Lake County Forest Preserves

🚨 Breaking News! 🎨 @thealexrossart (Alex Ross) revealed two 2 paintings—Harley Quinn & the Joker—created just for the Dunn Museum! Catch them when Heroes & Villains opens Sunday. Peek inside his world: LCFPD.org/HeroArt

Opening this Sunday, June 29 at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville! 🧡 Plan your visit: LCFPD.org/planyourvisit

Superheroes are landing at the Dunn Museum! We’re debuting a new gallery with Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains, featuring 100+ portraits of Marvel & DC icons. Exhibit runs June 29–Feb 16, 2026. LCFPD.org/HeroesVillains VIP preview + artist meet-up: June 28 @thealexrossart #AlexRoss

Give a Mother’s Day gift that lasts forever! 🌳 🥰 Honor the inspiring women in your life and help protect Lake County’s natural lands by adopting an acre or mile of trail in the Forest Preserves. 🌟 Choose your gift: LCFPD.org/gifts

We never get tired of views like this. ❤️🧡💛 📸 @magesticsky 📍 Buffalo Creek in Long Grove

We will never get tired of beautiful foggy sunrises at your preserves. 😍 ✅ Read spring 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘰𝘯𝘴 and subscribe: LCFPD.org/Horizons 📍 Fox River in Port Barrington 📸 John D. Kavc

🌭 Lettuce share some tasty news—Relish Events at Independence Grove opens for preseason March 22! 🍔🌳 Grab a snack & enjoy the views Saturdays & Sundays, 11 am–3 pm. ☀️ Order at the outdoor pick-up window (north end of Visitors Center). Hours may vary. relishcafeig.com.

Spring has officially arrived! ☀️ Early this morning, the spring equinox occurred—the point when the sun crosses the Earth’s equator, moving from south to north. 📷 John D. Kavc 📍 Fox River in Port Barrington

Our board approved two land purchases: ✅ 55 acres added to Lakewood in Wauconda for future restoration ✅ 34 acres added to Lotus Country in Antioch to protect vital heron & egret rookery More preserved wildlife & natural space for all! LCFPD.org/two-acquisitio… ©Thomas G. Wilson

The best way to end the month is with a stunning sunset at your preserves. 🌞 📸 @magesticsky on Instagram 📍 Buffalo Creek in Long Grove

Shoutout to our Ranger Sgt. James Harrison (right) & Round Lake Park Officer Brittany Fears (not pictured) 🚓. While on patrol they rushed to a scene with a woman trapped inside a car on fire. They extinguished the fire and saved a life. ❤️ LCFPD.org/sergeant-honor…

A cloud formation so dreamy, even the sky is showing off. ☁️ Lake Michigan never disappoints! Share your photos with us by joining our Flickr group at flickr.com/groups/lcfpd or tagging @LCFPD. 📸 Bob Callebert 📍 Openlands Lakeshore Preserve at Fort Sheridan

Feather forecast: 100% chance of frost! ❄️This red-breasted merganser is rocking a frozen feather look in today’s chilly waters. These diving ducks are built for the cold, but even they can get a little ‘iced out’ on winter days! 🥶 📸 @pluengos 📍 Wright Woods in Mettawa

Winter is the season to spot the amber jellyroll (𝘌𝘹𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘢), a common jelly fungus in Lake County! 🍄‍🟫 Found on decaying hardwood branches, this fungus features a distinctive brown or purplish-brown color, squiggly ridges and small depressions.

Some hot and cold views on this chilly morning. 🥶 📸 @newfoundhorizon on Instagram 📍Fort Sheridan in Lake Forest

This Valentine's Day, we're building something new to ❤️. Construction started on the Dunn Museum expansion in Libertyville, featuring a new gallery featuring @alexrossartist (Alex Ross) heroes & villains, 100+ pieces and life-size murals. LCFPD.org/alex-ross-expa…

Let's congratulate Matt Ueltzen, manager of restoration ecology, on 25 years with us! He has led key restoration projects, tackled buckthorn, enhanced wildlife populations, making an impact on Lake County’s ecosystems. 📷 Director of Natural Resources Pati Vitt and Matt Ueltzen

Our board recognized retiring Principal Laura Morgan for 24 years of leadership at Meadowview School & her passion for environmental education. She inspired students to take action, like removing buckthorn from yards. 📷 Laura Morgan & Eileen Davis, school program specialist

Golden hour meets frozen magic. ❄️ ✨ 📸 Michelle Wendling 📍 Fort Sheridan in Lake Forest

Why do some trees hold onto their leaves? It's called marcescence. Oaks, beeches and witch hazels may keep brown leaves to protect buds, trap snow for moisture or scare off deer, according to the Lake County News-Sun. ow.ly/zq9J50UU1Kn