Spring break has sprung.
If you’re looking to enjoy some fresh air and physical labor for a good cause, volunteer for one of the restoration workdays hosted by the Lake County Forest Preserves.
“Restoration workdays focus on restoring the native ecosystems,” said Kelly Schultz, stewardship ecologist. “Volunteers help manage invasive species including buckthorn, teasel and garlic mustard.”
Other tasks include collecting native seeds, planting and sowing seeds. This time of year, the focus is on removing buckthorn and other woody species.
“Lake County is the second largest forest preserve district in Illinois, protecting about 31,000 acres,” Schultz said. “It takes a lot of hands to cover that much ground. Volunteers are incredibly helpful.”
No experience is necessary. Seasoned volunteer stewards or staff will teach you as you go.
“We welcome volunteers aged 10 and up with adult accompaniment,” Schultz said. “Minors must have a waiver signed by their legal guardian.”
Skilled roles — including brush pile burn boss and operating power tools — are handled by certified volunteers.
Interesting in volunteering? Visit lcfpd.org/calendar
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and contact the steward. Be sure to dress for the weather. Closed-toe shoes are required, and long pants and work gloves are recommended all year-round.There are some perks as well.
“Volunteers are able to go off-trail and get a behind-the-scenes look at their forest preserves,” Schultz said. “They can see the before and after of their buckthorn removal work and know that their efforts are helping to heal the environment. And it’s fun.”
Take time to enjoy the spring wildlife.
“Trumpeter swans and sandhill cranes are flying back into town,” she said. “Frogs will be singing soon, and the plants will be greening up before long.”
Lake County Forest Preserves Restoration Workdays — March 26: Rollins Savanna and Lyons Woods. March 27: Ela Prairie and Middlefork. March 29: Ela Prairie. March 30: Old School and Grassy Lake. April 2: Greenbelt, Grainger Woods and Lyons Woods. April 3: Ela Prairie.
Here are four other good bets for spring break.
Be a Superhero
Princess & Superhero Day: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 26 at the Volo Auto Museum, 27582 Volo Village Road. Tickets, $12.95-$19.95. 815-385-3644; volocars.com/blog/.
A slew of elaborately costumed characters will converge at the Volo Auto Museum for this annual charity event, which is making a comeback after a two-year hiatus.
Meet and greet Disney princesses as well as heroes and villains from Marvel, DC Comics and Star Wars, among the dozens of characters courtesy of Costumers With a Cause and the Fairytale Birthday Company. Guests also can snap photos in the original 1966 Batmobile for $5.
Costumed kids 12 and under get free admission to the museum and event. A portion of admissions and all fees from the Batmobile will benefit the Hero Initiative, which creates a financial safety net for comic creators.
Prime time with the most characters in attendance is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food trucks also will be on-site.
Explore an Art Show
Adler Artist Member Exhibition: through March 31 at the Adler Arts Center, 1700 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Libertyville. Free. 847-367-0707; adlercenter.org/exhibitions.
The Adler Arts Center is resuming its Art Exhibition Series with this Artist Member Exhibition. Take a stroll through the gallery and check out artwork from dozens of registered member artists. From sculpture to canvas, pieces on display represent a wide range of media.
The gallery is open six days/week: 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays, and 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Guests are encouraged to call ahead to confirm the gallery is open for viewing,
Search for Shamrocks
Zion Park District Shamrock Hunt: through March 31 at Shiloh Park, David Park and Beulah Park in Zion. Free. 847-746-5500; zionparkdistrict.com/special-events/.
Look for some lucky clovers as you explore the trails at three of Zion’s parks. When you find the hidden shamrocks, the letters will spell out words.
To receive a special prize, complete your walking log (found here at zionparkdistrict.com/special-events) with the discovered trail words and submit it by March 31 to the park district’s Leisure Center main office, 2400 Dowie Memorial Drive.
Watch an International Film
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“Touki Bouki”: 7 p.m. April 1 at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Room C105, in Grayslake. Free. clcillinois.edu/events/the-arts-events.
Here’s a rare chance to see some classic cinema from Senegal. Catch a screening of “Touki Bouki,” which won the International Critics Award at the 1973 Cannes Film Festival. It’s noted for being an African film created without French funding.
The film has been restored by Martin Scorsese. As part of the college’s international film series, this screening is sponsored by the department of global engagement. Films in this series have adult content and are not suitable for younger viewers.
Jen Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.