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Archive for the ‘Lake County Forest Preserve District’ Category

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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Lake County Forest Preserves offer winter activities

Posted in Entertainment, Lake County Forest Preserve District, Topics Of Interest on January 16, 2025| Leave a Comment »

By Lake County Forest Preserves

From ice skating and sledding to peaceful cross-country skiing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this winter in the Lake County forest preserves. Before heading out, check the Lake County Forest Preserves’ winter sports webpage, lcfpd.org/things-to-do/recreation/winter-sports, for the latest updates.

Solar-lit Evening Hikes

With small solar lights to guide their way, hikers, skiers and snowshoers can get some brisk evening exercise along the 1.3-mile fitness trail at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville, and along a 1.65-mile hilly section of the Millennium Trail adjacent to the Winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda.

Though regular preserve hours are 6:30 a.m. to sunset, the illuminated trails and adjacent parking lots will remain open until 9 p.m. daily through Sunday, March 9. Bicycle and equestrian traffic is not permitted on the lighted trails after sunset. The solar lights serve as a guide along the trails. It is recommended to bring a flashlight or headlamp along for additional illumination.

To access the lighted trails, park at Lakewood’s Winter Sports Area, located on the east side of Fairfield Road just south of Route 176, or at Old School’s main entrance lot, located on the east side of St. Mary’s Road just south of Route 176. Rangers from the Lake County Forest Preserves regularly patrol the areas.

Sledding

Sled hills are located at Lakewood in Wauconda and Old School in Libertyville. The Lakewood hill is part of a dedicated Winter Sports Area at that site and is lighted, allowing for winter fun until 9 p.m., when conditions allow. The Old School hill is open until sunset when conditions allow sledding. Snowboards, metal runners or toboggans are not permitted.

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiers can enjoy nearly 200 miles of trails at forest preserves throughout Lake County. At the Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods, a 4-inch snow base is required before opening trails for cross-country skiing. Groomed trails are available at Lakewood’s Winter Sports Area to Ray Lake Forest Preserve in Wauconda and the Yellow Trail Loop at Old School. The Des Plaines River Trail is groomed from Rockland Road south to the Route 60 underpass in Vernon Hills. Grooming is typically done one day after a heavy snow using new equipment, partially funded by a Preservation Foundation grant, that grooms the trail for both traditional and skate-style skiing.

Grooming cross-country skiing trails is usually performed a day after significant snowfall, employing modern equipment designed to prepare the trails for both classic and skate-style skiing techniques. | Courtesy of the Lake County Forest Preserves

Snowmobiling

Snowmobilers can use 21 miles of designated trails within the preserves, all of which connect to other area snowmobile trails. Forest preserve snowmobile trails are open through March 31 and when conditions allow, which include frozen ground and a 4-inch snow base. Snowmobilers should use caution and watch for trail route signs along all forest preserve snowmobile trails.

The Des Plaines River Trail from Russell Road to just south of Wadsworth Road provides the longest stretch of trail for snowmobilers. Parking and trail access are provided at the Van Patten Woods Canoe Launch on Russell Road east of Route 41 and at Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve located on Wadsworth Road just east of Route 41 in Wadsworth.

When conditions allow, snowmobile trails are open from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 6:30 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The following snowmobile trailer parking lots are open extended hours for snowmobilers: the Van Patten Woods Canoe Launch parking area on Russell Road east of Route 41, the Sedge Meadow parking area on Wadsworth Road east of Route 41, and the Lakewood parking area on Brown Road near Route 12. All other parking lots close at sunset.

Ice Skating

Lace up your skates and head to the lake at Independence Grove in Libertyville or the rink at Lakewood’s Winter Sports Area. The shallow rink at Lakewood, open 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., typically freezes earlier in the season than the lake at Independence Grove, open 6:30 a.m. to sunset, where a 4.5-inch ice layer is required.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is permitted in five designated areas, including at the south bay at Independence Grove in Libertyville. | Courtesy of Justine Neslund

Five locations have been designated as ice fishing areas: Banana Lake at Lakewood, Sterling Lake at Van Patten Woods, Hastings Lake Forest Preserve in Lake Villa, Lake Carina Forest Preserve in Gurnee, and the south bay at Independence Grove. Ice fishing is free and at your own risk. Ice conditions are not monitored, so anglers should check ice thickness before going out on any frozen body of water. A minimum of 4 inches of solid ice over the entire water body is recommended before individuals attempt ice fishing. Bring your own gear.

Temporary shanties and shelters are permitted but must be removed by the end of the day. Only two poles are allowed, or tip-ups with no more than two hooks on each line. Holes must be 6 inches or smaller in diameter. Van Patten Woods is open from 6:30 a.m. until one hour past sunset weekdays for ice fishing, and from 6:30 a.m. to sunset on Saturdays and Sundays. Other sites are open daily from 6:30 a.m. to sunset for ice fishing. All Illinois fishing regulations and licenses apply.

“The Forest Preserves provides countless ways for individuals and families to connect with nature, no matter the season,” said Jessica Vealitzek, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. “These treasured spaces offer the perfect backdrop for winter adventures, helping visitors stay active, recharge and find joy in the beauty of the outdoors.”

For a full list of winter activities, visit LCFPD.org/wintersports.

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Lake County Forest Preserves Fall newsletter released

Posted in Entertainment, Lake County Forest Preserve District, Property Taxes, Topics Of Interest on September 19, 2024| Leave a Comment »

The fall issue of 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘰𝘯𝘴 magazine is now available!

In this edition:

  • Learn about the November 5 referendum
  • The Art for Everyone: Bob Ross® exhibition at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville
  • Hike Lake County and,
  • The new net-zero energy Ryerson Education Center in Riverwoods.

Read all about it here.

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Hike Lake County Program Begins

Posted in Education, Entertainment, Lake County Forest Preserve District, Topics Of Interest on August 28, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Hike Lake County is an annual walking program that invites residents to explore a variety of forest preserves. | Courtesy of R. Scott McNeill

Submitted by the Lake County Forest Preserves

The Lake County Forest Preserves invites the public to tackle seven unique challenges in its 26th annual Hike Lake County program. Lace up your walking shoes and take an opportunity to enjoy the vibrant fall colors, cool breezes and the proven health benefits of spending time outdoors.

Complete seven of 12 designated walks before Nov. 30 and you’ll earn a free commemorative shield for your walking stick or a zipper pull. Each year offers a new lineup of trails, shields and zipper pulls. This season, the medallion fittingly showcases a periodical cicada.

At each selected preserve, look for Hike Lake County logo signs at the preserve entrance and trailhead to get you on the right route. Bicycling or horseback riding do not count toward the program.

A periodical cicada is featured on Hike Lake County’s commemorative shields and zipper pulls this year. | Courtesy of the Lake County Forest Preserves

To get started, you’ll need an official travel log to record your routes. One travel log can be submitted for up to five participants. For larger groups, submit additional travel logs. Let your canine companion join in the fun and complete the hikes with you. Record their name on your travel log and your dog will receive a free commemorative dog tag for their collar (up to three dogs per participant).

To receive your free dog tag, zipper pull or commemorative medallion shield for your walking stick, submit your travel log online, or mail it with a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Lake County Forest Preserves, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville, IL 60048 by Jan. 31, 2025. You can also stop by the General Offices in Libertyville or the Ryerson Welcome Center in Riverwoods to pick up your free commemorative materials.

The 2024 Hike Lake County locations include:

  • Captain Daniel Wright Woods, Mettawa, 1.2 miles
  • Cuba Marsh, Deer Park, 1.5 miles
  • Fourth Lake, Lake Villa, 1.9 miles
  • Fox River, Port Barrington, 2.2 miles (Counts as two trails)
  • Half Day, Vernon Hills, 1.1 mile (Includes some sections of trail not ADA accessible)
  • Heron Creek, Lake Zurich, 1.9 miles
  • Lake Carina, Gurnee, 1 mile (Includes some sections of trail not ADA accessible)
  • Lyons Woods, Waukegan, 2 miles (Counts as two trails)
  • Raven Glen, Antioch, 1.4 miles
  • Ryerson Conservation Area, Riverwoods, 2.1 miles (Counts as two trails, no dogs allowed, includes some sections of trail not ADA accessible)
  • Sedge Meadow, Wadsworth, 1.4 miles
  • Sun Lake, Lake Villa, 2.6 miles (Counts as two trails)
  • Wild Card — You Pick, choose any Lake County forest preserve trail, 2 miles (Counts as two trails)

You can also connect with nature and explore Lake County’s stunning landscapes through Guided Lake County Hikes available this season. Walk alongside a naturalist and immerse yourself in the beauty of woodlands, prairies and forests, all while learning about the local environment. Registration is required for these enriching walks.

For more information, visit lcfpd.org.

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‘It’s all about the bumblebees’: Dogs looking for nests help effort to boost pollinator habitats and population

Posted in County, Going green, Lake, Lake County Forest Preserve District, Topics Of Interest on August 17, 2024| Leave a Comment »

By Mick Zawislak | Daily Herald

Dog-walking is popular at scenic Grant Woods Forest Preserve in Ingleside but on a recent morning it was all work for two specially-trained Labradors from the Conservation Dogs Collective.

A bumblebee on a flower in the a Lake County forest preserve. | Courtesy of Lake County Forest Preserves

Canines Ernie and Betty White were brought in specifically for their expertise in helping detect valuable information for the Lake County Forest Preserve District.

Kathryn McCabe, wildlife ecologist with the Lake County Forest Preserve District, discusses how and why dogs were being used to help locate bumblebee nests at Grant Woods Forest Preserve in Ingleside.| Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com

“Today, it’s all about the bumblebees,” explained Kathryn McCabe, wildlife ecologist.

More precisely, finding bumblebee nests generally located underground. Finding them helps researchers studying habitat preference and colony behavior. There are 12 species in Lake County, including the federally endangered rusty patched bumblebee.

“Bumblebees are very charismatic — they’re like a fluffy teddy bear,” she said. “Bumblebees are a nice gateway into the world of pollinators.”

McCabe and others have been gathering data on pollinators to help guide land restoration efforts and hopefully increase the number of pollinators.

Laura Holder, executive director of the Conservations Dogs Collective, pauses as her dog, Betty, searches for bumblebee nests on Aug. 13 at Grant Woods Forest Preserve in Ingleside. | Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com

Food crops we rely on grow because of them, experts say, but depending on the species, populations have declined 60% or more in recent years due to climate change, habitat loss, pesticides, diseases and other factors.

Which is where Ernie and Betty White come in. According to Conservation Dogs Collective, dogs are super sniffers and the part of their brains devoted to analyzing smells is about 40 times greater than humans and there is no human-made instrument that can replicate their scenting power and efficiency.

Betty, a black Labrador retriever, is released from her crate by owner Laura Holder to look for bumblebee nests during a work day this past week at Grant Woods Forest Preserve in Ingleside. | Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com

Finding nest sites is part of general bumble bee monitoring programs in Lake County but this is the first year dogs have been used to assist.

Read more here.

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