Lake County briefs

Boat show:The Northern Illinois Boat Show kicks off at the Lake County Fairgrounds Exposition Center at 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake, and runs through Sunday, March 7. The times are noon to 9 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The cost is $6 for adults, $4 for senior citizens and veterans, and free for children 12 and under. In addition to the many boats on display, the United States Power Squadrons and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will feature boat safety techniques using literature and demonstration classes. The boat show will feature local boat dealers selling all sizes of boats and water craft, as well as apparel and accessory merchants. For information, visit the boat show's Internet Web site at illinoisboatshow.com.Forest preserve expansion:Committees of the Lake County Forest Preserve District on Thursday approved a land purchase that could expand Pine Dunes Forest Preserve in Antioch to approximately 281 acres. The committees approved purchasing the 28-acre Keating property at the Pine Dunes Forest Preserve for $1.37 million. The land borders Pine Dunes on the north and east and provides additional frontage on Edwards Road. The existing oak grove habitat at Pine Dunes extends into the new property, which also features rolling topography and a mix of woodlands and wetlands. The purchase is contingent on approval by the full forest preserve board on March 9 and a closing in 60 to 90 days.