The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Jan. 20, 2020, marks the 25th anniversary of the day of service that celebrates King’s life and legacy. Observed each year on the third Monday in January as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

Don’t send your Christmas tree to the landfill, drop it off with the Lake County Forest Preserves for recycling. Donated trees are chipped and used for trails and landscaping. Bring your tree to one of eight forest preserve drop-off locations no later than Feb. 1, 2020. Learn more » 

Scott’s Law requires vehicles to change lanes and
slow down when approaching disabled or emergency vehicles on the side of the road. Beginning in 2020, 
the minimum fine for violating Scott’s law has  increased from $100 to $250 for a first offense, and $750 for a second offense. In 2019, more than two dozen troopers were hit by drivers in Illinois,  including three fatalities. Obey Scott’s Law and help keep those who work to protect us safe.  Watch this video to learn more.  

You can join the fight to end homelessness in Lake County. Later this month, the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless (LCCH) will conduct its annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Homeless Count. Volunteers are needed to interview and offer assistance to people experiencing homelessness in Lake County.  

The Stormwater Management Commission is responsible for reducing flood damage, improving
water quality, and enhancing the natural drainage system in Lake County. One of the many ways they do that is to implement stream restoration projects with techniques like stabilizing the stream channel and banks. Watch this video and learn more about streambank stabilization techniques. 

As of Jan. 1, a new Illinois law prohibits residents and businesses from placing rechargeable or lead acid batteries into recycling carts. This is because lithium ion batteries may spark fires if improperly handled. The good news is that SWALCO’s Household Chemical Waste and sponsored Residential Electronics Recycling programs will accept rechargeable and small sealed lead batteries for proper disposal. 

Looking for a job? There are many recruiting events and job fairs to help you land your next job! Click on the link below for full details. 

Two traditional Native American artists visited the Dunn Museum to research a birchbark cradle in the collections. Inspired by their visit, the artists have been working on their own birchbark and quillwork cradles and bonnets. Their project, titled “Celebration of Life,” was recently completed and is now on exhibit at the Museum through April 16. It’s a rare opportunity to see the Museum’s cradle on exhibit paired with the work of present-day contemporary Native American artists. 
Learn more » 

Cold weather brings winter fun in your Lake County Forest Preserves. Solar-lit evening hikes, sledding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating and ice fishing are included in the array of activities available. Before heading out to the preserves, check the status map on the winter sport’s page.  Learn more » 

The Preservation Foundation is the charitable partner of the Lake County Forest Preserves. It supports the growth, development and sustainability of our region’s natural lands and cultural heritage. Like a root system pulls vital nutrients from the soil, the Foundation drives the mission of the Forest Preserves by responsibly directing funds to projects and programs that might otherwise go unfunded.
Learn more »