Lake County briefs

Learn about recycling today:

Waste Management's Recycle America is hosting an open house from 9 a.m. to noon today at its Lake County recycling facility, 30869 N. Route 83, Grayslake. The event feature a variety of activities for youngsters, including a project table from "Bubba the Art Bus," face painting with environmental themes and information booths. A recycling collection vehicle will be on site to familiarize children with the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling waste materials. A raffle in which children estimate how many cans are contained in a bale of recycled aluminum cans also will be held.

Road trip for birders:

Birders can join Lake County Forest Preserve District staff Saturday, April 25, on a trip to a heron rookery in Will County. The road trip from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. includes a bus tour to the rookery, where hundreds of herons roost and raise their young. The trip continues to a nearby forest preserve to hike a 1.5-mile hilly trail and encounter one of the region's best displays of bluebells, blue-eyed marys and other spring migrants. The bus leaves from the general offices, 2000 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. The fee is $99 for Lake County residents and $138 for others. Lunch and snacks are included. Visit lcfpd.org or contact Lynn Hepler at (847) 968-3331 or lhepler@lcfpd.org.

Try to care in Mundelein:

Organizers are looking for volunteers to participate in the annual A-May-Zing Mundelein Day of Caring, set for Saturday, May 9. Crews will perform various household chores for people in need, such as cleaning gutters, mowing lawns and pulling weeds. Last year, 215 volunteers completed more than 45 projects. To volunteer or suggest a program, call (847) 968-3770.