Let's congratulate Matt Ueltzen, manager of restoration ecology, on 25 years with us! He has led key restoration projects, tackled buckthorn, enhanced wildlife populations, making an impact on Lake County’s ecosystems. 📷 Director of Natural Resources Pati Vitt and Matt Ueltzen

Our board recognized retiring Principal Laura Morgan for 24 years of leadership at Meadowview School & her passion for environmental education. She inspired students to take action, like removing buckthorn from yards. 📷 Laura Morgan & Eileen Davis, school program specialist

Golden hour meets frozen magic. ❄️ ✨ 📸 Michelle Wendling 📍 Fort Sheridan in Lake Forest

Why do some trees hold onto their leaves? It's called marcescence. Oaks, beeches and witch hazels may keep brown leaves to protect buds, trap snow for moisture or scare off deer, according to the Lake County News-Sun.

This Valentine’s Day, protect Lake County’s natural lands by adopting an acre or mile of trail in the forest preserves for someone special. ❤ → Learn more:

Say "I do" to inspiration at Independence Grove! 💍 Join Relish Events at Independence Grove in Libertyville for a Wedding Showcase Feb. 23, 11 am–2 pm. ✨ Tour the venue 🍽️ Enjoy free food & drinks 🤝 Meet top vendors ❤️ Register → 📷 @MandelettePhoto

One more alarm ... 😴 This 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝘄𝗹 (𝘔𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘴 𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘰) stuns with its beautiful red feathers as it rests in a tree. Share your photos with us by joining our Flickr group at or tagging @LCFPD. 📸 Jennifer Rasmussen

Restoration doesn’t stop when temps drop! ❄️🦺 Winter is prime time to remove invasive brush, clearing space for native plants like oaks, hickories & milkweed. 🌳🦋 Volunteers keep this effort going year-round. @DailyHerald #Conservation #Volunteer. 💪🌱

Groundhogs can’t predict the weather (sorry, Punxsutawney Phil fans), but they have other impressive traits. 🐿️ Learn more on our Lake County Nature blog:

Happy #TriviaTuesday! 🤓 How many miles of trails are available to enjoy at the Lake County forest preserves? A. 50 miles B. 100 miles C. 150 miles D. 200+ miles 💚 Plan your next adventure: 📸 R. Scott McNeill

We can't stop admiring how beautiful your preserves are. 😍 📍 Fox River in Port Barrington 📸 @johnkavc

Snow isn’t just for building snowmen and making snow angels—it’s vital for our planet! Why Snow Matters: ✨ Reflects sunlight, keeping Earth cool. 💧 Snowmelt replenishes water for rivers, soil & farms. 🌱 Acts as a cozy blanket for plants, protecting them from freezing temps.

The early bird gets the best views. 🌅 Share your photos with us by joining our Flickr group at or tagging @LCFPD. 📸 Michael Brady 📍 Independence Grove in Libertyville

@Popcornbytes @thealexrossart @Popcornbytes, the Dunn Museum is located at 1899 West Winchester Road in Libertyville, IL. Learn more:

Not going to lie, this 𝗻𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 (𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴) is living our dream: eating, chilling and looking fabulous. 🐦 📸 @birbyourenthusiasm 📍Wright Woods in Mettawa

Happy Friday! Warm up the morning with some beautiful views at your preserves. ☀️ Share your photos with us by joining our Flickr group at or tagging @LCFPD. 📸 Bob Callebert

How great are the Great Lakes? 🌊 According to the Great Lakes Commission (GLC), an interstate agency, Lakes Michigan, Superior, Huron, Erie and Ontario “cover more than 94,000 square miles and hold an estimated six quadrillion gallons of water.” 📚:

Our board approved two land moves: 🌿 Purchase of 27.9 acres to expand Raven Glen in Antioch 🌊 A land exchange at Lake Carina, adding floodway parcels “Wetlands keep our environment balanced,” says President Jessica Vealitzek. Learn more:

🎉 Big news! The Dunn Museum is expanding with a new gallery for an epic @thealexrossart exhibition! Get up close to life-size Marvel & DC heroes and villains, 100+ pieces and exclusive artwork. Construction starts Monday, opens this summer! 🎨

🚔 Heroic rescue by our officers! Sgt. Bradley Ehrhardt received a Meritorious Service Award & Officer Michael Viramontes earned a Lifesaving Award for rescuing a man lost for 13 hours in 12-degree weather at Wadsworth Savanna. Proud of them! More: