Earth Day in Lake County

By: Jonathan Jones 04/21/2016

Earth Week Programs at the Lake County Forest Preserves

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better,” said Albert Einstein.

“Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance,” said Theodore Roosevelt.

As you can see, we need to respect all the beauty and natural resources we have in Lake County. Mother Nature must be preserved the right way, and that’s why we dedicate a week in honor of her.

This week marks Earth Week, while Friday, April 22 is Earth Day. Not to mention it was Arbor Day on April 10. Fun Fact: an estimated one-million trees were planted on the inception of the day in 1872.

Lake County has plenty of activities to celebrate the green holiday. Check out what is going on near you during Earth Day in Lake County.

Earth Day 5K Fun/Run Super Hero Race, Lindenhurst Saturday, April 23; 9 a.m.

Unleash your Earth Day Environmental Fighter and go green. Come dressed as a Super Hero or make one up and help save the planet. This event is free for all ages. Register in person from April 1-April 20 at the Lindenhurst Park District or print out a registration form found on the website and bring it on race day. Registration will also be conducted onsite on April 23 from 8:15am-8:45am. The race starts at 9am and begins and ends at Millennium Park. Costumes are encouraged. Water will be supplied.

Family Kite Fly Earth-Arbor Day Celebration, Lindenhurst Saturday, April 23; 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Come out and enjoy the Earth Arbor Day Celebration. Included in the many fun events will be the Annual Statewide Kite Fly “Flying for Kids”, from 11am-1pm at Slove Park located next to the Village Hall. Bring family, a picnic lunch, and your favorite kite and have fun at this free event. The first 50 participants will receive a free kite courtesy of Honey Orthodontics of Gurnee.

Earth Week Programs at the Lake County Forest Preserves Now until Sunday, April 24

Join the Forest Preserves for a week of special programs in awareness of Earth Week. There will be lake clean-ups, tours, fishing, hikes and much more. Visit the website for complete schedule. Some programs require reservations. Here are a few of the different upcoming events:

Earth Week: Pond Scoping - Discover who lives under and around the water at the Wright Woods pond. FREE. No registration required. 4-5 p.m. April 21.
Earth Week: Nature’s Melodies - Celebrate Earth Day with an evening hike where we’ll focus on sounds, followed by a campfire with stories and songs about living things on our planet. Make a musical instrument from recycled and natural items. April 22; 7:30-9 p.m.
Rookery Watch – Join us for viewing of nesting herons, cormorants and other waterfowl. Supported by Lake County Audubon volunteers. April 23; 8 a.m. – noon.
Forest Fitness: McDonalds Woods - Join us as we briskly walk the trails of your forest preserves!

A new preserve is walked each week by this group of outdoor enthusiasts.

Loop the Lakes 5K, Vernon Hills Saturday, April 23; 9 a.m.

The course winds through picturesque Century Park, one of Lake County's most beautiful community parks. Runners and walkers can enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of nature as they loop around Big Bear and Little Bear Lakes. This course does have small hills and inclines around the southernmost loop. Post-race snacks and water will be provided during & through the awards. Awards are given to best overall male and female, also, 1st and 2nd place for various age groupings. T-shirt sizes are only guaranteed for those participants that sign up before April 1, 2016.

Earth Day Walk, Chicago Botanic Garden Saturday April 23; 1 p.m.

Meet at the What’s in Bloom cart in front of the Visitor Center. Take a special guided walk through McDonald Woods to celebrate Earth Day. Learn about a variety of spring wildflowers and the restoration work underway. The walk is free and lasts from 45 minutes to an hour.