Admiring Nature in Lake County

By: Jonathan Jones 07/16/2013

Got a green thumb?  Lake County has tons to offer the nature admirer, animal aficionado, and even master gardener.  Surrounded by preserved land, parks, and a lush natural environment, Lake County is the perfect place to learn more about the ecosystem and plants native to the area.

Neighboring the county border, the Chicago Botanic Garden is an obvious choice for gardeners of any skill level.  Open from 7 am to 9 pm, the Chicago Botanic Garden offers classes through the Regenstein School, wellness and fitness programs, horticultural therapy programs for younger visitors, and information on urban agriculture.  If you are not interested in an educational program, the Chicago Botanic Garden is also a great place to learn expert knowledge about the plants in your own garden at home.

If historical agriculture is more up your alley, Bonner Heritage Farm in Lindenhurst gives visitors a unique peek into one of the oldest surviving barns in Lake County, a preserved piece of the area’s history.  The Bonner Heritage Farm has self-guided exhibits in a kid-friendly environment and is adjacent to Lindenhurst Park District’s Millennium Park.

For the animal lover, the Lake County Monarch Festival in Waukegan offers a unique opportunity to learn about the Monarch butterfly and its migration from Illinois to Mexico.  The Monarch Festival will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2013, from 1 – 4 pm in downtown Waukegan across from the Waukegan Public Library.  Admission is free.

Learn more about these activities here:

Chicago Botanic Garden: http://www.chicagobotanic.org/

Bonner Heritage Farm:  http://www.lcfpd.org/bonner_farm/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.view

Monarch Festival:  http://www.waukeganpl.org/monarch

Lastly, don’t forget that the Lake County Fair is fast approaching (July 24 – 28) and will include a Chicago Flower and Garden show!  Details are here:  http://www.lcfair.com/#/flower-garden-show/4565046108.