April 1, 2025
Dear Neighbors,
|
Now that spring is here, I always enjoy dreaming of new plants to add to our yard and gardens. My favorite place to find plants is at the Lake County Forest Preserve’s native plant sale which will take place at Independence Grove Forest Preserve on May 17 and 18. Native plants are less expensive, easier to maintain and beneficial to the environment and to our native wildlife and pollinators.
At the sale, you can choose from a variety of native plants, including flowers, grasses and forbs. When I read about the variety of plants at the sale, I have to admit, I did not know what a forb was. I looked it up and discovered that they are flowering plants whose stems and leaves die back each year and are commonly called wildflowers, so I added a few forbs to my cart because I love wildflowers.
You can shop in person or shop online. Online sales are open now. Experts will be available at the sale to answer questions and give advice. Come early to get the best selection, and it is a good idea to bring boxes for easy plant transportation.
|
 For another spring outing, visit "Threads of Time: Quilts and Textiles," the latest special exhibition at the Lake County Forest Preserves' Dunn Museum in Libertyville. This new program features quilts and textiles from the museum’s collection that provide a colorful glimpse of local history from the 1830s to the 2000s.
The exhibit illustrates stories attached to each piece, from a quilt passed down many generations to a winter wedding gown. The show runs through May 5 and will remain available virtually indefinitely.
From April 1 through 29, you can recycle corrugated plastic yard signs at the Highland Park Recycling Center. Be sure to remove wire supports, which can be recycled separately as scrap metal.
-
Location: 1180 Half Day Road, Highland Park
-
Hours of Operation: Every Tuesday and the first Saturday of each month, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
-
More Info: Visit cityhpil.com/recyclingcenter or call (847) 432-0807
Additionally, the Grayslake Waste Management facility will accept these signs, with separate containers for plastic signs and metal wire supports. The two items must be separate and placed in the respective boxes.
-
Location: 30869 IL-83, Grayslake
-
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Please Note: These programs are for corrugated plastic yard signs only. Do not place these signs in regular home recycling bins. Bring them to a drop-off location to be recycled properly.
Happy Spring!
Lake County Government News
|
Take Survey to Help Identify Needs Surrounding Internet Access
Lake County is inviting residents to respond to a brief 10-minute online survey about their home or business broadband or high-speed internet access. Open through April 11, the responses will help better identify the needs and issues surrounding internet access within the County and find appropriate solutions for our County’s future.
All Lake County residents are invited to fill out the survey while connected to their home or business internet to provide the most accurate responses. The survey is available in both English and Spanish.
Learn more about the County’s efforts to address internet access
Election News
|
Here’s What to Know for the April 1 Consolidated Election
The April 1 Consolidated Election is here. The Lake County Clerk’s Office is dedicated to helping every eligible voter be prepared to participate in the election.
Visit the County Clerk’s website to confirm your voter registration, view your sample ballot, locate your preferred polling place and more.
Sustainability News
|
Keep Shoes Out of the Landfills! Remember Reuse-A-Shoe
With Earth Month here, now is the perfect time to declutter your closet and donate your unwanted shoes. The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County’s Reuse-A-Shoe program offers year-round drop-off sites across Lake County for individuals and families.
SWALCO also supports short-term collection events for schools, workplaces and organizations. SWALCO can provide custom posters and supplies. Short-term collection is flexible, easy, and free. An organization can collect for a week, a month or more.
Learn more about the Reuse-A-Shoe program
Public Works News
|
Spring Hydrant Flushing Has Begun
Lake County Public Works is conducting its semi-annual water hydrant flushing program, depending on weather conditions.
The process will be performed daily, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., per the hydrant flushing schedule and will continue until all water mains throughout our water systems have been flushed.
Residents are urged not to do laundry during periods of flushing in your area to avoid staining clothing, which may occur due to the disturbance in the water main.
Stormwater Management News
|
Provide Your Feedback to Help Address Stormwater Concerns
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) is hosting two public meetings across Lake County in April to receive feedback from residents to assist in updating the 2025 Lake County Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan. SMC staff will be available to discuss your stormwater and drainage concerns.
-
Wednesday, April 9 from 5 to 7 p.m., Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Rd, Highland Park
-
Thursday, April 17 from 5 to 7 p.m., Grayslake Area Public Library, 100 Library Lane, Grayslake
Education News
|
Virtual Education Will Expand to More Illinois School Districts
Illinois Virtual Schools & Academy (IVSA), in partnership with the University of Illinois System, is launching an expanded initiative to bring high-quality virtual education to more school districts across Illinois following a successful pilot in Lake County.
IVSA is a program of the Lake County Regional Office of Education, providing access to more than 380 course options, including credit recovery, Advanced Placement, core curriculum, electives and world languages. The U of I System plays a critical role by funding stipends for in-person teachers to support virtual learners at each of the participating schools.
Transportation News
|
Provide Feedback to Metra on Potentially Renaming Lines
Metra invites you to complete a survey and provide feedback as to what you think about potentially renaming lines to make the system easier to understand for new and occasional riders.
Illinois Tollway Invests to Improve Operations and Safety
The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors approved a construction contract totaling $13.8 million for toll plaza improvements on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway between Barrington Road and Arlington Heights Road.
Nearly $117.3 million in contracts has been approved by the Tollway Board this year, including $82 million as part of the 14th year of the Tollway’s 16-year, $15 billion Move Illinois capital program and $35.3 million as part of the first year of the seven-year, $2 billion Bridging the Future plan. The Tollway’s 2025 capital program calls for investing $1.15 billion.
Learn more about the Illinois Tollway capital program
Emergency Management News
|
Helping Residents Be Better Prepared for Severe Weather
The Lake County Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with the National Weather Service held their annual Community Weather Preparedness Training on March 20 at Vernon Hills High School.
A lead meteorologist from NWS spoke on topics ranging from severe thunderstorms to heat safety and flooding. Courses like these are crucial to help residents be better prepared for all types of weather, understand weather data and increase community resiliency.
Get Help
|
Use 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
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 live person in English or Spanish when you call. The 211 team will also interpret more than 150 other languages. Learn more
Job Center of Lake County Is Your Career Solution
The Job Center of Lake County can help you to transition careers, identify job opportunities and connect with employers.
Take a virtual tour to learn about the services the Job Center provides, and view the full Job Center calendar to learn about upcoming events and resources.
Check Hire Lake County
Visit Hire Lake County for information about job opportunities and businesses vetted by the Job Center’s business service team.
Forest Preserve News
|
Board Approves Land Purchases
The Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of two land parcels—55 acres in Fremont Township and 34 acres in Antioch Township.
The larger of the two, known as the Steffenhagen property, will extend Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda. Located on Gilmer Road, it sits less than a mile north of Route 176. The board also agreed to buy 34 acres to expand Lotus Country Conservation Preserve in Antioch. The land, known as the Elliott W. Frank LLC property, is on Rena Avenue, about a quarter mile south of Grass Lake Road. It protects the county's largest egret and heron rookery.
Learn More »
Waukegan Illustrator’s Lasting Legacy
Born in Waukegan 137 years ago this month, Mary Louise Spoor Brand (1887–1985) made her mark as a children’s book illustrator. After graduating with high honors from Waukegan High School, she studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and built a thriving career.
If the name Spoor rings a bell, her brother, George K. Spoor, co-founded Chicago’s Essanay Studios. He even cast 8-year-old Mary Louise in a short film, making her—she joked—the first “child star.” Read History Blog »
Community News and Events
|
Save the Date for the First Responders Expo
Don’t miss the First Responders Expo, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 17 at Gurnee Mills Parking Lot E.
This family-friendly event will feature displays by over 45 police and fire departments, safety demonstrations as well as the Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit.
Explore Outdoors this Spring in Lake County
There are numerous outdoor venues to explore nature in Lake County. With 170 lakes and rivers, enjoy Illinois Beach State Park in Zion off the shores of Lake Michigan and Chain O’ Lakes State Park in Spring Grove.
Plus, with nearly 31,000 acres of land to explore at the Lake County Forest Preserves, there’s many choices to visit for hiking, fishing, bird watching, golf and more.
Check Visit Lake County’s Spring Outdoor Guide to give you suggestions for enjoying the season.
Watch County Board and Committee Meetings
|
The public is welcome to attend all meetings in person at the Lake County Administrative Tower, 18 N. County St., Waukegan or may attend meetings remotely using the registration link on the front page of each meeting’s agenda.
Individuals attending meetings in person or remotely may present their public comments during the meeting. Those not in attendance may provide written public comment via email or by mail.
View the current meeting schedule. All meetings are recorded, and are posted on the Lake County website.
| 
