7 things to do at the forest preserves in July
If you're looking for things to do during summer vacation, the Lake County Forest Preserves has many options, from twilight hikes to learning to draw comics. Here are a few possibilities of things to do in July:
• "Pen to Page: Comic Book Drawing Class" takes place from 6:30-7:30 pm, Thursday, July 11, at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. In this free class, led by artist Tim Seeley, participants will learn tools and techniques to create and draw their own comic books. Sponsored by USG, free programs take place every first and third Thursday evening at the Dunn Museum.
• "Nature Open House" runs from 6:30-7:30 pm, Thursday, July 25, at Heron Creek Forest Preserve in Lake Zurich. Live animals, crafts and guided activities will introduce participants to some of the creatures that call this preserve home. Bring a picnic dinner and play on the playground, then drop in anytime at Shelter B and explore the nature of the 242-acre preserve. The event is free.
• Is Lake County the birth place of the motion picture projector? Yes! Discover the role of the magniscope in early motion pictures and how its inventor, Edward Amet, used his machine to show movies he captured in his backyard. The session runs from 2-2:30 pm, Tuesday, July 30, at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. The cost is $3 for seniors, $6 for adults and includes Museum admission.
The Lake County Forest Preserves is offering rare after-hours looks at several preserves with two hikes, a community campfire and an excursion in search of nocturnal insects. Programs include:
• July 15 from 8:30-9:30 pm: Insects at Night at Ryerson Woods in Riverwoods. Registration is required. The cost is $5 for residents, $7 nonresidents.
• July 20 from 8:30-9:30 pm: Summer Night Hike at Heron Creek in Lake Zurich. Registration is required. The cost is $7.
• July 26 from 7-9 pm: Community Campfire Friday Nights at Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. No registration is required for the free program.
• July 29 from 7-8 pm: Twilight Hike at Sedge Meadow in Wadsworth. Registration is required. The cost is $5 for residents, $7 nonresidents.