The College of Lake County, Lake County Forest Preserves and village parks departments and others are inviting Lake County residents to celebrate Earth Week, which begins April 15 and ends on Earth Day April 22.
Various activities are planned throughout the week including tree plantings, an ecology fair, hikes in forest preserves, a native seed nursery tour, kite-flying, insect identification, village cleanups and Native American storytelling. Most are free and require no registration.
“At the College of Lake County, we have campus cleanups and tree plantings,” said David Husemoller, the college’s sustainability manager who is planning events for all week long. “Those are designed to get our students involved on campus and learn what they can do to make a difference. It’s an empowering experience.”
Also at CLC during Earth Week, the public can learn ways to grow an edible landscape and create wildlife habitats in their backyard. “These events help people learn what they can do to build a healthy environment right where they live,” he said.
A special Water Warrior program will be held on Wednesday of Earth Week featuring members of native tribes who talk about how they are being impacted by petroleum pipelines.
“The event will be a cultural experience with Native American storytellers and musicians,” he said.
“Earth day should be every day. But by having a day and a week dedicated to it, we can really help people be aware of the world around us and the importance of the environment. A lot of these events hit close to home about what you can do to make a difference.”
Here are some events during Earth Week in Lake County.
April 15
Annual Eco Fair
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Antioch Elementary School Gym, 817 N. Main St., Antioch
Free
847-395-2160; www.antioch.il.gov
Children’s activities include making bird feeders and bee hives, planting seeds and creating recycled arts. Vendors will demonstrate earth-friendly products – and participants can win prizes and take home free items.
April 17
Edible Landscapes
12-1 p.m.
College of Lake County Conference Center, 19351 Washington St., Grayslake
Free
847-543-2643; www.clclillinios.edu/gogreen
More Top Picks Best Knee Sleeves For Squatting
All ages can learn ways to grow food in their yards. Visitors can obtain kid-friendly recipes and learn to conserve energy in food gardens.
Restoration Workday
1-3 p.m.
CLC Horticultural Science Lab, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake
Free
847-543-2643; www.clclillinios.edu/gogreen
Participants will remove invasive plants and replace them with native ones on the Grayslake campus to benefit wildlife and improve water quality. Wear clothes that can get dirty and closed-toed shoes. Bring work gloves and drinking water.
April 18
Smart Meter Smart Grid
Noon-1 p.m.
CLC Student Commons, 19351 Washington St., Grayslake
Free
847-543-2643; www.clclillinios.edu
Participants can explore a Smart Grid kiosk that includes interactive educational resources to learn to save money using electricity.
Grab A Green Giveaway
Noon-1 p.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m.
CLC Southlake Campus, 1120 S. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills
Free
847-543-2643; www.clclillinios.edu/gogreen
Green tips and giveaways will be available while supplies last.
Priority Species Trivia Trail
4-5 p.m.
Middlefork Savanna, 1401 Middlefork Drive, Lake Forest
Free
847-367-6640; www.lcfpd.org
All ages can walk a 1.3-mile trail loop while learning about the top 12 priority animals species in the region. Meet at the trailhead kiosk and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Residential Wildlife Habitat
6:30 p.m.
CLC Conference Center Auditorium, 19351 Washington St., Grayslake
Free
847-543-2643; www.clclillinios.edu/gogreen
Kelly Cartwright, who has conducted research on the benefits of eco-friendly gardening, will include information on ways to landscape with the earth in mind and its importance in the 21st century.
April 19
All About Bees
2 p.m.
CLC Arboretum, Horticultural Science Lab, 19351 Washington Ave., Grayslake
Free
847-543-2643; www.clclillinios.edu/gogreen
Visit CLC’s horticulture gardens and apiary east of Lancer Lane. Learn how bees are pollinating native plants in the region, and watch them at work.
Water Warrior
6:30 p.m.
CLC Conference Center Auditorium, 19351 Washington St., Grayslake
Free
847-543-2643; www.clcillinois.edu/gogreen
Learn how petroleum pipelines are affecting Native Americans as well as the nation’s water supply. Jim DeNomie will share Native American traditions related to water and other natural resources. Also learn ways to protect our water.
Look-Alikes
4-5 p.m.
More Top Picks Best Laptops For Engineering Students
Fox River Forest Preserve
28500 Roberts Road, Port Barrington
Free
847-367-6640; www.lcfpd.org
Learn to identify insects that look alike in the wild, then take a walk to view them outdoors.
April 20
Seventh Annual Green Conference
1-4:30 p.m.
Wing Auditorium Conference Center
19351 West Washington Street, Grayslake
$25 per person; students free
847-543-2643; www.clcillinois.edu/gogreen
This annual event, open to the public will explore the impact of green construction for schools, students and the community. Students from Lake County will serve on a panel to talk about their green initiatives including installing solar energy. After the event, tours will be given of CLC buildings that meet gold and platinum eco-friendly building standards.
April 21
Plant a Tree
2-3 p.m.
CLC Arboretum, Horticultural Science Lab, 19351 Washington Ave., Grayslake
Free
847-543-2643; www.clclillinios.edu/gogreen
Participants will help plant trees to celebrate Arbor Day.
Native Seed Nursery Tour
4-5 p.m
Rollins Savanna, Washington Street entrance, Round Lake
Free
Adults can tour the native seed nursery to learn ways plants are grown and used to restore native habitat.
847-367-6640; www.lcfpd.org
April 22
Annual Earth Day Celebration
1-4 p.m.
Ryerson Woods, 21850 Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods
Free
847-367-6640; www.lcfpd.org
Participants can take guided hikes, learn about green building and habitat restoration projects, view live animals and participate in other activities. All ages welcome.
Earth Day Celebration
9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Village Hall and Slove Park, 2301 E. Sand Lake Road, Lindenhurst
Free
847-356-6011; www.lindenhurstparks.org
The event will include a villagewide cleanup, kite flying, children’s activities, booths with information on protecting the environment, free refreshments, 5K runs for adults and children, Mother Nature Bingo and a hero costume contest are also included. Participants can also drop off shoes, books, hangers and clothing to recycle. Check the website for 5K registration and timing of different events.
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.