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.
Artifacts presentation and bike ride to be part of Wetlands Festival at Wolf Lake
Information provided by the Wolf Lake Initiative
WHITING, Ind. (May 11, 2022) – Native American artifacts in the region will be discussed at the 22nd...
Use of bird feeders and baths discouraged through May due to avian flu
Information provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (April 25, 2022) – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) issued updated public...
Virtual presentation to highlight Association for the Wolf Lake Initiative
Information provided by the Sauk-Calumet Sierra Club Group
WHITING, Ind. (March 24, 2022) – The public is invited to join the Sauk-Calumet group of the...
Sand Ridge Nature Center hosts Underground Railroad walks
Center hosts self-guided Underground Railroad tour to close out Black History Month
By Jennifer Yos
SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. (March 2, 2022) – In participation of Black...
Lansing Boy Scouts hike 50 miles through New Mexico mountains
Above, from left: In August of 2021, Louie Pastore, Lou Gray, Max Pastore, Ted Gray, Ciaran Polanski, Charlie Gray, Joseph Boiquaye, Seamus Polanski, Liam...
2022 Forest Preserve rentals and permits open on November 15
Information provided by the Forest Preserves of Cook County
CHICAGO, Ill. (November 8, 2021) – Starting on Monday, November 15, Cook County residents and visitors...
Association for the Wolf Lake Initiative to host nature-oriented art reception
Information provided by the Association for the Wolf Lake Initiative
WHITING, Ind. (October 12, 2021) – The 16th annual Greening of the Arts Reception, Show...
New skate park, sand volleyball courts, and basketball courts in Lan Oak-Park District’s future plans
By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (October 5, 2021) – In the last year-and-a-half, the pandemic has made outdoor spaces increasingly important. In the coming months...
Lansing Country Club will become commercial center in Munster, Lansing portion still uncertain
Forest Preserves of Cook County and Lan-Oak Park District "interested"
By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (September 29, 2021) – Since the Lansing Country Club was sold...
Illinois passes major climate legislation
Information provided by the Governor's Office
CHICAGO, Ill. (September 15, 2021) – Formalizing on principles he's previously laid out, Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation into...
Cook County Forest Preserve photo contest now open
Information provided by the Forest Preserves of Cook County
CHICAGO, Ill. (Septemeber 4, 2021) – The Forest Preserves of Cook County is now accepting entries...
Renovated Sand Ridge Nature Center unveiled
By Quinton R. Arthur
SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. (August 3, 2021) – The Forest Preserves of Cook County celebrated the unveiling of the improved Sand Ridge...
Video: Nine parks in nine minutes
A tour of Lansing's "Destination Parks"
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (July 30, 2021) - Lansing is graced with at least 19 parks throughout the community,...
Over 100 youth graduate from Cook County Forest Preserve jobs program
By Josh Bootsma
THORNTON, Ill. (July 28, 2021) – Over 100 orange and gray clad youth assembled at Wampum Lake Thursday morning to celebrate completion...
Community gathers for July 3 fireworks at Lan-Oak Park
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (July 3, 2021) - A windless evening and mild temperatures made Saturday, July 3, a perfect evening to enjoy fireworks...