Lake Ecology

Paddle our 34-foot canoe and use specialized tools to collect water samples and do chemical tests. Examine soil around the lake, analyze how water moves through it and learn the implications for water quality. Next, visit our Enviroscape and learn the connection between land use and water quality. Students work as a research team to determine the health of the lake for plants and animals. Once you have taken Lake Ecology, learn how animals relate to the lake environment by taking Fish or Pond Study.

Forest Preserve education staff realize the excitement and anticipation students and teachers feel when joining us for a floating classroom program, but there are circumstances when it is unsafe to include the canoe portion of the program. In the event that canoe use has to be cancelled, staff is prepared with additional activities to present a complete education program.

Floating classroom programs are primarily held at Independence Grove, near Libertyville, but are also offered on Sterling Lake at Van Patten Woods in Fall 2012.

Due to construction, this program will not be offered in Spring 2012 at Van Patten Woods.

Waiver & Release forms are required for all students attending this program. Download the waiver here.

Call 847-968-3321 to reserve this program.