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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.
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 ResourcesSPRINGFIELD,...
Agenda: Lan-Oak Park District Board meeting – 9/21/20
Public Hearing at 7:00pm; Board meeting immediately following
All residents are welcome to attend meetings of the Park District Board of Commissioners. The Board typically...
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...
Starved Rock State Park reopens some trails
Some trails remain closed and all of Matthiessen State Park is closed
Information provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
OGLESBY, Ill. (August 26, 2020)...
Cancelled: Lan-Oak Park District Board meetings – 8/17/20
Committee of the Whole meeting and Board meeting cancelled
All residents are welcome to attend meetings of the Park District Board of Commissioners. The Board...
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...
Helmets and face masks required for Wolf Lake Labor Day Bike Ride
Registration deadline August 28 for ride on Monday, September 7, 8:30am
information provided by the Association for the Wolf Lake Initiative
HAMMOND, Ind. (August 11, 2020)...
Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau launches new Trails App
by Katie Arvia
LANSING, Ill. (August 9, 2020) – The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau (CSCVB) has launched the brand-new Chicago Southland Trails App....
Dog park updates from the Lan-Oak Park District Board meeting
Two water-related items discussed July 20
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (July 22, 2020) - At the July 20 meeting of the Lan-Oak Park District Board,...
Agenda: Lan-Oak Park District Board meeting – 7/20/20
Committee of the Whole meeting cancelled; Public Hearing at 7:00pm; Board meeting immediately following
All residents are welcome to attend meetings of the Park District...
IDOT’s post-monarch mowing season runs July 1–August 15
Motorists urged to stay alert and slow down when encountering crews
information provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (July 9, 2020) – The...
Starved Rock, Matthiessen State Park closures expected during holiday weekend
information provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (July 2, 2020) – Heading into a busy holiday weekend, Illinois Department of Natural...
Air Pollution Action Day Alert issued for Chicago area for July 2
Conditions expected to extend through holiday weekend and coming week
information provided by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
CHICAGO, Ill. (July 1, 2020) – The Illinois...