School is back in session across Lake County—and so too is the Woods & Wetlands Sunday Speaker Series, ushering in the new season with a dynamite lineup of programs held via Zoom.

Lake County’s Old-Growth Forest
Lake County is fortunate to be home to a newly designated old-growth forest. Learn about it on September 17, when Rebekah Snyder of Lake County Forest Preserves will share information about St. Francis Woods-Independence Grove Forest Preserve as well as other designated locations where the trees have never been cut or harvested.

The amazing story of our own old-growth forest may surprise you: It has red and white oaks dating back to the early 1700s as well as hickory, black cherry, basswood and sugar maple trees. Register for Old-Growth Forests, September 17

Chiwaukee Prairie
Dana Garrigan, professor of Biological Conservation at Carthage College, will join us on October 15 to talk about the internationally recognized Chiwaukee Prairie. He will explain the history and environmental wonders of this Ramsar Site. He also promises to dazzle us with incredible photos of the site's fauna and flora. Register for Chiwaukee Prairie, October 15

PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—known as PFAS—are long-lasting chemicals that are pervasive in our environment. Mila Marshall, Clean Water Advocate for the Illinois Sierra Club, will join us on November 12 to help us understand how these toxic chemicals threaten the health of people and animals around the globe. Registration information is coming soon. 

The family-friendly programs are held at 7 p.m. on the second or third Sunday of each month. They are free and open to the public. Advance registration is required for login instructions. Registration details will be posted in our calendar.