Get ready to check out aquatic mammals in Lake County

If you haven't noticed Lake County's aquatic mammals lately, you'll get a chance to do so shortly.

Lake County Forest Preserve District instructor Jennifer Sazama is expected to lead a special event on local aquatic mammals from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22.

Suitable for those age 8 and older, the program will feature indoor education and an outdoor excursion. All of the action will be at the sprawling Independence Grove preserve at 16400 W. Buckley Road in Libertyville Township.

Sazama is scheduled to focus on beavers, river otters and muskrats, which are common aquatic mammals in Lake County.

Cost for the event is $5 for adults and children who are Lake County residents. Nonresident children and adults must pay $7.

Registration deadline is set for Saturday, Feb. 21. Registration is being accepted over the telephone at (847) 968-3321.

Participants in the event must meet at the Independence Grove visitors center by 1:30 p.m. Indoor education about aquatic mammals will be followed by outdoor exploration at the preserve.

Adult supervision for children is required at the event.

Independence Grove is considered one of the crown jewels in the Lake County Forest Preserve District system. Open since 2001, Independence Grove features a 115-acre lake, fishing, swimming in an area that attracts a variety of wildlife.