HomeParks and nature
Parks and nature
Lansing is home to a large number of parks that are managed by the Lan-Oak Park District, a branch of local government separate from the Village Board. In addition, we are part of a larger community that includes Cook County Forest Preserves and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. All these entities develop programs that are a resource for residents who are interested in outdoor activities, climate, environment, and animals that surround us and impact community life.
Association for Wolf Lake Initiative welcomes new director
Jeramie Strickland welcomed as new director at January 25 meeting
Information provided by the Association for the Wolf Lake Initiative
WHITING, Ind. (January 30, 2023) –...
Sand Ridge Audubon Society plans ‘eagle watch’
Information provided by the Sand Ridge Audubon Society
SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. (January 17, 2022) – The local Audubon chapter which meets at Sand Ridge Nature...
Agenda: Lan-Oak Park District Board meeting – 1/16/22
Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Eisenhower Center
All residents are welcome to attend meetings of the Park District Board of Commissioners. The Board...
Local Sierra Club to host ‘Members’ Slides Night’
Monday, January 9, 7:15 p.m. via Zoom
Information provided by the Sauk-Calumet Group of the Sierra Club
CHICAGO, Ill. (January 8, 2022) – The Sauk-Calumet Sierra...
Wolf Lake projects continue into 2023 – updates
Information provided by the Association for the Wolf Lake Initiative
WHITING, Ind. (January 2, 2023) – Funds raised in 2022 will support projects into 2023...
Sand Ridge Audubon Society to conduct annual bird count December 31
Information provided by the Sand Ridge Audubon Society
SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. (December 29, 2022) – The Sand Ridge Audubon Society has announced the National Annual...
Agenda: Lan-Oak Park District Board meeting – 12/19/22
Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Eisenhower Center
All residents are welcome to attend meetings of the Park District Board of Commissioners. The Board...
Local Sierra Club to host ‘Climate Change in Photographs’
Monday, December 12, 7:15 p.m.
Information provided by the Sauk-Calumet Group of the Sierra Club
FRANKFORT, Ill. (December 9, 2022) – The Sauk-Calumet Sierra Club Group...
Hunters shoot more than 52,000 deer during first weekend of Illinois firearm season
information provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (November 23, 2022) – Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary total of 52,354 deer...
Agenda: Lan-Oak Park District Board meeting – 11/21/22
Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Eisenhower Center
All residents are welcome to attend meetings of the Park District Board of Commissioners. The Board...
Local Sierra Club to host ‘Supporting Healthy Agriculture’
Monday, November 14, 7:15 p.m.
Information provided by the Sauk-Calumet Group of the Sierra Club
FRANKFORT, Ill. (November 12, 2022) – The Sauk-Calumet Sierra Club Group...
Bonus video: Incredible Bats (and snakes, and tarantulas, and more)
In time for Halloween, Melanie and Josh meet Incredible Bats at Living Springs
Video by Josh Bootsma; text by Melanie Jongsma
GLENWOOD, Ill. (October 30, 2022)...
Video: Finishing a busy year at VanDerGriend’s Farm Stand
Final day to purchase fresh produce is October 31
by Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (October 28, 2022) – VanDerGriend's Farm Stand has been offering the Lansing...
Video: ‘Is that a bird?’ – Visiting the emus of Lansing’s John Witvoet
Emerald eggs, dog food, and reverse seasons a regular part of life for Lansing's largest birds
by Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (October 19, 2022) – Though...
Rare mountain lion struck and killed by vehicle on I-88 in DeKalb County
Information provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (October 19, 2022) – A mountain lion, also known as a cougar or puma,...