7 things to do at the Lake County Forest Preserves in March
With spring just around the corner, the Lake County Forest Preserves has a variety of activities planned. Here are a few options for March.
"Birdwatching Hot Spots" is a new program offering opportunities to look for waterfowl and other migratory species. Spotting scopes and binoculars will be available. These educational programs take place from 8 to 10 am, Saturdays, March 2 and March 16, at the North Bay Pavilion at Independence Grove, 16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville.
"Teacher Training: A Day with Adlai" takes place from 9 am to 1 pm, Thursday, March 7, at the Adlai E. Stevenson Historic Home, 25200 N. St. Mary's Road, Mettawa. Learn about this influential American statesman known as "the man from Libertyville" and discover ways to incorporate this notable local figure into your classroom lesson plans. Professional development credits are available. Cost is $9 for Lake County residents and $11 for nonresidents.
Celebrate the opening of the exhibition Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross, Saturday, from 10 am to 5 pm, March 9, at the Dunn Museum. Be the first to see how Alex Ross has shaped and influenced the superheroes we know and love today, including Captain America, Spider-Man and the Hulk. Celebration activities include creating a superhero mask, testing out your superpowers, tours of the exhibit and a book signing by Alex Ross from 2-5 pm. All ages. Free with Museum admission: $6 for adults; $3 for seniors; $3 for youth ages 4-17; free for children ages 3 and under.
"The Journey to Mollie's War" takes place 11 am to noon, Saturday, March 9, at the Dunn Museum. Members of the Women's Army Corps (WAC) were the first women, other than nurses, to serve overseas during World War II. Presenter Cyndee Schaffer's mother, Mollie Weinstein Schaffer, was one of those women. This presentation provides a romantic, yet frightful glimpse into the life of a woman in uniform during this crucial time in history. This Women's History Month event is sponsored by Illinois Humanities. Cost is $6 for adults and $3 for seniors.
Preschoolers and their adult caregivers will enjoy hands-on learning about how sap from sugar maple trees becomes maple syrup at Hikin' Tykes: Maple Syrup. Outdoor activities and maple syrup tasting take place from 9:30 to 10:45 am, Tuesday, March 12, at the Ryerson Woods Welcome Center, 21950 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods. Cost is $3 for children and $6 for adults.
"Connecting Kids with Nature" takes place from 10:30 to 11:45 am at the Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Road, North Chicago. Kids will explore and play in nature, and gain confidence, build skills and use their imagination. Adults learn about the benefits of outdoor play. The event is free and open to children of all ages. Adult supervision is required.
"Rogue vs. Citizen Heroes: Superheroes and Zeitgeist" takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, Thursday, March 21, at the Dunn Museum. College of Lake County sociology professors John and Maria Jose Tenuto contrast the definitions of "citizen" and "rogue" heroes. They will show how the most popular characters at a given time are a reflection of what society is experiencing. This free event is sponsored by USG. Professional development credits are available for teachers.
Before attending, program participants are asked to visit LCFPD.org/calendar or call 847-968-3321 for registration requirements, program updates and cancellations.
For a full list of spring events and activities, visit LCFPD.org. To receive announcements via email about snow-dependent education and recreation programs in the forest preserves, contact jsazama@LCFPD.org.