HomeEnvironment and nature
Environment and nature
Lansing is part of a larger community that includes Cook County Forest Preserves and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Their programs are a resource for Lansing, and the stories posted in this category often answer questions about plants and animals that surround us and impact community life.
Reavis teacher and ‘Monarch Lady’ Shannyn Dockery wins national ecology award
Excellence in ecology education wins Dockery Earthkind's Harmony Hero Award
By Jim Masters
LANSING, Ill. (March 21, 2021) – Shannyn Dockery's first-grade class at Reavis Elementary...
Sand Ridge Nature Center to offer new exhibits, upgrade campus in 2021
With history rooted in the latest ice age, the Sand Ridge area has much to offer local residents
By Katie Arvia
SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. (February 24,...
MLK Day suggested as service day in Cook County Forest Preserves
President Preckwinkle encourages self-led litter clean-up hikes in forest preserves
Information provided by the Forest Preserves of Cook County
CHICAGO, Ill. (January 14, 2021) – Cook...
Virtual Wolf Lake Winter Wonderland scheduled for Jan. 16
Information provided by the Association for the Wolf Lake Initiative
WHITING, Ind. (December 30, 2020) – The 20th annual Winter Wonderland at Wolf Lake will...
‘Renew and rejuvenate this winter’ at Cook County Forest Preserves
Information provided by the Forest Preserves of Cook County
CHICAGO, Ill. (December 11, 2020) – Forest Preserves of Cook County is encouraging residents to use...
IL firearm deer season preliminary harvest totals 76,579
Information provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced a preliminary total of 76,579...
Lansing trail hoped to connect Pennsy Greenway and Thorn Creek Trail
Engineering work to begin on 2.4-mile bike trail in south Lansing
By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (October 19, 2020) – The Village of Lansing has received...
Work continues on Calumet City riverwalk and canoe launch
By George Grenchik, with information from Calumet City
CALUMET CITY, Ill. (October 28, 2020) – Work is underway to clear space for a canoe and...
Lansing green thumb named “State Outstanding Master Gardener”
Information provided by the University of Illinois Extension
LANSING, Ill. (October 9, 2020) – Two Cook County south suburban residents were honored for their commitment...
October begins peak season for deer-car crashes
IDOT, IDNR remind motorists, "Don’t veer for deer"
information provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (October...
Illinois departments sign Monarch Action Plan to protect pollinators
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (September 25, 2020) – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and...
Illinois fall trout season opens October 17
Statewide trout fishing to open, Forest Preserves of Cook County has not made a decision yet
Information provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
SPRINGFIELD,...
Unexpected, rare plants returning to recently restored Cook County forest preserves
Information provided by Forest Preserves of Cook County
RIVER FOREST, Ill. (September 10, 2020) – Ecologists at the Forest Preserves of Cook County have gotten...
New Chimney Swift tower at Mildred Burt Nature Center hoped to be a new home for migratory birds
15-foot chimney-like tower most recent among many projects at the nature center
By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (September 3, 2020) – The Mildred Burt Nature Center...
Main areas, trails at Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks closed due to storm damage
information provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (August 14, 2020) – Following severe weather that included heavy rains and 80 to...