At a recent meeting of the Diversity and Cultural Awareness Committee, staff at the Forest Preserves provided updates on key initiatives:  

-- All public-facing departments now have Spanish-speaking staff to improve communication and foster inclusion. 

-- The District’s Herbicide Guide was recently printed in Spanish. An updated printed Map and Guide will follow. 

-- The Education Center at Ryerson Woods and Duck Farm Off-leash Dog Area are opening soon. Both feature major improvements in ADA accessibility over the previous facilities. Similar improvements are underway at Lakewood Forest Preserve. 

-- The racial and ethnic demographic breakdown of the District’s recruitment continues to come into alignment with county demographic data from the 2020 census. 

-- The introduction of sensory hours at the Dunn Museum has been a success, demonstrating dedication to creating inclusive experiences for all visitors. 

For more than four decades, educators and volunteers at the Lake County Forest Preserves have led wildly popular Maple Syrup Hikes at Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods. Each March, families, school groups and scout troops learn about the process of converting sap from the preserve's towering sugar maple trees into sweet syrup.  

The springtime tradition kicks off on Saturday, March 2. Hikes start at the Ryerson Welcome Center and are offered on Saturdays and Sundays through March 17. Led by Lake County Forest Preserves educators and volunteers, the one-hour hikes run every half-hour from noon to 2 p.m. and are open to all ages. Read more » 

John Eggert, owner of Relish Catering Kitchen in Schaumburg, is expanding his business. He is the new on-site caterer operating Relish Events at Independence Grove, located within the Libertyville forest preserve. 

"We strive to synchronize our menus with the ambiance of the space," Eggert explained. "Our goal is to harmonize the food options with the midwestern prairie-style atmosphere." Prioritizing local ingredients whenever feasible is important to the company. The business owner is inspiring his chef to unleash creativity. “We plan to serve menu items that are truly Instagram-worthy." Discover more » 

ComEd has unveiled two new programs that are geared toward removing barriers to electric vehicles (EV) and charging availability and furthering the goal of widespread transportation electrification, a key goal outlined in the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. 

The first is a residential rebate program, where residents can receive up to a $3,750 rebate on Level 2 EV charging equipment and installation costs. Learn more about the program and apply today. 

Business owners and public entities can get up to $180,000 in rebates for electrifying their vehicles. Plus, they may be eligible to receive up to $8,000 per port in rebates for make-ready electrical charging infrastructure for L2 chargers and up to $1,000/kW for infrastructure serving DCFC chargers. Learn more about the business and public sector rebate program. 

The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County has added two more locations where you can drop off your new and gently used clothing and textiles to be recycled or reused.  

There are 72 collection bins across the county where you can bring men, women and children’s clothing. New and gently used items will be reused, and worn, torn and stained items will be recycled or upcycled. Help divert these materials responsibly and keep them out of the landfills.  

View the full list of clothing and textiles drop-off locations 

The Lake County Clerk's Office is gearing up to mail out new voter cards to individuals whose Election Day polling sites have changed. If you're one of these voters, keep an eye on your mailbox for these important notices.  

Ensuring accurate and up-to-date information is crucial for a smooth voting experience, so review your new voter card carefully and make note of any changes. Access your personalized and up-to-date voter information at LakeVoterPower.Info.