Center for Conservation Leadership

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Lake Forest, IL
Center for Conservation Leadership

Engage - Inspire - Activate
CCL breaks down barriers to the natural world for Lake County residents of all ages.

The Center for Conservation Leadership (CCL) is committed to developing and empowering the next generation of conservation leaders to understand the importance of human interaction with the environment and to take responsibility for its care and preservation. CCL targets middle and high school students from diverse backgrounds with a keen interest in the environment and a passion for the outdoors.

CCL programs foster future environmental leaders by combining environmental education, leadership training, community service and mentored internships. Each requires a long term commitment on the part of the student and CCL. In addition, the Center for Conservation Leadership acts as resource for further environmental education and internships with other Chicago based conservation organizations.

04/19/2026

Chicago Region Tree Initiative (CRTI) grant in action with park clean up with of .therapyproject and powered by thanks to .bypattycheeks

04/15/2026

Join us for a park clean up this Saturday in Waukegan at Corrine J Rose Park from 9:00-10:30am in collaboration with .therapyproject. Registration is encouraged but not required so, shoot us a DM if you’re planning on stopping by!

04/13/2026

Thanks for getting @ weare_ccl to 400 followers! Now that we’ve changed our handle, we figured it’s time for a giveaway! Let’s get to 500 followers by May 13th and we will gift a CCL hat to one of our followers! Please share. We’d love to have you as part of our CCL community!

04/01/2026

Another fantastic spring break boat build in partnership with ! This time we were working with - one of our longstanding community partners! Students from 2nd grade - 8th grade were participating in building a 15-ft canoe from the very beginning. Lots of joy, teamwork, and focus! Can’t wait to have the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County crew out this summer to launch their boat!

Swipe to hear the teamwork in action! Thanks, BGCLC member Kathryn for her video on slide 3.
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02/19/2026

visited us on Monday for a morning of exploration at Mellody Farm Nature Preserve! We were led through some guided meditation, paired skulls to furs, and matched animals to their tracks. Always a pleasure to host programs with our community partners!
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02/09/2026

Join us in our book drive in support of Boys and Girls Club Lake County! Drop off books for all ages in any language between now and February 16th at the Mellody Farm Nature Preserve patio in the designated boxes.
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12/31/2025

Applications for Eco-Ambassadors 2026 are now open! Head to our webpage at LFOLA.org/ccl to find out more and apply!
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12/20/2025

This Sunday, join us for our last full moon hike of 2025 with our partners Center for Conservation Leadership x Lake Forest Open Lands

This program has been one of our favorites this year. Thankful for all that have come out to make each experience special.

If you haven’t come to one of these sessions, Sunday is your chance.

RSVP on the website though, space is limited. 😏

12/17/2025

Hi CCL and LFOLA community! We need your help!

As we continue to serve Lake County community members through engaging outdoor programming during the winter months, we recognize there is a barrier to participation: lack of weather appropriate gear.

In order for our program participants to continue engaging with the natural world during this season, we are asking for donations of any winter clothing you no longer need. Please drop off at Mellody Farm Nature Preserve at 350 N Waukegan Rd on the porch in the boxes pictured on the second slide. Thanks in advance!

Any questions can go to Julia at [email protected] or Hannah at [email protected]
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12/06/2025

Hey there! 👋 Have you had the opportunity to read the latest Center for Conservation Leadership newsletter yet? Every quarter we look forward to updating you on the programming opportunities with our community partners that engage - inspire - activate people of all ages across Lake County!

To read our previous newsletters and learn more about our work with community partners, head to www.lfola.org/ccl
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Address

350 North Waukegan Road
Lake Forest, IL
60045

Website

https://lfola.org/events-calendar/events-calendar-youth-and-family-events-ccl/

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