New Lake Co. forest preserve open

Nippersink Forest Preserve near Round Lake is open to the public. Visitors can hike, bike, cross-country ski, fish, picnic and bird watch at the 309-acre preserve on Route 120 just west of Cedar Lake Road.

Amenities include picnic shelters, two fishing piers, a boardwalk, overlook, comfort stations and two miles of trails.

Shelters for the remainder of this year will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations for 2009 will be accepted beginning Oct. 18 at (847) 367-6640 or www.lcfpd.org.

The site features large oak groves, two lakes, and high-quality wetlands. A grand opening event with wagon rides, music, fishing clinic crafts and more is scheduled for noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 4.

The former Country Lakes Resort was acquired in stages beginning in 2001.