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.
Phase 4 guidance for swimming facilities, water parks
information provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (June 28, 2020) – Under Phase 4 of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Restore Illinois...
Cook County Forest Preserves opens more in Phase 4
From picnic permits to the Swallow Cliff Stairs, options return for visitors over the next few weeks
information provided by the Forest Preserves of Cook...
Lansing Garden Club enhances Mildred Burt Nature Center
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (June 27, 2020) - Before the heat of the day set in on Saturday, June 20, 19 members of the...
Parking restrictions, tow away zones to be enforced at Starved Rock, Matthiessen State Parks
information provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (June 25, 2020) – Following weeks of park closures due to reaching capacity and...
Phase Three policies in effect for Forest Preserves of Cook County
Camping, off-leash dog areas, ziplining, and more re-opening under limited conditions
information provided by the Forest Preserves of Cook County
COOK COUNTY, Ill. (June 7, 2020)...
IDNR announces application period for Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program
Applications accepted June 1–July 31
information provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (June 2, 2020) – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources...
Weekend reopening of Starved Rock limited due to flooding, trail conditions
Main parking area remains closed; park closures expected
information provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
UTICA, Ill. (May 27, 2020) – As state parks,...
Lan-Oak Park District Board holds live meeting, chooses officers
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (May 24, 2020) - On Monday, May 18, the Board of the Lan-Oak Park District held their first meeting since...
Illinois Conservation Foundation invites nominations for Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame
Deadline for nominations: July 8
information provided by the Illinois Conservation Foundation
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (May 25, 2020) – The Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) is accepting nominations...
Photos: Quarantine extends into the beginning of summer
May 18–23 in Lansing, Illinois
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (May 23, 2020) - Early this week the Chicago area set a record for the wettest...
Lansing Beautification Committee begins new season
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (May 22, 2020) - Back in March, Beautification Committee Chair Vivian Payne had been hoping that life in Lansing...
Dunes Learning Center takes citizen science online
information provided by Dunes Learning Center
PORTER, Ind. (May 21, 2020) - Dunes Learning Center has transitioned its noteworthy Citizen Science Symposium event online in...
Forest Preserves of Cook County promotes ‘Memorial Day at Home’
With extended closures over the holiday, suggested alternatives for a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend
information provided by the Forest Preserves of Cook County
COOK...
Photos: A weary week in quarantine
May 10–16 in Lansing, Illinois
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (May 16, 2020) - Eight weeks into quarantine, much of Lansing was feeling some level of...
Photos: Week 7 of quarantine
May 3–9 in Lansing, Illinois
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (May 9, 2020) - It was 5:00pm on March 21 that Governor Pritzker's original stay-at-home order...