Join us for an evening of conservation celebration at Oaktoberfest 2026!
Tickets and sponsorships are available on our website www.bactrust.org.
Archive for the ‘BACT’ Category
Barrington Area Conservation Trust annual Oaktoberfest is October 10
Posted in BACT, Fundraisers, Resident Spotlights, Topics Of Interest on September 23, 2026| Leave a Comment »
Join the BACT for an Earth Day Celebration at Pederson and Rieke Family Preserves
Posted in BACT, Going green, Press Release, Topics Of Interest on April 18, 2026| Leave a Comment »
Barrington Hills, IL – Located adjacent to Flint Creek at the southwest corner of Lake Cook and Hart Roads, these preserves serve as a vital link between prairies, wetlands, and other conserved lands. They are also valued outdoor classrooms for Barrington High School students and reflect the community’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.
Event Highlights:
- 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM: Drop-in volunteer restoration activities
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Short presentation during a student class period (exact time TBD)
Participants are welcome to join at any time throughout the day to assist with planting native species grown by District 220 students. Community volunteers, local officials, D220 faculty and the Barrington Area Conservation Trust will be on site to support the effort.
Melissa Kinast, Executive Director of BACT, shares, “Over the past decade, we’ve watched these preserves come back to life through thoughtful restoration. Today, that work is visible in the return of wildlife, improving water quality in the vernal pools, and the remarkable presence of lightning bugs that light up the landscape on summer evenings. Earth Day is an opportunity to share that progress with the community and continue building on it together.”
All are welcome to participate and experience the impact of conservation at the local level.
For more information, please email bactrust1@gmail.com. (Website under construction; visit our social media for up-to-date information.)
About Barrington Area Conservation Trust:
The Barrington Area Conservation Trust is committed to preserving open land, natural beauty, and biodiversity in the Barrington area, fostering a connection between people and the environment through conservation, education, and stewardship.
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Love Wildlife & Gardening? Create Microhabitats Through Conservation@Home
Posted in BACT, FPDCC, Going green, Topics Of Interest on March 15, 2026| Leave a Comment »
Photo provided by Kathy Thalji.
A monarch butterfly dips low over a patch of purple coneflowers. A goldfinch clings to a seedhead in late fall. Beneath the surface, roots stretch deep into the soil, catching rain before it rushes into storm drains. These could be descriptions of land in the Forest Preserves. But they also can be about one of the more than 150 backyards, schoolyards or community gardens in Cook County that have been certified through the Forest Preserves’ Conservation@Home program.
Launched in Cook County in 2016 in partnership with University of Illinois Extension, the program offers residents, schools and businesses a roadmap for turning everyday landscapes into critical habitat. A yard, a parkway or a planter box all have an impact.
“We were looking for ways to connect and engage with more people. Home and community gardeners have real potential to create habitats our native species need to thrive. And participants can see and understand the importance of their home as part of a larger ecosystem,” says Jacqui Ulrich, director of Conservation & Experiential Programming.
Native plants are the foundation. “When you have native plants in your yard, these plants have already adapted to our climate conditions and soil,” says Lorrie Ward, a naturalist at Sagawau Environmental Learning Center. That means fewer chemicals are needed and less watering once the plants are established. With deeper roots, often several inches longer than common ornamentals, native plants help absorb rainwater and reduce runoff into sewer systems.
Just as important, native plants feed wildlife, providing pollen, nectar and seeds that support butterflies, moths, bees and birds. “When you include plants like purple coneflower in your garden, you’re going to start seeing butterflies in the spring and summer, as well as American goldfinches in the fall. You’re providing them food throughout the seasons,” Ward says.
Collectively, these gardens create corridors. They form small but meaningful microhabitats that enable animals to move through neighborhoods, stopping to rest, forage or nest on their way to larger natural areas. In heavily urban locales like Cook County, that patchwork matters.
Ready to get started?
If you’re ready to turn your yard, school garden, or business landscape into a thriving habitat, Conservation@Home makes it simple to begin with a few straightforward steps. First, explore the program criteria and application online. You can find guidance for residential, school and community sites on the University of Illinois-Extension Conservation@Home page.
From there, fill out the application for your property type. For homes, it asks basic information about your landscape and what native plants or conservation features you’ve already added.
Once your application is submitted, staff review it and offer resources if your yard isn’t quite ready yet. If it looks good, you’ll be invited to schedule a property evaluation with a trained Master Gardener or Master Naturalist who evaluate sites, offer consultations and help with garden design. They’ll look for key elements like native flowers, grasses, shrubs and trees, efforts to manage invasive species, water conservation practices like rain gardens or barrels, and wildlife-friendly features.
Importantly, native does not mean unruly. The program’s checklist includes maintenance standards, so gardens remain intentional and cared for. Participants do not have to give up favorite tulips or peonies. Native species can be blended with beloved ornamentals. The goal is progress, not perfection. If your yard meets the criteria, you’ll earn a Conservtion@Home certification and sign you can proudly display.
Native plant sales each spring, offered in partnership with West Cook Wild Ones, make it easier to get started, with curated kits for sunny yards, shady corners and even parkways. The 2026 online sale is scheduled for March 15 through May 15. And if the $50 certification fee is a barrier, don’t hesitate to take advantage of free workshops and design resources offered by the program and partners. For those unsure where to begin, Ulrich offers simple advice: “Start small,” she says. Ward adds, “Pay attention to how much sun and moisture your space receives. Choose one native plant you love and build from there.”
Conservation@Home is a program of The Conservation Foundation and coordinated in partnership with University of Illinois Extension. Conservation@Home is available in the Barrington area through a partnership with the Barrington Area Conservation Trust.
Barrington Area Conservation Trust Oak-Toberfest is Saturday
Posted in BACT, Entertainment, Fundraisers, Organizations, Resident Spotlights on September 28, 2025| Leave a Comment »
“Neighbors & Friends –
We hope you can join BACT on Saturday, October 4th, 4:00 – 8:00, for the 2025 OAK🍁TOBERFEST! This amazing afternoon will be spent enjoying live music, Biergarten with craft beer tasting, fresh German pretzels & Bavarian inspired fare among BACT’s beautiful Oak Savanah at BACT’s Far Field Nature Preserve.
This is BACT’s largest outreach, raising funds to preserve and safeguard natural habitats in our own community. BACT works in partnership with private landowners, schools, and volunteers to safeguard native habitats, clean water, and preserve the scenic views of the Barrington area. Oak🍁Toberfest allows all of us the opportunity to enjoy one of BACT’s preserves, while enjoying the warmth of community, the delights of good food & beer, and the joyous sounds of Pat McKillen and Wrought Iron Soul.
We appreciate your forwarding this invitation to any who might be interested! Follow this link for more information and to get your tickets https://givebutter.com/qICQLl.”
Barrington Area Conservation Trust Earth Day planting event tomorrow
Posted in BACT, Going green on April 21, 2025| Leave a Comment »
Barrington Area Conservation Trust Earth Day 2024 Celebration
Posted in BACT, Entertainment, Fundraisers, Going green, Resident Spotlights, Topics Of Interest on September 29, 2024| Leave a Comment »
Join Barrington Area Conservation Trust at OaktoberFest 2024: Celebrating Animals in Conservation
The Barrington Area Conservation Trust (BACT) invites you to OaktoberFest 2024 on Sunday, October 6 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at BACT’s Far Field Nature Preserve, located on Old Sutton Road at the intersection of Old Sutton and County Line Road. This year’s event highlights “Animals in Conservation,” showcasing the vital role animals play in preserving ecosystems.
OaktoberFest offers activities for all ages, including:
- Oak Tree Planting – Help restore Far Field Nature Preserve to its pre-settlement vegetation.
- Seed Collection – Learn about native plants and collect seeds for future projects.
- Animal Ambassadors – Meet local animal ambassadors and learn how they are involved in conservation.
- Interactive Presentations – Explore topics like native tree canopy restoration, equine land management, and wildlife rehabilitation.
“OaktoberFest 2024 is a family-friendly event with nature-based activities for all ages. It’s a great opportunity to learn about endangered animals in northern Illinois, explore conservation-friendly livestock and equine practices, and discover how animals are used to combat invasive species.
Held at Far Field Nature Preserve, a beautiful property being restored from a former soybean field to its pre-settlement vegetation, we welcome you to join us,” said BACT Executive Director Meissa Kinast. “We also welcome corporate and individual sponsorships for this event, and volunteer hours are available for those interested in supporting our efforts.”
Event Details:
- Date: Sunday, October 6, 2024
- Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- Location: BACT’s Far Field Nature Preserve, Old Sutton Road at the intersection of Old Sutton and County Line Road.
- Admission: Free (Donations encouraged)
Corporate and individual sponsorships are available to support BACT’s mission. For sponsorship inquiries and general questions, contact us at events@bactrust.org.
To sign up as a volunteer or learn more, visit www.bactrust.org.
Barrington-area leaders tout growth at annual economic summit
Posted in BACT, Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, Barrington Hills Park District, Clown Car, Conflict of interest, Cook, County, Deception, Dumb and Dumber, EJ&E/Canadian National, Ethics, FPDCC, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, One Barrington Hills, Politics, Property Taxes, South Barrington, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Village Code, Village Government, Village President on February 15, 2024| Leave a Comment »
By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald
The annual State of the Greater Barrington Area Economic Summit fittingly took place on Valentine’s Day, given how area leaders showered the new development taking place in their communities with love.
Sponsored by the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, the event Wednesday featured leaders from Barrington and its neighbors offering updates on what’s new in their towns.
Barrington Village President Karen Darch discussed the long-awaited development of the Golden Triangle, a downtown area bordered by Hough Street, Liberty Street and the Union Pacific railroad tracks. Compasspoint Development plans to build 125 apartments, 13,000 square feet of retail space, two new restaurants, and 37 car condominiums on the 6.2-acre site.
Deer Park Village President Greg Rusteberg said a new tax increment financing district along Rand Road has attracted four projects. Persin & Robbin Jewelers will be breaking ground at Lake-Cook and Quentin roads this spring, he added.
Happenings in Long Grove include new ownership for the Village Tavern, which has been operating since 1847, and the Sock Monkey Museum being inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records, Village President Bill Jacob said.
Read more here.
Editorial note: Zalusky found nothing of interest to report for Barrington Hills. Apparently, President Cecola mentioned nothing about the pending proposed annexation of properties adjacent to South Barrington and the Cook County Forest Preserves by the Village. He likely didn’t want to be asked questions he was incapable of answering.
“Forest Preserve Master Plan Presentation for Horizon Farm & Spring Creek” meeting cancelled
Posted in BACT, Barrington Hills Park District, Barrington Hills Polo Club, Citizens for Conservation, Cook, County, Ethics, Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation, Flint Creek/Spring Creek Watersheds Partnership, Fox River Valley Hunt, FPDCC, Friends of Forest Preserves, FRVPC, Horizon Farm, Land Use, Massbach Hounds, Organizations, Politics, Preckwinkle's Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Riding Center Advisory Committee, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, Topics Of Interest, Traffic, Transparency, Unions on December 12, 2023| Leave a Comment »
The Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC) presentation of long-term plans for Horizon Farm & Spring Creek scheduled for tomorrow evening has been cancelled. Before posting news of the cancellation, we’d hoped to announce a new date, however recent news of the Forest Preserves of Cook County General Superintendent stepping down squashed that plan.
Once a new date, time and location is announced, we’ll be sure to post it.
Brookfield Zoo Awards Dinner
Posted in BACT, Fundraisers, Resident Spotlights on November 12, 2023| Leave a Comment »
Barrington Hills residents Bryan and Josie Croll; Josie Croll is a Chicago Zoological Society Women’s Board member.
By Megan McKinney | Classic Chicago Magazine
The Brookfield Zoo moved to the Four Seasons for the evening on October 3, when Chicago Zoological Society’s Board of Trustees and Women’s Board hosted its 20th annual Conservation Leadership Awards Dinner. During the evening, recipients were honored for their collective impact and commitment to conservation and animal welfare. The fundraiser, attended by approximately 250 guests, raised nearly $335,000, with proceeds benefitting the Society’s conservation, education, and animal programs at Brookfield Zoo.
Read more here.
Forest Preserves of Cook County October 2023 Newsletter
Posted in Audubon Society, BACT, Cook, County, FPDCC, Going green, Horizon Farm, Taxes, Topics Of Interest on October 28, 2023| Leave a Comment »
Milkweeds (Asclepias sp.) are the host plant for monarch butterflies; adult monarchs feed on the nectar of many flowers, but in this region, they lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed. | Exploding Milkweed Seed Pod, Photo by: Roberta Appleby
In this issue:
- Major Restoration Project Completed at Powderhorn Lake
- Find Fall Color in the Forest Preserves
- Learn about the “Stay on the Trail” Initiative
- Latest News: Save the Date for 2024 Picnic and Special Event Permits, Camping Reservations; Forget Your Fear, Bats are Beneficial; Consider Doing Business with the Forest Preserves; Forest Preserve Foundation Board Hosts Seed Collecting Event
- Upcoming Events, and
- Volunteer Opportunities
Read the newsletter here.
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