Nan Burkhardt, Director of Education, has been with the Lake County Forest Preserve for 30 years. She is understandably proud of the school, family and adult programs the 64 district preserves and Dunn Museum provide and how the Preserve has expanded and adapted to the needs of the various communities.
Nan acknowledged that Barrington has specifically been involved in the Greenway Initiatives which span the region across Lake, Cook and McHenry counties. This program works to create a green pathway connecting 14K acres for animal, plant and people migration increasing biodiversity. The district is working with multiple partners to initiate grants, raise funds and identify volunteers.
A renovation is underway at the Wauconda Lakewood Forest Preserve which comprises 10% of the Lake County property. Phase I includes paved trails, updated restrooms, a three season shelter and a “net 0” maintenance building.
Ryerson Woods in Deerfield/ Riverwoods will receive new indoor/ outdoor education facilities with advanced internet capabilities, a short loop trail, road improvements and a “net 0” building meeting advanced certification standards.
Nan then provided some background explaining the source of the Dunn Museum collection and history. Bess Bower Dunn worked for Lake County for 60 years and was the first county historian who amassed a huge store of photos and artifacts related to the county. The museum is located on Libertyville Road and is dedicated to capturing the old AND new history of the area. The museum sees itself as the steward, storyteller, educator and explorer of Lake County. The various galleries are arranged chronologically beginning with fossils and prehistoric replicas and progressing through today’s conservation efforts. Through a USG donation the museum is able to offer free Thursday evening admission on the first and third Thursdays of each month.
A question was asked about the return of Civil War reenactments which had taken place at the Lakewood Preserve but were cancelled due to COVID. With the renovations now taking place at Lakewood a return of the reenactments has not yet been scheduled.