Lake Bluff Open Lands Association

05/29/2026

Monarchs are beginning to arrive in northern Illinois as their remarkable migration continues northward.

A quick way to tell them apart: males have a small black spot on each hind wing, while females do not.

Have you spotted your first monarch of the season?

05/28/2026

Summer Solstice on the Beach is less than one month away! Join LBOLA for an unforgettable evening on the lakefront celebrating the start of summer with music, food, drinks, and beautiful sunset views.

Tickets are available now:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/summer-solstice-soiree-2

05/27/2026

Painted turtles and other wetland species are crossing local roads this time of year in search of nesting areas, and many are injured or killed by traffic during the journey. Please slow down, especially when driving near wetlands and natural areas like LBOLA's Belle Foret Preserve. 🐢

If you see a turtle crossing the road and it is safe to help, move it in the direction it was already heading. Turning off unnecessary outdoor lighting near wetlands can also help reduce disturbance to wildlife during nesting season. Thank you for helping protect the wildlife that shares these special places with us.

05/26/2026

05/26/2026

Great blue herons are nesting now in rookeries throughout our area, raising their young high in the treetops near wetlands and waterways. The nests become crowded quickly as these remarkable birds grow rapidly to their full height of nearly four feet tall.

Healthy wetlands, protected habitat, and mature — or even dying — trees all play an important role in supporting nesting colonies like these.

🖼️ Great blue herons photographed locally in evening light.

05/23/2026

Union Church Volunteers Help Restore Lake Bluff Ravines

It takes a community to care for the Lake Bluff ravines. LBOLA has long helped steward the ravines alongside the Lake Bluff Park District, and we appreciate the volunteers helping restore and maintain these special natural spaces.

Union Church youth and community volunteers will be working in the ravines June 13–14 to help improve accessibility and care for the trails. Incoming 7th graders and older are welcome to join.

Signup link:�https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D44A5A828A1FF2-64061870-uclb

05/17/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined LBOLA for our spring Bird Walk at Crab Tree Farm yesterday morning! 🐤🌿

We’re especially grateful to Crab Tree Farm for once again welcoming visitors during this beautiful season of migration and birdsong.

If you joined us and spotted any memorable birds along the way, feel free to share your sightings in the comments below!

05/17/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined LBOLA for Chicago River Day! 🌿

Volunteers planted native plugs and shrubs, removed invasive garlic mustard, and collected nearly 30 bags of trash and invasive plants along the Skokie River corridor.

Our local effort was part of a much larger day of stewardship across the Chicago-Calumet River system, where thousands of volunteers helped care for the waterways that connect all of our communities.

Every bag removed makes a difference. 💚

05/17/2026

It’s finally mid-May — generally the safest time in northern Illinois to plant tender annuals and native perennials outdoors. 🌱🌸

As you shop for native plants this season, be sure to seek out plants that are neonicotinoid-free (“neonics” for short). Neonics are a class of pesticides often used in commercial growing operations; they can remain in pollen, nectar, and plant tissues and can harm bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. 🐝

05/16/2026

Tickets are now available for LBOLA’s Summer Solstice Soirée! ☀️

Join us at South Beach on Saturday, June 27 for an evening of music, food & drinks, and a silent auction benefiting local conservation and restoration efforts.

This adults-only event has limited capacity, so advance tickets are recommended.

Tickets:
lbola.org