Aull Nature Preserve

06/06/2026

Plant & care for the next generation of trees. Adopt (free) an oak or plum tree sapling! They are considered keystone species because they support the existence of hundreds of other species. Send us a message. Signing an 'official' adoption form will be required. 🌳🧚‍♀️😇

05/23/2026

Natives are growing! Love the sedges!

05/20/2026

New respect for restoration crews! Five gallons of liquid is heavy! I wobbled a bit, made it through!

05/19/2026

Learning together! So happy LC gov supports sustainability!

Our environment doesn’t stop at municipal boundaries, which is why sharing ideas and working together with other units of government is incredibly important.

Lake County is sharing more than 20 years of sustainability ordinances and best practices through a new Sustainable Model Ordinance Inventory designed to help local governments more easily adopt proven approaches.

The resource gives municipalities, park districts, townships and other partners access to policies and ideas on topics like
• Bird-friendly building design
• Local food production
• Native trees and plants

By making these resources easier to access, communities can spend less time starting from scratch and more time implementing solutions that support a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future for residents across Lake County.

Learn more about Lake County’s sustainability efforts at https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4268/Sustainability

05/13/2026

The WHY we need to preserve our wetlands

💧Wetlands are often referred to as the 'kidneys of the planet' because of their vital role in filtering and purifying water. But their importance doesn't stop there.

🌱Wetlands play an important role to support and sustain life on Earth.

🌎Safeguarding and restoring our wetlands lies at the heart of solving our twin climate and biodiversity crisis.

This infographic is an indicator of what wetlands are in a nutshell - critical habitats for biodiversity, sources of livelihoods, food & freshwater, climate regulators, and much more. Let's take a moment to appreciate the vital role wetlands play in maintaining biodiversity and protecting our planet.

04/23/2026

See you there!

Come and learn with us! May 3rd at Lake Forest Country Day from 1 PM to 3:30 PM. Go home with great ideas! Dr. Doug Tallamy, renowned expert on natural ecosystems, and co-founder of Homegrown National Park, will present insights into surprising natural processes unfolding in our own yards. Dr. Tallamy is an entomologist, conservationist, and professor at the University of Delaware, whose work has transformed our understanding of the relationship between native plants and wildlife.
After the presentation, visit with local organizations for more learning.

04/21/2026

Wow, it was a busy night in the sky! Love the website!

04/09/2026

A fun visit to meet the neighbors!

03/26/2026

The chorus frogs were enjoying this beautiful evening!

03/17/2026

THIS WEEK - another opportunity to make your voice heard.

This week, HB 3596, the Wetlands Protection Act, will be heard in the Energy and Environment Committee.

Wetlands protect aquatic environments from pollution and provide essential resources, including drinking water, recreation, and wildlife habitats. In Sackett v. EPA, the US Supreme Court significantly weakened the Clean Water Act by ruling that wetlands without a continuous surface connection to federally protected waters are not covered. This legislation ensures that wetlands in Illinois continue to receive protection despite federal regulatory uncertainty.

To demonstrate wide support amongst the conservation and environmental community, Illinois residents and organizations can file a witness slip.

1. Link to access the slip. https://www.ilga.gov/house/hearings/details/3096/22562/CreateWitnessSlip/?legislationId=162297&GaId=18&View=Create
Before beginning, consider clicking the "log on" button on the very top right to create an account. While this is not required, it will enable you to view or edit any slips you enter at a later time.

2. Under “Section I. Identification”, if you are not officially authorized to represent an organization, input your home address.
3. Under “Section II. Representation”, it is recommended that you enter "self" or NA, unless you are authorized to represent an organization.

4. Under “Section III. Position”, be sure to click "Proponent".

5. Under “Section IV. Testimony”, click "Record of Appearance Only." Then click "Create (Slip)" located at the bottom right corner.

Welcome to the Official government website of the Illinois General Assembly