North Cook County SWCD

08/26/2026

07/22/2026

07/16/2026

This summer, nature's hitchhikers are raising concerns for outdoor enthusiasts, but here are a few tips to stay safe outdoors.

Ticks are not insects; they are eight-legged external parasites. In Illinois, three potentially harmful species can be found at varying levels, including lone star ticks, black-legged or deer ticks, and dog ticks.

Tips to Avoid Ticks:
- Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes.
- Tuck pants legs into socks.
- Consider using effective tick repellents with ingredients DEET or Picaridin.

Before Returning Indoors:
- Check yourself for ticks
- Check your gear
- Check your pets

If You Find a Tick:
- Remove them promptly with tweezers
- Place the tick in a sealed container labeled with the date and location and store for at least a month to aid diagnosis if symptoms develop.

Learn more about ticks and how to keep you, your pets, and livestock safe at https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/tick-concerns-are-growing-what-illinois-residents-need-know

07/16/2026

The Illinois EPA has issued a Red Air Pollution Action Day for Thursday, July 16th for Rockford and all 6 Chicago area forecast sectors. This is in addition to the ongoing Chicago Area Air Pollution Action Day in effect today.

This Red Forecast Air Pollution Action Day is declared due to a forecast of Unhealthy particulates and/or ozone on Thursday, July 16th.

Northern IL is expected to be on the edge of a thick plume of surface smoke moving in from the north and cleaner air to the south. It is uncertain how far south the smoke may progress and the duration of poor air quality as this dividing line may travel in and out of Northern IL late Wednesday night through Friday.

Those with air quality concerns or outdoor plans are encouraged to check AirNow.gov and sign up for EnviroFlash alerts.

Further south in the rest of Illinois, surface smoke is less likely, but it is possible smoke moves further south than expected for shorter durations of time. Those outside of Red forecast areas are also encouraged to periodically check current https://AirNow.gov that would indicate surface smoke and sign up for EnviroFlash alerts through https://illinois.enviroflash.info/

06/27/2026

International Mud Day with The Forest Preserves of Cook County‼️🦋🐝💦🌎

06/23/2026

Beautiful day for a Pollinator Week event at Lincoln Park Zoo‼️🐝🦋🦁

06/22/2026

Stop by and say hello and pick up pollinator conservation information and seeds! 🐝🦋🌱🌷🌻

Join the Cook County Farm Bureau at the Lincoln Park Zoo to celebrate Pollinator Week on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. The all-ages event will take place from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the zoo, offering pollinator themed activities, crafts, information, and free giveaways.

Partners joining us at the zoo include Cook DuPage Beekeepers Association, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Chicago, North Cook County Soil & Water Conservation District, Ask a Farmer: Zeldenrust Farms, Global Gardens, and Cook County Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom. The event is free. We hope to see you there!

06/18/2026

Register to join us at next week's Green Teacher Gathering 2026! It's more than a conference. It’s a space to reconnect and get inspired.

This year’s theme, “Guided by Nature: Reconnect, Restore, Revolutionize—advancing nature-centered teaching for a sustainable future,” invites you to reimagine what learning can look like, no matter who your learners are.

With hands-on workshops and community-building sessions, you’ll leave empowered and equipped to bring environmental education to life. Registration is just $35 and includes light breakfast and lunch. Scholarships are available.

📅 Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 8:30am-4pm CST
📍 Academy for Global Citizenship, Chicago
📝 Learn more and register at https://www.chicagowilderness.org/page/GreenTeacherGathering2026