Forest Preserves Unveil Interactive Trail Map, Paid Internships & More

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Michael Rummel, District 12

Aug. 11, 2017

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Forest Preserve District Unveils New Interactive Trail Map

interactive trail map

Find your next adventure with our interactive trail map, built on GIS technology. This easy-to-use map will help you locate trails, preserves, activities and amenities within your Lake County Forest Preserves from your phone, tablet or computer. The 2017 Hike Lake County trails are also included on the map. Exercise, relax and spend quality time outdoors along nearly 204 miles of trails in peaceful, natural settings. Learn more and start exploring today!

Hike Lake County 2017

Hike Lake County
It’s back! Earn your yearly commemorative shield while exploring designated “Hike Lake County” trails and enjoying fall breezes and autumn colors. Complete just seven of the hikes between Aug. 15 and Nov. 30 to earn the custom designed shield. Learn more



Solar Eclipse

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
On August 21, people all across the United States will see the sun disappear behind the moon, turning daylight into twilight, causing the temperature to rapidly drop and revealing massive streamers of light streaking throughout the sky. Don’t miss out! Stop by Ryerson Woods Welcome Center and join the fun as we experience the solar eclipse. This is the closest the Chicago region has been to the "path of totality" in over 200 years. This event is free and open to all ages; adult supervision is required. Learn more »


Flood by the Numbers

On July 11 and 12, Lake County was inundated by VERY heavy rain. Some communities received over seven inches of rain in a 24-hour period. The rain not only led to flash flooding that impacted roads, homes, parks, businesses, and more, but also resulted in flooding to our major rivers that prolonged flooding in several communities. Take a look at the “Flood by the Numbers”. 

For the latest information on the 2017 flood, which includes helpful resources and what you should do if you've been impacted by flooding, visit our 2017 Flood web page.

Flood

Behind the Scenes: Take a Tour of Lake County PASSAGE

PASSAGE behind scenes tour

Did you use Lake County PASSAGE as a resource for local road information during the flood? The widespread flooding that hit Lake County in July caused major roads to close, and commutes were disrupted for several days in a row. Throughout the disaster, LCDOT had a team of traffic operators and engineers updating Lake County PASSAGE around the clock, and remotely observing traffic conditions to adjust signal timings as flooding events unfolded. This was done in real time to help traffic adjust to road closures and backups.

Whether you are a regular PASSAGE user or if this was your first time - you may be wondering how it works? Here is a video tour of the PASSAGE operation so you can see what happens behind the scenes.


Assessment Notices Sent to West Deerfield Township Residents

assessment help centers

Assessment notices have been sent out to residents within West Deerfield Township. Notices will continue to be mailed to other townships in Lake County through August. 

The final filing date for assessment appeals for West Deerfield Township is Sept. 11.    

Understand Your Property Assessment 
Get free, one-on-one assistance with evaluating your assessment at tax assessment help centers. These are listed on your blue assessment notice, too. Watch this video to learn more about the help centers.

Taxpayer advocates are also available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Chief County Assessment Office, 18 N. County St., 7th Floor, Waukegan.

Should You Appeal Your Property Assessment?
View the five steps to determining if you should appeal your property assessment.

Filing an Appeal? Use our Online System
Assessment appeals can be filed electronically using the Online Appeal Filing application. This quick and convenient system allows you to get your appeal information to the Board of Review without the hassle of mailing or hand delivering them to the Chief County Assessment Office in Waukegan. Watch this video to learn more about the process to file an appeal online.

online appeal video 2017

Job News

WEL Program

Work, Earn and Learn with Division of Transportation
Gain paid work experience with the Lake County Division of Transportation as part of its WEL Program. Attend one of the following information sessions to learn how you can work, earn and learn with the Division of Transportation for six months. Learn more about the WEL Program.

When: 2 p.m.  Aug. 18
Where: Job Center of Lake County, 1 N. Genesee St., Waukegan

Paid internships available 
Youth ages 18 to 24 who live in Lake County and are currently unemployed may be eligible for a paid internship. Internships expose youth to viable careers while expanding their skill sets and connecting them to training resources to secure long-term employment. Learn more by attending an information session. Learn more 

Job Center of Lake County Waukegan: 3 p.m. Tuesdays and 11 a.m. Thursdays

Job Center Satellite Office Grayslake: 3 p.m. Wednesdays


Children’s Advocacy Center Celebrates 30th Anniversary

The Lake County Children's Advocacy Center recently celebrated its 30th anniversary and the opening of its Healing Garden. The Center works in conjunction with the Lake County State's Attorney's Office and local Lake County police departments to investigate and help successfully prosecute offenders of child abuse without causing further trauma to the child victim. Watch Video

Children's Advocacy Center

Tourism is Big Business in Lake County

Lake County attractions are drawing crowds as visitors flock to check off their summer bucket lists. In addition to festivals, entertainment venues and a growing restaurant scene, Lake County’s 31,000 acres of forest preserve, 550 miles of trails and bikeways, 650 local parks, six state parks, 46 golf courses, and more than 100 beaches make it a top Illinois travel destination. View the latest Lake County Economic Update as Lake County Partners President Kevin Considine notes new developments and the region’s position as a hub for corporate travelers.


Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve To Undergo Improvements

Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve

Set in the midst of bustling suburbs, this emerald island offers a quiet place to relax and recreate with nature. Its wide-open spaces are safe, clean and easy to explore. Four miles of gravel trails are open to hikers, bicyclists and cross-country skiers. Please keep dogs leashed and on trails at all times, and pick up after them. The trails run through open areas within the preserve, crossing several creeks, skirting the reservoir and traversing restored prairie.

Within the next year, Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve will be undergoing reservoir expansion, preserve improvements, wetland mitigation and new trail construction. Visitors will enjoy 1.2 miles of additional trails that will provide two new loops east of Schaeffer Road, seven new boardwalks, two scenic overlooks and a 30-car expansion of the existing parking lot. Approximately a half-mile of the existing trail in a flood prone area will be relocated to higher ground to increase accessibility for longer periods and reduce long-term maintenance costs. Nineteen acres of new wetlands and 35 acres of prairie/savanna will be added as part of the restoration of the basin.

As part of a wetland mitigation bank, additional restoration work on the preserve’s western 65 acres will reestablish and rehabilitate native wetland habitat by returning the former farm fields to a sustainable natural condition. When complete, visitors of the preserve will be able to enjoy an additional 1.1 miles of new trails connecting an adjacent residential area and the Village of Long Grove’s soccer fields to the extensive network of existing trails within the preserve. View concept plans and project details. 

Join Annual Fred Fest

Fred Fest 2017

Fred Fest returns to Fox River Forest Preserve in Port Barrington on Aug. 19. Join us for this exciting all-day music festival featuring a full lineup of diverse local bands, food and drinks, and activities for the family. All net proceeds benefit the Preservation FoundationLearn more



Community Campfire Friday Nights

Campfire

Gather with friends and family roasting marshmallows over the fire, stroll peacefully on a nature walk, share a story or bring an instrument to play. Nature activities vary monthly; make sure you bring a cozy blanket and a chair. Learn more »





Doing More with Less in 2050

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning continues to develop northeastern Illinois' next long-range comprehensive plan, On to 2050. Provide your input by attending a public forum from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Libertyville Civic Center, 135 W. Church St. The forum's topic will be "Doing More with Less in 2050." Learn more about the forum. 


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