Naturalist
Discuss food chains of different ecosystems and how people impact them. Discover the threatened and endangered species of Illinois and learn how Lake County is home to most of these species. Explore the wilder side as we learn about bird flyways and the poisonous plants & animals of or county.
Call 847-968-3321 to reserve this program.
Independence Grove, Libertyville
Independence Grove offers outdoor recreation and education opportunities centered on a 115-acre lake. Surrounding prairie and woodlands provide a picturesque backdrop for hiking, biking, picnicking and other fun activities.
The preserve is located in central Lake County near Libertyville. The entrance and parking area are located on Buckley Road (Route 137) just east of Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21) and west of River Road.
Ryerson Woods, Riverwoods
Ryerson Woods Forest Preserve is one of the best examples of a northern flatwoods forest, a rare northern Illinois landscape. Comprising more than 500 acres, the site supports some of Illinois' most pristine woodlands and several state threatened and endangered species. Ryerson is home to the Welcome Center, a green building that houses the Forest Preserve Environmental Education division, and serves as a classroom for numerous education programs.
Ryerson Conservation Area is located in southeast Lake County near Deerfield. The entrance and parking area are located on Riverwoods Road between Half Day Road (Route 22) and Deerfield Road, just west of the Interstate 94 Tollway.

