I hope this finds you and yours well and enjoying our spring activities. I was thrilled to venture out during Earth Week to participate in a variety of rewarding events.

The Green Living Fair, held at the University Center of Lake County in Grayslake, kicked off the week. Attendance was nose to nose, and our amazing county sustainability and Forest Preserve teams were on hand to provide some great environmental education.

Many thanks to College of Lake County's David Husemoller, who leads the college's sustainability team, and countless volunteers from the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners to CLC's sustainability club. 

No Earth Day would be complete without getting out in the field for some restoration and clean-up work.

I joined a volunteer crew (for the second time) in a section of Rollins Savanna along Third Lake and Mill Creek. Despite the foul weather, we cleared out piles of buckthorn, an invasive shrub that prevents native plants from growing. I also stopped by to thank our volunteer team at Almond Marsh. 

Once again, I want to thank more than 1,100 volunteers who tirelessly dedicate their time for restoration work, sort seeds at our Rollins Seed Nursery and much more. Special thanks to Kurt Hubbard of Grayslake, who has been a steward for 25 years; and Kelly Schultz, our staff restoration ecologist who leads our local efforts and brings us cookies. 

I think you'll agree that being out on our trails engenders a special relationship. People fall in love with specific preserves or have sacred corners that have strong meaning for them. My friend Burt, for example, loves an area of ancient oaks at Nippersink that he calls "the cathedral." I relish riding through a forested area of Fourth Lake on the Millennium Trail that dramatically emerges from a wetland north of Rollins Road. 

Nadia from Grayslake, who lived near Kettle Grove Forest Preserve, loved living near nature so much she donated 15 acres of farmland to our Preservation Foundation after she passed. The acres were sold, and the funds will help pay for critical management activities at our highest-quality and preserves to ensure they remain resilient and healthy for Lake County's plants, animals and future generations. We deeply appreciate her generosity and contributions from all our many donors. 

People who develop relationships with our forest preserves contribute in many ways. Not only do they donate their time and treasure, they also bring their expertise, experience and love of nature. Many volunteers work in multiple preserves and learn a great deal while connecting with others in peaceful settings.

Learn more about the Preservation Foundation

Learn about volunteer opportunities with the Forest Preserves

As always, it's my honor to serve you. I'd be happy to speak to your community group. You can reach me at JWasik@lakecountyil.gov. If you have an emergency need for county services, please call 2-1-1. 

Lake County Government News  

Lake County government wants your input on the goals and objectives it should focus on over the next several years.

Visit Lake County’s interactive website to provide your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions right now.

Lake County is currently in the process of updating its strategic plan. This plan is very important as it provides a roadmap for achieving its goals and objectives over the next four years. It ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively, and that progress towards the goals is monitored and measured.

Learn More

Transportation News

The Lake County Division of Transportation recently announced its 2023 construction program that includes $88 million for infrastructure projects to reduce traffic congestion, increase safety, and reduce carbon emissions on Lake County's transportation system.

More than 20 transportation projects will be under construction this year, featuring intersection improvements, bridge and culvert replacements, bike path connections, resurfacings, and a new roundabout. View the Lake County projects that will be under construction by viewing the interactive construction map. Learn more about this year’s program by watching this video.

Scott's Law requires that when approaching an emergency vehicle or any vehicle with their emergency or hazard lights activated, drivers must change lanes, if possible, slow down, and proceed with caution.

Remember, Scott’s law applies to more than just police and fire vehicles. It applies to road maintenance workers, tow truck drivers, and even passenger cars with hazard lights flashing too. As we approach construction season, remember to move over and slow down.

Watch this video to learn more

It’s a great time to go for a bike ride! Find more than 550 miles of trails and bikeways, connecting forest preserves and communities across Lake County by visiting Bike Lake County, a terrific tool provided by the Lake County Division of Transportation.

Treasurer's Office News

The 2022 property tax bills, payable in 2023 will be mailed the first week of May. Remember, property owners will only receive one property tax bill for the year. The first installment will be due June 5, and the second installment will be due Sept. 5.
 

Learn more about the ways to pay

Environmental News

Reap all the benefits of applying and incorporating compost into your spring plantings, landscaping, vegetable gardens and flowerbeds. The Solid Waste Agency is joining communities across the county to host spring compost giveaways on May 7 where you can pick up free local, made-in-Illinois compost and learn all its benefits. Here’s all the giveaways planned:

• Island Lake
• Lincolnshire
• Vernon Hills
• North Chicago
• Hainesville
• Wauconda

SWALCO is hosting these events, joining the Illinois Food Scrap and Composting Coalition and individuals around the world to celebrate International Compost Awareness Week May 7 to 13. ICAW, the largest and most comprehensive education initiative of the global compost community, is promoting a variety of events planned to celebrate. Learn more

A pilot project will help marinas in Lake County recover and recycle boat shrink wrap and keep this valuable plastic film out of landfills. Through this new approach, boat shrink wrap would be collected, recycled, and the material would be given a new life in new plastic products. This will create both economic and environmental benefits for the region.

The Council of the Great Lakes Region (CGLR) and the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW), in collaboration with the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO), Charter Next Generation (CNG), Chicago Harbors, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), LRS (Lakeshore Recycling Systems), and Myplas USA, are joining forces to implement the project.

Public Works News

To better protect communities from lead exposure, Lake County Public Works (LCPW) has launched a new map that shows the location and materials of water service lines that connect to LCPW's drinking water system. A service line is the water pipe that delivers drinking water from the public water main to homes and businesses.

Lead in drinking water has been an increasingly important topic throughout the nation. Lead can enter the water system through the corrosion of pipes, solder, fixtures, brass faucets and fittings. The amount of lead in water depends on many factors, but there is always a potential for danger with lead pipes since they are the primary source of lead poisoning. Learn more

Protect Your Tap

LCPW recommends property owners investigate around their homes and businesses to see if they have any lead service lines or fixtures. Since you can’t see, taste or smell lead in drinking water, it’s important to know whether there are harmful lead pipes connected to your drinking water supply.

Learn how

Forest Preserves News 

Catch them if you can with the new, definitive guide to fishing in your Lake County Forest Preserves. 

Plan your day of fun with detailed bathymetric maps of 17 major fishing locations and sport fish species typically found there. Read helpful tips from Forest Preserves staff, including recommended reels, lure colors, best times of day to fish and more. Enjoy original illustrations created by freelance illustrator Samantha Gallagher and staff. Read it online »

The golf courses, operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves, are opening. The Traditional and Prairie courses at Countryside Golf Club in Mundelein opened first. Book tee times at countrysidegolfclub.org or call 847-968-3466. 

ThunderHawk Golf Club in Beach Park followed with an opening in mid-April. Book tee times at thunderhawkgolfclub.org or call 847-968-4295. 

Brae Loch Golf Club in Grayslake opened last week. Book tee times at braelochgolfclub.org or call 847-968-3444. Through an agreement with the College of Lake County, construction is taking place at the golf club. CLC is moving its culinary arts program to the kitchen at Brae Loch. Golf officials ask course visitors to excuse the construction. 

Do more good with your garden. Shop online for native flowers, ferns, forbs, grasses, shrubs and trees and our partners at Possibility Place Nursery will ship to your door. Choose from 100-plus plant species and several starter kits.

Prefer to shop in person? Mark your calendar for the Native Plant Sale. Join us from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 20 and 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday, May 21 at the North Bay Pavilion within Independence Grove in Libertyville. See more

Enjoy craft brews and scenic views when the Beer Garden at Independence Grove in Libertyville opens for the season on Friday, May 5. Weather permitting, it will be open from 1 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays in May.

Planning an event? Take advantage of private and semi-private rental options. The beer garden features casual lakeside seating and a variety of local beers on tap, plus packaged snacks and other beverages. See more

Get Help

If you need help finding food, shelter, rent or utility assistance, or other essential services, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can help 24/7. Speak to a person in English or Spanish when you call. The 211 team will also interpret more than 150 other languages. Learn more 

The Job Center of Lake County can help you to transition careers, identify job opportunities and connect with employers.

Watch this video to learn more about the virtual and onsite resources that are available to all job seekers through the Job Center partners. And view the full Job Center calendar to learn about various upcoming events and resources.   

Check Hire Lake County
Check Hire Lake County for information about job opportunities and businesses vetted by the Job Center’s business service team.

Community Events and News

Who doesn’t love a bargain? Take advantage of the deals that Lake County has to offer and take some time to relax and unwind. Whether planning a date or some time with friends and family, check out Visit Lake County’s guide to 101 things to do under $10 in Lake County.

Do you have a high school student or know one that is creative, analytical and has a passion and desire to make the world and communities a better place to live?

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is accepting applications for its 2023 Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP) program. FLIP is a free summer program for high school students to explore the field of urban planning and learn about the issues that shape our region and communities. Students learn about planning topics through engaging sessions, activities, and site visits. Students must apply online by May 30. Learn more

Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings