Animal fun coming to Lake Co. preserves

With signs of spring finally on the way, the Lake County Forest Preserve District has scheduled a plethora of pastoral proceedings for outdoor lovers and families.

Many of the events have animal themes and seek to educate participants about local wildlife.

You can learn about the mating rituals of woodcocks April 5 at Grant Woods near Lake Villa. Participants should bring binoculars to spy on other animals, too.

The event, to run from 6:30 to 8 p.m., is open to adults or families with kids at least 8 years old. Admission is $6 per person for Lake County residents or $8 for anyone else.

Frogs are the centerpiece of an activity set for April 12 at the Old School Forest Preserve near Libertyville. Participants will search for mating frogs and learn about their lifestyles and roles in the environment.

The frog event, to run from 6:30 to 8 p.m., is open to adults or families with kids at least 5 years old. Admission is $6 per person for Lake County residents or $8 for anyone else.

A heron rookery tour is set for April 26 at the Fox River Preserve near Lake Barrington. Participants will learn about herons living in the area and then canoe to a nearby rookery to see the birds preparing to raise their young.

The event will run from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and is open to adults or families with kids at least 6 years old. Admission is $5 per person for Lake County residents or $7 for anyone else.

Lake County's reptiles and amphibians are the focus for another event, set for May 4 at Ryerson Woods near Riverwoods. You'll learn about snakes, salamanders and other local cold-blooded creatures. Crafts and games are on the schedule, too.

This event will run from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and is open to adults or families with kids at least 7 years old. Admission is $5 per person for Lake County residents or $7 for anyone else.

Advanced registration and payment are required for these events. To register, call (847) 968-3321 or visit www.lcfpd.org.