary Allman Brothers Band. Let the tunes whisk you away to the Fillmore East, the historic music venue nestled in the heart of New York City, where the Allman Brothers Band frequently played. Expect a fusion of blues, rock, jazz and country to create a distinctive sound that’s both powerful and heartfelt.

• July 29: Soul Sacrifice (Santana Tribute, Rock) Soul Sacrifice Santana tribute band is known for delivering a top-notch experience, earning a strong following among fans. From Woodstock in 1969 to today, the band performs a mix of classic tunes, lively rhythms, electrifying guitar solos and authentic Latin percussion. With hits like “Black Magic Woman,” “Oye Como Va” and “Smooth,” the high-energy band keeps the crowd moving from beginning to end.

• Aug. 5: Mississippi Heat (Blues) Led by Chicago Hall of Fame harmonica master and songwriter Pierre Lacocque, Mississippi Heat stands as a world-class Chicago Blues Band. They describe their style as “traditional blues with a unique sound” as they present a blend of fresh innovative musical concepts while remaining rooted in vintage blues traditions.

The entrance to Independence Grove is on Buckley Road (Route 137) just east of Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21) and west of River Road in Libertyville.

The Concerts in the Plaza series runs June 10 through Aug. 5. | Courtesy of Tim Elliott

Entrance to Independence Grove is $10 per car after 4:30 p.m. on event nights. Pricing includes drop-offs. No rain dates. Cash or credit card accepted. All vehicle entrance fees support Every Acre Strong: The Community Campaign for Lake County Forest Preserves. Led by the Preservation Foundation, donations to the campaign are creating a dependable funding source to care for preserves such as Independence Grove. Forever. For safety, and as a courtesy to preserve neighbors, park in preserve lots only. Cars will be turned away when parking lots are full.

For concert reminders, weather updates or to learn if a concert has been canceled, call (847) 968-3499 or view the status map at lcfpd.org/check-status-of-independence-grove-activities. There is no rescheduling if a concert is canceled.

Concerts are open to all ages and are held at the preserve’s outdoor amphitheater overlooking a 129-acre lake. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. Arrive early to secure a spot. Pack a picnic, or purchase a light dinner, snack or beverage from the preserve’s walk-up café or from the Beer Garden at Independence Grove. To make a concert outing even more memorable, call (847) 968-3499 to reserve a pontoon boat for groups of up to six.

With the exception of service animals, dogs, horses and other pets are not permitted at Independence Grove.

For the safety of all guests, all items brought into the forest preserve (including — without limitation — coolers, picnic baskets, bags, backpacks and purses) are subject to search upon entry or reentry into the park and may also be inspected again upon entering Millennia Plaza.

Anyone interested in learning about concert sponsorship opportunities can contact the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves at (847) 968-3434.

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