ANNUAL MEETING
Featured speaker John Rogner, Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Lake County is a place of natural beauty and ecological significance, but will the same be true twenty years from now? Join us to learn about our countywide "2030 Vision" and also hear from speaker, John Rogner, who will provide fresh insight into what makes the county unique and how we can overcome some of the challenges we face. Before the meeting, mingle with old friends and new during our wine and cheese reception. It's also the opening night of  a new photography exhibit by the Riverwoods Nature Photographic Society that celebrates the flora and fauna of Lake County (see below).
Sponsored by the Lake County Forest Preserve District.
$10 (free for members)
6:30 – 9 p.m.
Thursday, March 25
Independence Grove, Libertyville
RSVP to info@libertyprairie.org or call 847.548.5989 ext. 33

"BEAUTY CLOSE TO HOME " Photographic Exhibition
"Beauty Close to Home" is a selection of compelling nature photos, all taken in Lake County, by members of the Riverwoods Nature Photographic Society.  You are sure to enjoy these up-close and personal images that capture the diverse flora and fauna sharing the county with us.  Visit www.lcfpd.org/ig for exhibit hours. Co-sponsored by the Lake County Forest Preserve District.
Free
Friday, March 26 through Friday, July 2
Independence Grove Visitors Center, Libertyville

PRESERVING OPEN SPACE: THE SMART GROWTH KEYSTONE
Planners from 16 organizations recently worked under leadership from the Liberty Prairie Conservancy to forge a new vision to guide Lake County during what is expected to be its final two decades of major land development. Approximately 40,000 acres have been protected to date, and the vision calls for protection of another 20,000 acres. Our conservation and outreach manager Sarah Surroz will address the benefits of having protected lands in Lake County and the various tools by which land can be preserved.
Thursday, April 22 (Earth Day)
Free
3 p.m.
College of Lake County, Grayslake

THE FUTURE OF LIFE - A book discussion with Stephen Packard
Let’s see what biologist Edward O. Wilson, one of the world’s most influential scientists, has to say about the noble savage, genetically-modified crops, mass extinctions and Thoreau’s ethics. Do you agree with his opinions and solutions regarding ‘the planetary killer,’ the role of capitalism and what he considers to be China’s fundamental problem? And what about his thoughts on land conservancies? Leading our discussion with his own perspectives on all this is Stephen Packard, director of Audubon’s Chicago region and author of the seminal Tallgrass Restoration Handbook. Pressed for time? We’ll focus on the last three chapters. But let’s also look at Wilson’s manifesto through the lens of a short article authored by Steve, downloadable here.
Wednesday, May 5
$13 ($8 for members)
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Radke House, Libertyville
Click here to register online
Download registration form

14TH ANNUAL PRAIRIE PEDAL—A FAMILY BIKE RIDE
Celebrate open space and support the Conservancy’s land preservation work by taking part in this popular Lake County tradition—a bike ride through beautiful natural areas. Choose from a variety of route lengths, ranging from child-friendly to challenging, and be sure to swing in to the well-appointed refreshment and education stations. At ride's end, you'll enjoy a scrumptious lunch, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and professional massages. Check in and begin riding anytime between 8:30 and 11 a.m. at the Lake Forest Hospital building in Grayslake. Walk-ups welcome.
$20 adults ($25 after May 7), $10 ages 6-17 ($15 after May 7)
Free for children under 6
Sunday, May 16
Various pretty trails, Grayslake and Libertyville
Read More about Prairie Pedal
Click here to register online
Download registration form

VOLUNTEER WORKDAYS
Though we’re driven to preserve open space, our roots lie in caring for properties already preserved, and we’re pleased to keep that tradition alive. Please join us at our monthly workdays, where we provide tools and instruction, and volunteers help with projects such as weed control, seed collecting and planting. Trust us: it’s not too intense, and you’ll enjoy meeting some nice people while helping a natural area. We meet the second Saturday of every month, 9 a.m. to noon, and we alternate between Oak Openings in Grayslake and Liberty Prairie in Libertyville, two nature preserves owned by Libertyville Township (directions below). Wear jeans and boots; we’ll bring gloves, water and nourishment. Registration suggested but not mandatory for this no-charge event.
January 9          Liberty Prairie
February 13       Oak Openings
March 13              Liberty Prairie
April 10               Oak Openings
May 8                    Oak Openings - Chicago Wilderness "Day of Service"
June 12                 Oak Openings
July 10                  Liberty Prairie
August 14            Oak Openings
September 11     Liberty Prairie
October 9             Oak Openings
November 13      Liberty Prairie
December 11       Oak Openings

Oak Openings Nature Preserve
From the corner of Routes 45 and 120 in Grayslake, go south on Route 45 for about one-half mile. Look for sign and parking lot on east side of road.

Liberty Prairie Nature Preserve
From North: From the corner of Routes 45 and 120 in Grayslake, go south on 45 to Casey Road. Drive east on Casey about one mile. Look for the “Trail Crossing” sign and turn south at the first driveway past it. Park and meet where the driveway and trail intersect.
From South: From the corner of Routes 21 and 137 in Libertyville, go north on Route 21 to Casey Road. Drive west on Casey past Almond Road to 18267 Casey on the south side of the road. Park and meet where the driveway and trail intersect.

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